“So, me mates are having a party at the beach,” Liam filled me in. “Shall we?”
“Only if there’ll be tons of craic,” I fired back.
He laughed. “Totally.” We headed to his car. “Not so fast, Yank.”
I groaned. “Sorry!” I always went to the driver’s side of the car there. I hadn’t gotten used to it being on the opposite side.
We headed to Clogher Strand, one of my favorite places to sit and relax. It wasn’t a beach for swimming because of the currents, but it had a gorgeous view of the Blasket Islands. I had met only a couple of Liam’s friends at that point, Conor and Michael, who referred to me simply as “the American.” I wasn’t sure if they actually knew my name. Although I was more than aware that they were familiar with my Scottish namesake.
“Liam!” Conor cried out while we made our way to the blankets they’d lined up on the sand. “And you brought the American.”
Conor handed Liam a bottle, then turned to me. “Can we tempt you?”
“I’m good.” And only fifteen, I thought.
“You Americans are so uptight about alcohol.” Conor laughed and went to sit with the other group.
“Are you okay?” Liam asked.
“Yeah.” Although I didn’t think I was.
I saw Liam grimace slightly at someone who was behind me.
“Is everything all right?” I went to turn around, but he stopped me.
“Yeah, well, no … ’Tis me ex, Siobhan.” He took a quick swig of his bottle.
I’d heard him mention Siobhan a few times. “Do you want to talk about it?”
He shrugged. “Not much to say. We dated for a year, she fancied another fella, and we broke up. ’Tis fine, except things are awkward. Mostly for me. It’s hard to be reminded that you weren’t good enough for someone, ya know?”
“I understand,” I said. “That’s sort of how I feel about Levi.”
“I thought you said you were just friends.”
“We were. Are. But then he wanted more. I don’t know.”
Liam looked around the beach. “I’m fine leaving if you want to go back to town. Let me go say bye to Conor and Michael.”
He walked off while I stood there awkwardly. Then I heard a familiar name.
“Sorry,” I interrupted a group that was near me. “Were you talking about Buggy and Floyd? I love that show.”
The guy who was talking exchanged a look with a girl with dark hair. “Um, yeah. I was saying that they’re apparently doing a Christmas special.”
“Really?” I asked excitedly. “They haven’t had any new episodes in over five years.”
The girl scowled at me. “That show is so lame. I’m only interested in it because the guy who played the younger brother is hot now.”
I smiled at her as a memory surfaced. “I know who you’re talking about. He’s hilarious! Remember the episode where Floyd got locked up in the school gym with him?” I started laughing at the memory of Levi repeatedly imitating Buggy looking into the gym window and saying, “Blimey if I knew you’d be here; you’re not really the fit type.”
“Whatever.” The black-haired girl went back to ignoring me.
Right then I recognized the feeling that was steadily growing inside me. I absolutely loved Dingle. I loved being with my grandparents. And everybody (present company excluded) had been so warm and welcoming. But this wasn’t my home. These people weren’t my friends.
Truth be told, what was really bothering me was Levi. I missed him. I’d started missing him when I was still home, while we were still in school together. I wanted him to be next to me. He would’ve loved Dingle, this beach, this beautiful view.
But he wasn’t here.
Liam approached me with a resigned smile. “Ready to go home?”
Yes, yes, I was.
Liam opened up about his relationship with Siobhan on the drive back to my grandparents’. They’d known each other since childhood and had the tight-knit group of friends you’d expect in such a tiny village. Then they decided to date. Now they didn’t even talk anymore. Liam couldn’t even be on the same beach as her.
It gave me a lot to think about. And all those thoughts revolved around Levi. I had to talk to him. To make sure that we were still friends. That we’d still be able to be in the same room together when I got home.
Fortunately, my grandparents were out, so I was able to go right to my room and dial Levi on my laptop the second I was dropped off. I did the math and knew he would, hopefully, be getting home from morning practice. My leg was shaking by the third ring.
All I kept thinking to myself was Please be home, Levi. Please be home.
The screen lit up and I saw Levi’s naked chest in front of me.
“Um, hello?” I asked, feeling my cheeks get hot at the sight of Levi’s body.
“Hey!” He adjusted the towel around his waist. “Sorry, just got out of the shower.” He walked out of view for a few seconds and returned with a T-shirt on. His hair was wet and sticking up in different directions.
“Hey, you!” I was smiling ear to ear.
“Well, hello to you!”
“Buggy and Floyd are doing a Christmas special!” I blurted.
His eyes lit up. “Are you serious? That is bloody brilliant.” He winked at me.
“Ha. Ha.” I stuck my tongue out at him.