'Oh?' Lisa tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice. 'What's up?'
'The lads are meeting up for a pint to watch the match. I said I'd go. I just forgot it was tonight.'
'A match?'
'Liverpool versus Chelsea; it should be great.'
'Right. So, do you want to come over tomorrow night instead?' Lisa knew she wasn't supposed to sound so eager.
'I'll give you a shout, Lisa, okay? Listen, got to go, I have a meeting. Seeya.'
'Seeya.'
'He's cancelled again, hasn't he?' Martha said bluntly when she saw Lisa's face.
Lisa bent to clean mouths and scoop up stray fruit. 'What?'
'It was Ger, wasn't it?'
'Yes, it was,' Lisa retorted, 'and no, he can't come over tonight but it's not his fault, he has to work.'
'Right.'
Lisa glared at her and started to clear the table. 'Why don't you get the kids ready to go outside and I'll clean up.'
'Sorry, Lisa, I know I should mind my own business but—'
'Yes, Martha, you should,' Lisa retorted and, picking up the tray, she marched out to the kitchen. She shouldn't have snapped at the girl, of course, but they were together so much, sometimes they just got on each other's nerves.
For the most part, they made a good team, although they had to work quite hard. With eight children under five to look after, both of them needed to be on hand all of the time and only got a break at nap times or when Dee was able to help out. It meant a long and hard day but a better salary. Still, Lisa mused, if they hired another assistant they could take another couple of children on and make some more money. She resolved to discuss it with Dee as soon as possible and before she throttled Martha. Pasting a smile on her face, she went back into the crèche.
'Now then, who wants to do some exercises?'
Dee smiled as she got out of her car, punched in the security code and opened the garden gate. Lisa had the five older children marching around the play area, swinging their arms and warbling in various different tones 'The Grand Old Duke of York'. Sam's face was bright and happy and the cool, fresh air had brought a healthy glow to his cheeks. And that was more important than anything. That was more important than bills and bank managers and a supercilious, unhelpful clerk in the credit union who'd looked at her as if she were a complete imbecile.
'You had no insurance?' she'd said, her eyebrows ascending into her hairline, and Dee had felt like punching her. How dare the smug old bat judge her when she didn't know her circumstances? The bank manager had been almost as bad. He'd sighed heavily, looked grave and given her a lecture on managing her finances and finally, Dee had exploded.
'I really don't have time for this, can you help me or not?'
The man eventually agreed to loan her the money but had set up a very stringent payment plan and made her sign a page of conditions. 'And of course, I strongly suggest that you take out an insurance policy. We can help you with that if you want—'
'No, I have it in hand, thanks,' Dee had lied, just desperate to escape his office.
Waving to her son, she went into the kitchen and filled the kettle. If it wasn't so early in the day she'd have poured herself a glass of restorative wine, not that she could really afford wine any more. Dee realized she'd have to make some changes to her lifestyle and try and cut her costs although her budget was pretty tight as it was. Perhaps she could persuade Ronan to take more food although that would mean more work and there were only so many hours in the day. She made a strong cup of tea and carried it upstairs to the smallest bedroom that served as her office. There were two other bedrooms that she could easily rent out but she baulked at the idea. She had no real privacy during the day and valued it hugely once the clock struck six.
Sitting down at her desk, she turned on her laptop and pulled up the three spreadsheets that detailed her private and business expenses. She scanned the private one first and as she suspected there was little she could do to improve her situation. The main drains on her finances were the basics like heating, phone, electricity, all necessities. She had a minute amount put aside for clothing and she used most of that for Sam; he went through shoes at an alarming rate. She switched to the Dee's Deli Delights accounts and studied the different categories. Ingredients were by far her biggest expense but there wasn't a lot she could do about that without letting the quality suffer.
Flicking to the next screen, she looked at the Happy Days spreadsheet and sighed. It was Lisa's business, but Dee kept records of the rent, the cost of food, the insurance and an estimation of the various services and utilities used by the crèche. She knew she was definitely undercharging Lisa but apart from paying the rent, Lisa had to pay Martha's salary, supply the various materials and toys used on a daily basis, and support herself. Dee dreaded raising the subject with Lisa but she realized she couldn't afford not to. Lisa would understand when Dee showed her the figures; she'd have to.
