by Melissa Hill
“Of course she knew about me. You saw for yourself how much she hated me, and how she always tried to turn everyone against me.”
Nicola nodded in agreement. Carolyn had done exactly that on the very first night Nicola had met Shannon. The two women already had a history of mutual dislike, so when Carolyn intimated to Nicola that Shannon was after Dan, she had been immediately on the offensive.
Nicola couldn’t for the life of her imagine what Shannon had ever seen in John O’Leary, and she certainly couldn’t figure out why the lively redhead couldn’t find someone else. But she knew too that there was a side of Shannon that didn’t want to. She enjoyed the excitement and the danger arising from an affair with a feckless man. There were plenty of woman who did.
“I still can’t believe Carolyn would blab about the thing with Ken, though,” Nicola said aloud. “What would she have to gain by doing that? She has no allegiance to Chloe, so why bother?”
“That one always enjoyed dishing the dirt –” Shannon stopped short and looked apologetically at Nicola. “Sorry, I’m probably not the best person to talk to about this.”
“Don’t worry,” Nicola said. “It’s all over and done with now. And Carolyn obviously wasn’t the great friend I thought her to be.”
58
Later that evening when Shannon had left in her taxi, the two having spent a pleasant evening discussing old times and making plans to meet again soon, Nicola thought some more about Dan and Chloe. She felt sorry for Chloe, trying to imagine how curious and worried the younger woman must be about her, not to mention insecure.
She could appreciate why he might not want to share the finer details, particularly the miscarriage and the thing with Ken, but why not the rest? She could also understand that maybe he didn’t want to delve too deeply into the mistakes that had been made in the past, particularly not with the woman he was about to marry, but Dan should certainly have told her the circumstances surrounding his and Nicola’s separation.
He obviously hadn’t told Chloe much about her, assuming or hoping that the two would never meet.
And that was it, Nicola realised. He hadn’t told her because he was still feeling ashamed and guilty, probably still wondering if he should have done things differently and wondering what Chloe, his bride-to-be, would think of him.
Well, Nicola thought, as she finished tidying the kitchen and prepared to go to bed, there was no point in beating about the bush any longer. She didn’t appreciate anyone digging around in her affairs, and if Dan wouldn’t do it, then maybe she herself should put poor Chloe out of her misery.
Maybe then, Dan and his problems would toddle off for good, and stop disrupting her life. Luckily Ken, being so preoccupied at the centre these days, hadn’t seemed to notice she had been a bit off form lately, or that she was a bit preoccupied herself. Good. Nicola didn’t want this Dan thing affecting Ken anymore. He had put up with enough already.
“Ready for bed, Barney?” she asked, ruffling her dog’s silky ears.
Barney wagged his tail in agreement and, waiting until his mistress went through to the bedroom, he jumped up and hit the light switch. Then he pawed the door, closing it softly behind the two of them.
59
“Laura, can you mind my two tomorrow afternoon? I’m going into Holles St for a scan.”
On the other end of the phone, Laura bristled. Why did Cathy have to pick this weekend of all weekends to have her scan? Today was Thursday and the Crafts Exhibition would be running from Friday until the middle of the following week. Laura was going to be there every day from noon until six in the evening, and had been working overtime to get her collections ready for display. She and Neil weren’t taking their honeymoon until after Christmas, when the travel business would be that bit quieter, and to give Laura a chance to prepare for what would hopefully be an encouraging Christmas for Laura Connolly Design.
Tonight she had invited the others over for dinner, where hopefully they would meet Helen’s elusive boyfriend Paul.
“I’m very sorry, Cathy – and normally I wouldn’t mind, but at the moment I’m way too busy,” she said, explaining the situation to her sister. Cathy didn’t say anything for a long moment and Laura realised just then how like Maureen she could be when it came to getting her own way.
“Couldn’t you ask Mam?” she offered meekly.
