a new song by me...

Forever
lyrics by Krista Eddy (me)

An anchorless ship, adrift upon the sea

Before you came along, oh baby that was me

The shining sun in a sky full of gray

That came just in time to brighten my day

Like a lighthouse light shining through the fog

You led my lost ship safe to shore

In your arms, thats where I wanna be

My heart is yours, forever more

I feel safe baby, safe here in your arms

I know that you will always be the one

To protect me from all harm

The skies above are now bluer than the sea

And its forever that I hope you'll stay with me

For so long I felt lost in this big old world

Felt as if I had no place to hide, nowhere to turn

I felt like those gray clouds, way up, oh so high

Were blocking out the bright sun in the big blue sky

But then out of the darkness and sadness you came

My dark, dreary skies became blue once again

And it was from that bright shining moment I knew

That you were the only one that I could turn to

How can I explain just what you mean to me?

All I know is what I feel, that we were meant to be

You've given me another chance, a second shot at love

You're truly an angel, sent down from up above

I know this might sound corny, and some might roll their eyes

My friends will laugh and say, “you've really lost your mind.”

But I don't care what they say, for I know how I feel

We were meant to be together, the two of us, you and me

I feel safe baby, safe here in your arms

I know that you will always be the one

To protect me from all harm

The skies above are now bluer than the sea

And its forever that I hope you'll stay with me

I feel safe baby, safe here in your arms

I know that you will always be the one

To protect me from all harm

The skies above are now bluer than the sea

And its forever that I hope you'll stay with me

I hope you'll stay with me

an interruption, but a pleasant one

Songs From The Son of A Sailor

Sarah Jane Sheppard

He's been a member of the Great Big Sea trifecta since the group first starting performing in their signature, Newfoundland kitchen part style 18 years ago. Sean McCann and his bandmates Bob Hallett and Alan Doyle have become Newfoundland and Labrador's most commercially successful music group, rousing stadiums full of fans to their toe-tapping feet, across Canada and beyond. And although he enjoys putting off a heck of a party, for McCann, there's a quieter, yet equally fulfilling side of singing and music making that comes out when the show is over and the stadium is empty.

Literally hot off his first solo effort Lullabies for Bloodshot Eyes, released in early 2010, McCann is back with 10 new tracks on his second solo work, Son of A Sailor. Veering away from the very polished sound and collaborative effort of his first solo project, working with local artists like Mark Bragg, for Son of A Sailor, McCann has stripped away the extras and hopes to take listeners back to a time when music was simply about the story of a song.

The nautical concept of the album, and several of the seafaring songs, came from a source very close to McCann. Although officially a townie, McCann says his family history was shaped in around Conception Bay, Gull Island, and Northern Bay where his family members, particularly his grandfather, with whom he spent many summers, made a living from the sea. “He lived to be 99 and he loomed large in our family stories long after he was gone,” McCann says of his grandfather.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION

Even the artwork on the album cover, a painting by Newfoundland artist Conrad Furey, served up a welcomed dose of inspiration. McCann, a long time supporter of Newfoundland painters, purchased Furey's painting some 15 years back and hung it in his office and says the image helped inspire the title track, Son of A Sailor, as well as another track on the album, Rather Be A Sailor.

Beyond those close the heart inspirations, McCann purposely worked toward writing songs that felt like Newfoundland or that were reminiscent of an older style of songwriting, akin to music in the old time country vein from artists like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Merle Haggard. This required side-stepping the new, perfectly polished, production sound prevalent in music making today, which McCann was happy to do, going so far as to produce the entire album with no drums. “I just wanted to give it a bare bones treatment and focus on the songs. I think in the past that's what people did...nowadays the emphasis is on heavy production and a slickness I was trying to get away from,” he says.

To achieve this, McCann did most of the work on the album, from writing, singing, and playing, only bringing in a few others who understood his vision for the album. One of those people was respected Newfoundland fiddler, Kelly Russell, who learned to play from such greats as Emile Benoit and Rufus Guinchard. “He's probably responsible for carrying on that tradition in Newfoundland,” McCann told the Herald.

He also brought in Craig Young on guitar, a Newfoundlander who recently returned home after 20 years in Nashville, as well as enlisted the help of Boyd MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils, his Great Big Sea bandmates and Murray Foster to help with the background vocals and instrumentation. “In my mind, I set out to make something you'd sit around the fire and listen to or learn to play because they're simple songs,” McCann says.

As for why his first and second solo album are less than a year apart, McCann says the reason is simple. “I was writing a lot of songs.” And in many ways he thinks of Lullabies for Bloodshot Eyes as an album that he needed to do, as a stepping stone, to get to Son of A Sailor. McCann describes the first solo album as a busy project with many collaborators moving through, tons of ideas floating around as well as very emotionally and personally tied to his experiences. “This record is more accessible, it's not all about me, it's about bigger things, bigger subjects,” he adds.

McCann also wrote more on this album, along with some co-writing, drawing on his favourite songwriters like Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, and Joe Strummer. He says a good song is not necessarily decided by a good voice. “What I prefer to listen to is a good song. I don't really care if the vocal is that great, played simply on a guitar, or whatever that songwriter's instrument is. I think for the most part if a song is that good, it'll stand up under scrutiny.' This is something he feels is being buried in the ever-changing music business where all the 'bells and whistles” of technology can make a song sound much better than it really is at the core.

NEWFOUNDLAND NARNIA

Keeping Newfoundland close is a given when it comes to music making for McCann and the other members of Great Big Sea. “We wear Newfoundland on our sleeves. We are from Newfoundland and that is the first thing we tell people wherever we are, whether it be Germany or California,” McCann says proudly.

And when it comes to Son of a Sailor, McCann says he wanted the music to reawaken memories of Newfoundland before troubles in the fishery changed so much of the province's cultural fabric. “There was a romantic notion in Newfoundland before the fishery collapsed. I remember growing up with dories and being able to go out on the water at a very young age and jig codfish. It was kind of like a Newfoundland Narnia; my children won't see that,” says McCann. The title track Son of a Sailor evokes those memories for McCann who says every time he sings it, he thinks of his grandparents.

After 18 successful years and still going strong with Great Big Sea, it seems obvious to ask, why the need for solo work? McCann says Great Big Sea has a specific mandate as a party band characterized by music and performances that fit big stadiums and outdoor festivals; there isn't much room for quieter sets and simple instrumentation. “In our world, there wasn't much room for the types of songs I was writing. I love getting out there, screaming my head off and dancing around, but I can't turn off the other side of my brain that has these whispers,” McCann explains.

Overall he says being together as long as Great Big Sea has, requires a democratic setup, a lot of respect and when it comes down to it ideas come and go. This is why McCann says branching out on solo projects contributes to the overall health of the band by allowing members to do exactly what they feel compelled to do. Hallett is currently enjoying Canadian best seller status with his book Writing out the Notes, while Alan has tried his hand at acting, most recently in an episode of Republic of Doyle and will soon start work on his own solo album. McCann says “the reason why we're still together is because we manage to support each other through those things.”

