The Perfect Gift

by Emma Hannigan

  Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, doubt crept in. What if he could see things more clearly from the outside? She’d always thought they loved her. Yes, they could be selfish and lazy, but were they all that bad? Curling up on the sofa, she cried until her throat hurt. She’d never felt so alone.

  Chapter 40

  Rob and Melvin were sitting at the computer together. The images that were popping up on screen made Rob’s blood run cold. The more they dug, the more there was to find. It was an incredible level of fraud.

  ‘This guy is a total crook,’ he said, shaking his head.

  It turned out Claus wasn’t at all who he’d said he was. His real name was Wolfgang Bauer and he had left a trail of destruction behind him in Germany.

  ‘How can people like him sleep at night?’ Melvin asked. ‘Surely there has to come a point in a fellow’s life when he looks inside his own head and wonders if he’s going to heaven or hell.’

  ‘I doubt a fellow like him has any remorse, or conscience for that matter,’ Rob said. ‘So what do you think we should do?’

  ‘I know what we are doing,’ Melvin said as he reached for his phone. ‘I’m calling Sidney at the police station. I was only chatting to him yesterday. I’d say he’d be delighted to put a stop to this clown’s gallop.’

  Rob nodded. He wanted him put away, but more than that he wanted to clear the decks so Róisín could go ahead and buy Nourriture.

  ‘Just so you know and before you hear it on the grapevine, it’s all over with Theresa. So I’m not going behind her back with any of this,’ he said waving a hand toward the computer.

  ‘Is Theresa OK?’

  ‘I hope she will be,’ he said. ‘I upset her and I’m not proud of that, but in the long run it’s the right thing to do, Dad. I don’t love her the way I should. It wasn’t fair to her. She deserves better.’

  ‘You’re right, she does,’ Melvin said. ‘And so do you.’

  ‘You think?’ Rob brightened. He really thought his father was going to be disappointed with him. ‘I care about young Theresa, she’s a great girl. But you’re my son, you’re my priority and I want you to find someone special. Someone who you love the way I loved your mother.’

  ‘Thanks,’ he said sheepishly. He thought of Theresa’s tear-stained face and her confusion as he tried to let her down gently. She’d been totally thrown and he knew she’d been expecting a proposal rather than a farewell. Her dismay had turned to anger and she’d flung the pile of glossy brochures she’d been carrying across the room.

  She’d told him: ‘I was going to suggest we go to Portugal in a villa with three other couples and spend a lovely time drinking cocktails and being seen in all the right spots.’

  That had been the closure he needed. He couldn’t think of anything worse than being incarcerated in a villa, having a fortnight of posing rammed down his throat. Theresa might not see it right now, but he wasn’t the right guy for her. She needed a man with an even tan, bright smile, fast car and a large bank balance. She wanted a jock, and he simply wasn’t that guy.

  ‘I was thinking about your Ballyshore love,’ Melvin said. ‘I’ve a suggestion to make, if you don’t mind.’

  Rob shrugged. ‘Sure, you haven’t led me astray yet.’

  Melvin looked him up and down. ‘You’re a grand-looking fellow, Robert. You inherited your mother’s good looks, in fact. But you’re a bit wild looking. Would you consider going to the barber and getting a proper shave and haircut? Seeing as you’re out and about selling your beer, sprucing yourself up wouldn’t do any harm, full stop. You mentioned her ex was a Frenchman, and they’re fierce well groomed usually. So maybe you could give her a bit of a surprise by turning up in something other than beer-stained jeans,’ he said pointedly, looking at the dark brown spots decorating Rob’s loose-fitting jeans.

  Rob laughed. ‘You don’t pull any punches, do you, Dad?’

  ‘Well, if I can’t say it to you, who can? I know you can’t abide the glossy magazine types that Theresa favoured, but there’s a healthy balance between scruffy and suave, and it mightn’t go astray to try and strike it.’

  He clapped Melvin on the back and grinned, but it made him think all the same. What if he changed his look and turned into a semi smooth-looking type in a suit and proper laced-up shoes as opposed to the trainers he currently favoured? If he looked the part, maybe Róisín would think differently about him.

  ‘Do you know what, Da? I think you’re right.’

