The Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

  ‘It’s all news to me,’ she said, as a smile spread across her face. ‘Wowzers! Congratulations, folks,’ she said, standing to hug Dee and then Billy. ‘When did you find out?’

  ‘Only a few weeks ago,’ Billy said.

  ‘I thought I was going through menopause,’ Dee explained. ‘But it turns out I’m having a baby. I’m— Please don’t be angry, Amélie, but I’m six months pregnant already.’

  ‘Seriously?’ Amélie said. ‘But I thought – I thought you two hated one another. I thought you were only together because you were forced.’

  ‘Oh, no, pet,’ Dee said. ‘We were ushered down the aisle with no hesitation, that’s for certain, but Dad and I are still very much in love.’

  ‘You are?’ Amélie looked unsure.

  ‘We’ve only been at each other’s throats lately because of me being made redundant along with the money issue and then discovering about the baby. It was a bit of a shock, to be honest. But since you ran away,’ Billy looked like he was going to cry, ‘we’ve realised that none of the money stuff matters. We’ve no mortgage left on the house, your fees will be paid next year and Mum can stay home with the baby.’

  ‘I’m going to be a big sister,’ Amélie said, in astonishment, as the news began to sink in.

  ‘What are you thinking?’ Lexie asked bravely.

  ‘I – I’m blown away,’ Amélie said.

  ‘In a good or bad way?’ Dee asked.

  ‘Good. I’d never have guessed this one in a million years,’ she said. ‘I was so certain I was the bane of your lives and that you were cursed to have a child. I kept looking at Lexie and Sam and all the fun they have.’ She turned to Lexie. ‘You guys are the perfect couple in my eyes. I know you’re having some stupid row right now but when I look at your house, your cool gallery, your car … And you’re such a sophisticated and gorgeous person. I honestly figured it was all because you don’t have kids.’

  Lexie looked stricken.

  ‘Mum and Dad,’ Amélie continued, ‘I thought I was the root of all your unhappiness.’

  ‘I’m so sorry you thought that.’ Dee began to cry. ‘If we’d lost you, darling, even this baby wouldn’t have made me feel better. Nothing could ever replace you in our lives. Clearly we’ve failed you if you feel so unloved.’

  ‘Mum, I’m sorry,’ Amélie said, hugging her. ‘Wow,’ she said, jerking backwards. ‘Your tummy! It’s so hard! Can I touch it?’

  ‘Sure,’ Dee said, looking at Billy. ‘The doctor actually commented on how neat I am. I was the same when I was expecting you, I guess the fact I’m not exactly a skinny Minnie hides a multitude too!’ Billy put his arm around her as Amélie reached over and placed her hand on her mum’s belly.

  ‘It’s a miracle,’ she breathed. She looked up at her parents. ‘Kind of gross in a way because it’s proof you’ve been having sex,’ she said.

  ‘Amélie!’ Billy said.

  ‘I hate to tell you,’ Dee said, ‘but you weren’t an immaculate conception either.’

  They all laughed, happy to have some light relief.

  The pizza arrived so Lexie left them alone together. In the silence of the kitchen, she pondered on the news. She was delighted that her brother and wife were on the right track. She’d have hated to see them split after all these years.

  But another baby? Like Amélie, she hadn’t seen this one coming at all.

  She knew it would be tough for Billy and Dee financially, but she was delighted for them. A thought struck her. Amélie had known something was up and she’d been right.

  A while later, as she made her way back into the living room to call them for food, Lexie took comfort from the scene that met her. Dee and Amélie were chatting animatedly as Billy watched with a grin.

  They followed Lexie to the kitchen where they all relaxed and enjoyed the food. An hour later Dee yawned. ‘Sorry, folks. I’m bushed. I can barely stay awake past eight o’clock now. I’m relieved that’s down to my pregnancy rather than simply being old.’

  ‘I was beginning to think she’d been lying about her age all these years,’ Billy said, ‘that she was in fact in her seventies, but looked remarkably well.’

  Dee and Billy made their way to the hall.

  ‘Are you sure it’s cool with you two that Amélie stays here for another few days?’ Lexie whispered, as her niece ran to the bathroom.

  ‘Let’s just take this in baby steps,’ Billy said. ‘We want Amélie to come home of her own accord, not because she’s being bamboozled by us laying on guilt.’

