When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

by Matthew Robbins

With effort, Ronan shoved himself to a standing position. “This way, then. I’ll show ya where you’ll be sleepin’.” Felix followed behind Ronan as they made their way into the living room. “There’s the couch and the chair, take your pick.”

Felix looked at both, not liking the choices.

“Sorry we don’t have a guest suite for you, princess,” Ronan said shaking his head.

“Please,” Felix said. “It’s not that. Won’t I be, like, in the way?”

“No, you won’t,” Ronan said. “Grandad gets up at first light and he’ll expect the same of you. You’ll want to be up and have your sleepin’ area back to rights before breakfast is ready. Work outdoors should begin shortly after.”

Felix made an apprehensive face that he hoped would be exaggerated enough to make Ronan smile. Ronan’s eyes twinkled briefly before he said, “Keep them faces to yourself around Grandad. An old hard-ass, he is.” Felix’s expression became even more extreme—the corners of his mouth pulled back and down, his eyes wide, their pupils jiggling from side to side. Ronan broke into a short laugh before he added, “Eejit.” Continue reading →