Cathy sighed loudly. “I was hoping you’d do me the favour and Josh and Dylan are always going on about staying with Auntie Laura in Dublin, seeing as Auntie Laura doesn’t visit them very much at home.”
There it was, right on cue. The Guilt Trip.
“Cathy, normally there wouldn’t be problem and I’d love to have them but the Crafts Exhibition is being held this weekend and it’s really important for the business. It’ll get my designs in front of all the right people and I should pick up some custom.”
Cathy laughed. “Laura, when are you going to get it into your thick skull that you’re wasting your time with this jewellery thing?”
“What?” Laura was taken aback at her sister’s bluntness. OK, so Cathy was cheesed off about her not baby-sitting but that hardly meant …
Cathy continued. “I know you like fiddling around with those things, but do you really expect people to buy them? I mean, I was never so mortified in my life, having to wear that yoke at your wedding. Honestly, Laura, everyone was laughing at us.”
“What?” Laura repeated. Everyone laughing at them? Why?
“I think that maybe you should come back down to earth and remember who you are and where you’re from, sis. In fairness, it’s not really all your fault, I know that Neil probably puts notions in your head and –”
Laura was so upset she dropped the phone. Sitting at her workstation, tears flowing freely down her cheeks, she tried to deflect the raw pain, the blow that her sister’s words had inflicted. What was wrong with her family? Why couldn’t they support her? Could they not see how difficult this was for her, and how hard she was finding it, without making it ten times worse? What about support – or encouragement?
Laura had had enough of their doubting and their taunts. She was going to make this business work. She was going to display at this Crafts Exhibition and she was going to talk the talk and walk the walk just as well as the rest of them – even better. Why shouldn’t she? She was good at what she did. Why was she always apologising for it? By the time Laura was finished building her jewellery business, she’d have her family begging her to design stuff for them.
Even though Cathy was probably long gone, Laura banged down the receiver and immediately felt a rush of energy, a rush of exhilaration that she didn’t think she’d ever felt in her entire life. Bring on the Crafts Exhibition – bring them all on.
Laura was going to make this business a success even if it was just to shove it down her family’s begrudging little throats.
60
That night, Nicola and Ken arrived at Laura’s at quarter to eight, Ken clutching a bottle of wine and a multi-pack of Pringles.
“Ken,” Laura eyed him when they joined her in the kitchen. “You brought crisps?”
“What? I just thought we might be hungry later, that’s all.” He winked at Neil who was trying his best to stifle a grin.
“Thanks a million. And here’s me slaving over a hot stove all day.”
“I know,” Nicola teased. “That’s exactly why we brought the crisps.”
“Seriously, Laura, don’t mind us – the food smells great,” Ken said, sniffing the air approvingly. “When do we eat?”
“Not until Helen and the Famous Paul get here, I’m afraid,” Laura answered. “But I told Helen dinner was at eight, so I’m sure they won’t be too much longer.”
“Is Kerry coming too?” Nicola asked.
“No, one of Helen’s neighbours is looking after her tonight.” To Laura’s relief, that same neighbour had also been obliging enough to collect Kerry from school the last few days, leaving her free to prepare for the exhibition.
She couldn’t help wondering whether or not this poor woman knew what she was getting herself into by being roped into doing one of Helen’s ‘favours’.
“Oh, so we’re not the only misfortunates at her beck and call then,” Nicola said, her tone disapproving, as she removed her jacket. “Still, I can’t wait to get a look at this Paul. Things must be pretty serious there – when was the last time Helen introduced us to one of her playthings?”
“Playthings?” Ken repeated sardonically. “That’s what we’re reduced to these days, is it? God be with the days when ye women couldn’t do a thing without us. Now we’re practically redundant.”
“Not quite,” Laura said, face red as she struggled with a large pot of steaming vegetables. “Neil, is there any chance you could pour some wine for our guests, please? I have my hands full here,” she added pointedly. Still wound up from her conversation with Cathy earlier, and unused to cooking for more than two people, Laura couldn’t keep the frustration out of her tone.