NORWEGIAN DAWN

Son of a Sailor will be officially released aboard the Norwegian Dawn during the fourth annual Ships and Dip cruise, an at sea music festival fronted by the Barenaked Ladies. The album will be available to purchase on February 8, and McCann is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with audiences, at home and abroad on a new level.

“It's great to just sit down with 200 people and a guitar and talk about songs with them and have that intimate contact with an audience. That's something that just can't happen in Great Big Sea world because the shows can go anywhere from 1,000-10,000.”

In a world where dance beats and studio pyrotechnics saturate the music industry, Son of a Sailor is a refreshing reminder of a song's ability to tell a story and McCann's unique voice, combing a warm tone and weathered edge makes for easy listening and believable vulnerability.

(note: this is not in any way mine, just posting it for friends to see :) )

Sail Me Away...part 17

The next day, Liam, Jane, and Claire are all up bright and early. It's Claire that wakes the pair up as she rushes into her Mom's bedroom, and jumps onto the bed. Liam rolls over just in time to avoid having any precious body parts squished, and Jane puts a protective hand over her belly. "Be careful Claire," she says, using her other hand to get Claire into a sitting down position. "Mama has something very important to tell you."

"What's dat Mama?" Claire asks, inquisitively, clutching her stuffed cat by its body.

Jane takes one of Claire's hands, and places it on her belly. "Remember how I told you that you grew in my tummy?"

Claire nods.

"Well now your brother or sister is growing in there." She smiles.

"I'm goin' to be a big sister?"

Jane nods. "You get to be a big sister, I'm going to have two cute kids, and so will Liam."

Claire turns to Liam. "You have a baby too?"

Liam chuckles. "I've got a little boy that's just a little bit older than you. Maybe someday you can come visit and meet him."

Claire bounces up and down. "Can we Mama, can we?"

Jane is silent. How would they afford it? Maybe her grandpa could help. "I will see my sweet thing," she says, ruffling Claire's red curls, so much like her own. "Would you like to see the baby today?"

Claire looks confused. "The baby is coming today?"

Liam laughs. "Not today. He or she has to grow big and strong first."

"Then how we see the baby?"

Jane smiles. How to explain this to a 3-year old? "The Doctor uses a magic wand on Mommy's belly, and then a picture shows up on a screen."

Claire beams. "Can we go now Mama, can we?"

Jane laughs. "We have to get ready first."

All of a sudden she feels an unpleasant feeling washing over her. Nausea. Just great. She scrambles out of bed, and then makes a mad dash for the bathroom. Claire just looks on, confused. She has no idea why her Mama ran out of the bedroom that quickly. "Liam, is Mama okay?"

Liam pauses for a short second. "She'll be fine princess," he assures her. "The baby is making her sick."

"That's not very nice," Claire says matter of factly.

"No," Liam agrees. "It's not."

Sail Me Away...part 16

By the end of the night, Liam is Claire's new favourite person. She's discovered he can sing, and tugs on his shirt before bed."Sing lullaby Liam?"


He grins. Johnny hadn't asked for lullabies for the last couple years. "Sure sweetie," he replies. He's growing quite fond of Claire. Once Jane has her tucked into bed, and she has Merlin safely tucked in with her, Liam starts to sing:


Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are!

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

Then the traveler in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny spark;
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

By the time he finishes, Claire is out like a light. "She's perfect," he whispers as he and Jane head out to the living room, his arm wrapped around her. "You're lucky to have such a little angel like her."


Jane laughs. "She's not always this good. She's a little actress that one."


Liam smiles. "I wouldn't believe someone that cute could be that bad."


Jane tilts her head, and her mouth tilts up into a half smile. "I'm looking at someone."


Liam gives Jane an odd look. "Me? Cute . . . and bad?"


Jane moves closer to Liam. "Definitely cute. And we got up to some naughty deeds."


Liam laughs. "True enough."


"You up for a round or two?"


Liam grins. "How could I not be?"


* * * * *
"I know how you must feel about my folks not liking you," Jane says, resting her head on Liam's chest. "Jake's  parents didn't much like me."


"How could they not?"


"They were convinced that I was ruining his life by having a baby so young. They thought he should live his life before having a child. But they couldn't see that it was what he wanted. They eventually hounded him so much that he couldn't take it any more, and he went to the nearest hotel room and ended his own life." Tears slip down Jane's cheeks.


"You didn't deserve that," Liam whispers, wiping away Jane's tears, and pushing her hair out of her face. "And  neither did Claire."


"Promise me you won't do that? I would hate for this child not to have his or her father around."


Liam smiles. "I will always be here Jane. You can count on that."

Sail Me Away...part 15

Liam rocks Jane back and forth in his arms. "Shh Jane, it doesn't matter what they think. We will get through this together. And if they don't like this, it's their loss. They don't have to carry the baby, or give birth to it, or care for it when it comes. You do, and I will be with you every step of the way. I take care of my responsibilities. And right now, this baby needs both of us." He lays a hand on the flat surface that for the moment, is Jane's belly. He suspects it won't stay that way for much longer. "How did they react when you told them you were pregnant with Claire?"

"They were happy," Jane replies. "I think because he and I were engaged and he lived here and . . ."

"He was everything I'm not," Liam finishes.

"You're more," Jane says instantly. "Good looking, caring, kind, loving, a good father I'm sure. You've got a great job. . .the most lovely eyes I've ever seen. . ."

Now Liam is the one who is blushing.  "Aw shucks, they're nothing special."

The tender moment is interrupted by the pitter patter of little feet, and soon a miniature version Jane appears. "Who is he Mama?"

Jane smiles. "This is Liam. Mama's friend she met on the big boat, remember?"

The little girl nods, a stuffed cat dangling from her left hand.  She is a bit shy, so in a low voice, she says "Hi Liam."

God, she was a cutie, just like her mama. He bends down to get to Claire's level. "What's your kitty's name?"

"Merlin," she says in a small voice.

"That's a good name," Liam smiles. "Do you have any more teddies?"

Claire nods, and takes Liam's hand, leading him into her room. "This is Teddy," she says, picking up a brown bear who looked like he had been through the washer more than once. She picks up another stuffed animal, a  dog. "This is Cuddles." And a stuffed rabbit is next. "And Mr.Fluffy." She beams as she picks up the last one. "And this is Magoo," she giggles. "He's silly!"

Jane smiles at the interaction between Claire and Liam. Well, at least she liked him.

Sail Me Away...part 14

She'd seen that look in a man's eyes before. It's the same look she had seen in Jake's eyes the night he had told her he loved her. It's the same look her parents had in their eyes when they looked at each other after all these years. Love. They were in love. And she suspects Liam is in love with her. And while she does care for him, she's not in love, not yet.