  ‘You do?’ Melvin looked astonished.

  ‘I’m going to take your advice. After all, you were the one who managed to get Mam to fall in love with you all those years ago.’

  ‘She was the catch of the county,’ he affirmed. ‘I treated her like a princess before someone else managed to.’

  Rob nodded. Treat her like a princess …

  Melvin was busy thumbing through his old-fashioned phone book.

  ‘I have all the important numbers in here. I know I have the police station too.’

  ‘I’ll catch you later on,’ Rob said.

  The drive into Limerick city was quicker than he’d anticipated. Why was the traffic non-existent and the roads totally clear when he was afraid of what lay ahead? He found a parking space easy enough, too, then walked to the most salubrious store in town and lurked in the men’s department.

  ‘Hello, sir, can I help you with anything today?’ This question was put to him by a very pretty blonde lady who was dressed in a tight-fitting, but incredibly classy white trouser suit.

  ‘Eh yeah,’ he said feeling instantly self-conscious. ‘I don’t know how to say this …’ She smiled politely. ‘I need to change my image,’ he blurted. ‘I’m in love with a girl. She’s gorgeous and clever and I want her to see that I’ve made an effort. Could you help me look more appealing?’

  The lady smiled and her eyes lit up as she patted his arm. ‘That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. I’d love to help you.’ She appraised him thoughtfully. ‘So what are you thinking? Clothes and shoes, or are you willing to do something with your entire look?’ She glanced up towards his hair.

  ‘Is this too wild looking?’ he asked pulling his fingers through his shaggy curls.

  ‘I actually think you look great,’ she said. ‘Maybe a nice shave, though, and I could ask Susie in the salon to trim your hair?’

  He nodded. The lady went to make a call as Rob looked at the clothes. They had everything from three-piece suits to smart casuals. The running theme was elegance.

  ‘Susie can take you in twenty minutes. That’ll give us time to pick out a couple of looks from here,’ she said.

  ‘A couple?’

  ‘Well you’re hoping to see this girl more than once I take it?’ she said raising one eyebrow.

  He nodded. ‘Go for it,’ he said, deciding he needed to trust this woman.

  ‘Have you a budget?’ she asked.

  He shook his head. ‘Within reason … I’m not interested in paying ten grand for a pair of shoes or anything like that,’ he said.

  She laughed. ‘That’s fine. We’re not quite at that level in here. I’m Fiona, by the way.’

  ‘Rob.’

  ‘Right then, Rob. Let’s get cracking.’

  She showed him rack after rack of clothes and pointed at all sorts of colours. Some he liked and others he didn’t.

  ‘OK, I have a good idea of what you’re comfortable with,’ said Fiona. ‘Do you want to go into the dressing room and I’ll pass you in a few things.’

  Rob felt like he’d run a marathon by the time Fiona thought he had enough stuff.

  ‘How do women get enjoyment from shopping?’ he asked in bewilderment. ‘This is torture.’

  Fiona laughed. ‘Keep your eyes on the prize,’ she said with a wink. ‘Just imagine how amazed your lady will be when she sees you.’

  ‘You’re right. This will all be worthwhile if she sees me in a different light,’ he said.

  ‘I can’t see any gir
l not appreciating all this effort.’

  By the time he’d paid Fiona, the hairdresser was on the phone.

  ‘He’s coming now,’ Fiona said. ‘Why don’t you go on ahead and I’ll pack your clothes? I’m dying to see how you look!’

  ‘If things don’t work out with Róisín, can I come back and ask you out?’ he said with a sheepish grin.

  ‘I’m not sure my husband would like that,’ she said. ‘But if I was single, I’d be there like a shot.’

  ‘Cheers,’ he said.

  The hair salon was tiny, but very stylishly kitted out.

  ‘Hi, what can I do for you today?’ Susie asked as she shook his hand.

  ‘I’m trying to look more attractive,’ he said. ‘I’m looking to win a lady’s heart.’

  ‘Fabulous!’ she grinned. ‘I love it. You’re the last of the romantics. Hallelujah that romance isn’t dead!’

  ‘You’re worse than Fiona,’ he said with a grin. ‘She’s delighted with the whole notion. I just hope it has the desired effect on the right lady.’