“Oh, sorry, love, we’d better get out of your way,” Neil said, having earlier picked up on his wife’s unusually low spirits. “Guys, I’ll open a bottle and we’ll leave the missus alone to get on with the important stuff.” He gave Laura an encouraging wink and, bottle in hand, led the others through to the dining-room.
“You OK?” Nicola asked.
Laura looked around and almost automatically felt guilty. She was sure Nicola had followed the others into the living-room.
“I’m fine,” she answered shakily, “just a little hot and bothered with all this cooking.”
Nicola looked at her. “Nervous about the exhibition, huh?”
Laura smiled. “You could say that.” Nicola had a knack of hitting the nail on the head. Despite her fighting talk earlier, she was feeling nervous about the Crafts Exhibition. To Laura this was make or break for the business. If her designs didn’t go down well or she didn’t pick up some new customers, well … well, then it was all over. She hadn’t had to think about it that much before the wedding but now, when there was nothing else to think about …
“Oh, I’ll be fine,” she said. “After all, I’ve had plenty of time to get ready for this.”
Nicola smiled encouragingly. “It doesn’t happen overnight, you know,” she said. Laura’s stomach gave a nervous flip. Sometimes Nicola was too damn perceptive for her own good. She had obviously seen through Laura’s false bravado these last few months – she had known that all wasn’t well. Yet, Nicola had never pushed it, had never said a thing because she knew that Laura wouldn’t want to admit it out loud that the business might be a failure. She suddenly felt very grateful to her friend.
“I know that,” she said, “and I always told myself that I’d give it a shot, and if it didn’t take off, well … at least I tried.” She gave a watery smile. “But nobody told me it would be this hard to admit defeat.”
“Hey, what’s all this ‘admitting defeat’ business?” Nicola said cheerfully. “It hasn’t been all that long – you have to give it time.”
Laura looked at her. “I think you and I both know that maybe I didn’t think this through properly. Helen was right – I’m just not the right type of person for this kind of thing.”
“Laura,” Nicola put a hand on her arm, “please don’t tell me you’re thinking of throwing in the towel – not after everything you’ve done.”
“But that’s exactly it. I haven’t done anything. A few orders a week from the internet and the odd bit of interest from the shops – it’s hardly setting the business world on fire, is it?”
“It’s something,” Nicola countered, “not to mention something to be proud of. Don’t lose faith in your abilities, Laura, and don’t write yourself off just yet.”
“I suppose I’ll just have to see how the exhibition goes.” Suddenly, Laura didn’t want to talk about it anymore.
“It’ll be fine. To be honest, I think part of the problem is publicity. Your product is great – you just haven’t had enough exposure.”
“Thanks, Nic,” Laura smiled.
“Um, Laura?” Nicola sniffed the air, and gestured towards the oven. “I think your roasties might be ready.”
“Oh no!” Laura opened the oven door and a thick blanket of smoke rushed out. She looked at Nicola in dismay, her cheeks reddening with annoyance. “Nicola, I think now would be a good time to join the others,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Yes, Mammy.” Nicola sped off, anxious to make a quick exit.
“And Nicola?” Laura called.
“Yes?”
“Do you think Sour Cream & Onion Pringles would make a decent substitute for roast potatoes?”
“With lamb?” Nicola grinned. “They’ll be absolutely perfect.”
“Good, and I hope Helen and this Paul guy won’t be too much longer,” Laura said, taking a fistful of crisps and trying to calm herself. “I’m absolutely starving.”
An hour and a quarter later, they were still waiting, Ken and Neil having hungrily demolished the crisps between them.
“I’ve tried Helen’s mobile and there’s no signal,” Laura said, trying to suppress her annoyance. The lamb would be like rubber at this stage.
“They’re probably just running late,” Neil said, his tone soothing.
