Chapter Twenty-Six

Norah

It's the final showing of Beauty and the Beast, and I am utterly exhausted. The cast put on two performances a day for four straight days. It's been a massive success, and I have never been more proud of my work. Not only did my costumes catch the eye of critics around the state, but the actors went above and beyond portraying their characters. Dr. Andrews received no less than fifteen requests for interviews from local and national news outlets and he's been adamant that the entire cast and crew be present for all of them. I hate being in the spotlight, but I can't deny I'm excited about my designs being publicized. My own phone has been blowing up with calls and text messages begging me to create costumes for productions ranging from high school plays to accredited dance and theater academies statewide.

"Norah! Belle has a petal coming off!" I hear Macie yell from behind me.

I race over with my sewing kit and quickly begin stitching the petal overlay back to the bodice of Belle's dress. With as much as this gown has been worn over the last weeks, it's not too surprising that it's starting to show some wear and tear.

"All set, Leah," I say, smiling up at the actress playing Belle. "This should hold through the final curtain. You're doing amazing!"

"I still can't get over the garden scene," Macie says, coming to stand beside me. "You'd think I'd be sick of looking at people in flower dresses after dressing them for months, but no, it's still just as stunning as when you first showed us your designs."

"Thanks, Macie," I say, squeezing her arm. "I couldn't have done it without you and the rest of the team."

I mean every word. They all worked tirelessly to get proper measurements and help with alterations this week. Macie, especially, has been a godsend. Whenever I struggle with a design, Macie is the one that helps me figure it out. Plus, she's brilliant with headpieces.

"You know, I'd like to be humble, but we do make a pretty damn good team, don't we?" Macie gushes, propping her hands on her hips.

"We absolutely do," I agree wholeheartedly as I watch my team members hustle to and from the costume rack.

When the final curtain is called, all of the actors gather in the dressing areas to change their costumes. I'm hanging gowns up on the racks when I hear someone clear their throat behind me. Turning, I see a middle-aged woman with short, black hair and cat-eye glasses in a smart business suit standing a few feet away.

"Ms. Norah Grady?" the woman questions.

"Yes, I'm Norah Grady."

The woman walks closer and extends her hand. "Hello, Ms. Grady. My name is Melinda Sanchez. I'm with American Theatre Magazine."

My jaw drops in shock as I slowly grasp Melinda's hand. "Oh! Wow, Ms. Sanchez, it's an honor!"

"Please, call me Melinda," she says, retracting her hand and placing it over her heart. "And the honor is all mine. I understand you're the mind behind the incredible costumes for this production?"

"I…uh…no. I mean, yes, but it wasn't just me," I stammer and fidget nervously. "There's an entire team devoted to these costumes."

Melinda chuckles. "Of that, I have no doubt, Ms. Grady. I won't take much of your time, but I was wondering if we could schedule an interview with you and your team soon. I've already spoken with Dr. Andrews, and he's given his blessing so to speak. Would you be available tomorrow morning? We can meet back here."

Holy shit. An interview with American Theatre Magazine is huge.

"Yes, of course! Let me just check with the team to make sure that works for all of them." I'm shaking with excitement.

"Sure, just gather whoever is available, and we'll do a small interview to start. Between you and me," Melinda lowers her voice conspiratorially, "after the holidays, ATM is exploring a television series dedicated to university theater departments across the country, and they've been eyeing UNCW as their primary focus."

Completely dumbfounded, I pinch the back of my hand to make sure I'm not dreaming. I've lost sleep over the last two weeks between the play and Eamon's insatiable needs, so this could all be a figment of my imagination.

"I don't even know what to say. What an incredible honor that would be!"

Melinda stretches out a hand and squeezes my arm gently. "Remember, mum's the word. See you tomorrow, Ms. Grady."

I stand there in shock for several minutes before I go in search of the team. Once everyone is gathered, I fill them in on the interview for tomorrow morning and am met with shrieks of excitement and just as many frozen faces. Macie produces a bottle of champagne, seemingly out of thin air, and pops the cork immediately.

"I was saving this for the after-party, but I think this is a big enough cause to celebrate!" Macie laughs as everyone cheers and surrounds her eagerly.

Standing on the outskirts of the group, I watch them proudly. They deserve to celebrate. I was invited to the after-party, but if I go, it won't be for long. I want nothing more than to snuggle with my Irishman and drink a bottle of wine. A hand touches my elbow, pulling me from my thoughts, and I turn to find Dr. Andrews smiling at me.

"You should be celebrating with them, Norah. It's because of you that we even have interviews with any media outlet."

I shake my head. "That's not true. Every aspect of the production was incredible, and you are the one who chose a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. We just embellished and brought it to life."

He laughs heartily. "Well, I guess there's some truth to that. But I'm convinced you could have turned any idea of mine into pure magic. You have a gift, Ms. Grady. I hope you'll consider staying on with the department after graduation. You'll always have a place here."

The relief I feel knowing that I have a job after graduation no matter what is overwhelming.