  Susie sat him in front of the mirror. She pulled his hair back off his face and combed it in different directions.

  ‘I think you’d be gorgeous with a short back and sides and a bit of length left in the top. Your curls are ever so sexy and I think it would be a travesty to remove them all.’

  ‘A travesty, eh?’ he said, raising one eyebrow.

  ‘What do you think? Are you open to having the beard removed, too? You don’t have one of those faces that needs to be hidden in hair.’

  Rob swallowed. It was years since he’d been clean-shaven, let alone had short hair. He’d have nothing to hide behind.

  ‘OK, I trust you. But if I look like a munter, we’ll have to glue something back on to my face,’ he warned.

  ‘I don’t see that being the case,’ she said. ‘Sit back and relax.’

  Rob did the exact opposite. He gripped the chair like his life depended on it.

  ‘You’re not on a roller-coaster,’ Susie joked.

  ‘That’s what you think,’ he said. ‘I’m terrified. What if I look a fright and can’t go near her for two months?’

  ‘You of little faith,’ she said with a smile. ‘I’ve cut hair before, you know.’

  Rob decided to pretend he was enjoying the experience and allowed his mind to wander. He hadn’t managed to think to the future at all. What if Róisín was interested in him? Wouldn’t that be astonishing? What would he do? Move to Ballyshore? She’d hardly want to up sticks and leave Nourriture.

  How would his father feel if he wanted to leave Limerick and live in Ballyshore? As Susie finished, he couldn’t help grinning at himself. What kind of a fool was he turning into? The girl hadn’t even agreed to have dinner with him and he was fifteen steps ahead, practically getting a removal van organised!

  ‘What do you think?’ Susie asked. ‘I’m glad you’re smiling at least!’

  ‘Hey, it’s great,’ he said looking in the mirror.

  ‘You look ten years younger,’ she said. ‘Whoever this girl is, she’ll be bowled over by your new look.’

  He paid and tried not to cough at the price.

  ‘I’ll be waiting another ten years before I get a haircut,’ he teased. ‘No wonder your salon is so classy when you charge enough to keep a family of four in dinners for a month.’

  Rob took the stairs two at a time and stood looking triumphant in the men’s clothing department.

  ‘Well, I’ll be damned,’ Fiona said. ‘Who knew such an attractive beast lay under all that hair? You’ve probably preserved yourself very nicely now that I see your skin. Any woman would kill for that flawless look!’

  ‘Forget that,’ he said. ‘Do I look better? Would you give me one if you weren’t married?’

  She threw back her head and laughed. ‘I’d be like a child after an ice cream van on a sunny day if it weren’t for himself at home.’

  ‘That’ll do nicely,’ he said as he accepted the pile of bags from Fiona. ‘Thanks for all your help.’

  ‘If you’re passing some day, pop in and tell me how you got on. I’ll be dying to know.’

  ‘You’re on,’ he said. ‘Now which outfit will I put on? I’m going to see her now before my hair looks flat and my beard grows again!’

  Fiona advised him to wear the chinos with a white T-shirt and canvas shoes. ‘It’s cool and summery without looking too forced.’

  Rob had a spring in his step as he drove out of Limerick city. Feeling like a schoolboy, he hoped Róisín wouldn’t drop-kick him across the shop when he asked her out.

  Chapter 41

  Róisín couldn’t concentrate on a thing. She wanted to call Rob and ask him if he’d made any headway with the whole Claus issue, but he’d said he’d get in touch once he had any news. She was also peppering to talk to Keeley, but her mum was busy for the day and couldn’t meet until the evening. Róisín knew that was one conversation she’d have to have face-to-face. Keeley would be so shocked to learn that both Ida and Claus had lied so cruelly to her.

  Liv’s arrival into the shop with Billy and Jess was enough to take her mind off everything. Liv’s operation had been a great success and she looked a lot less stressed than before.

  ‘How’s it going?’ she asked.

  ‘Not too bad,’ Liv said. ‘Could I have a word with you upstairs for a few minutes?’ she asked.

  Róisín was at a loss as to what to do with the children when Mouse suddenly appeared. Róisín had liked Mouse instantly, but she also knew deep down that it would give her an extra incentive to keep Nourriture going, whether it was right here or somewhere else. The more pressure she was under and the more people who relied on her, the harder she’d try.

