Hey everybody, I thank you all for your comments and apologize for taking so long with this one. I'm going to work on this story so you won't have to wait so long for the next chapter. Thanks again.
Two days later, Cion sat on the couch where he had spent much of his time since leaving the hospital being taken care of by Sharon lovingly and to the point of irritation. He had never taken many sick days in his young life and was an awful patient. Sitting about was not something he was accustomed to and Sharon's mothering was getting to him. He finally snapped and bit out a harsh retort when she asked him for the fourth time if he wanted something to eat or drink.
"Don't be using that tone with me, boy-o or I'll belt ya back to Brigid's Well faster than a Tinker can whistle."
"I'm sorry, Sharon. You're right. I shouldn't have bitten at ya. I just don't like being sitting round, not of much use to anyone and nothing to keep my hands busy."
"Well, you could do what you've been putting off and call the nice, good looking doctor like you said you would." Sharon smiled.
"I could, yeah. But what should I say?" Cion asked, feeling the familiar nervousness he'd felt since meeting Sam.
"How about 'Good evening, Doctor. This is Cion. Fancy a spot of tea?'."
"Jesus, people didn't talk like that when you were my age, did they?"
"Keep a civil tongue in your head and I'll keep the arsenic out of your black and white pudding."
Cion laughed and shook his head but glanced at the phone sitting next to him like it was a grenade that hadn't yet exploded.
"It's simple, Cion. Just talk to him a bit and then ask him if he'd like to go out for coffee or dinner or whatever." Sharon said as she set a cup of tea down on the coffee table in front of him.
"And if he says no?"
"He won't say no. Doctor's are smart, generally, and you're a great catch. He'll be interested. He's probably wondering why you haven't called already."
"Fine then. I'll do it."
"Now."
"What? Why now?" Cion asked.
"Cause my brood'll be home soon and you'll get no peace. You're lucky the dogs are being quiet now."
"Fine. I'll call now."
"Good." Sharon smiled and sat back on the couch.
"Could I have a bit of privacy then?"
"What if you need moral support or a little coaching?" Sharon asked with the bright gleam of mischief in her eyes.
"I'm not a twelve year old girl callin' my first crush, Sharon. I'm thinking I can handle it."
"If you could handle it you'd have called yesterday." Sharon said but made her way out of the room as Cion picked up the phone. He took a deep breath and dialed the number. 'Here I go', he thought.
"Hello?"
"Dr..." Cion cursed. He had forgotten the doctor's last name. "Dr. Sam?"
"Yes?"
"This is Cion. Um... Cionadh Malloy. We met the other night in your E.R. there."
"Yeah, I remember. I was wondering when you'd call."
"Well, I sort of had to gather a bit of courage first."
"Oh really?" Cion grinned as he heard the smile in Sam's voice.
"A bit, yeah. So, I was hoping you'd be free to meet for coffee or a drink or a bite to eat?"
"Well, actually I'm a little busy but... um, yeah. A cup of coffee sounds great.."
Cion was a little disappointed that Sam had chosen coffee over a more intimate dinner but took what he was given.
"I'm a little bit new to the area, I've only been in America for about three weeks. Is there anywhere you'd recommend?" Cion asked.
"There's a great little coffee bar in my neighborhood. It's called Jo-Jo's. I'm off tomorrow if that works for you."
"It does. I'll see you there around six?" Cion was hoping that after a nice cup of coffee he might be able to convince the good doctor to go out for dinner.
"Six is good. I'll see you there Cion."
"I'm looking forward to it Sam." Cion said and hung up the phone. "He said yes."
Sharon peeked her head into the room from where she had been eavesdropping and smiled.
"Of course he did. I told you so."
"You did, but there was something in his voice. A sort of hesitation."
"Just nerves. You'll be fine."
"I suppose." Cion sighed.
"Will you be able to get around all right?"
"Sure, I'm well enough to get around by myself now if you weren't always hovering." Cion said with a smile.
Cion left with more than enough time for him to get to the coffee house Sam had suggested. He caught the trains which changed him over to Sam's neighborhood and walked the few blocks till he came to Jo-Jo's. The smell of coffee was overwhelming and Cion actually decided against his usual cup of tea and ordered a coffee to sip while he waited.
He didn't wait long till Sam came in and watched him look around till their eyes met. Cion felt his stomach flutter and happiness spread through his chest. He couldn't help his smile and was rewarded when Sam smiled back.
"Hey." Sam said as he came over to Cion's table.
"Hey yourself. How are you?"
"Fine thanks. You?"
"Doing well."
Just then the waitress stopped by to ask them if they wanted anything and Sam placed his order.
"Is this your first time to America?" Sam asked after the waitress had left.
"It is. I'm on holiday. I had a yen to come see what the fuss was about."
"And have you found what it's about?"
"I think I have." Cion smiled and watched as a blush crept up Sam's face. The doctor chuckled at himself and lowered his gaze.