"Thank you, Dr. Andrews. You have no idea how much that means to me. Working with you and the department has been an absolute dream come true. I'm planning to spend the holiday break coming up with a game plan. If I stay in the area, I can't imagine working anywhere else." I tell him honestly.

Most seniors know what they want to do at the start of the Fall Semester, but I haven't given it much thought past getting my business degree. I love what I do, and I love living in Wilmington.

"I'm glad to hear that. Go celebrate. I'll see you bright and early for the interview," he says before sauntering off.

It's nearly ten o'clock before I leave the theater, and I'm dead on my feet. I'm anxious to see Eamon and tell him about the interview. He was at the performance tonight, but I never had a chance to do more than wave at him. He messaged me earlier saying that he would pick me up and take me for a celebratory drink at Paddy's. I haven't seen Paddy and Alicia in ages, and I miss them, but I don't think I'll make it through a pint without falling asleep in it.

I step outside, thankful I had the foresight to bring a thicker jacket with me, as there's a chill breeze blowing through the parking lot. Eamon is leaning against his car, holding up a single yellow rose and looking absolutely mouthwatering all dressed up in gray slacks and a black button-up.

"Well, don't you look handsome," I tell him, walking directly into his waiting arms.

"Aye, it's a special occasion," he says, caressing my cheek with the soft rose petals. "That was incredible, love. I've never been much into plays, but I can honestly say that was pure quality. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you," I say, mouth curving into a grin. "You'll never believe what happened after the final curtain!"

"Tell me on the way to Paddy's. I know it's late and you're exhausted, but humor me." He winks and kisses me quickly.

Before he can pull away, I bury my fingers in his hair and deepen the kiss. He grunts in surprise but doesn't put up much of a fight. The hand he had on my waist is now squeezing my ass.

"Can we just go home?" I murmur against his mouth.

Eamon groans in frustration as I press my hips into him. "You're killing me, Norah."

"There's an easy solution. Take me home, Eamon. We can go to Paddy's tomorrow night," I beg him, trailing my hands down to his waistband.

He circles both of my wrists with one hand. "No, love, we can't. I promised to deliver you to Paddy's as soon as you left the theater."

My eyes narrow in suspicion. "Promised who? And why?"

"Please do me a favor and cooperate. I'll make it up to you later. With gusto," he promises with a wink.

I scrunch my nose at him. "Ugh. Fine. This better be good, Kennedy."

We climb into Eamon's SUV and head towards Paddy's. As we're driving, I turn in my seat to tell him about my conversation with Miranda Sanchez.

"And then she told me they're thinking about doing a TV series and featuring UNCW! I don't even know what all that would entail, but it could be huge for the department!"

"You're kidding!" Eamon exclaims, glancing over at me. "Ah, Acushla, that's incredible! "

I look at him curiously. "Acushla. What does that mean? Paddy has called me that a time or two."

He reaches for my hand, bringing it up to kiss my knuckles. "It's Irish Gaelic for my darling. Is it too much?"

My darling. Swoon.

"No! I think it's lovely. I'll have to find a term of endearment for you now," I tease him.

Eamon chuckles. "You can always go with Eamon, the incredibly handsome and most amazing lover. I'd respond well to that."

I throw my head back in laughter. If he isn't wooing me with sweet words like Acushla, then he has me in stitches. "Oh yes, I can see how that will flow smoothly in conversation. And definitely won't make your ego swell at all."

" Something will be swelling, that's for sure."

I laugh again. "Oh my god, stop! You're ridiculous. Maybe I'll just call you boo bear. "

Eamon makes a noise of disgust. " Boo bear ? You're slagging me. Please say you're slagging me."

"I don't know. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Especially while cheering you on at a game!"

We park the car, and he turns to scowl at me. "If you think for one minute that I'm going to let you call me boo bear or anything remotely close, you're banjaxed."

I giggle and lean over the console to kiss him. "Fine. No boo bear, but I will find something."

"I don't see what's wrong with my first suggestion," he grumbles as we get out of the car. "Now, remember. I'm going to make this up to you."

I narrow my eyes at him. Whatever is going on, he knows I won't love it. That can only mean the girls are behind this.

"Just tell me now who I'll be killing later."

Chuckling, Eamon intertwines our fingers and leads me to the entrance of Paddy's. He ushers me inside, and as soon we pass the threshold, a loud cheer rings out. All of my friends and their collective partners are standing and applauding. Eamon nudges me forward. I can feel my cheeks flushing and tears filling my eyes.

"You guys… What is this?" I choke out.

Charlie steps forward and hugs me tightly. "We're so proud of you!"

I'm so touched and honored to call these people my friends and spend the next couple of hours accepting hugs and congratulations while sipping a glass of wine. When we arrived, I had expected just a round of drinks, much like we do every week, but the girls somehow talked Paddy into letting them reserve the entire pub for the occasion. As I walk around, I realize that each table has a frame in the middle of it and that every single frame contains a picture of one of the costumes from the play. On the bar sits a thick album filled with pictures of all the pieces I've created since moving to Wilmington. Every ballet recital, Halloween, and theater costume. I'm overcome with emotion as I flip through the pages. I don't know how they managed to find all of these, but I'm floored.