  ‘Fair enough. But, equally, I don’t want you to think I’m butting in.’

  ‘Sis, you’re being a total superstar,’ Billy said. ‘For someone who doesn’t have kids, you’ve got it all sussed – you’re streets ahead of us anyway.’ He smiled wryly.

  Their daughter reappeared to say goodnight and they hugged. Then Lexie let them out. Glancing at Amélie, she felt a wave of affection. She loved the very bones of her. She’d curl up and die if anything happened to her. Instead of feeling as if she’d been saddled with a problem, she felt privileged that her niece wanted to be with her.

  A ripple of nerves shot through her as she glanced at her watch. Sam should be here any minute. Lexie knew it was ludicrous to be nervous of her own husband, but things were on a knife edge.

  Dear Diary

  I can barely get my head around all that’s happened in the past forty-eight hours. I honestly didn’t think I’d be writing here again. I was going to burn this book. It contains too many inner thoughts and far too many reasons to want to crawl into a ball and expire.

  But I always feel better when I write stuff down. Why? I’ve no idea. It’s not as if writing solves anything, is it? Maybe once it’s on paper it’s out of my head in some way.

  I’m stunned by Mum and Dad’s news. I’m going to have a brother or sister. Wow. Now that I see it written down it seems real.

  Do you know what? I’m really glad. First, I know I wasn’t imagining all the weirdness at home. Second, it takes the focus off me for a change. This little person is going to be a whole new chapter for us all. Actually, I feel a little sorry for it already. The poor mite will arrive with so many pairs of hopeful eyes staring at it, willing it to make us all feel better.

  I’m going to protect him or her. I know how it feels to be watched so intently. I’ll do things that will detract from the glare, if necessary. One thing I know for certain – I’m good at causing scenes.

  I know Mum and Dad were watching me with such trepidation when they made the announcement. I guess they expected me to explode and say I hated the baby before it’s even born. But I can’t wait to see him or her.

  I’m going to use the next three months to get my head together. I want to be the best big sister possible. I’m not actually sure how I’ll manage it, but I’m going to ensure that baby has a smiling and über-cool big sis to look up to.

  Amélie

  Chapter 41

  It was after eleven that night before Sam eventually arrived home. Lexie was in the living room and Amélie had gone to bed, wiped out. Heart pounding, she walked out to greet him.

  ‘Hi,’ he said tenderly. ‘Sorry I’m so late. The flight was delayed. I didn’t bother calling because I figured you’d all be here chatting and having a few drinks.’

  ‘Dee and Billy left early. Dee is wrecked on account of her pregnancy.’

  ‘Her what?’ Sam was flabbergasted.

  ‘Yup.’ Lexie smiled nervously. ‘She’s having another baby. Not only that but she’s already six months gone.’

  Sam took her hand and they went into the living room. Lexie could feel her shoulders relaxing as his touch reassured her he wasn’t going to be hostile.

  ‘How are they doing?’

  ‘They’re a bit shell-shocked but I think they’re relieved we all know now. Amélie took it really well. In fact, she’s delighted.’

  They chatted for a while and Lexie poured Sam a glass of wine. Then silence pre
vailed but, unlike recent times, it was comfortable.

  ‘So, have you thought about what I said?’ she asked.

  ‘Yeah.’ He raked his fingers through his hair. ‘I’ve been trying to concentrate on work but it’s been zooming around my brain non-stop. What about you? Have you any further thoughts?’

  ‘I’ve been eyeballing Britta and now that I’m surrounded by pregnant women it’s sort of difficult to avoid the issue.’

  Sam gazed into her eyes and took her hand. ‘Contrary to what your mother believes,’ he said, ‘we don’t need to rush this. Let’s just take stock and try to get ourselves back on track for the moment, yeah? Baby or no baby, nothing is going to work if you and I aren’t strong.’

  ‘I know.’ She sighed. ‘It’s been horrible lately. It’s not like us to be so ratty with one another. I hate it.’

  ‘Me too, so let’s just enjoy being us again and see where we are in a while.’

  ‘Deal.’

  That night they slept spooned together, just like old times.

  The following morning Amélie was bright and breezy, adding to the jovial atmosphere at breakfast.