"Is there anything I can get you?" he asks.

Jane feels a growl from her stomach. And it's loud enough that Liam can hear it. "Well, I am a little bit hungry."

Liam smiles and grabs his suitcase. "Then we'll eat. Your choice."

"Oh no, I couldn't ask you to. . ."

"You didn't ask. I'm offering."

"But I. . ."

"Jane, I want to take care of you and of our baby. And if you're hungry, we should go find a place to eat."

"I promised Mom and Dad I wouldn't be gone long . . ."

"We'll bring dinner back."

Jane grins. "Okay then, that works."

"Anything you and the little rugrat want?"

Jane smiles. "Well, now that you mention it. . ."

"You name it, and it's yours."

"Pizza?"

Liam laughs. "You could have anything, and you want pizza?"

"Yes."

Liam rub's a hand over Jane's belly, and then they make their way to her car. "One pizza coming up."

* * * * *
"Mama, Papa, this is Liam. Liam Gallagher. Liam, these are my parents, Karen and Joseph."

Joesph extends a hand to Liam, which Liam accepts."Nice to meet you."

Jane swallows the lump in her throat. They wouldn't think it so nice to meet him when they found out why he was in Montreal. "Mama, Papa, remember that cruise I went on?"

Karen nods.

"Well, I met Liam on the cruise. And we hit it off." She pulls Liam aside. "How would you feel if I told them the news?"

"About the baby?"

Jane nods.

"Now is just as good a time as any to tell them." Liam takes Jane's hand.

"Mama, Papa , the reason I wanted you to meet Liam is because.. . he's the father of my baby. I'm pregnant."

Joe immediately turns a brilliant shade of red. "You . . .you're old enough to be her father!"

"Papa! I'm not a baby anymore!"

"Janie, he is old enough to be your father."

Jane digs her heels in. "I don't care."

"Do you even love each other?"

Liam and Jane look at each other. Jane had sworn earlier that she wasn't in love, but if she was truly honest with herself. . . "Of course I do! He's the father of my baby!"

Liam smiles at Jane's proclamation. "And I love her too Mr. Callaghan." This man couldn't be more than two, three years older than him, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to be respectful. "And I am going to take care of her and this baby."

"Just how are you going to do that when you do not live here?"

Jane gives her father a look. "I will move where he lives."

"Jane!" this from her mother.

"I am serious mother!"

"What about Claire?"

"She and I will be fine."

"But you don't know anyone there!"

Liam puts an arm around Jane, in support. "They'll have me."

"Jane Aubrey Callaghan, you can't be serious!" Her mother is in tears. Her father is fuming.

"No daughter of mine is.. ."

"Papa, I am 26. I am not a little girl anymore!"

Joe storms out the door. Karen discreetly follows. Jane collapses into Liam's arms. She hadn't expected her parents to act in that way.

Sail Me Away...part 13

Liam is true to his word, and when Jane calls him back later that day saying that she has an appointment for 2 days time, he immediately goes ahead and books a flight. He was not going to miss this ultrasound. Come hell or high water, he was going to be there.

The very next day, at 3 pm, Jane is at the airport, waiting for Liam. Would she even recognize him? He could have cut his hair by now,  or shaved his beard, both of which she thinks seems highly unlikely.

Her parents are watching Claire for her, so she doesn't have to worry about rushing back. She and Liam could spend as much time together as they wanted. When she sees him, there is no doubting that this is the same man with whom she had made love for three days. The same man whose child she now carried. "Liam," she cries, her hands running through his long russet hair, "I've missed you!"

Liam presses his lips to Jane's and kisses her deeply. "I've missed you too. I haven't been able to get you off my mind." He steps back a bit taking in the sight that is Jane. She doesn't look pregnant. No of course she doesn't, he thinks. She was what, about 6 weeks? If he remembers correctly, Marie hadn't started showing until about 18 weeks with Johnny, and about 16 weeks in the second pregnancy. Still he can't help but say it. "You look great." As he says the words he can see the blush spreading across Jane's cheeks. Ah, she still found it hard to take a compliment.

"Thank you," Jane says, smiling.

"You're glowing." Liam brushes a hand against Jane's cheek. "I couldn't imagine a more beautiful sight." How could it be that he already found himself falling in love with her? He hardly knew her, yet his heart was already getting attached. Maybe it was that for the first time since Marie's death, he actually wanted to love someone again. And then there was the fact that she was now carrying his child. Their child. He holds her close, not wanting to let her go. As he gazes into her deep blue eyes, he hears the words to a song by one of his favourite bands. ". . .this feeling's coming on way too fast. . ."

God, he wasn't in love already, was he?

Sail Me Away...part 12

She can't be serious, can she? She's not really pregnant, right? This was just a joke? Liam shakes his head, and immediately dismisses the idea of it being a joke. A woman would not joke about this sort of thing. Especially not Jane.

But what was he going to do? There was no doubt in his mind that this was his child that she was carrying. First things first, though. What did she want? What did Jane want? This was her body that would be carrying this baby, if she so chose to do so. "What do you want to do?"

He cared. He actually cared. He wanted to know what SHE wanted. "I . . . I don't know Liam. This baby wasn't exactly planned, and I don't know if I can handle another child right now. . ."

Oh God, how he wanted to hold her right now. "I want you to know that you're not alone in this. I'll support you in anything you want to do. We're both responsible for that life, and I'm not going to let you go through this alone."

"You mean that?"

"I mean that Jane. We both played a part in making that child, and if you so choose to keep him or her, I will support you in any way you need. I will be there for you and for the child we made."

"So, you'd be okay with me keeping the baby and going through with the pregnancy?"

Liam's heart leaps up into his throat. She wanted to keep the baby? Oh joy, oh happy day. Since Marie had died,  and their unborn child with her, his heart had hoped that someday he would know the joy that came with having a child again. And he so desperately wanted Johnny to have a little brother or sister. Now, if Jane was truly serious about keeping this baby, Johnny would have that. "I'd be more than okay with that Jane. In fact, I would love it if you kept the baby. He or she didn't ask to get made, but now that that's happened, we owe it to ourselves, and to this child, to see this through, and be the best parents that we can be."

Jane's eyes fill with tears. This was the best possible reaction she could have hoped for. She and Liam hardly knew each other. They never dated. All they'd done was mess up the bed sheets multiple times in the three days they'd known each other on the cruise. Now she was carrying his child. "But how are we going to raise this child when we live in two different provinces?"

"Good question," Liam thinks to himself. Just how were they going to raise this baby if they lived so far apart? "I'm not sure Jane, but we'll figure it out. I promise you that. First things first though, have you seen a doctor yet?"

"Not yet," Jane replies. "I just found out only 20 minutes ago."

"Make me a promise then? Let me know when you do have an appointment? I'd like to be there for the first ultrasound."

