“We miss the horses on our ranch, but Ireland is beautiful.”
“I have a friend who manages stables up the country a bit,” James said. “If you like riding, I’m sure they would be glad to have you.”
“A horseback ride sounds like a fantastic way to spend a Saturday,” Wyl said. “Is it far?”
“Westport, I think, about 90 minutes from here. Check for a website on the Internet. I assume you can work a computer.” James winked.
Ailbe laughed, drawing Pearson’s attention his way.
“This guy is a computer genius,” Ailbe said.
“Fierce!” James said, covering his association with Rod and Wyl outside the bar. “You two come here quite often, but we haven’t met.” James extended his hand. “I’m James Pearson.”
“Ailbe MacGowan and this is my partner Declan Knowlan.” Ailbe accepted the proffered hand. Declan did the same.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Declan said. “We love coming to listen your music. Do you have CDs available?”
James chuckled. “No, I never did any studio recording. I’m not that proficient.”
“Oh, I beg to differ,” Rod said.
“Are you a musician, too?” James glanced at Rod.
Wyl laughed. “My husband earned his Ph.D. in music, so…music is familiar to him.”
All five laughed.
“Well, my break is over. It’s great meeting you two, and I'm happy seeing you Texans back in Wilde’s. I hope to see all of you again.” James nodded and left.
“Friendly guy,” Declan said.
Wyl turned to Rod. “Well, babe, I guess we need to go. Ailbe asked me to work tomorrow, and I need my rest.”
Ailbe smiled. A bit of an evil twinkle escaped his eyes as he winked at Wyl. “You two take care. We’ll meet you on campus in the morning. Come to the campus around 9:15. I’ll start the class before you come in to talk to the lads.”
“I am not familiar with the GMIT campus. Where is this classroom?”
“It’s in the Technology Centre in the School of Business. Visitor parking is near the south entrance off Ballybane Road. You’ll find a campus directory inside the building adjacent to the parking area. Follow the signs to Technology. The classroom is Room 240. Second floor.”
“We’ll find you. Until tomorrow.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Ailbe said. “Good night.”
* * *
Back at the flat, Wyl and Rod undressed for bed.
“I think Ailbe plans to make a play for me.” Wyl unbuttoned his shirt.
“What makes you think that?” Rod unbuckled his belt and stepped out of his pants.
“He winked at me tonight. I’m unsure if it’s real or part of the game.”
“What the fuck are you telling me?” Rod bristled, his voice ramping up to full-blown jealousy.
Wyl’s bare feet pounded the floor to Rod, and he wrapped him in his arms. “Babe, relax. I’m not interested in anyone but you.”
Rod struggled, but relaxed and melted into Wyl’s embrace. “Sorry. I don’t like other men showing interest in my husband. Remember San Francisco?”
“It's burned into my memory. Stewy’s advances threw us both for a loop.”
Rod pulled back to catch Wyl expression. “Yeah, but you came and found me after I fled.” Desire replaced the jealousy in his eyes.
“And remember this?” Wyl held up his left hand, tapping his thumb on the underside of his ring finger. “The gold and diamond thingy, as you put it.”
“Yes, and I have one, too,” Rod held up his left hand, tapping his thumb likewise.
“And what does it symbolize?” Wyl asked, adoration in his eyes.
“Uhm…I need a manicure?” Rod remembered their conversation on Castro Street.
Wyl grabbed Rod's sides and tickled him. Rod wriggled, laughing while trying to free himself.
“Stop,” he laughed out the word.
Wyl reached his arms around Rod and clasped his hand in the small of Rod’s back. “I asked you to marry me because I love you and only you.”
Rod gazed into Wyl’s eyes, and they shared a kiss. “And I said yes because I love only you.”