"You've a gift, lass."

Looking up, I find Paddy peering at me over the bar with those grandfatherly eyes I've come to love. He took me under his wing from the moment we met, and since I've never met my father's parents and my Mom's parents passed away when I was a toddler, he's the closest thing to a grandparent I've ever had. I wouldn't trade him for the world.

"Thank you, Pat. You know you're my anchor, right?" I tell him.

His cheeks turn pink, and his eyes are glassy with unshed tears. "Ach, nonsense. You're a strong young woman with a good head on your shoulders. You've never needed me."

I reach over and grasp his fingers, squeezing gently. "I'm serious. You're family. Before Charlie moved here, you were the only one I had."

Paddy's bottom lip quivers for a moment before he sucks in a deep breath.

"Alright, Pat?" Eamon's deep voice sounds from over my shoulder, his forehead creased with concern.

"Aye, just dust from the vents getting in my eyes." He harrumphs. "Didn't you clean those this week? What am I paying you for anyway?"

"Right, knew I forgot something. Apologies, Paddy. Won't happen again," Eamon says in mock seriousness .

My heart warms while listening to the two of them. The way Eamon goes out of his way to protect Paddy's pride is endearing and makes me feel all kinds of ooey gooey feelings.

"Oi! Kennedy!" a raucous voice suddenly bellows from the entrance and Ro saunters in, followed closely by Teagan.

"Ro. Teag. Glad you could make it," Eamon greets them with a handshake that leads to a one-armed hug.

"Yeah, mate. Wouldn't miss it," Teagan says before shifting his gaze to me. "Congrats, Norah. I'm not a costume expert, but even I can tell your work is savage."

"Righto, love! Absolutely bang on!" Ro cajoles.

I grin at them. "Thank you! Ro, I'm surprised you even saw the play."

I can't help but tease him. Teagan came to the play with Layla on opening night.

Ro snorts loudly. "Oh, god no! You won't catch me at a play. But I've heard yer fella here wax poetic about you and yer frocks, so I can only assume they're quality!"

"For fuck's sake, Ro," Teagan murmurs. "I saw it, and I'm not ashamed to say it was one of the best I've seen."

Ro rolls his eyes dramatically and fake whispers, "Lickarse."

"So, uh, who all is here tonight?" Teagan asks, craning his neck to look around the pub with hopeful eyes.

Eamon and I give each other a knowing glance.

"If you're looking for Layla, she's over in the corner booth with Charlie and Amelia." I wink at him.

"Yeah?" His eyes light up like a Christmas tree.

"You're bloody away in the head, aren't you?" Ro exclaims. "Pining after her like some sort of lost puppy."

"Who has a lost puppy?" Alicia asks as she comes bouncing out of the kitchen with a bucket of ice.

Her long black hair is pulled back in two French braids, and her lips are painted bright red. She's wearing a cropped black V-neck sweater with skin-tight leather leggings .

"Hey, Norie!" She says, setting the bucket on top of the bar. "I didn't get a chance to tell you how much I loved Beauty and the Beast! I saw it on opening night. I can't get over Belle's gown!"

"Thank you!" I gush. "You look amazing, by the way!"

"I'd say," Ro lets out a low whistle. "But she's always a fine thing, am I right? Hiya, Alicia."

"Rowan," she greets him coldly before turning on her heel towards the kitchen. "I'm going to get back to work, but let's do lunch next week, Norie! Congrats again!"

We all turn to stare at Ro with wide eyes.

"What did you do?" Eamon glares at his friend.

"Why do you assume I did something?" he cries indignantly.

Even I scoff at that. I don't know him that well, but I know him well enough to know that he's a troublemaker.

"Because you always do something, you buck eejit. You're always mucking about with her, but clearly, you've done something to set her off."

Ro runs a hand through his ginger locks and frowns. "Listen, I'd rather not get into it here, okay? We're supposed to be celebrating the lovely Norah anyway. Catch me tomorrow, and I'll fill you in, alright?"

Eamon nods. "Fine. But don't try to get out of it."

"Yeah, grand," he agrees before following Teagan toward the corner booth.

"Well, that was interesting," I mutter, turning to Eamon.

"It was, yeah," he agrees. "I hope he didn't do anything that warrants a kick to the bollox. Though I'm sure Alicia would have handled that on her own."

I step into him, wrapping my arms around his torso. "You're right about that. Now, can we go home? It's late, and I do believe you said something about making this up to me…with gusto?"

A low growl rumbles through his chest before he leans down and nips my earlobe. I shiver in anticipation of what's to come.

"I did, didn't I?" he whispers against my neck. The feel of his lips brushing my skin sends sparks straight through me. "Go say your goodbyes, Acushla."