Read Notes from a Spinning Planet—Ireland for Free Online Page A

died here. I want to ask him more about it, but he doesn’t seem like he wants to go there right now. Since he’s not even over his mom.
    “So, do you think that’s what Sid was dealing with this afternoon?” I’m trying to get the conversation back on track. “Just remembering your mom?”
    “Maybe.” But something in his expression doesn’t convince me. Or maybe he’s still thinking about his dad. I’m starting to see this guy is a bit of a mystery.
    “Could it be something else?” I persist. “I mean, with Sid.”
    He takes another swig of beer. “Has Sid ever told you about Ian?”
    “Ian?”
    “Ian McMahan.”
    “Who’s that?”
    “She’s never mentioned him?”
    “No. But you’ve got me curious now. Who is Ian McMahan?”
    “Well, maybe I shouldn’t say anything if she—”
    “No,” I insist, “you brought up the name. Now you better tell me about this guy.”
    “Well, a few weeks before my mom died, Sid came over to stay with us and help out. Sometimes the two of them would stay up late, like when my mom was having a hard time sleeping and the meds weren’t working. They talked a lot about Ireland and my mom and dad, and one time I overheard them talking about this Irish guy named Ian McMahan. It sounded like he was Sid’s big true love. They met in Northern Ireland, but then something went wrong between them. I’m not sure what exactly. But I’m guessing by the way they talked that Ian McMahan broke Sid’s heart.”
    “Oh.” Oddly enough, this actually makes some sense. “You know, I’ve always wondered why Sid never married.”
    “Yeah, she’s a pretty cool lady.”
    “It kinda makes sense that she could’ve been getting over some relationship that went sideways. But on the other hand, that was a long, long time ago.”
    “Some loves seem to last forever.”
    I think of my parents and wonder if maybe he’s right.
    “It makes sense that being here in Ireland might bring those memories back.”
    “Yeah. I bet you’re right, Ryan. I’m just not sure what to do.”
    “I don’t think you need to
do
anything.” He takes his last drink and sets the empty pint down with a thud. “You know, besides being supportive and understanding and giving her space. Sometimes people just have to work out this kind of thing for themselves.”
    I’m about to ask if that’s what he’s doing. But he glances at his watch and suggests we should go.
    I let a yawn escape. “Yeah. I feel like I’m about to crash myself. I must be running on fumes by now.”
    “That’s what comes from staying awake during the flight.” He picks up the bill.
    “Wait,” I say, reaching for my bag. “I’ll get my own—”
    “This one’s on me, Maddie.” He drops several euros on the table. “And maybe you’ll let me buy you a Guinness before this trip is over.”
    I kind of roll my eyes at him. “Yeah, sure. I’ll keep you posted on that one.”
    We find Sid in the lobby when we get back to the inn. She smiles when she sees us. “Hey, I thought you guys had run off without me.”
    “Just checking the place out,” I tell her.
    “Great sweater, Maddie. Did you get that in town?”
    I do a little spin. “Yeah, I promised Mom I’d get a fisherman’s knit. It’s supposed to be her early birthday present to me. I wasn’t too sure at first, but I think I actually like it. Plus it’s warm.”
    “She looks like she belongs here now,” says Ryan. “Guess I should go see if they have anything for guys there.”
    “They do,” I tell him. “You should check it out.”
    “Anybody hungry?” asks Sid. “I heard there’s a traditional Irish band playing at O’Hara’s tonight.”
    “Where’s that?” asks Ryan.
    “Just a few blocks from here,” she tells us. “I was going to run down to the market for a couple of things before it closes. Can you guys be ready to go to O’Hara’s around seven then?”
    “Sounds good to me,” I tell her. “Maybe I can grab a quick nap in the