For the Irish, what can't be fixed by a cup of tea or a shot of whiskey can certainly be solved by a good meal. Shannon was famished, and each bite of the perfectly cooked, medium rare steak seemed to start to heal her soul. 

They ate quietly for a little while, and while she chewed, Shannon realized that her worries weren't going to go away until she said something. He'd been by her side twice when she had been in trouble, held her and calmed her spirit, and his eyes and the touch of his hands never left her heart. But, the nagging heaviness of having to return to Chicago weighed on her. 

With half the meal still on her plate, Shannon put down her fork and gave a soft sigh as she looked down at her lap for a moment. There was really no other way. 

Looking up to him, she just came out with it. 

"Rion, I... I'm really glad you came when Oriana called you. I've missed you so much it h hurts. Even when I was down in that hell hole, you were the only bright thought I had."

The next words came with more difficulty. 

"The way I feel about you...Jesus... I can't stand the thought of leaving again and putting that distance between us. But...I know that when I'm gone...well...it's not like you'll be alone."

She hesitated, knowing full well she couldn't take anything back at this point. She glanced down again, biting her lower lip. 

​​​​​​"I don't know what to do. I know I have to go back, but it's breaking my heart...because I can't ever get you off my mind, but I'm afraid that you'll...forget me...when you're in her arms again."

​​

“Hey, easy, Shan.” His hand found hers across the table. “You’re in my heart. You’ve always have been and you always will be.”

He let go of her hand for a brief moment as he wiped at his mouth with his napkin before pushing back his chair and standing up. He moved slowly to her side of the table, not wanting to make any sudden moves to frighten her. He kneeled down beside the table, once again intertwining their fingers, “I will never forget you, Lass, so just push that thought from your mind. There is plenty to do here still, I’m never gone for too long. I will always be back.” 

Squeezing his hand, she nodded a little, but her eyes weren't so sure. She reveled in the feeling of her hand in his, but she lost all the confidence she thought she'd had built up to say what she felt. 

"I know. You're right. I'm being silly."

She gave him a small grin and pushed everything back to that locked box in her mind. 

“No, Shan, don’t do that. Don’t shut me out.” He lifted her chin lightly until he was looking into her eyes, “I’m right here. Talk to me. I’m not going anywhere.”

As her bottom lip started to tremble slightly, she wished she had left it alone, even though it sometimes tore her apart. Shannon fidgeted with the napkin in her lap. 

"No, Rion, it's just me being...selfish. I want you to be happy, no matter what...who...makes you happy. It just...it kills me that I can't be the one, every night, every day..."

Her voice trailed off slightly, and she cleared her throat and shook her head again, as if telling her eyes to stop watering. She gave a forced chuckle and quipped. 

​​​​​​"What can I say, I'm a spoiled little rich girl. I'm not good at sharing."

He stifled a small laugh, “Well, yes, I could see that.” He jabbed her playfully in the ribs with his finger, drawing a small laugh from her. 

“You’re worrying too much doll. I’m enjoying my time with you, I always do. Now and forever.”

Shannon laughed a little and nodded, reaching out to run her finger along his cheek before he stood and returned to his seat. 

Soon, they were ready to leave the restaurant. The grateful waiter had packed their left overs, and included a generous dessert of cheesecake for free. 

The cab arrived back at the hotel around 2 a.m. Shannon opened the door to her room, with Orion following behind with the food. She dropped the key on the small coffee table and slipped her shoes off. Turning to Orion, she shrugged a little and sat on the couch. 

"I guess I should arrange for a flight home this afternoon. I know Philli is probably going mad."

He couldn’t help himself as she settled down on the couch. Placing a hand on either side of her he leaned forward, catching her lips with his. After a brief electric shock that ran through him he broke their embrace, “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

Her voice was light and wispy in her reply. 

"I wish i didn't have to leave you."

After a lingering gaze into his eyes, she sighed quietly and laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. Some quiet voice echoed in her mind. 

Nothing is going to be the same.