  ‘Hey, junkie,’ Sam said, kissing her cheek. ‘I believe you frightened the bejesus out of everyone while I was gone.’

  ‘I did my best,’ Amélie said, with a wink.

  ‘I’m glad you’re okay, kiddo,’ he said, pulling out a chair for her. ‘Come and sit and have some toast. I’ll even make you a cup of coffee.’

  ‘Woo, you’re in a good mood,’ she said, glancing at Lexie.

  ‘Yeah, we’ve been a bit stressed lately but things are getting back on track now. Hey, I believe you’re about to become big sister extraordinaire!’

  ‘Yeah! Isn’t it mint?’

  As they chatted over breakfast Lexie could see that Amélie was in good form and knew there was no reason why she shouldn’t go to work. In fact, Amélie wanted to go too, so Lexie went down to the basement to tell Agata that she wouldn’t need her after all.

  ‘That’s no problem,’ Agata said. ‘I can do some painting at home. If you need help again, just ask.’

  Lexie heard the disappointment in her voice. ‘Listen, I’m going to need someone while Kate is travelling. I was going to advertise the position but obviously I’d much rather have someone I know. All the better if that someone is an artist.’

  ‘Really?’ Agata brightened.

  ‘I’m not sure how the commute would work for you, though,’ Lexie mused.

  ‘Well, I’m going home soon so maybe you could rent the flat to Agata?’ Kathleen suggested. ‘Sorry! I’ll butt out.’

  ‘No, butt in,’ Lexie said. ‘I think that’s a great idea. Would you think about it or are you blissfully happy in Glendalough?’

  ‘I love it there, and if I was alone I’d stay until I was old and haggard. But being here and seeing Britta with Kathleen and you has shown me that it’s not really fair to stay in such a secluded albeit beautiful setting.’

  ‘So you’d consider the “Lexie package”?’ She grinned.

  ‘I really would.’

  ‘Let’s mull it over and chat again in a few days, okay?’

  With that, Lexie shot off to the gallery with Amélie.

  Kathleen couldn’t believe how quickly the time was passing. Now that she’d said it out loud her return date seemed to loom even faster.

  ‘I’m going to miss you terribly when you go back to America,’ Agata said. ‘I’ve never had anyone so unconditionally supportive in my life.’

  ‘I’m not going anywhere for quite a while, honey,’ Kathleen assured her. ‘At least, that’s what I’m trying to convince myself. I can’t imagine how bitter-sweet it’s gonna be when I have to board that flight to America, but for now I’m not shifting. Although I am venturing to the zoo with Rodger tomorrow,’ she said. ‘I could take Britta with me, if you like.’

  ‘That would be too much for you and Rodger. She’d love to do a smaller trip another day, though, if that suited,’ said Agata. ‘I’m going back to Glendalough today to have a chat with my landlord. I was hinting that I would sign the lease for another six months, but now that Lexie has offered me this golden opportunity I should take stock.’

  ‘That’s fine, dear,’ Kathleen said. ‘I’m excited for you and Britta. I think it could be a whole new adventure.’

  Alone in the house now that Lexie and Amélie had left for the gallery, Sam pressed the button on the Nespresso machine and leaned against the counter to wait for his coffee. He’d been bricking it about coming home. Lexie saying she wanted to have a baby had taken the wind out of his sails.

  All the animosity between them of late had become exhausting. He’d actually begun to doubt his feelings for her. In the seventeen years they’d been together he’d thought they were rock solid. But over recent weeks she’d turned into a person he didn’t recognise. If he was totally honest, she was becoming a woman he didn’t particularly like.

  Last night they’d shared a bottle of wine, made love and actually laughed as he’d told her about an incident at the airport.

  He knew that life was all about ups and downs. He didn’t expect Lexie to be Mrs Fun and Games all day every day. But he couldn’t carry on with the relentless doom and gloom either.

  Being away had shown Sam that he was still crazy about Lexie, their home and the wonderful life they’d built. As he’d pulled up at number three Cashel Square last night, he’d smiled. He couldn’t imagine not living there with Lexie. There were so many plans he wanted to implement at the house. Lots of bits and bobs that needed finishing and fixing up. For the first few years after moving in, they’d poured everything into the house until they’d run out of steam and funds. But Sam felt it was about time he kick-started some more refurbishments.