A shriek from downstairs had Dee on her feet in an instant. 'What is it, what's wrong?' she called as she hurried down to see what the problem was.
Martha held up the Daily Journal while Sam danced around her. 'Guess who's in the paper!' she said.
'We're famous, Mum, we're famous!'
Dee laughed. 'I don't know about that, sweetheart.'
'It's a lovely write-up,' Lisa said from the crèche doorway, 'he even gives Happy Days a mention.'
Dee took the paper and read. It was complimentary to both the crèche and her food but Don still made her sound a bit anal in her attitude towards processed food.
'God, listen to this: "she doesn't let her son eat chicken nuggets or sweets, convinced that they are causing his health problems." He makes me sound like a right monster .'
'I don't think so,' Lisa soothed, 'he's just a single guy who doesn't understand the responsibility involved in childrearing. Other mothers will understand.'
Dee tossed the paper down on the hall table and headed for the kitchen. 'Oh well, today's news, tomorrow's fish and chip wrapper! I need to go and make lunch.'
Chapter 6
Sheila had finally had her way, tonight was the girls' night out and Dee wondered if there was any way she could get out of it. Sheila had booked them into a fancy restaurant and between drinks and taxi fares and the cost of a babysitter it was going to be an expensive night. Dee had offered to drive but Lisa had vetoed that idea straight away. 'You wouldn't be able to drink which kind of defeats the purpose.'
'I can have fun without alcohol,' Dee had argued.
'You are not driving. Anyway, that rust-bucket of yours wouldn't get us down the road.'
And Dee had reluctantly agreed. At least Conor had offered to drop them into Dublin so they would only need to pay for a taxi home and she would be careful what she ate and drank. She still hadn't had a chance to talk to Lisa. No, that wasn't strictly true. She'd been finding reasons not to talk to Lisa. Maybe she didn't need to. If she tightened her belt just a little bit more . . . no, that was ridiculous. All she needed was one more problem – like, for example, her car giving up the ghost, and she would be in a right pickle. She had all the facts and figures to show Lisa and her friend would understand. Dee resolved to talk to her on Monday. Tonight, however, she might as well enjoy herself.
Lauren had insisted that they were going dancing after dinner. Her mother had offered to take the twins overnight and she was determined to make the most of her freedom.
'I haven't been dancing since I was pregnant and that was a very weird experience,' she'd told Dee. 'I can't wait to strut my stuff on the dance floor.'
Dee could just imagine it. Lauren was a wild woman when she got going and the prospect of not having the babies to look after when she got home meant she'd really let her hair down.
'Take care of her for me, Dee,' her husband, Phil, had joked. 'No stripping, no snogging and nothing illegal.'
Lauren had made a face. 'I may as well stay at home then!'
Dee had sometimes envied Lauren and Phil
's relationship, especially when the twins had come along. Phil was a hands-on father who helped out every chance he could, despite putting in long hours as a taxi driver. Dee didn't think Lauren appreciated how lucky she was. Phil was handsome, fun and devoted to his wife and when she got annoyed or irritated or just plain moody, he'd ignore it and keep out of her way until she calmed down.
Conor wasn't quite as good at reading Dee's moods, in fact, he was lousy at it. Usually, when she was annoyed she just sulked but he never seemed to notice. Occasionally she'd lose her temper and tell him to get lost and he did – it was very annoying. He never shouted back, he just disappeared from her life until she finally gave in and called him. And she always called. Sam's constant whine of 'Where's Conor?' would finally wear her down and she'd pick up the phone. Sometimes, Conor would play it cool for a couple of days but then things would be back to normal until the next time.
'Mummy?' Sam's high-pitched, excited squeal came from downstairs. 'Conor's here.'
'Coming.' Dee put on her gold chain, hoop earrings and bangle, eyed herself up in the mirror and added a last touch of lip gloss. 'You'll have to do,' she told her reflection.
'Very nice.' Conor whistled appreciatively as she walked into the room. 'You should wear dresses more often.'
