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Her abrupt dodge of his question didn’t alarm him. She just wasn’t ready to share certain details of her family life with him, and he could respect that.
“While I was in college I joined something called an affiliation program. It’s a group of perspective candidates that can offer support, share discussions, and pray together. That’s where I met Father Tucker, my good friend and longtime advisor. After I graduated I spent some time abroad. When do you graduate?”
“I should’ve finished a year ago, but I took some time off when my father got sick. When I returned the course requirements changed and I got saddled with some extra credit requirements. Graduation was last week. I didn’t participate because I’m short two classes. Luckily I can take them this summer and will have my degree by fall.”
“Will there be a graduation ceremony at the end of summer?”
“Yes, but it’ll be nothing like the spring ceremony. There’re only a handful of us graduating late. I’m not sure if I’ll even attend it.”
“Why not?”
She sighed. “It’ll be close to the new school year. If I land a job I’ll already be rushing to get things ready for my classroom. It just seems like a lot of unnecessary frills. I mean, I get my diploma. I’ve already passed the state certification tests. My transcripts and resume have already been mailed. I don’t see the point.”
“What about to celebrate the conclusion of this chapter in your life?”
She raised her glass and smiled. “All I need for that is some friends and a good bottle of booze.”
He saw the moment her words registered with her brain. He definitely had her relaxing, but soon as she remembered who he was her tension returned.
“God, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Call me Colin and, please, it’s quite all right. Sometimes a good bottle of booze is just what’s needed in life, Sammy.”
She looked like she wanted to smile as she eyed him skeptically.
“Do you drink? Sheilagh said you didn’t.”
“Perhaps she said I wouldn’t, but she surely didn’t say I didn’t. I’m as much a McCullough as the rest of them. The only reason I’m not drinking tonight is because I was asked to be a designated driver. I mean, look at these guys. They’re as full as the last bus home.”
The lyrical song of her soft laughter caused something inside of him to churn and tighten.
“Where do you guys come up with these sayings?”
“Have you met my grandmother yet?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Oh, you’d remember if you had. She’s right off the boat and I swear she’s the one who taught sailors to swear.”
“Well, I look forward to meeting her. Now tell me, where did you spend your time abroad?”
“Ireland of course! I worked with a Catholic Mission out of Dublin doing social outreach stuff like working with the homeless and mentoring youths. I do a lot of mentoring around here as well. You know, Center County could use some fresh, bright teachers. Perhaps you should send our high school your resume. You seem to be enjoying yourself here.”
“I love it here. I never knew places like this still existed in this country. Today we saw a cub catch a fish out of a stream!”
“Did Braydon take you to the falls then?”
“There were small falls. I’m not sure if it wasthefalls.”
He wondered if Braydon would mind him showing her the falls.
“You’d know if you saw them. They’re stunning. You can jump right off of the mountain ledge into a depthless part of the stream.”
Her face suddenly paled.
“What is it, Sammy?”
“I…I don’t swim.”