Jane smiles, although Liam cannot see it. "You'd hop on a plane just to see an ultrasound?"

"Not just the ultrasound. You. I'd like to see you, and perhaps take you on a real date. Say supper and a hockey game?"

"That would be great." Jane hasn't admitted til now, but in the three short days that she had known him, she had taken a liking to Liam."I have missed you."

"I've missed you too." And that was the truth. He couldn't get Jane out of his mind. "And I'd like to spend some time getting to know you better, if that's alright right with you?"

"I'd love that," Jane replies, smiling. God, if he asked her to, she'd up and move with him to St.John's tomorrow. "I'd love to get to know you better."

Sail Me Away...part 11

"Don't go."

"Jane, I have to."

"One more time?"

Liam nods. He can't say no to Jane. One more time it is.

* * * * *
"Claire, get out of that would you?"

Its been more than a month since the cruise, and Jane is not fit to burn. She checks the calendar. No, that can't be right. She's late. Two whole weeks late. Dang. The only other time she's ever been late was when she was pregnant with Claire. Oh dear God no. She wasn't carrying the baby of some man she hardly knew, was she?

A quick trip down to pharmacy, and two pregnancy tests later, Jane discovers the truth. She is indeed carrying Liam's child. A baby. How was she going to handle another baby? She couldn't drop this on Liam. He had enough to deal with. Between the new record he was making with his band, and the press demands, not to mention being a single Father, and well, his life was busy enough.

She hears a knock on her apartment door, and heads out the hall to answer it."Grandpa, what a surprise." She goes to shove the tests in her pocket, and in doing so, one drops to the floor.Before she can pick it up, however, Serge's eyes notice it, and he bends to pick it up.

"You're pregnant?"

Jane bites her lip and nods. "I am."

"Who's the father?"

"You don't know him."

"Janie, you know, and I know you know."

Jane sighs."It's Liam's baby."

"Are you going to tell him?"

Jane hesitates."I don't know Grandpa. He's already got so much going on right now . . ."

Serge smiles and takes Jane's hand."You need tell him Janie."

Jane sighs."I know Grandpa, I know." She nods."I'd best give him a call." She digs out Liam's phone number, and then calls him.When she hears his voice on the phone, she nearly panics. But after a few minutes,she finally admits her news. "Liam, I'm pregnant."

"What?!"

Sail Me Away...part 10 (wow, already?)

"Come Liam, we will be late. Grandpa is waiting."

Liam smiles and locks his room door behind him. He is as nervous as hell. In mere minutes he was going to meet the legendary Serge Savard. He is quiet on the way down to the restaurant where Jane said her grandfather would be waiting.

"Liam, you are quiet. Is something the matter?"

"I'm nervous." He runs a hand through his hair. "It's not every day you meet one of your heroes."

"Hero? Ha ha, Grandpa will love to hear that."

"What if he doesn't . . ."

"Doesn't what? Like you? Do not worry Liam. My Grandpa is friendly. I am sure that he will like you. I like you."

"You do?"

"I do. You are cute, and you are lots of fun. I have only known you since last night, and what I know, I like."

"I like you too," Liam admits, and before he knows it, he and Jane are standing in front of Serge.

"Grandpa, this is Liam . . ."

"Liam Gallagher," Liam wipes his hand, praying its not sweaty, and extends it to Serge. "Mr. Savard, its a honour and a pleasure to meet you."

"Any man my granddaughter chooses to sleep with is alright in my books. She's a picky one, this one."

Jane blushes. "Grandpa!"

* * * * *

Jane excuses herself after dinner, leaving Liam alone with Serge. "So, you like my granddaughter, do you?"

Liam nods, still too nervous to say much. "She's beautiful sir."

"Then let me offer you some advice young man."

Liam's ears perk. Advice from Serge?

"I did not get where I got in my career by not taking chances. Same for my love life. Tell me, you are smitten, no?"

"I am smitten," Liam admits. "I've never met anyone quite like her."

"Then do not let her go. Even if it is only by phone, you two need to keep in contact."

Liam nods, and then watches Serge scribble down something on a piece of paper. "Here, her number. Do not tell her I gave it to you."

"But how else will I...?"

"She will give it to you. Mark my words."

Liam nods. "Mr. Savard..."

"Serge."

"Serge, could I ask for your autograph, and a picture, if its not too much?" Gosh, now he knew his fans felt.

"Not a problem," Serge smiles as he sees Jane coming back.

"Jane, could you do me a favour? Your Grandpa here has agreed to a picture, and I was wondering if you could take it?"

Jane smiles. "Yes, I can."

Liam smiles back. "Great!" He passes her his camera.

Jane can't help but beam as she takes the picture. If her Grandpa liked Liam, then maybe she was on to something. . . ."

Sail Me Away...part 9

After another romp, a leisurely breakfast and a shower, Liam and Jane are left with some time to kill. "We cannot go yet," Jane says. "I told Grandpa to be ready for 1. It is only 12. What are we to do?"


Liam grins devilishly. "I could think of a few things."


Jane gasps, in mock horror. "You. You are insatiable, you know? Can't get enough of me?"


"Never," Liam grins. "I'm face and eyes into you lass."


"Face and eyes?"


Liam laughs. "Ah, that's just a saying from where I come from. Newfoundland. It means I'm very much into you."


"Well then, I am very much face and eyes into you too."


Liam reaches out, and plays with some of Jane's damp, loose, auburn curls. "You're beautiful, you're beautiful, you're beautiful its true..."


"Ah, singing to me now, are you?"


"I am."


"I bet you did not know that I could sing."


"No, I didn't. Could you perhaps, sing something for me?"


"I can." Jane thinks for a second, and then starts:


"I'm through with standin' in lines to clubs I'll never get in
It's like the bottom of the ninth and I'm never gonna win
This life hasn't turned out
Quite the way I want it to be
(Tell me what you want)

I want a brand new house on an episode of Cribs
And a bathroom I can play baseball in
And a king size tub
Big enough for ten plus me
(Yeah, so what you need?)

I need a a credit card that's got no limit
And a big black jet with a bedroom in it
Gonna join the mile high club
At thirty-seven thousand feet
(Been there, done that)

I want a new tour bus full of old guitars
My own star on Hollywood Boulevard
Somewhere between Cher
And James Dean is fine for me
(So how you gonna do it?)

I'm gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I'd even cut my hair
And change my name

'Cause we all just wanna be big rockstars
And live in hilltop houses, drivin' fifteen cars
The girls come easy and the drugs come cheap
We'll all stay skinny 'cause we just won't eat

And we'll hang out in the coolest bars
In the VIP with the movie stars
Every good gold digger's gonna wind up there
Every Playboy bunny with her bleach blond hair

And well, hey, hey, I wanna be a rockstar
Hey, hey, I wanna be a rockstar..."


By the time she finishes, swaying her hips as she sings, Liam can no longer resist her. "Jane, I need you. Now."