Dee twirled, and the silky burgundy material swirled out showing off her long, slim legs clad in opaque tights. 'I hope I don't break my neck in these shoes.'
'Are they new?' Conor eyed up the black stilettos.
'God, no, Lisa lent them to me.'
'Where are you off to?' Paula asked from the floor where she was doing a jigsaw puzzle with Sam.
'Dinner in Chapter One and then we're going to either Zanzibar or Traffic – Lauren and Sheila are still arguing about that one – and then we'll probably finish up in Barcode.'
'Cool!' Paula's eyes widened and Dee could see her trying to figure out what three 'oul wans' pushing thirty were doing going to such trendy nightspots.
'Never heard of any of them,' Conor said cheerfully. 'Give me a nice pub and a bit of live music any day.'
Dee rolled her eyes. 'I think I should have bought you a cardy and slippers for your birthday.'
Conor raised his eyebrows. 'Are you still looking for a lift?'
'Yes! Yes, please, sorry.' She kissed his cheek and then went over and gathered Sam into her arms.
'Mum, you're stepping on the jigsaw puzzle.'
'Sor-ry! Excuse me for trying to say goodnight.'
He grinned and hugged her. 'G'night, Mum, have fun.'
'I will, sweetheart, thank you. Now be good for Paula.'
'He always is,' Paula said, tousling the little boy's hair.
'Right, let's go.' Conor picked up his keys and handed Dee her jacket. 'You really do look gorgeous,' he murmured as they went out to his jeep and he opened the passenger door for her.
'You could come too,' Dee said, reaching up to kiss him. 'It's ages since we had a smooch on the dance floor.'
'I can just imagine what Lauren would say if I tagged along.' He laughed. 'Anyway, there's a match on telly.'
'Oh, well, that's that then.' Dee slid into the seat.
'Let's have a night out soon,' he said when he climbed in beside her, 'a proper one.'
She smiled and put a hand on his thigh. 'I'd like that.'
'Right. Where to first?'
'Lauren's, Sheila's meeting us there – mind you, that girl is never on time.'
'Is Phil babysitting?' Conor asked.
'No, Lauren's mum has taken the babies for the night.'
'Maybe he'd like to come to the pub and watch the match.'
'From what I hear he's working very long hours.'
'I suppose two babies must be a lot more expensive than one,' Conor acknowledged. 'Oh, well, no doubt I'll find someone to go with.'
'What about your dad?'
'Mum's dragged him off to an amateur musical production in the parish hall.'
'Oh, he'll love that,' Dee giggled. 'If there's no one in the pub you could always go with them.'
Conor shot her a withering look. 'If you keep this up I'm going to drop you lot there instead.'
'No, please, anything but that,' she groaned. 'I won't say another word.'
They drove in comfortable silence for a while and then Conor shot her a sidelong glance. 'I didn't think you wanted to go at ail tonight.'
'I didn't,' she admitted, 'but now that it's here I'm quite looking forward to it. It should be a laugh.'
'You could do with that; you seem to have been a bit down lately.'
'Have I?' Dee considered telling him about her money troubles but what was the point? 'I suppose I'm just a bit tired. It's been a busy time.'
'It may get even busier now that you've been in the paper.'
'You think?'
'Dad's already noticed some new faces in the café. You might have to hire some help if he increases his order again.'
'No way, I can manage. Anyway, I couldn't work with anyone else.'
'You could operate shifts,' Conor pointed out.
'I never thought of that.' Dee pretended to give his idea some consideration but how could she possibly afford to pay someone? If the orders increased and she got an extra couple of catering jobs she would be able to cover her current debts and hopefully take out a new house insurance policy. So she'd have to work harder, it wouldn't kill her. She yawned widely and wondered what time she'd get to bed. Regardless of what time they got home or the fact that tomorrow was Sunday, she still had a busy day ahead.
'Why don't I take Sam out for a few hours tomorrow?' Conor said as if reading her mind.
'Where?' Dee asked, ever cautious.
