The Light Everlasting

Chapter 3: Lunch with Mr. Byrne

Edith found herself warmly welcomed into the office. Miles waved goodbye, and the friendly, grey-haired woman named Theresa chatted non-stop about the company outing as she introduced Edith to the other employees, eventually guiding Edith to an empty desk.

“Sam, Theresa, Lewis, and Lydia," Edith smiled as she desperately tried to remember faces and names.

“Don't stress," Sam, the clean-shaven, blond man wearing a checkered shirt, waved his hand. His friendly, brown eyes softened his sharp jaw. “You'll have lots of time to learn names when we go on the trip tomorrow."

Lydia nodded at Theresa, “Oh, we always have a good time don't we, and this trip even comes with a tour!"

Lydia's tight chocolate-colored curls bounced in excitement as she talked. Sam and Lydia began chatting about what the most comfortable outfit would be, and Theresa returned to her desk to answer a call. Edith found herself staring at a computer screen and wondering what she was supposed to do.

“The, uh..'on' button is on the side there,"

Edith turned to see a man leaning back on his chair, pushing his stylish glasses back into position.

“Pardon me?" She asked.

Lewis smiled, “Either you don't know how to turn on your computer, or you need another cup of coffee."

Edith laughed, “I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing."

“I don't think you are expected to start work today, but if you want to help me design some pamphlets I won't stop you," Lewis raised an eyebrow and patted a stack of paper beside him.

Between Edith and her new co-workers, the pile of pamphlets dwindled throughout the morning.

Sam's growling stomach caused everyone to pause in their work.

“Lunchtime already?" Theresa looked at the clock.

Edith watched her new friends tidy their work and leave the room.

“What are you doing here?"

Edith spun around in her chair to see Caden Byrne standing beside her desk. He looked around the room, confusion in his eyes.

“I didn't expect you to stay," he said quietly, putting on his suit jacket, and bringing his amazingly dark blue eyes back to rest on hers.

Edith swallowed, “You didn't say to leave."

Byrne raised an eyebrow, his pale lips hinted at a smile.

“How are you finding the work?" he asked.

“I've done similar marketing work before," Edith motioned to the computer in front of her. “I'm enjoying it."

Caden Byrne nodded, and silence stretched between them. Edith tided the papers on her desk. Byrne gazed at the painting on the wall. The clock ticked steadily, thoughtfully, purposefully.

“I'm going down the street to 'The Roaming Minstrel,' Byrne's smooth voice caused Edith to look up again. “Would you care to join me?"

He wasn't looking at her, but towards the hall. She knew he was listening for her answer as he checked his cufflinks.

“Sure," she said quietly, wondering what type of place 'The Roaming Minstrel' was.

Edith followed Byrne's tall form out of the office and down the stairs. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, Edith saw him glance over his shoulder and slow his gait so she could catch up. Her heart fluttered strangely in her chest.

Edith's new co-workers were chatting casually in the lobby as she and Mr. Byrne went by. Lydia's eyes went wide, and Sam's mouth fell open. Edith focused on keeping up with her boss.

They traveled in silence down the smooth sections of sidewalk until they reached a dark brown brick building with a dark green door, and large window, between two buildings that looked as old as time itself. Above the door, faded red letters proclaimed, “The Roaming Minstrel."

Byrne held the pub's door open for Edith to enter. The walls were a rich, dark wood, and the seats were the same, deep green color as the door. Lights that looked like lamps dotted the walls at regular placements.

With a confident stride, the owner of Byrne Marketing and Investments led the way to a booth along the far wall.

They sat, and Edith looked at the menu laying on the table.

“The usual, Mr. Byrne?" A server stopped by the table. He looked at Edith with clear surprise.

“Yes, but I'd like to try the butternut-squash soup this time," Byrne looked at Edith. “Have whatever you like."

Edith looked briefly at the menu, “I'd like the soup as well."

The server nodded, and after taking their drink orders, disappeared behind the low bar.

Caden took a long look at Edith, then exhaled silently.

“I never properly gave my condolences on your father's passing. Although I did not know him well, I knew him enough to enjoy his company."

“Thank you," Edith managed to whisper, the pain of her loss was still fresh.“How did you meet him?"

Caden sat back and paused, “It would be several years ago now, the first time he walked into my office."

The server returned with drinks and two bowls of hot, steaming soup. Byrne thanked the young man with a nod, then turned back to Edith.

“Liam Doyle came to ask permission to look at the archives in the basement. He wanted to do some research for a story. As you must have noticed, I have photographs of my horses on the walls in my office. Your father noticed as well, and proceeded to tell me his daughter was quite the equestrian."

“He taught me a lot," Edith blushed and looked down at her hands. “I got my love of horses from him."

“Indeed," Byrne lifted his spoon and began to eat. Edith did the same.

“Have you always had horses?" she asked.

Caden paused. He looked up from his soup.

“Always."

Silence fell once more.

Edith asked about the horses in the photos and her companion answered politely. She told stories of how her father got her into riding, how he came to live here, and his many books.

Caden Byrne didn't seem to mind Edith's harmless chatting. He sipped his soup, replying briefly between mouthfuls.

When they finished, Edith thanked Caden Byrne for the meal.

“It was my pleasure," he said. “It has been a long time since I had company over a meal, and I enjoyed learning more about your father."

“I enjoyed it too," Edith felt her cheeks grow warm.

Byrne stood up and they left the pub. They walked side by side under a cloudy sky until they reached the office.

“Where is your car?" Byrne asked.

Edith pointed at her car parked by the cemetery.

“Go home, now. You did enough for your first day," Byrne said over his shoulder as he strode smoothly down the sidewalk to a shiny, black and chrome motorcycle. “Enjoy your trip tomorrow."

Surprise must have shown on Edith's face as she watched Caden take off his suit jacket and put on a fitted, black leather one. He lifted a smooth, matching helmet from his bike and paused to wink at Edith before strapping it comfortably on his head. As she walked to her car, Edith continued to watch in awe and approval as her boss roared past her, then turned the corner by the cemetery.

When Edith pulled up to her father's cottage, Blaze, the orange cat sat expectantly in the window. By the time she had opened the door, Blaze was waiting and threw himself against her legs. She picked him up for a quick cuddle.

“Boy, let me tell you about my day," Edith breathed, wondering why her heartbeat quicked at the sound of a distant motorcycle.