Jane checks her watch. "You got 45 minutes?"


lyrics courtesy of http://www.elyrics.net/read/n/nickelback-lyrics/rockstar-lyrics.html

Sail Me Away...part 8

As Liam watches the backs of his friends and family getting smaller as they walk away, he shakes his head in disbelief. "You speak French really well," he says to Jane.

"Well, one would have to, growing up in la Belle Province."

"You're from Montreal?"

"I am." She smiles. "You'll never guess who my grandfather is."

"If you say he played for the Habs . . ."

"He did."

"Who?"

"Serge Savard."

"No way."

Jane nods. "Mom and Dad married young, when Grandpa was in his late 30's...39. He and Grandma had my Mom when they were both in their early 20s."

"Lemme see if I got this right. Your maternal grandfather is none other than the legendary 'Senator" Serge Savard?"

Jane nods. "Why do you think my middle name is Aubrey? I was named after him."

Liam can't believe it. The woman he'd just made love to all night long was none other than the granddaughter of Serge Savard. "Sure, I grew up watching him play!"

Jane laughs. "I hear that all the time, you know? He gave me the puck from his last game. I was there when he got inducted into the Hall of Fame, even if I was just a year old. You know, he came on this cruise with me, when no one else would."

Liam swallows the lump in his throat. "You brought your Grandpa with you?"

Jane nods again. "I am to meet him for dinner. You could come, if you like."

"That'd be great!" Liam exclaims. He can't help it. He sweeps Jane into his arms."How's about another romp, and then some breakfast?"

Jane smiles. "You're on!"

Sail Me Away...part 7

Jane wakes up to a commotion. "Pour l'honneur et l'amour...seriez-vous taire et nous laisser tranquilles?"


All heads spin in Jane's direction. "What did you say?" Liam asks


"I said 'For the love and honour...would you guys shut up and leave us alone?'"


"You heard the lady," Liam grins. "No offense, but we want our privacy."


"Oui. Privacy." Jane repeats. "Shoo, shoo."


Jimmy grins. "You got a spitfire there Liam, buddy. Be careful."


"I told you this was a bad idea," Mike mutters. He's still sour about owing Jimmy a round.


Liam turns to Jane, and whispers in her ear. "How do you say 'Jimmy, you're a tool' in French?"


Jane grins, and whispers in Liam's ear, "Jimmy, tu es un outil."


Liam grins back, and then turns to Jimmy. "Jimmy tu es un outil!"


Jimmy scratches his head. "Y'know, if I knew what that meant, I might be insulted!"


Liam chuckles. "Vous, mon ami, etes un idiot!"*


Once again Jimmy is confused. Jane giggles. "Laissez-nous arreter de parier sur sa vie sexuelle!"**


Jimmy just shakes his head. "C'mon guys, lets go. All this foreign talk is making my head spin!"






*You, my friend, are an idiot
**Leave us be and stop betting on his sex life!

Sail Me Away...part 6

"Bryan, it's not like him to not be out and about. I'm worried."

Bryan, Sam's husband, and Liam's brother in law, just shakes his head. "Sam, I'm sure he's fine. He probably just tied one on with Jimmy last night, that's all, and he's sleeping off his hangover. You know he has no show today."

"Something's not right Bryan. I can feel it."

"How's about we check in with Jimmy and Mike, see if they've heard or seen anything. Those two wouldn't let him get into any trouble. You know that."

Sam sighs as she pulls her long blond hair into a ponytail. "Fine. But if they haven't heard anything, I'm going to his room,and that's final."

Bryan nods, smart enough to not argue with his wife. "Fair enough."

* * * * *

Down at the breakfast buffet, Jimmy is worried too. "Ava, I haven't seen him since late last night. I'm kind of worried."

"We can go check on him after breakfast if you want."

Mike, who is sitting at the same table, along with his wife Leah, nods. "I think that's a good idea." He spots Liam's sister Sam, and his brother in law Bryan, walking their way. "Maybe Sam or Bryan have heard from him." He gives Bryan a nod. "Hey guys, we haven't heard from Liam. Have ye?"

Sam shoots Bryan a look. "That's it. I'm going up there."

"Me too," Jimmy nods.

Mike sighs. He supposes he'll have to as well. "Let's go then."

* * * * *

Liam carefully cracks open an eye as he wakes up. Ow, that sun was way too bright! He stretches his arms up over his head, and gives thought to last night. He aches all over. Just how much had he and Jane done? And what kind of positions had they gotten into? Good Lord that woman knew some tantalizing tricks in bed. He swings his feet out over the side of the bed, and stretches again. God, he actually felt human again. His need for a body in his bed fulfilled.

A very nagging thought fills his mind. For all the times he and Jane had gone at it last night, he can't once remember having something on over his dick. But Jane would have said something, wouldn't she, if she was worried? Maybe she'd had too much to drink as well. The drink always did cloud his judgement, as he's guessing it did hers. Before he can make his way to the bathroom however, there is a knock on the door. Jaysus, he should have known to put that privacy sign on the door last night.

He wraps a towel around his lower half, and then makes his way to the door. Standing in front of it are his sister Sam and her husband Bryan, and they are joined by Jimmy and Mike. "Lord thunderin' by's, can't a man get any privacy around here?"

"We were worried about you Liam," Sam says softly. "It's not like you to not keep in contact, even if it is during the night."

"I'm fine sis," Liam reassures Sam. "Just had some, uh, me time."

"Me time my ass," Jimmy scoffs. "Me and Mike saw you with that woman last night. You got laid buddy, didn't you?"

Liam scowls at Jimmy. Were there no secrets on this boat? "And so what if I did?"

Jimmy tries to peek in around Liam, but Liam blocks him. "Liam, there must be something you're hiding."

Liam sighs, and then steps aside, revealing the figure of the sleeping Jane in his bed. "Yes, I got laid last night, alright? Happy now?"

Jimmy smiles at Mike. "You owe me a round."

Sail Me Away...part 5

*anything in italics is Liam

I give a low moan of anticipation, something that sounds more animal than human to my ears. By now I am as familiar with her breasts as I can possibly be, but I still love them. I love breasts, period, some guys are ass guys, some guys are hair guys. Me? I always go for the ta-tas. And why not? There’s very little that can excite me more than an elegantly displayed rack. And the sense of power, to me, it’s like the same sort of feeling when playing with a man’s balls. You can do anything to a girl when you have her breast in your hands. I would never admit this to anybody but the owner of said breasts, but I enjoy that power. 

I honestly think my breasts must have become more sensitive since I gave birth. They'd never been this sensitive before. But I kind of like this feeling. 

