Chapter 10

As they got closer to home, an idea started to form in Claire's head, but she wasn't sure that she'd be able to convince Evelyn. They'd had such a lovely day that Claire was reluctant to push things, but at the same, when Evelyn was out and about and having zero problems with being recognized, Claire wanted to make the most of it.

She'd been overly cautious today, not stopping at some of the usual tourists spots like Kylemore Abbey, knowing that it would be almost certain that someone would stop Evelyn and want a photo with her.

Claire had stopped along the way for some food, putting together a picnic, and when they came across the perfect spot, they parked and sat on a rock away from the road, overlooking a lake while they ate.

Now, Claire had a decision to make. Was she really going to push her luck after how well everything had gone today? Her local pub came into view, and Claire turned off the road, parking outside it.

Claire could almost feel Evelyn tensing beside her in the passenger seat, and when she turned off the car and looked over, Evelyn was sliding on her shades.

"Give me two minutes," Claire said as she opened the door. "I'll be right back."

Claire slid her hand into the pocket of her shorts as she pulled open the door to the pub, chatter and laughter pouring out. It was almost seven o'clock and maybe twenty people were sitting around the tables and on high stools at the bar. Claire said hello to a few familiar faces. Maybe this was a bad idea.

"What can I get you, Claire?"

She turned towards the voice of the owner of the pub as he left a glass of Guinness on the bar to settle and started to pour another. "Hey, Rory." She took a deep breath. "I have a favor to ask you," she said, leaning against the bar.

He glanced up at her. "What kind of favor?"

Claire swallowed, watching him set another pint of Guinness on the bar. "I have an American friend who wants to come inside and see what a real Irish bar is like."

"Okay."

"But she's famous."

Rory draped the towel he was holding over his shoulder and rested both hands on the bar. "Famous."

"As in world-famous actress."

Rory drew in a breath as he mulled it over, and then he nodded before ringing the bell behind the bar. "Hey, listen up everybody!"

It took a few seconds for the voices to die down and then everyone was looking at Rory.

"We've got a celebrity coming in here, right. And there will be no attempts at getting an autograph. No photos. No staring. She just wants to enjoy a few quiet drinks. Don't even look at her. Got it?" He looked around the room, making sure he still had everyone's attention. "If anyone doesn't like it, they can leave. And anyone who doesn't listen to what I just said is barred."

A murmur of chatter started up and then a man in his fifties spoke up. "For how long?"

Rory glared at him.

"How long will I be barred for, Rory?" he asked again.

"Jimmy, get out."

"I was only asking," Jimmy protested.

"And I'm only telling you. Get out."

Claire hid a smile as the bar came to life again and people resumed their conversations as Jimmy finished his pint and left. "Thank you," Claire said as Rory went back to work behind the bar. "You have no idea. I owe you one."

"Not a problem, Claire."

She went back outside, the evening sun still warm as she opened the passenger side door. "Hey," she said with a smile. "Want to have a drink before we go back?"

Evelyn stared at her. "There's at least a dozen cars," she said, looking around her.

Claire wasn't surprised by the reaction. "I know just about everyone inside. It'll be fine."

Evelyn took off her shades, her eyes searching Claire's. "I don't know."

"I don't want you to go home with any regrets," Claire said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Having a drink in a local Irish pub sounds like something an American would want to tick off their list when they come here. So," she said, holding out her hand, "Will you trust me?"

Evelyn hesitated for a moment, looking at Claire's outstretched hand. "You think it'll be okay?"

Claire nodded. "I promise."

Evelyn drew in a deep breath before she slid her hand into Claire's.

Claire reluctantly let go of Evelyn's hand once she was standing and pushed the car door shut before leading the way to the door. Claire held it open for her, and she could feel her heart thudding wildly in her chest as she waited to see what would happen as they went inside.

But no one paid them any attention as Claire led them towards a small table tucked away in the corner of the bar, conversation continuing all around them without anyone even glancing in their direction.

Rory came right over. "What can I get you ladies?"

"I'll have a pint of Guinness," Claire said.

"You know what? I'll have the same," Evelyn said, her eyes darting from Rory to the rest of the people seated around the bar.

Claire tried to hide her smile as Evelyn looked around her, until she couldn't any longer. "I don't want to bruise your ego," Claire said as Evelyn's gaze returned to her. "So, I'll admit that I came in and asked Rory, the bartender there, to basically tell everyone to ignore you. I still think you could have come in here with minimal fanfare, but I didn't want to risk it. So, if anyone takes a photo of you or asks for an autograph or anything like that, they're barred."