“If they’re running late, the least she could have done is phoned,” Nicola said, her irritation palpable. “But of course that would mean Helen thinking about someone other than herself, wouldn’t it?”
“She’ll be here,” Ken said, giving his girlfriend a warning look. “There’s no point in our –”
A loud shrill of the doorbell cut short the remainder of his sentence.
“That’s them,” Laura said, getting to her feet. “Neil, can you get that, and I’ll get the starters?”
“Sure.” Neil hopped up to answer the door.
Seconds later, Helen joined Laura in the kitchen. Laura thought she looked amazing, with her blonde hair swinging freely around her shoulders, and dressed in a stunning black beaded dress, the material clinging faintly to her curves – what few there were.
“Hi,” Helen said happily, moving forward to give her a hug. “Everything nearly ready here? I’m famished.”
Laura was taken aback at this casual greeting and barely returned it. She had expected an apology, or at the very least some kind of excuse as to why Helen was over an hour late. “What kept you?” she asked. “And where’s Paul?”
Helen beamed. “Outside showing Neil his new Audi. The two of them seem to have hit it off already, thank goodness.”
Laura bit her tongue. “Well, go on in and join the others. Dinner might not be great after being kept this long,” she added pointedly, “but I know they’re all so hungry they won’t care –”
“What?” Helen interjected, her eyes wide with alarm. “What others?”
“Well, Ken and Nicola of course,” Laura said, puzzled.
“What? You didn’t tell me they were coming. I thought it was just the four of us – you, Neil, me and Paul.”
“What’s the problem? Did you and Nicola have an argument or something?” Laura asked, puzzled.
“No, nothing like that – it’s just …” Helen bit her lip and looked decidedly panicked.
“What is it, Helen?”
She took a deep breath. “It’s just … I kinda haven’t yet told Paul about Kerry, and I was hoping you and Neil might do me a favour by not mentioning her tonight.”
“What?”
Helen grimaced. “I know I know, it’s stupid. It’s just we haven’t been going out very long and the subject never came up and –”
“The subject never came up? Helen, she’s your daughter,” Laura was incredulous. “That’s so unfair. To Kerry and to Paul. And he was bound to find out sooner or later. What did you think would happen then?”
“Laura, I thought I’d cross that bridge when I came to it –”
“That’s crazy.”
“I know, I know. It’s high tim
e I told him but I’m just not ready yet. I really thought it would be just you and Neil tonight and I was so sure you would …”
“Help keep it a secret for you?” Laura finished, shaking her head in wonder at Helen’s unbelievable silliness, not to mention downright cheek at expecting her to lie on her behalf. She shook her head. “Look, Helen, you’d better take him aside now and let him know, otherwise –”
“But I can’t just drop it on him all of a sudden!” Helen cried, and then her voice dropped sharply to a whisper, as she remembered that the others were in the next room. “Not when we’re in company – it wouldn’t be fair.”
“But you must. What about Nicola and Ken? And Neil? They’re bound to talk about Kerry tonight.”
“Oh, what will I do? Should I talk to Nicola . . . ask her not to . . . ?”
“Sooner you than me. You can imagine how Nicola would react to that. But go ahead – ”
She stopped dead, as just then the door to the dining-room opened. Helen had her back to the doorway and appeared not to notice.
“Do you need help with anything here, Laura?” Nicola asked easily, and Helen nearly jumped ten feet off the ground.
“Nicola – hi.” she said, her tone high-pitched.
“I see you’ve finally decided to honour us with your presence then.”
Helen smiled warily. “Um, yes, Paul was working late and …” she trailed off as they heard voices in the hallway and footsteps approach the kitchen.
“Laura’s just in here,” they heard Neil say, and Laura felt her breath catch as, just behind Neil, the most stunning man she had ever seen entered the room. Long hair, sculpted cheekbones, piercing slate-grey eyes – lucky old Helen.
“Hey” Paul said in a distinct American twang. “Glad you guys didn’t start the party without us!”