As one hand slides lower, while the other teases and caresses along with my mouth, I can feel the warm wetness between her legs, and that . . . my body responds before I have a chance to think about it. I can feel him straining against me, and I reach to undo his jeans, his boxers, so I can release him. I slide his belt through the loop holes and toss it to the floor. My fingers fumble for the button on his jeans. My hands can barely get the zipper undone. Somehow I manage though, and his jeans drop to the floor. He kicks them aside, and then my fingers hook into the waistband of his boxers, and I slowly peel them down, tossing them aside as well. 

For some reason I love being undressed by a woman. It’s like she just can’t wait anymore for what I have to offer, and that makes me feel good. I am very glad I am not wearing socks, because I am not sure I can stop to take them off! And making love with your socks on should only happen on a really cold night, or if you’re in a porn flick. I sigh as my dick uncurls from the boxers, the anticipation is killing me but it’s definitely going to get what it wants tonight, perhaps more than once if I have anything to say about it. I am not sure I will be satisfied with just one session.

I want her so badly, I’m almost intimidated by the strength of my need. I vow, when she’s done with me and her thirst has been slaked a little, to go back and do it all over again. I want Jane, every part of her, but it seems to me, as she pushes me down, that she doesn’t seem to need it for herself. And with that thought, I grin. Yep, I can feel the horns. Well, I’ll let her have me, and then I will take her, indulging myself by making sure we both get what we want, and we will both go to sleep satisfied tonight. That sounds like a plan, sure enough.

My raw need surprises me. The last time I'd been this needy, well, I'd never done anything before. I've got a bit of experience now.  I get him to lie down on the bed, and then I kneel in front of him, brushing my hair along his cock, and then take it in my mouth. I swirl my tongue around it, and instinctively my right hand reaches to cup his balls. I feel his reaction to my touch; he's starting to get hard, not hard enough to perform, really, but I'm sure that I can get him there. 

I groan when she starts playing with me. It feels so good to have somebody else do it, for once. I let my hips rise, trying to get her to take me even deeper into her mouth. I am a lucky man that she is so willing. Most guys I know would give their left nut – which would really defeat the purpose – to have a woman so eager to give blow jobs. I run one of my hands through her hair, just to touch her hair, not to try to control what she’s doing. So soft. So silky. It’s one of the best parts of a woman, so far as I’m concerned. Women should always have long hair. What else are we supposed to run our fingers through? I close my eyes and let my head hang back. Oh, it’s so nice. I grin. It will get even better later. I think about what I want to do to her. Fingering. Maybe even in her rump, if she’ll let me. Muff diving. Oooh. Yeah. Titty sex. Doggy style. I gasp sharply as that image fills my mind. For all that she likes to initiate things, we really haven’t gone far from missionary style. “Oh, yeah,” I moan aloud. Everything I haven’t been able to do. Tonight. She has no idea what’s coming.

I fondle his balls, lightly, and I can feel a slight twitch from one of his legs. My left hand steadies that, and then I continue what I'm doing.  I was going to get him off tonight, if it was the last thing I did. I need this, and I am sure that he does as well. 

His cock feels harder in my mouth. I hear him groan. I know its time. I remove my lips from his cock, and position myself so he can enter easily. I'm not sure if this is going to hurt, as its been so long, but again, I don't care. I'm a woman on a mission. I know what I want tonight, and by God, I was going to get it.

If I wait any longer, I am going to hurt myself. And as I open my eyes and feel her move away so that she can open to me, dear god, if I wasn’t already ready, the sight of her, legs spread, quivering, eager, begging me without words, that would do it. Oh yeah. I love what I see. I kneel over her, and enter cautiously, but I meet no resistance. I take a thigh in each hand, giving me an anchor for my movement. I am going to try to not leave bruises.

We roll so he is on top of me, and he begins to thrust. Yes, it hurts a bit, but I'm not going to show him that. No, of course not. I have a high tolerancy for pain. It would take a lot for me to admit that I was hurting, or that something was hurting me . . . well at least in the physical sense. Emotional, well that was a whole different kettle of fish all together.

Oh, God, this is good. So good. It doesn’t matter that my hair is in my eyes, or that I’m getting a cramp in one of my calves. I call her name in a ragged chorus, multiple times. I feel invincible. The feel of her, enveloping me, something I haven’t experienced for months, encourages me to greater efforts. God, I needed this. And I know she did too, whether she knows it or not. I redouble my movements, hoping she can feel the love, the regard, the desire I have for her.

I buck my hips against him, my desire taking over. I feel him driving deeper inside. Each thrust brings me closer. I can feel it. God, so this is what it was like. I had honestly forgotten what it was like to make love. My hands grasp his shoulders as I continue to rock against him.  I can feel a wave starting to wash over me. Oh good god, it was happening. I was . . .                 coming . . .

I grin, a little, to myself. Here I was worried about being careful and sensitive and not wanting to hurt her, but she’s gripping my body as though she wants to pull me actually into all of her. I will have bruises tomorrow, but that’s all right. Then, suddenly, the spasms that clench around my dick take me tightly and for a moment, I can’t move either forward or backward. The clout of her unconscious embrace makes me dizzy, and I gasp out something, though I have no idea what I said. Maybe she’ll tell me later. She releases me just enough so that I can continue to enter her, but the rhythmic pulsing, combined with what I’m doing myself, send me right over the edge. I come a few moments after she does.

My nails dig into his back as my orgasm hits.  I moan, loudly, my hips still jerking against him. A couple more thrusts, and I feel him release inside of me. His hips buck against mine, and our mouths meet in a fury of passion. I breathe him, taste him, feel him. We collapse to the bed, still breathing heavily. “Thank you,” I murmur. Its the only words that can truly express how I feel.

I stay inside her for a moment, savoring the feel, then gently reach down and ease myself out of her. She clenches again as I do so, as though she doesn’t want me to leave. I smile, putting the back of my hand against her cheek. “You’re welcome,” I say, in a voice raw from all the apparently unconscious sounds I was making. “But this is only halftime.”

Sail Me Away...part 4

"Oh you want it rough, do you?" Liam growls. He can be rough if that's what she wants. He lowers his mouth to her left breast, and then gives it a tug. "Do you like that?" All Jane can do is moan, and Liam knows that he is on the right track. While his mouth is busily attending to her breasts, Liam's hands move lower, slipping into her panties. It was definitely time to get these things out of the way. He lifts his mouth from her breast for just a second. "Jane, help me out? Those pants of yours need to go."

Jane nods. "Let me up first."

Almost awkwardly, Liam climbs off of Jane. He watches her as she slowly, almost teasingly, takes off her skin tight jeans and wiggles out of her pink lace panties. "Now you're the one whose overdressed," she laughs. Her fingers hook into the elastic of his boxers, and carefully pulls them down. She doesn't want to hurt him.

She grins as she finally gets his boxers off. "Looks like someone is ready and raring to go."

Liam chuckles. "I was born ready."

"So um, how do you want to do this? Foreplay, no foreplay? And who's on top here?"

"That's up to you." God he was nervous about this.