Evelyn's lips slid into a smile. "I won't lie… I was wondering if my fame wasn't as far-reaching as I'd assumed."

"I'm not sure there's worse punishment than getting barred from your local, so no one's going to chance it."

"Thank you," Evelyn said with what sounded like a happy sigh. "I can't remember the last time I did something normal like this. Having a drink in a bar. And to do it here? It's something I won't forget."

Rory returned with their pints. "Enjoy."

"You have to wait for it to settle," Claire said before Evelyn could reach for it. "When it's fully black with a white creamy head, then you can drink it. But the first gulp has to be a good one. If you just sip it, you're only drinking the foam, so you should aim to split the G."

"As in halfway through the logo on the glass?" Evelyn asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. You probably won't be able. I don't always make it, but it's better to aim for that than take a tiny sip."

"Wow," Evelyn said with a smirk. "I didn't think it was that complicated."

"Just want you to enjoy it. I cringe when I see tourists sipping their Guinness like a glass of whiskey." Claire picked up her pint. "Cheers, Evelyn. I hope you've been enjoying your time here."

Evelyn did the same, lightly clinking her glass against Claire's. "Cheers. And I am. You have no idea how much."

They both took a drink. "Not bad," Claire said as she set her pint back down. Evelyn's had gone down to just the start of the G.

"I feel like I should take a photo of this." Evelyn slid out her phone, and Claire expected her to take a picture of her pint, but instead she was extending her arm out and reaching for her glass with her left. "Get in," she said, flashing her a smile.

Claire wasn't going to argue. She grabbed her pint and smiled, leaning in to get in the photo, Evelyn's perfume drifting into her space. It might have been the easiest, most natural smile Claire had ever attempted for a photo.

"Posting that on Instagram?" Claire joked.

"No. I'm sending it to my manager."

Claire nodded, thinking back to that day they'd been out riding and her manager had called, reminding Evelyn that she could go back with her in July. "Are you close?"

Evelyn put her phone away. "With Arianna?" She raked a hand through her hair. "Yes. She's been my only manager, so we go back… Twenty-nine years." She shook her head. "Wow. It's hard to believe that much time has passed," she said with a sigh. "So, we're close, but at the same time, she doesn't know me. Not the real me. She's an amazing manager. The best in the business, and I don't think I'd be where I am today without her."

Claire took a drink, not entirely sure what to make of that. It sounded like there was some strain there, but again Claire didn't want to push her luck. If Evelyn wanted to elaborate, she could, but Claire wasn't going to keep asking questions.

Evelyn's voice took her away from her thoughts. "I think I'd like to do a movie set here."

"Please don't." The words were out of Claire's mouth before she could stop them.

"Are you joking?" Evelyn asked with a laugh, her eyes glinting in the warm glow of the cozy bar lighting. Her eyebrow lifted, and her gaze never left Claire's.

She swallowed. "No." Her heart raced as she locked eyes with Evelyn. "Do you know what the track record is for American actors thinking they can do an Irish accent?" When Evelyn shook her head, Claire continued. "Bad. Very bad. Shocking." She took another drink.

Evelyn's lips slid into a smile. "I get that, but hey, I have an Oscar and three Golden Globes."

"Julia Roberts has a case full of awards too, and that didn't stop her from doing one of the worst attempts at an Irish accent I've ever heard. I'm still a fan, obviously. And she's just part of a very long list." Claire bit the inside of her cheek. She might regret all of this, but she had to say it. "But don't do it."

"Well," Evelyn said with a bit of a sigh as she reached for her pint. "I will take your advice on board, although with my current streak, I'm ready to take just about any part that comes my way. Getting old in Hollywood isn't easy," she said before she took a drink.

Claire waited for Evelyn to meet her eyes. "I know what I just said, but you are one of the most talented actresses of your generation."

"Work hasn't been easy to find lately." Evelyn looked away. "That's kind of what brought me here. One part after another, gone to someone younger, someone with less credentials. And as much as I'm enjoying my time here and would love to stay, I'm equally dreading going back to that struggle. And right now, I can't even think about facing it."

Rory stopped by their table. "Another round?"

Claire looked at Evelyn.

"Please," Evelyn said with a smile that could light up a room when just a second ago Claire thought she might be tearing up, reminding her that she was very much in the presence of an amazing actress.