  ‘Hi Mouse,’ Róisín said. ‘Brilliant timing! Would you be able to look after my niece and nephew for a little bit? I know this isn’t totally in your job description, but there’s been a family crisis.’

  Billy said, ‘We won’t be bold.’

  ‘That’s OK you two,’ Mouse said. ‘I’m really nervous because this is my first week at Nourriture. So maybe you could help me out?’

  ‘Why are you scared?’ Billy asked. ‘Did you think Auntie Róisín would be mean to you and make you eat lots of vegetables?’

  ‘I’m just scared because I’m the new girl,’ Mouse said. ‘But I’m much happier now I know I can hang out with you.’

  ‘Thanks, Mouse,’ Róisín said.

  ‘Is your real name Mouse?’ Jess asked in awe.

  ‘No, it’s actually Celina,’ she said. ‘But I prefer Mouse. That’s the name my friend Nell calls me. I live at her house and she’s really nice.’

  ‘Mouse is nicer than Celina,’ Jess said, and Billy nodded in agreement.

  ‘Thanks, I think so too. Want to go out to the park and play?’ Mouse asked.

  They both looked so thrilled that Róisín breathed a sigh of relief.

  ‘I promise I won’t have you babysitting as a habit. I’m just stuck for today,’ Róisín said, patting her on the back.

  ‘No hassle,’ Mouse said, taking both their hands. ‘It’s not as if I’m a qualified brain surgeon and you’re insulting my experience or anything.’

  Róisín laughed and waved as the trio left, chatting like old pals. Then she turned to Liv and beckoned her to follow her up the stairs. Once in the office, they sat either side of the desk.

  ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘Martin’s been on. He wants to come home. He says he’s sorry and it’s all over with the young one …’

  ‘I see,’ Róisín said, sighing. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘I don’t know, Ro. I’ve lost all confidence and I honestly thought I was going insane. I knew there was something very odd happening and any time I brought it up with him, he made me feel as if I was the crazy one.’

  ‘I can’t tell you what to do,’ Róisín said. ‘Do you love him?’

  ‘I’ve always loved him. In fact, I know I’ve always loved him m
ore than he loves me.’

  ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘I always felt uneasy. He made me feel as if I wasn’t worthy of him. As if I was only hanging on to him by the skin of my teeth.’

  ‘Oh Liv, that’s awful.’

  ‘There’s someone who has been lovely to me,’ Liv said, blushing.

  ‘Oh really? Who?’

  ‘Colm.’

  ‘Whaat?’ Róisín was about to giggle and say he was the creepiest creature when she saw the expression on Liv’s face and stopped herself.

  ‘He’s been calling over. Just for a cup of tea and a chat, that sort of thing. At first he was only really dropping by to see if you were there. He was totally smitten with you.’

  ‘Poor Colm.’

  ‘Well, once he got over the fact that you wouldn’t give him the time of day, we got talking.’

  ‘I don’t think I was awful to him, was I?’ she asked guiltily.

  ‘You probably didn’t think you were, but believe me, when you adore another person and they find you an irritant, every knock-back hurts.’

  ‘Oh … I see,’ said Róisín.

  ‘He visited me in hospital. Brought me bunches of grapes and made me feel like I was special.’

  ‘Do you find him attractive?’ Róisín asked.

  ‘God, no,’ Liv said. ‘It would be like having an affair with my brother.’

  ‘You don’t have a brother.’

  ‘You know what I mean,’ Liv said.

  ‘So why are your bringing Colm into it?’

  ‘He’s nice to be around. He treats me well. He’d do anything for me and he’s kind. There are no nasty agendas and I feel safe.’

  ‘So what are you saying? You’re going to keep him in the spare room as your little faithful friend?’

  ‘No.’ Liv actually smiled for the first time in ages. ‘All I’m saying is that there is a man out there who likes me just the way I am …’

  ‘Of course, Liv. You’re a great person.’

  ‘So I don’t need to stay with Martin, do I?’

  ‘No, you don’t.’

  ‘But what about the kids? Should I stay with him for them?’