Well as long as he didn't look at her belly, she'd been fine. Others had told her that she looked great, but all she saw when she looked in the mirror was that huge belly she'd had after giving birth to Claire in May of 2008. Jake had always told her how good she looked, but she never believed him. And she will still not believe it now. How any man could look at her was beyond her.

"You're beautiful." The words escape Liam's lips again.

Again a blush spreads across Jane's cheeks, and Liam brushes one softly."What, do you not believe you're beautiful?"

Jane shakes her head. "I still have a belly, and I have a scar from the c-section, and . . ."

Liam smiles softly. "You are beautiful Jane. You need to start believing that."

"Jake always said I was beautiful too . . ."

"Well he was right." Liam kisses Jane's neck, and then works his way to the hollow near her throat. "If you were mine, I'd never be able to take my hands off you."

Jane presses her body against Liam's fully aware of her still slightly curved belly, and his physical need. "Make love to me Liam. Make love to me all night long, and don't stop until you think you've got nothing left."

Liam takes her hand, and kisses it. "Mademoiselle, your wish is my command."

character names (so far)

Liam Gallagher
Johnny Gallagher
Sam Gallagher-McBride
Bryan McBride

Jane Callaghan
Claire Callaghan

Jack Jones
Gavin Davis
Jimmy Ryan
Ava Ryan

Mike Neary
Leah Neary

Sail Me Away...part 3

Unbeknownst to Liam and Jane, a few of his close friends, his band mates, have gathered around his door. "I bet you the next round that he's gonna get lucky tonight Mike. If I'm wrong, I'll buy, but if I'm right. . ."

"I'll get 'em if you're right," Mike mutters. "I sure hope you gave him some protection or something."

"Mike b'y, how was I to know that Liam was actually gonna find some chick on this cruise?" Jimmy chuckles. "There are some in his nightstand, but I don't think he's going to bother to look."

Mike nods his head in agreement. "He's not even thinking with the right head now, I allow." He turns to Jimmy. "I don't think we should be standing outside his door. It'd be different if we had a show, but there's nothing doing tonight. We should leave him alone."'

"And miss all the fun?!"Jimmy laughs. "No, I wanna stick around for this."

"Then go to your cabin." Mike's voice indicates that he is serious. "Your cabin is right next to his, and those walls are pretty thin. I should know. I heard you and your wife last night."

Jimmy blushes. "I didn't know we were that loud."

"Ye weren't," Mike chuckles. "It's like I said, those walls are mighty thin. What were ye two trying to do last night?"

Jimmy shrugs and shuffles his foot a little. "Ava wants another baby, and we figured that now was just as good as any other time to try."

Mike just shakes his head again. "A third one Jimmy? If you don't stop her in her tracks, she'll try to repopulate St. John's for chrissakes!"

"Could you ever say no to Leah?"

Mike stops for a second. "Didn't have to. She was happy with the two kids we had. One of each was enough for us."

"See that's the thing man. Ava wants a girl. We got the two boys, and she just wants a little girl to dress up."

"How can you guarantee her a girl?"

"She's been reading up on how to do that. Says that if we do the deed before she ovulates, that we have a better chance of having a girl. Don't ask me how, that's just what she told me."

"I think Liam's got a better chance of that if he doesn't think with the right head soon."

"So you think he's going to get laid?"

Mike nods again. "It's not a matter of if he's going to get some, its just a matter of when. Though something tells me I'm going to owe you a round tonight."

* * * * *
"By all means, go ahead," Jane answers. "That was always something I enjoyed."

Inside, Liam is doing a happy dance. "I'll be gentle," he whispers softly.

"No." Jane looks Liam straight in the eyes. "Anything but gentle."

character pics

So, I've been looking for pictures I feel best describe the characters

JANE:

LIAM:

I'll post more as I find the others. Lemme know your thoughts.

Sail Me Away...part 2

Well, he probably had a bigger room. "My room," he replies with a smile. "If that's alright with you."

Jane gave him a nervous smile. "That would be fine."

He can sense that she's nervous. "Jane, if you don't want to, I'd understand."

How could he read her like that? "It's just that . . .well, it's been a long time since I . . ."

"Made love?" he finishes for her, and he sees her nod. "I know, its the same for me. Marie was 9 months pregnant when she passed. So, it's been almost a year since I've done anything either. But like I said, we don't have to, if you don't want to. I wouldn't want you to do something that you would regret later on."

Jane bites her lip. Dear God. Not only had he lost his wife, but he had lost a child too. A double whammy. "I . . . I want to . . . we just might need to take it slow. I mean . . . it's been so long for the both of us . . ."

"We'll only go as fast as you want to," Liam flashes a smile in Jane's direction. "I don't want you to feel as if you have to do this tonight." Yes, he may be lonely, but rushing a woman into sex was not his style. He had always promised himself that he would never be THAT guy.

Jane leans into Liam, and gives him a soft kiss on the lips. "Liam. . . I. . . I do want this."

He finds himself returning her kiss, noting how soft and supple her lips were. One hand pulls her closer, while the other fumbles through his pocket, looking for his card key for his room. He locates it, and with said free hand, he slides it through the lock, and pushes the door open with his foot.

They tumble to the bed, and its then that Jane finally gets a good look at Liam. His eyes were the softest colour green she'd ever seen, and his russet coloured hair just touched his shoulders. She can feel the proof of his need against her leg. And God, she needed him too. This wasn't selfish, in the least, she reminded herself. Her hands start to unbutton the silver buttons of his simple black dress shirt, kissing each bit of bare skin that she saw.

As he felt her lips on his chest, he let out a deep sigh. It had been far too long since he had been in the position to do this. He and Marie had always agreed, no sex after she hit the six month mark of her pregnancies, and he had been alright with that. But had he known that the last time was going to be the last time, Lord, he would have tried to make it last all night long.

God, he reminded her so much of her now dead fiancée. Kind, considerate, funny. Fun to be with. And he loved his son very much. Probably just as much as she loved little Claire. As she gets the last button undone, she pulls his shirt off and tosses it to the floor, kissing his chest a little more as she does so. God, he had a beautiful body.

"Let me undress you?" he whispers in her ear, and he can see her nod. She was only going to let this go as far as she wanted, he knows, so he has to make the most of this before she changes her mind. He unties the drawstring of her shirt, and then undoes the buttons, smiling as he sees the soft pink bra beneath it. "I suppose the panties are matching?" he laughs.

"Why don't you take a look and find out?" she whispers, her breath hot against his ear. "That's the only way to find out."

He grins. She was the forward type eh? Well, if that's what she wanted, he wasn't going to deny her that. His hands move lower, to her jeans, where his hands fumble with the belt. God, it had been far too long since he had done this. Could he actually go through with this? Could he make love to another woman--one that wasn't his now dead wife? He wasn't exactly being unfaithful, he reminds himself. Marie would have wanted him to move on and be happy.

