Chapter 15
QUINN
My stomach is in knots as Darren Kennedy makes his exit.
Just like when he stormed out of the pub after I tore up his contract, I consider his hateful words a threat.
At the same time, I refuse to let his nastiness ruin the spirit of this celebration and this town.
Kane is right. Collaboration over competition is what will finally change the history between our two families.
And now that I know it’s what my grandfather and Kane’s grandmother wanted, I’m more determined than ever to make their dream a reality.
As the mayor attempts to get the meeting back under control, a number of people in the room raise their hands to speak.
Desirae Anginelli, poised and professional as always, rises.
“Mr. Mayor, you’ll recall that the good people of Pelican Point soundly rejected previous attempts to erase our town’s history in the name of progress.
I propose that we take actions immediately to incorporate the area around the two Irish pubs into the historical district already designated for the Reilly building.
This will protect and preserve those buildings from any future attempts to destroy them. ”
The room breaks out in applause at the suggestion.
Emma Murphy-Dawson rises. “I’m sure my firm will allow me to perform the legal work necessary for the historical designation since I was involved in the previous effort.”
“Thank you, Emma. I appreciate it. And rest assured everyone, that I will immediately look into the festival permits situation, as well as direct an investigation to be launched within this building regarding any wrongdoing by town employees. With that, if there is no other business, this meeting is adjourned.”
Kane turns to me and we embrace in a hug. He then pulls back and studies my face, concern etched in his.
“Are you all right? Don’t worry about Darren Kennedy. I won’t let him anywhere near you or the pubs. By the way, you were amazing just now.”
Kane’s grandmother and Mrs. Reilly approach us.
Eileen has tears in her eyes. “Quinn dear, your words were so eloquent. Thank you for everything you’re doing to honor our families and make the festival a success.
It’s such an important event for our town.
” She hugs Kane and I. “I’m so proud of both of you.
You truly are working together for the good of Pelican Point and our family legacies. ”
It’s not lost on me that she’s hinting at the hope of a deeper connection between Kane and me.
“Now, you two go and finish your planning. Mrs. Reilly and I will work with Desirae and Emma to make sure they have everything they need for the historical designation.”
Kane and I return to Kavanaugh’s. I have an idea brewing and I want to search for more information in the family recipe book.
“I think we should offer a joint Irish dish during the festival. Something we can feature together. And something not already on either of our menus. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had the chance to finish looking through the family recipe book.
I have a feeling I might find just what I’m looking for in there. ”
I retrieve the leather journal from the office and set it down reverently on the bar, taking a seat across from Kane.
I position the book sideways so we both can see it and open the cover to a random page near the back part of it.
Except the page is not random. It’s been folded down halfway and there are notes in my grandfather’s handwriting.
This portion of the journal seems to be a diary of some sort for him.
“Look at this! It’s in my grandfather’s handwriting.” I read aloud from the page.
What could have been…
As I scan the contents, I’m immersed in his words, his thoughts, his feelings. I’m filled with a sense of sadness as I read the writings of a simple man who gave up a lot of his own wants and desires for the good of his family. Then I come across something disturbing.
The Friday the Thirteenth curse.
“Kane, have you ever heard of the Friday the Thirteenth curse?”
One look at his face tells me he has.
“Yes. My grandmother told me about it recently. It’s affected both of our families. And I didn’t tell you about it, because I didn’t want to upset you.”
My grandfather posted a list of dates. Things that happened on that day. Oh my God. My parents’ accident…
The tears start flowing and I lean across the bar into Kane’s strong arms. The sadness threatens to overwhelm me.
Not just for myself, but for Gramps, too.
All those years living with loss, yet he carried on, raised me, put me first, never letting on that he had suffered through a broken heart and so much tragedy.
Kane rubs my back and soothes my tears, wiping away one last drop trailing down my cheek.
“Look at me, Quinn. Our histories do not define us. We learn from the past, respect it, but we don’t have to repeat it.
We get to determine our future. Together.
And we’re going to find a way to end that blasted curse. ”
“I want to do that. And I want to find something for the festival that unites us. I think I’ll find it in here.”
I continue flipping through the worn pages, reading through the plans that Gramps and Eileen had once upon a time. And then I see it. The signature dish.
Kavanaugh’s Guiness Beef Stew and O’Brien’s Irish Soda Bread.