  His mother had always said, ‘It takes two to tango,’ and Sam was aware that he, too, had a role to play in making their marriage strong again. He’d been irritable and impatient lately. He’d cut himself off from Lexie and he desperately wanted to rekindle their closeness. Now he had an idea and he hoped it would do the trick.

  Tuesday came around swiftly and Kathleen got up early to ensure she had everything she needed for the picnic at the zoo. She’d arranged to meet Rodger in Dublin city centre where they’d take a shuttle bus out to the Phoenix Park where the zoo was housed.

  ‘I haven’t been to Dublin Zoo since I was five years old,’ Kathleen said, when Rodger suggested it. ‘It’s wonderful that you’re accompanying me as it’s one of my tasks for Jackson too.’

  ‘I hope you don’t think it odd that I’m going with you, seeing as it’s partially at Jackson’s suggestion.’

  ‘No, it feels right. I’m happy you’re coming. Besides, you wanted to go too. So it’s a shared suggestion,’ she said.

  ‘Well, I was there last year with my grandchildren,’ Rodger said, ‘but my hip was so bad I could hardly walk. I missed out on so much of it. At least I won’t be in such awful pain this time. I could be a bit slow all the same. I was thinking I could always hire a wheelchair if the walking gets too much for me. I don’t want to hold you up.’

  ‘We won’t be in a hurry. If you’re uncomfortable or tired we’ll get you a supersonic wheelchair. Either way we’ll take it at our own pace.’

  As the DART pulled into the station in Dublin, Kathleen spotted Rodger instantly as he waved from the platform. He looked very smart in his chinos and sports jacket.

  ‘I feel a little underdressed,’ she joked, as they hugged. ‘A cravat?’

  ‘The monkeys insist on it. Didn’t you know?’

  ‘Of course. Silly me, I forgot.’ She was pulling her bag behind her.

  ‘What on earth have you got there? Are we spending a week in the elephant enclosure?’

  ‘It’s my new suitcase. It came to Connemara with me. I was thinking of asking Lexie for the loan of a picnic basket when it occurred to me that we’d have to lug it around for the day. So I have everything we could possibly require in here, and n
either of us has to dislocate a shoulder carrying it.’

  Rodger laughed, and the bottles clinked in his wine bag.

  ‘Let me take the wine too, no point in you struggling with that.’

  They zipped Kathleen’s case open and added it.

  ‘How are you at walking now?’ she asked.

  ‘Much better,’ said Rodger. ‘As you can see, I’ve no crutches. I brought a fold-up walking stick just in case but I’m better than I’ve been for years.’

  ‘That’s fantastic,’ Kathleen said. ‘I could always pop you into my suitcase if you’re sore.’ He laughed out loud as they fell into step with one another.

  ‘Yes it’s all good. My daughter Bee has stopped being quite so cross with me too, which is a relief.’

  ‘How is she?’ Kathleen asked, out of politeness. She found Bee obnoxious.

  ‘She’s doing well. It’s not easy for her with Amy and Justin being so full-on. She misses Claudia dreadfully. My wife used to take care of the children a lot.’

  ‘Don’t they come to you still?’ Kathleen asked.

  ‘Not really. Bee reckons they’re too much for me. Says I wouldn’t be able to chase after them if they decided to dash off across a road or, God forbid, if there was an accident.’ Rodger looked sad.

  ‘Why don’t you tell her that you’re steadier on your feet now? Unless you agree with her.’

  ‘Of course I don’t,’ Rodger said emphatically. ‘But she’s a strong-willed woman.’

  ‘It’s a pity we didn’t think of bringing them today,’ Kathleen mused.

  ‘Ah, no, I wouldn’t inflict that on you.’ He chuckled.

  ‘Another day let’s do something with them. I’d love to meet them and help out. I don’t get to play Grandma that often.’

  ‘All right, then.’ Rodger smiled.

  They boarded a bus and chatted happily as they crossed the city, then went through the grand gates into the Phoenix Park.

  ‘I can see why the president likes to live here,’ Kathleen said. ‘I would too, if I had the choice. It’s like a little slice of Heaven in the heart of the bustling city.’ Curious deer trotted into the undergrowth as they made their way through the massive park.