Zoe shook the man’s hand. He had a lovely smile and reminded her of Declan. She’d thought they would take a cab to their hotel where they could freshen up before meeting his parents. But it sounded like his mother had other plans.

She looked out the window at the passing scenery, having elected to sit in the back with Dominic. Declan and his dad chatted about this and that. She didn’t pay their conversation any heed as she was too busy trying to calm her stomach. What would his mother think of her?

They turned onto a small street and pulled up outside an ordinary looking house. There were a couple of women standing outside their houses but otherwise the area was fairly quiet.

Declan got out first and held the door for her.

“Nice to see you home Dec. Your ma’s been missing ya,” one of the neighbors called to him.

“That latest film of yours was the business. Me kids keep on about it. When’s the next one coming out?” another one asked.

“Did you see the state of your girlfriend in the papers this weekend? Why do you bother with that blonde piece? You need a nice Irish girl like my Maureen.”

“Your Maureen would stick out like a sore toe in the middle of Hollywood. He needs someone like Rosin Doyle. She’s class.”

Zoe listened in amazement as they discussed his love life as if he weren’t there. Never mind her. Who did they think she was?

“Afternoon ladies.” Declan left to give each woman a kiss on the cheek. “Sure I would be tempted between Maureen and Rosin all right if my heart wasn’t already taken. As you can see she isn’t blonde. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers.”

“Oh love, we’re sorry. Didn’t see you there. Are you the latest girlfriend? That’s not your kid is it? Jeez they start young in America.”

“No Mrs. Murphy, that’s her brother, Dominic. Zoe is our guest. Now play nice please or I will tell her to keep indoors.”

The women laughed, but Zoe was finding the conversation hard to follow. Declan’s mother was standing on her front step. Zoe wasn’t sure how to greet her so held her hand out, but Patricia pulled her into a hug.

“So nice to meet you. Dominic, aren’t you a grand size for a lad of your age. Are ye hungry? I hate the food they serve on the plane. Did you get any sleep at all? It’s hard isn't it? Although first class is a luxury compared to economy.

Zoe stared. The woman hadn’t taken a breath but had asked all those questions. Was she supposed to answer?

“Your Declan is a right one, Patricia Malone. A blonde on his arm last week and now bringing home a new one to your door.”

“Keep your opinions to yourself, Mags Haggarty. I don’t talk about your Nora and all she gets up to.” Patricia spoke sharply to her neighbor before turning a beaming smile back to Zoe. “Come along inside before that lot get their claws out. Honestly, some people have nothing better to be doing than standing around all day gossiping. It’s off to Father Francis they should be going asking forgiveness for their wicked thoughts.”

Wishing she had asked to go straight to the hotel, Zoe took a step inside. The house was tiny compared to hers, never mind Declan’s. She couldn’t imagine he had grown up here yet there was plenty of evidence around in the form of school portraits and family pictures. On the wall along the hall was a picture of each child making their communion and some other event as they sat smiling for the camera. They were a good-looking family.

Zoe took a seat in the kitchen.

“I hope you like Irish food. I made you the full breakfast although it’s lunch time. Me lad can’t get enough black pudding and rashers when he gets home.”

“Rashers?”

“Bacon—fried or grilled. I forget you have different words to us. So how do you like Ireland so far?”

“Ma will you give her a chance? She’s only landed.”

“Sorry love, I get ahead of myself. I just want it to be nice for you. Dominic, you take whatever you want. I had five growing boys just like you. I know you’re always hungry.”

“Thank you ma’am.” Dominic did just as she suggested, piling his plate high with food.

“Hasn’t he lovely manners? He’s a credit to you, Zoe. Dec told us you had to raise him after your parents passed on. God Rest them. I lit a couple of candles for them in the church. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all Mrs. Malone. Thanks for making us so welcome.”

“Don’t call me that. I always look for me mother-in-law when I get called that. My name’s Patricia, but hopefully you will call me Mam one day.”

“Mam!” Declan cried out as Zoe almost choked on her food.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Only you’re the first girl our Dec has ever brought home.”

“Mam. You’re making it worse.”

Zoe giggled and once she started she couldn’t stop. Soon everyone was laughing.

“Sorry, Zoe. I will try to behave. Only you know what it’s like with Irish Mammies and their sons.”

“It’s fine Mrs.—I mean, Patricia. This is lovely, thank you.”