He shrugged. 'We could go and watch the football up at the grounds and I have a new calf that I'm sure he'd love to meet. And yes, of course I'll lock up the dog,' he said as she opened her mouth to protest.
'Sorry. I think he'd love that, but are you sure you don't mind?'
'I wouldn't have offered if I did.'
And Dee knew that was true. With Conor what you saw was what you got. He was an uncomplicated man who said what he thought, not always showing the greatest tact. But Dee preferred it that way; at least she knew where she stood.
'Nice place,' Lisa murmured as they were led to their tables in the restaurant.
'It's a bit quiet,' Lauren complained.
Sheila rolled her eyes. 'Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to go mad after we've eaten. We need to line our stomach's first.'
'Could have done that with a burger,' Dee murmured, running her eye down the prices on the menu.
Lauren rolled her eyes. 'Oh, shut up, it's not often we go out. Anyway, the good news is, Phil is going to pick us up so we don't have a taxi fare to worry about.'
'Excellent.' Sheila put down the menu and opened the wine list. 'Let's have a little bubbly to get us in the mood.'
Dee groaned inwardly; so much for trying to keep a tight rein on her purse strings. Still, like Lauren said, they didn't go out often and she could always be careful in her selections. Soup and the pasta vegetarian dish, she decided, shutting the menu before turning her attention to trying to persuade Sheila that the Spanish sparkling wine was much nicer than champagne.
They ordered and then settled down for a chat. Lauren produced photos of the twins and they all cooed over the baby girls.
'They're so cute,' Sheila said. 'I can hardly remember my three at that age.'
'That's 'cos you were in a haze of exhaustion,' Lauren reminded her.
'True,' Sheila agreed with a grin. 'Still, at least you have Phil to help you; my Matthew was worse than useless. Any time they woke, he'd pretend not to hear them.'
'Phil knows he has to pull his weight,' Lauren assured her. 'If I have them for the day, he has to do his share at night.'
'But if he's out driving he needs to get some sleep too,' Dee pointed out, wondering if she really did want Phil to take them home tonight.
'He gets lots of time to snooz
e between fares, believe me.
'They're beautiful children,' Lisa said, wistfully. 'Who do you think they look like?'
The champagne had arrived and Lauren took a gulp before replying. 'I'm not sure, it's probably too soon to tell.'
Sheila laughed. 'Well, they have your beautiful eyes. They're such a strange shade of blue, almost like a stormy sea.'
'Very poetic,' Dee said with a grin.
'That comes from my dad's side. His mother was Scottish, they all had eyes like that.'
'I didn't know that.' Dee took a sip of her champagne and licked her lips. It might be horrendously expensive but it was gorgeous.
'My family are all from Dublin,' Lisa said, 'generations of them. Isn't that boring?'
'I don't think so,' Sheila said. 'They were all obviously happy here or they would have left.'
'I always wanted to leave.' Lauren drained her glass and held it out to Sheila for a refill. 'I wanted to move to London when I left school but my dad went ballistic and said no bloody way.'
'I didn't know that. What were you going to do?' Dee asked.
Lauren shrugged. 'Be a model or become an actress, something glamorous.'
'But if you'd done that, you wouldn't have your wonderful career in marketing, you wouldn't have married Phil and you wouldn't have the girls,' Dee pointed out.
'True,' Lauren acknowledged. 'Speaking of marriage, Dee, when are you and Conor going to take the plunge?'
'Yeah, I wish you'd hurry up,' Sheila added. 'It's ages since I've been to a wedding.'
'And I'm sure Sam would love a little brother or sister,' Lauren said with a wink.
'We're fine as we are,' Dee murmured, wishing they'd change the subject. Still, she'd known it was only a matter of time before it came up; it always did. Everyone always asked her. She wondered if Conor got the same hassle from his friends. Probably not. Guys didn't talk about stuff like that, did they?
'He won't hang around for ever, Dee,' Lauren was saying. 'He's not getting any younger and you can see that he's the kind who'd like to settle down.'
'Can you?' Dee asked curiously. She wasn't sure she could see that.
'Salt of the earth, as my dad would say,' Lisa laughed. 'They don't come much straighter than Conor.'
It's All About Him Page 5