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“Hm, I wonder what inspired that?” Ryan mused and smirked.
“You think that was Uncle Jamie’s wishful thinking or from memory?” Nick queried, sarcastically.
“Enough,” Catrina snapped, but chuckled regardless of her attempt to admonish the boys.
“What, mom? Was that Daisy’s safe word or something?” Nick asked again, and the boys cracked up laughing again.
“For the record, I’ve never restrained, Daisy,” I replied, grinning and holding my hands out as if to say honest, believe me.
“Yet… or you’re a very good liar,” Ryan said, looking like he was considering my answer. Paddy grinned.
“Hey, are you sure we never had an affair, Catrina? These could be my kids the way they go on,” Paddy asked.
Catrina choked back a laugh. “Paddy, I’d just like to remind you that he’s your best friend,” she said, laughing. “I don’t think my little brother would have been too pleased with you if—”
“Gotcha,” Paddy replied, winking at Catrina, like they shared a secret. I knew it was all talk, because Paddy and Bernie were a match made in heaven, as our elders would say.
Each of us stowed our carry-on items and took a seat ready for take-off. Once our large baggage was placed in the hold and the aircraft was secured, we were quickly air bound, headed for Dublin.
After our inflight attendant served us some drinks, Paddy and I took the opportunity to catch up, while Catrina and Bernie talked about Christmas traditions on Bernie’s side of the pond.
“The album is being released this Friday and you already know everyone is speculating who the woman behind Daisy Restrained is. It’s such a catchy tune, it’ll be one of those timeless songs people will still be singing in fifty years,” Paddy speculated. “If I were you, I’d be thinking about the next interview you do because they are all going to want to know, who was the inspiration behind that song.”
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. Worried again, what effect my fame would have on Daisy. Part of the pleasure of our relationship was the normality and privacy.
“Can’t we just say it's about your wonderful wife Bernie,” I asked.
“We could, but it's not, it's about your feelings for Daisy. Plus, there’s a huge hint in the title of the song, since Daisy’s name is right there. They’re going to find out sooner or later,” he reminded me.
That thought depressed me because I didn’t want her to lose the innocence of us. I, more than anyone, knew the consequences of that. I shook my head.
I wasn’t ready for that kind of publicity. We’d barely gotten back on an even keel after I’d been on my extended creative lockdown. The last thing I needed was to give Daisy more reasons why we were a bad idea.
My brow furrowed, and stared pointedly at my bandmate, feeling instantly worried about how Daisy would react. “I know, but it worries me that she will be forced to change, and I don’t want that, I love her the way she is.”
“Bernie and I are spending Christmas at Bernie’s parents. Her ma has invited my family for a festive shindig. Afterward, we’re coming down to Dublin for the New Year, so I’ll ask Bernie to spend some more time with her. You can’t ignore what’s coming. We all need try to prepare your girl for what might happen when the story breaks,” he insisted.
“You’re right. I’m being selfish, but I’m still a little reserved about what it’ll mean. Bernie talking to Daisy sounds good, as long as she doesn't frighten her off.”
My hands drifted to my seatbelt, the restriction of it suddenly felt as tight as the knot in my stomach because of the topic of conversation about my future with her. I felt anxious about her reaction again.
Daisy was a kick ass girl, but knowing how skittish she felt about making us work, I had yet to figure out the best way to take our relationship public that would have the least impact as possible.
“I’m glad you’re seeing sense,” Paddy said.
“We all know you want to keep her to yourself, but it would be wise to give her some pointers in case the wheel comes off when you’re not around. She’s an ordinary girl doing a tough job. The last thing she needs is to be inundated by paparazzi when there is no one around to protect her,” Catrina told me.
After I promised to talk to her, we all began to talk about Ireland, and the sites Catrina and the boys should visit while they were there.
By the time we’d had a bit of banter, a few stories from Paddy and the twins, eaten and had a sleep, we had touched down in Dublin before we knew it. At 7:00 a.m. the airport was extremely busy with people returning home and flying out for the holiday.
We said our goodbyes to Paddy and Bernie after we were rushed through immigration control, and they went off with an escort for the short helicopter journey up to Belfast.
A chauffeur driven car picked us up and transferred us to the hotel my family were staying at.
“Wow, this place looks very grand,” Catrina mused in wonder as her eyes ticked over the grand architecture of the Clayton Hotel. It had an historical stately home feel that I knew would impress her. That wasn’t the reason it had been chosen though. It was because it was tucked out of the way and had a great reputation for discretion.
After checking my family in, I quickly left them to settle and unpack, grab showers and the like and headed over to see Daisy. My heart pumped excitedly in anticipation of seeing her again.
