Chapter 8
Kian watched Emily as she talked about her home, her family and the excitement of teaching. He got lost in the words as he watched her lips pronounce each word. He could listen to her for hours as her southern drawl melted his very being. He loved how her auburn hair shined in the lights of the club. They were surrounded by hundreds of people, but to them it was just Kian and Emily. Kian softly placed his hand on hers as she responded with a smile.
Kian was handsome, gentle, and tender and having the great Irish accent didn't hurt. Emily came Sligo to teach, to earn extra money and to see a different world. She left the hurt of her life behind and the love of her life. She couldn't believe she was in the presence of such a beautiful man and that he was responding to her. It took everything in her not to push the issue, not to reach over the table and grab him and kiss those perfect lips.
�I've always wanted to go to the states.� Kian said interrupting Emily's thoughts.
�You should, I could show you around.� Emily softly said as her mind went to showing Kian her house, her room, her bed�.
�Emily, do you want something to drink?� asked Kian as Emily smiled in her thoughts.
�Actually, I would like to get out of here.� She said shyly. Emily wanted to be alone with Kian, to really experience his lips.
�We could go for a drive. There is still�� Emily lips stopped Kian' s words. She couldn't resist anymore as she leaned in and kissed him as he quickly responded.
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�You really haven't changed, Shane.� Andrea said as she sat at the
desk in the club office. �You still have everything perfectly on your desk.�
�That never changes. I may have a few gray hairs but everything else is in perfect order.� Shane leaned across Andrea as he grabbed the schedule for the night. Andrea got a scent of his cologne as she remembered having his scent linger on the bed sheets in her apartment.
�How long are you staying in Sligo?� Shane asked as he scanned his paperwork.
�Haven't decided. I guess when Sidney kicks me out, its time to leave.� Andrea stood up form the desk and began looking at the pictures.
�Sidney is really worried about you.� Shane said as he watched her. She was so beautiful, even more then before. She looked tired but she was still beautiful.
"Sidney worries about everyone but herself.� Andrea turned as she faced Shane. Feelings suddenly rushed her as she stared at him. They never really broke up as the distance was too much between them. The trips got farther and farther apart as less and less time were spent together. It was never an issue of them not loving each other; they just couldn't bridge the gap between them due to careers, family and pride. But as they stood looking at each other, it was as if time stood still for them. Suddenly the years apart didn't matter love was still there.
�I can see the hurt in your eyes, Andrea.� Shane said as he moved closer to her. She wanted to reach out to him; she wanted him to hold her. But she couldn�t.
�I just need some time..�
�Time to heal or time for us?� Shane made his move as he took her hand and pulled her to him.
�Shane, so much as happened��
�But one thing still remains.� Shane pulled her into him as their bodies touched.
�I don't know what happened but I am here for you.� Shane said as he stroked her face.
�Oh, Shane, there is just so much I haven't told you. So much I need�.� Andrea stopped as she stared at Shane. She still loved him; she had never stopped.
�What?� He said.
�Nothing, I just wanted�� Andrea words were stopped as Shane brushed his lips on hers. He pulled her into his body wrapping his arms around her. She pressed his lips on hers as the pain of Cole began to fade. Shane kisses were always so sweet, so loving and being in his arms, felt so right. Their lips finally gapped the distance.
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Nicky patted Bryan on the back as he ordered his drink.
�How's it going, mate?� Nicky asked as Bryan turned in his stool as Vodka swished out of his glass missing Nicky.
�Hey Byrnes.� Bryan said slurring his words.
�Looks like you have had enough.� Nicky said as he took the glass from Bryan.
�Nope, just got started.� Bryan stood up as Nicky caught him. Sidney came behind Nicky as she also helped steady Bryan.
�How about if we take you home.� Nicky said as he held Bryan up.
�Sidney!� Bryan yelled as he reached for her. �How are you, Sid?�
�Bryan, we need to take you home�� Sidney said as Bryan grabbed Nicky.
�You know she will never love you, Nik.� Bryan said leaning on Nicky.
�Alright, the booze is taking over.� Nicky said paying the bar bill as he continued holding him up.
�Sidney loves Mark.� Bryan said pulling away from Nicky as he almost fell back.
�Bryan, you aren't making sense.� Sidney said grabbing his arm.
�Shhh!� Bryan said. �I�ll tell you a secret.�
�Bryan, just stop talking before you embarrass yourself.� Nicky began to lead Bryan away as he pushed Nicky away.
�No!� Bryan yelled. �I have a secret. Mark loves Sidney.� Bryan said laughing.
�Bryan, stop it. Let Nicky and I take you home.� Sidney said as she grabbed Bryan's arm and helped him walk through the crowd.
�You love Mark, Sidney. I know you do. He loves you too. You two just can't deny it anymore.� Bryan put his arm around Nicky. �Sorry mate, but Sidney and Mark love each other.�
�Hey Bitch!� Yelled Briana as she made her way through the crowd. Kian and Emily were on their way to Sidney and Nicky as Briana pushed them to the side.
�Are you happy?� Briana said as she got in Sidney�s face.
�Briana, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't call me that.� Sidney said stepping back from Briana and stood behind Nicky. Nicky continued steadying Bryan as he held Sidney�s hand, trying to protect her.
�You broke Mark and I up.� Briana said screaming.
�I didn't do anything.� Sidney said burying her face in Nicky�s shoulder.
�I am so sick of you! He never loved me. He has always loved his precious Sidney.� Briana grabbed Sidney�s arm and spun her around.
�Calm down, Briana.� Kian said as he pulled Sidney away from Briana.
�What happened?�
�Mark kicked me out. He just told me to pack my bags and leave.� Briana said as the years of acting school was beginning to show. A tear began to fall down her cheek as she gave her best performance.
�Well, it's not Sidney�s fault.� Nicky said as he sat Bryan on a stool just before he was about to pass out.
�It's all Sidney�s fault and her son's!� Briana yelled as she pulled Sidney from behind Kian.
�Mark doesn't love me!� Sidney yelled.
�Yes, he does!� Briana said squeezing Sidney�s arm.� And I hate Bailey, he is nothing but a Bastard.�
Sidney stood frozen as she heard Briana�s words. A glimmer of hope flooded her soul. Did Mark love her? But then anger filled her eyes. �What did you call my son?� Sidney said sternly as Nicky and Kian stood by ready to react. Even Bryan sobered up as he heard Briana called Bailey a Bastard.
�You heard me.� Briana said as Sidney stood staring at her.
�Honey, I am from the South and if you would like I can show you how we deal with girls like her,� Emily said as she stood next to Sidney. It wasn't a matter of Emily protecting Sidney but Bailey was now brought into the issue, a student of hers that she had grown to love.
�No thanks, Emily. I am a Valley girl, let me show you how we deal with girls like her.� Sidney said as she pulled back her arm, fist tight and hit Briana in her beautiful, unscarred face. Briana fell back in the crowd as everyone stopped and stared at the action. �Stay way from Mark! Stay away from Bailey! Stay away from me!� Sidney yelled as she stepped over Briana.
�You're lucky the Valley girl got to you first and not the southern girl.� Emily said as she hovered over Briana.
Sidney pushed her way through the crowd as the words of Bryan echoed in her mind. She ran outside as the cold air rushed through her. There was only one way to find out�only one way to be sure�.