Page 14 of Irish Getaway
“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.
11
Evelyn leaned back in her chair, savoring the last sip of her white wine as the sun sank below the horizon. Empty plates sat before them, and Evelyn was happy with how the rosemary chicken and roasted vegetables had turned out.