Chapter 55

Stepping out of the car, they couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. The sky was blue; the sun was shining, at least for now. Jon knew from experience that even on the nicest day rain could blow in at any given moment, but he wasn’t going to think about that. His girl was here and they were going to enjoy the day.

And here, he thought, here he could be a tourist and not have to worry about a camera being shoved in his face and his picture ending up being plastered all over everywhere. Here, he could put the rock star away for a while, hold his girl’s hand and stroll along the bustling shop-lined streets, maybe stop into a pub for lunch and a pint and not have to deal with that part of his life. He could just be John.

Slipping his sunglasses on and settling the hat on his head he turned to find Cilla watching him. “What?” She grinned and slid her sunglasses on, “you know that ‘disguise’ doesn’t really work, right?” He took her hand, “yeah, but it makes me feel better.” Tugging her close, he dropped a quick kiss on her mouth, “you ready for Dublin?” She nodded and laughed, “lead on.”

They walked Henry Street, poking in and out of the different shops, blending in with the crowds that were out and about on a late Sunday morning. Stopping into one of the little Irish shops Cilla picked up a fabulous sweater for Sid. She chuckled to herself; if she came home without something for him she’d never hear the end of it.

Stepping back outside she found Jon waiting, a daisy in his hand. He had meandered back to the flower stand and now tucked the daisy into Cilla’s hair. “Having a good time Sweets?” She took his hand again, “I am Jon. I found the best sweater for Sid in there.” She indicated to the store behind her, “he’s going to love it.” He steered her to the corner, “come on, let’s go this way.”

She stopped when they got to the next corner and dug for her camera. They had wound their way to Grafton Street and she just had to stop and take it all in. The road was red brick, broken up by crosswalks of gray. No car would dare drive here. People walked under light posts decorated with brightly colored flowers spilling out of hanging pots and, oh, over there, there was a musician in front of one of the shops, playing his violin for whoever might stop and listen.

Jon watched, recognizing the reaction. He had one very similar the first time he had been here. Tugging on her hand they walked toward the young man with his violin. Stopping to listen Cilla dug in her purse, dropping some money into his case as he played a timeless Irish melody. They listened for a few minutes before moving on, there was more he wanted to show her, one store in particular he wanted to take her into.

At the corner of Grafton and Wicklow Streets was the oldest jewelry store in Dublin. Weir & Sons took up the entire corner, the sides coming to a rounded point where the streets met. The flags of many countries flapped on both sides. Cilla pulled on Jon’s hand as he made his way to the door. “Why are we going in here?” She was sure she shouldn’t go in here, not after what David had practically accused her of the day before. Anything bought in here would surely be an indication to him that he had been right about her.

“Come on Sweets, this is where I want to shop.” Cilla sighed and followed him in, forcing herself not to look around, keeping her eyes on Jon’s back.

Once inside, she couldn’t keep herself from glancing around. It wasn’t just a jewelry store she realized. There was so much more.

Letting her fingers slip from his she wandered, there were sparkling glass etageres filled with polished gifts of silver, Mont Blanc writing instruments, wallets, cuff links, baby items, picture frames and more.

Wandering down to the lower level there was the crystal, Waterford, Baccarat the porcelain of Belleek, Lladro, and so much more than she could even take in. Moving through she fixated on one piece in particular, it was Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast done in such finite detail she could practically see them moving around the floor, Belle’s head tipped back, her dress sweeping behind them as they moved.

As she moved back upstairs the glass cases beckoned, the watches, Rolex, Bulgari, Cartier and more all gleamed from their red silk nest. She moved on, glancing up to find Jon watching her, a small smile moving across his lips, his eyes filled with humor, “find anything you like Sweets?” He had a small bag in his hand and she had to wonder what treasure he had found for himself.

She shook her head, “there’s way too much to look at in here Jon. For a girl who shops at thrift shops and second hand stores, this is making me dizzy.” He took her hand, “come with me little girl” he cackled, “I’ll show you around.” She laughed and let herself be led around the wondrous store.

When they finally stepped back out into the afternoon sunlight Cilla had a shipping receipt tucked in her bag for the porcelain Beauty and the Beast piece she had fallen for and a bag with a wallet and cuff links for Mark and a watch for Sid. She would give Sid the sweater when she got home, the watch she was saving for Christmas.

Standing at the corner, Jon looked up and down both streets, “how about we get a bite to eat and then we hit Jamesons?” He wanted to take her to Jamesons Distillery and let her see how they make his favorite Irish whiskey.

By the time they got back to the hotel they were both ready to drop. Cilla collapsed in the nearest chair and Jon sprawled across the bed. “What time’s dinner?” She hoped for time for a nap or at least a long soak in the tub.

Jon lifted his head and looked at the clock, “Seven. We’ve got about an hour and a half before we meet the guys downstairs.” He dropped his head with a thud to the mattress. “You wore me out today Sweets.”

Cilla tried to laugh but it came out more as a groan, “I wore you out? That little tour was your idea, remember?”

Jon rolled over to look at her across the room, “yeah, yeah. I’m just gonna close my eyes for a minute. Recharge a little.” He rolled back over and closed his eyes.

Finding the energy to move she strode across the room, “I’m going to take a bath” she told him as she stripped off her clothes. “Mmmm, 'kay” he mumbled, already on his way the oblivion of sleep.