He lifts Jane up off the bed a little, and pulls down her jeans. Ah, sure enough, those panties she was wearing definitely matched the bra. He loved when woman matched like that. "You're beautiful, you know that?" Liam takes some of Jane's hair in his hands. He notes a blush coming across her cheeks. Aw, she was bashful? He didn't take her for that sort.

He fumbles with her clasp on her bra. He never had been good with those things. Always had been clumsy and awkward. "A little help?" he asks.

Jane nods and undoes the clasp for him, and her bra falls into her lap, leaving her breasts naked. God, they were perfect. Not too perky, but the pink buds already forming in reaction to the cold. Just how far would she let him go? Would she . . . how would she feel about him playing with them? Maybe sucking on one of them, or pulling her nipples a little? She doesn't seem like she would be into that kind of thing, but there was only one way to find out for sure. "Jane, would you mind if I . . . if I played with your breasts?"

Sail Me Away...

He was leaning against the rail when a young woman, probably about 26, joined him. "Nice night," she says.

He figures she's trying to make conversation, but he's not really in the mood to talk. He'd had a rotten day, and none of his friends were really listening to what he had to say. "I s'pose so," he answers back. When he turns to look at her, his heart skips a beat. She was quite the sight to behold. Long auburn hair flowed down her back, her blue eyes reminded him of the ocean upon which they were sailing, and she had a cute button nose. "What brings you on the cruise?"

"I just needed to get away," she answers. She wasn't about to tell someone she didn't know her life story. "And this cruise, well, it seemed like my cup of tea."

There was something about the tone of her voice, he noted, that wasn't right. She was hiding something, although he wasn't one to pry. "My buddies thought it would be a chance for me meet somebody new."

That was sadness she detected in his voice. "Oh, what happened?"

He wasn't sure if he should tell her or not. The last thing he needed was someone feeling sorry for him. But it had been 7 months since his wife had passed, and their unborn child along with her. Damn drunk drivers really needed to stay off the road. "Drunk driver," he finally says, his voice hushed. "She never saw him coming."

A gasp escapes her lips. "Oh God, I'm so sorry!"

That's exactly what he didn't want. "It's been rough," he sighs, downing the last of his drink. "Not really sure how to move on. When I lost Marie, I lost everything. Everything that meant anything to me, I lost. Didn't see the point in moving on. But I had to, for Johnny. He's the only thing that's keeping me going, to be honest."

"Your son?" she answers, and she sees him nod. When her fiancée had died, she had been six months pregnant with their now 2-year old daughter. "I know the feeling."

Finally. Someone understood. Someone knew exactly what it was like. "Your kid is the meaning to your life?"

She nods. "If I didn't have Claire, my life would be meaningless. I'm Jane, by the way, but everyone calls me Janie. Never did like that much."

"Liam," he replies, extending his hand to the lovely Jane. "Care to join me for a drink? Y'know, that is, if you're not busy or anything."

Jane grows silent. An attractive man inviting her for drinks, a man, that if she judged his age right, was a good 10-15 years older than her? She doesn't know what to make of it. Was he just being nice, or did he have some ulterior motive? She curses herself for being so foolish. Not all men wanted to get in her pants, although the majority of them seemed to want to. "That sounds nice," she finally says.

Liam blows out a breath. He was so sure that she was going to say no. He extends an arm to her. "Shall we?"

She grins. "We shall."

* * * * *

Unbeknownst to Liam, a couple of buddies of his are watching this scene, from the shadows. "You see that Mike," he nudges his friend, laughing. "I think Liam might have found someone!"

"It's only drinks," Mike says, rationally. "It doesn't mean he's going to settle down with her or anything. Geez Jimmy, get your head out of the clouds, will you?"

"Lord dyin's Mike, I wanna see Liam move on. He's been living in a fog since Marie passed, you know that."

"I want the same thing Jimmy, but we shouldn't push him into it. He'll move on when he's ready to."

* * * * *

"...so I looks at Mike and says 'oh g'wan b'y, stop being so serious would ya?' and he just screwed up his face at me, like I was talkin' gibberish or something. That one needs to learn to loosen up."

Speaking of loosening up. Jane could sense a shift in Liam's mood. He seemed happier, and she suspects, that when he's not having his down days, that this is his true personality. Warm-hearted, the joker, an all around happy guy. "I have a few friends like that. Real sticks in the mud, if you ask me."

Liam slaps his knee, and laughs. "Yep Mike is a real stick in the mud. Now Jimmy, he and I are like two peas in a pod. Never knows what trouble i'se gonna get into with him." He reaches over, and takes Jane's hand. "It's real nice of you, Jane, to spend some time with me, when ya hardly knows me."

"I'm grateful for the company too," Jane smiles back. "I've spent too much time alone lately."

"It doesn't have to be that way tonight."

Oh dear lord, was he really saying what she thought he was saying? "Are you offering to?"

"Only if you want to." He finishes the rest of his pint, and then lays enough money on the bar to cover his tab and hers.

Jane thinks for a moment. Did she really want to sleep with this guy that she hardly knew? He was old enough to be her Father, for crying out loud. But, he was a nice guy, or at least he seemed it. And she did need some company. She downs the rest of her drink, and then smiles at him. "Your room or mine?"

we'll sail into the moonlight...

Mutiny on the Dawn (Alan Doyle)



How dare we tread on the sixth of Feb, aboard a Norwegian ship?
All the brass and taps all tip their hats as through their hands we slipped
We'll be on our best behaviour, until we note the lines were cut 
Now here we stand, our swords in hand and one foot on the cusp
Now understand our master plan no mercy shall we show
The captain on the quarterdeck will be the first to go


All aboard! Heave away!
We'll make the ranks all walk the planks and give the dogs their day
We'll dance into the moonlight and sing our victory song
We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn
We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn!


As our delight will go by night, let rapture take the wheel
A sea of stars will all be ours, all sentences repealed
The hedonistic pleasures of likes you've never seen
The drink more there be measured, last call will ne'er be screamed
There will be no reservations aboard our ship of fools
Prancing without hesitation, barenaked by the pool!

All aboard! Heave away!

We'll make the ranks all walk the planks and give the dogs their day

We'll dance into the moonlight and sing our victory song

We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn

We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn!

The night won't last forever, we'll just have to race the sun
If we keep our eyes for the evening spied I'm sure it can be done
So join the revolution or you'll be o'er the side
And the cold hard rise of daytime will be your just demise
To such a fight the morning light and the judgement that it brings
We'll chase the moon and the sinner's tune will drive us all to sing


All aboard! Heave away!
We'll make the ranks all walk the planks and give the dogs their day
We'll dance into the darkness and sing our victory song
We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn


All aboard, heave away
We'll make the ranks all walk the planks and give the dogs their day
We'll dance into the darkness and sing our victory song
We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn
We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn
We'll sail into the moonlight and mutiny on the dawn!


for all interested, this is the Norwegian Dawn: