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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 12, 2012 14:18:24 GMT -5
***Yes, I know I have 2 other stories going, but after meeting Colm & seeing him on stage, I got a few ideas Also, this was inspired by the Taylor Swift Song "Begin Again" If you're not a fan of hers, it's fine. But look up the lyrics, it's a really fantastic song ***** The cafe was teaming with people on their lunch breaks. Businessmen, bankers, hair dressers; the cafe on the corner attracted them all. Meredith brushed the fresh snow from her jacket as she opened the door, checking her watch, she barely had twenty minutes to grab a cup of coffee before her interview for a local paper. There was an early snow in Washington, D.C. and the light dusting had left everyone in a festive mood. Everyone that was, accept for Meredith Morgan. She had just moved to the city and her stress level had been high. A fresh divorce and starting her life a new had done little in the way of relief. She made her way past the tables and to the counter. Tapping her foot impatiently, waiting for one of the baristas to take her order. "Can I help you?", a young man with a squeaky voice asked. "Yeah, I'll take a large vanilla latte to go", she handed him the money and waited, checking her watch again. Fifteen minutes; deep breaths, she reminded herself. She thanked the young man as he handed her the cup. She grabbed a couple of sugar packets and a stirrer as she headed for the exit. All at once she was run into by a large mass and hot coffee was dripping down the front of her jacket,"This can't be happening," she sputtered. "Oh", said the mass as he turned around,"Oh, no," he repeated. "Oh no is right!", Meredith said angrily, oblivious to the blue eyes that looked down at her,"I have an interview in ten minutes and because of you", she groaned. "I'm so sorry, love", he handed her napkins", I.... I didn't see where I was going", he attempted to hide the phone behind his back. "If you weren't so preoccupied," she huffed,"I have to go." "What was that?", Ryan looked at his friend and then at the woman who had stormed out the door. "I have no idea!", Colm said with a shrug,"An angry woman, that's for sure", he watched through the window as the woman still grumbled and blotted at the spreading spots on her jacket. ****Let me know what you all think!! *****
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Nov 12, 2012 17:31:21 GMT -5
Amazing as usual! I have a feeling that Colm and Meredith will be crossing paths again in the near future!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 13, 2012 15:20:01 GMT -5
Meredith attempted to smooth her hair which was now sticky from the latte, her suit jacket reaked of the sweet, vanilla, coffee. She looked up at the building that read "Washington Examiner". She was already running behind and could have cursed the man that ran into her while playing on his phone. Oh sure he had attempted to hide it, but he had been distracted, not paying attention and now she had to pay the price. Looking like a rat that had been drowned in coffee. Her cherry red hair was matted down, her makeup had slightly run. She sighed as she heaved open the heacy door. Quickly looking over the signs next to the elevator she made her way to the fifth floor.
"Welcome to the Examiner, how can I help you?", a receptionist bearing the name tag, Whitney, asked her.
"Hi, I'm Meredith Morgan, I am supposed to have an interview with Richard."
"Yes, Ms. Morgan, he's been expecting you", the receptionist took in the odd appearance of the woman in front of her.
"I had an unfortunate accident in a coffee shop and didn't really have time", she tried to explain.
"You may have a seat, Mr. Webber will be with you shortly."
"Thank you", she sat in a chair and pulled her portfolio out of her bag, skimming over it quickly.
"Meredith?", came a loud voice.
"Yes, sir", she stood up.
"Hi", the man looked at the woman who smelled of vanilla coffee,"Are you okay, should we reschedule?"
"No sir", she shook her head,"Someone just wasn't paying attention and I ended up with coffee all over me."
"I admire your commitment then", he motioned for her to follow him into the plush office with a large window over looking the city. Heavy gray clouds that promised more snow were building,"I'll get right to it then, Ms. Morgan. I am looking for someone to take over our arts and entertainment section. The last person ended up fizzling out due to personal issues and I need someone I can depend on. It can require late nights at times, concerts, interviews, and such."
"I have no children, no husband," she felt a slight stab of ache at the last two words,"I have written some a and e material in the past. I have my portfolio for you."
"Excellent", he quietly perused over the material,"Everything looks in order. I have an assignment for you, pull it off and the position is yours."
"Go on", she clasped her hands to keep from hugging the man.
"There's an Irish group doing some promoting of a new dvd. Some Celtic Thunder or rain or something to do with a storm. Anyway, we need an interview with the two men here in D.C. I have all the hotel information and the information for their handler. Call her and set it up. Let me know once you have something. They should be here for a few days, I would advise getting on this."
"Yes sir", she took the slip of paper he handed her,"When do you need this?"
"You have twenty four hours. We need it for Friday's print."
"You'll have it", she grinned,"Thank you, Mr. Webber, thank you!"
"Thank me when you hand in the interview. Have a good night", he ushered her out of the office.
Meredith did a dance as the elevator descended. Had she just landed a job? In a sense yes, but she had to hand in the best interview possible with these two Irishman. She had done plenty of interviews, it would be simple. She almost forgot about the coffee incident until she got into her car and saw how truly bad she had looked,"It's a wonder he even spoke to me", she shook her head as she started the engine.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Nov 13, 2012 16:48:36 GMT -5
I can't wait to see how Meredith reacts when she sees who she is interviewing!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 14, 2012 14:40:10 GMT -5
Ryan and Colm wrapped up their radio interview and were met by Jean, the woman who traveled with them on promotional tours.
"Great job guys", she gave them a smile,"Dinner and then we have one more interview."
"Really?", Colm asked taking a swig of water as they climbed into the rental car,"Thought we were done for the day."
"I know, I know", she said looking over her notes,"But a reporter from the examiner called, she just got the assignment. Said she would be willing to meet over drinks with you lot."
"Drinks involved?", Ryan perked up,"Let's do it."
"Aren't you just chipper", Colm rolled his eyes as he leaned his head against the cool glass and watched the snow fall."
"Listen mate", Ryan clapped him on the shoulder,"You agreed to come on board, this is all part of it."
"I know", he sighed,"Just didn't think I would be so sleep deprived."
"Hence all our addictions to Star Bucks", he laughed.
"It all makes sense!"
"So dinner and then drinks?", Jean looked at them from the back seat,"The woman sounded very nice, so you two behave."
"Yes, mum", they said in unison and were both given swats to the back of the head.
"Hey", Ryan grumbled with a laugh.
"Just drive to the hotel so we can get something to eat", Jean sighed checking her emails.
"Someone's grouchy", Colm teased as they drove.
"Is it any wonder with you two?", she said with a grin.
"No love at all", he laughed.
****************************************************
Meredith had gone home to shower and change for the interview. She had spoken with Jean, the woman Richard had said was the handler for the two men. She had been reluctant at first because it was so last minute. Somehow, meredith had talked her into having the men meet her for drinks in their hotel. She figured it would be a comfortable place, she could conduct the interview relatively quickly and they could all be on their way. She checked her lap top case and grabbed her folder with her notes and the voice recorder. She checked the route to the hotel, punched it into the gps system and was on her way. It took less than time than she thought and rather than fight with parking decided to valet. She gathered her things and took the ticket from the man and made her way into the warmth of the hotel. A chandelier hung in the center cast rainbows of light across the marble floor, her heels clicked against it and shr shrunk back at the loud sound, attempting to walk more carefully. She saw the sign that read hotel bar and followed the arrow to small room towards tha back. Someone played the piano softly as people lounged about at the bar and tables talking. The bottles behind the counter seemed to glow as the candlelight bounced off in different colors. She pulled out her cell phone and sent Jean a message letting her know she was there. She waited for the response and then finally one came.
"Wait at the entrance, we're on our way."
Meredith stood at the entrance and soon saw a woman and two men walking towards it. She did a double take at the taller one with light hair. This wasn't happening! Was he the same person who had caused her to show up for her job interview looking like a mess and smelling like a coffee house? She squared her shoulders, determined not to say anything.
"Meredith?", Jean asked the red haired woman.
"Jean", she smiled warmly,"Nice to meet you", she extended her hand.
Colm looked at the woman and swallowed hard, this was not good. He couldn't believe the angry woman from the coffee shop was going to be interviewing him. He came back to reality as he heard his name,"Nice to meet you", he shook her hand briefly.
"Shall we?", Ryan offered his arm to the woman who laughed.
"Sure, just turn the charm on", he mumbled.
"Colm, give her a few minutes, please", Jean scolded.
"I didn't say anything!", he shoved his hands in his pockets.
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Post by meg_cahill21 on Nov 14, 2012 16:28:54 GMT -5
cant wait to see how this goes! update soon!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 14, 2012 18:08:16 GMT -5
"First round on me", Meredith said as they settled at a rounded booth.
"I like her already", Ryan laughed as a waitress approached for their order.
After placing their order, Meredith got down to business. Asking them questions about the group, the new music, upcoming shows, and even got into a little of their personal lives,"Colm, you are the newest member?", she looked up at him noticing for the first just how blue his eyes were. They were the same shade as the glassy surface of a lake on a cloudless day. She had to pull her eyes from his in order to make sure she got her notes correctly.
"I am", he said clearing this throat,"First time out on the promo circuit and just really letting Ryan here do all the talking."
"How has it been for you to join something that has become as big as Celtic Thunder? Has it been difficult coming along so late in the game?"
He shrugged,"I just have more learning than the rest of the bunch, but I welcome it. The lads are great though, some friendly hazing, but nothing I can't handle."
"We haven't shaved his eye brows yet", Ryan said wiggling an eye brow.
"You'd have to run for your life if you did" Colm said patting his friend on the back.
They continued chatting for nearly an hour and a half before any of them realized it. The soft chatter in the bar had grown louder as more patrons began to make their way in for happy hour and different drink specials,"I think I have everything I need," Meredith said tucking her folder and recorder into her bag,"It's been a pleasure, really."
"Yes it has", Ryan said finishing off his beer,"Tomorrow night I'm playing a show at a little pub. You should come."
"Maybe", she nodded,"I should head out though, have to get this typed up for my editor."
"Colm here will walk you out."
"That's okay", she shook her head as she stood up,"I know my way out."
"Nonsense, he'd love too!"
Colm winced as Ryan's foot connected with his shin,"Yeah, I'll walk you out."
"Okay", she shrugged,"Thanks again, Jean, this may mean I have a job."
"Then you are more than welcome", she waved as the two made their way out of the bar,"What was that?" she turned to Ryan.
"Colm met her earlier, spilled the poor lass' coffee all over her. She was fit to be tied!"
"And you let him go with her?"
"Sure, he may as well get used to not always being fallen over. Poor lad", he laughed.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 15, 2012 15:20:27 GMT -5
"Really, you don't have to go the rest of the way", Meredith adjusted the strap of her bag.
"I was just being nice", Colm replied.
"Don't you have a text or something to send? Maybe more coffee to dump on someone?"
"You're still on about that? I don't even know you! Plus I apologized when it happened!"
"Don't even try to get upset with me!", she turned to him,"Because of you I looked like a drowned rat who was begging for a job at a newspaper. If I didn't get it, I would have found you one way or another."
"And how would you do that? Go stalking around a starbucks, just waiting?"
"I would have found a way!", she said determined not to let him win, even if his eyes were the most beautiful things she had ever seen and the cologne he wore was swimming through her senses.
"Well, you are most certainly a red head. Temper to match and all", he crossed his arms looking down at the fiery green eyes of the woman who was most certainly standing her ground.
"If you think for one second that I am just going to fall all over myself, then you're wrong. I'm not one of those girls. Just take your blue eyes and go away."
Colm tried to hide his smile,"Take my blue eyes and go away? Does that usually work for you?"
"I'm done here, I have a story to write", she turned on her heel heading out the spinning front door. The cold air filled her lungs. Men were infuriating! Thinking that with pretty eyes, broad shoulders, and a smile that they were just the kings of the world. Well Meredith Morgan knew better than that, she had too many memories of someone with that mentality. No, she was done with men. She was on her own and more than ready to be an independant woman,"Stupid, cute, Irish guy", she mumbled to herself as she drove home.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Nov 15, 2012 17:35:24 GMT -5
Hehehe...."Stupid, cute, Irish guy." Love it!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 26, 2012 16:15:00 GMT -5
Meredith emailed her story to Richard shortly after midnight. She knew it wasn't her best, but she did everything she could in the amount of time given. She powered down her lap top and removed her glassess as she yawned. As she locked up the house for the night she thought about Ryan's invitation. A night out could be what she needed, it had been a rough six months for her. She had married young, but she had been in love or what she thought was love. Her husband had been five years older than her and despite what she thought, they were simply in two different places. He was ready for a house with the picket fence and three kids and a dog; while she was just beginning her career. They would have fight after fight, finally it got to be too much. He admitted to cheating on her with someone and she ended her marriage that night. Told him to leave and not come back. The only correspondance they had was through their lawyers, it wasn't a nasty divorce, but one where both agreed to move on with what they came into the marriage with. They sold the house & divided the money. She decided a move was the best way to get on with her life and now she had the potential for a job and really restart her life.
And then there was the young, Irishman who had succeded in spilling her coffee all over her. She couldn't get his eyes to leave her mind. They floated across the back of her eyelids and she began to slip into a deep sleep.
***************************************************
Colm sipped on the mug of tea that he had been working on. His legs stretched out, socked feet crossed as he lazed about for the morning. The woman, Meredith, had been on his mind since she turned on her heel and left. She was a spitfire to the core, he grinned as he thought about her. He definitely wasn't used to a woman who held her own the way she did, not with as much heat as she had. He knew Ryan had invited her to the gig that night, but he had no way of knowing if she would be there or not.
"Morning you two!", Jean said scrolling through her phone as she entered their hotel room.
"So much for privacy", Ryan grumbled pulling the pillow over his head.
"Wake up, Kelly", she kicked his mattress,"So, interview this morning and then nothing until the gig tonight. Oh and the reporter from last night messaged me and she will be coming to your show tonight, Ryan."
"Really?", Colm asked,"She's coming?"
"Why are you so interested?", Ryan pulled the pillow away from his face.
He shrugged,"Nothing, she just didn't seem to like me."
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Post by celticbear on Nov 26, 2012 19:16:59 GMT -5
Oh boy! This Is going to be one very interesting gig!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 27, 2012 13:17:49 GMT -5
Meredith jumped as her phone rang,"Hello?", she answered nervously at the unrecognized number.
"Ms. Morgan?", came a male voice.
"This is Meredith, yes."
"This is Richard from the Examiner. I got your story."
"Richard, yes", she sighed,"I know, it's not the best I have done, but with the deadline."
"It was perfect for what we needed, so when can you start?"
"I can start right now!", she said excitedly,"Well, maybe Monday would work better, but Ryan Kelly will be doing an acoustic show at a Pub tonight. I could cover that and have the story for you on Monday."
"That works, we'll work everything out on Monday. I look forward to your new work."
"Thank you Richard, I mean Mr.Webber. Thank you!"
"Enjoy your weekend!", he hung up.
"I have a job!", she danced around her kitchen,"I have a job!". Washington D.C. was definitely looking up. She felt better knowing that she would be okay on her own, that she could make a living doing what she enjoyed and better yet she would get to cover concerts, movies, and other entertainment. She breathed a sigh of relief, checking the clock she had a few hours before the show. She made sure all of her materials were together before getting ready for the evening.
****************************************************
Colm helped Ryan bring in all the equipment for the acoustic show, the small pub was packed with people. Some had already been enjoying a few while others sat and talked quietly watching the two men set up. There was definitely an electricity to the air as the rapt audience anticipated Ryan's first song. Colm chatted with a few people as he sat at the bar and took in a drink.
Meredith sat at a small table in the back, watching the singer and his audience. They responded with clapping, cheering, and singing along to the songs they knew. Ryan Kelly was more than talented and she could see the fans appreciation of all that he gave.
"Meredith?"
She looked up into the blue eyes of her ex-husband,"Kelly, what?....what are you doing......here?"
"I got a transfer with the department. Some of the guys from the fire house told me about this place. We came here for a beer after shift. What about you?"
"Working", she nodded holding up her note pad.
"Always were one to work, even when you're not at work."
She rolled her eyes,"Really Kelly, are we going to do this here?"
Colm saw them from across the room and he could see that Meredith looked less than happy with the man in front of her. He finished off his pint and made his way over to the table,"Everything okay here?", he put an arm around her shoulders.
This isn't happening! Meredith closed her eyes, wishing the floor would suddenly open and she would be swallowed by a gaping hole,"It's fine, Colm."
Kelly surveyed the young man with his arm so casually around his ex-wife,"Kelly Severride", he extended his hand.
"Ah right, the cad who broke her heart", Colm said with a smile.
"And you would be?", he eyed him.
"The new man", he gave Meredith's shoulder a squeeze,"Come on now love, don't be shy."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 28, 2012 9:08:21 GMT -5
What was he doing? Was he trying to help? Be nice? Or just humiliate her in front of her ex-husband. She looked between the two as they waited for her to answer,"Yes, um....Kelly, this is Colm," she placed a hand tentatively against his chest,"Colm, this is my ex-husband.
"Isn't she adorable when she's nervous?", Colm gave her another squeeze,"No need to be nervous, Meredith. We shouldn't hide," he knew if looks could kill that he would have dropped dead at that moment.
"Yeah", Kelly nodded still not sure of what to think of the man with his ex-wife,"How long have you two known each other?"
"Not, long", Meredith said quickly,"Still sort of new."
"Exactly,"Colm said,"so, if you'll excuse us, we are watching the show. Come on, darling", he led her away from the man, not letting him have any last word.
"We are going to walk out the door and you are going to get your hands off of me", Meredith hissed.
"I was helping you", he replied as they exited the pub.
"I didn't ask you too!", she quickly threw his arm off of her.
"You could at least say thank you , I mean it is the polite thing to do."
"Thank you? I should thank you, for what? Making me look like an idiot in front of my ex-husband."
"You should thank me for coming to your rescue! It was obviously uncomfortable for you to talk to him, so I came to help you and this is what I get."
"Oh, so you just think that I am some damsel in distress and you are my knight in shining armor. I was just fine!"
"Something like that, sure", he crossed his arms.
She glared at him,"What?"
"Still waiting on the thank you", he grinned.
"Then you will be waiting a long time, Colm Keegan."
He shook his head with a laugh,"You are ridiculosly over reacting, let's go back in and have a beer. Watch the rest of the show."
"You don't stop do you?"
"Nope," he held the door open for her,"Better look happy, ex husband is watching", he slipped his hand into hers and winced as her nails bit into his skin.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 28, 2012 11:29:52 GMT -5
Colm brought them both a beer to the back table that Meredith had been occupying before their step outside. He could still see Kelly eyeing the two of them and knew that it made the man uncomfortable to see his ex out with someone else. He smiled to himself knowing that he had been the one to cause him to feel that way. He sat down, close to Meredith and slid the glass towards her,"He just hates seeing you with someone."
"What?', she looked up at him and then saw Kelly,"Why should it bother him? He's the one who cheated on me."
"So the truth comes out", he took a swig and looked at her.
"Don't gloat or anything", she sighed.
"I wasn't", he replied looking at her,"Someone who would do that to you or to any other woman isn't a very good man at all."
"I don't want to talk about it", she took a long pull from the glass,"What is this? Black tar?"
"Guinness", he said toasting his glass to hers,"You'll get used to it."
"Not so much", she took another drink,"I'll drink it because you paid."
"Still no thank you?", he shook his head,"Not even for the drink."
Meredith sighed and looked at him. Why did his eyes have to be so blue? Why did his face have to be so perfectly angled and why did he have such a devastatingly charming smile?,"Look, Colm, I appreciate what you are trying to do and I appreciate the drink. But I never asked for either."
"But you didn't refuse either of them", he pointed out.
"You didn't give me a choice!"
"Why do you have to fight about everything? Can't you just say thank you and let that be that?"
She took another long drink, tasting the bitter, dark beer as it slid down her throat,"Thank you", she said not making eye contact.
He smiled with satisfaction, even if she didn't see it, he did. He had won a small battle with her,"You're welcome." They sat in silence and watched the rest of the show. As it ended and people lined up to meet both Ryan and Colm, Meredith sat by and watched them. Taking more notes and already thinking of how to title the story.
"It was good to see you, Mer", Kelly said stopping at the table.
"Yeah....you too", she looked up at him.
"That, uh.....Colm seems nice", he looked at the young man shaking hands and taking photos.
"He is," she replied with a nod,"Heading home then?"
"Yeah", he tapped his fingers on the table,"I'm sorry, Meredith, I am. I don't know if I can ever tell you how sorry I am."
She shook her head,"Kelly, it's over and done. Let's not bring up the past."
"I know, you're moving on and everything, but...."
"But nothing", she stood up,"We are over, we have been divorced for half a year now."
"I....I know that", he said licking his lips nervously.
"Meredith", Colm said suddenly taking her in his arms and kissing her soundly. He felt her body tense and knew there would be yet another war over these actions, but he had done what he thought would make her ex leave quickly,"Oh, did I interrupt?"
"No,"Kelly replied feeling anger ripple under his skin,"Good night, Mer."
"Guess that worked", he looked at the woman next to him. If possible, fire would have burst through her eyes and scorched him where he stood.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Nov 28, 2012 12:43:34 GMT -5
Colm better watch out! Doesn't he know what happens when he plays with fire?
Love it!
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