“S’okay, Mel, s’okay.”
Mel looked relieved. “You take care now.”
“Yesh, I will.”
“Hi, Angel. It’s Brenda here. How are you doing?”
“Fine. Howsh New York?”
“Wonderful! I love it like crazy.”
“We just wish you were here, honey,” Lexi added.
“Me too,” Angel replied. “Gotta go now. Byeee.”
Lexi hung up, her concern showing on her face. “I hope she’s gonna be okay,” she said to the others.
“She doesn’t sound great,” Brenda commented.
“No, but at least she’s talking to us,” Lexi replied hopefully.
“You know, I’ve been thinking about it,” Mel said. “I was so angry with her but she was right about Simon. He was a bastard. I can’t only blame Angel for his betrayal. He could have said no to her. He obviously didn’t love me and now, thanks to Jack, I’m beginning to see that I didn’t really love him either so our marriage would have been a disaster.”
“Well, it’s good that something good has come out of all this,” Lexi said softly.
* * *
The next three days were a whirlwind of activity as the girls criss-crossed the city, visiting all the places that had so excited Brenda on the drive they’d taken on the first day. There weren’t enough hours in the day for all she wanted to see but they did their best.
They went for breakfast every morning to a different restaurant and Brenda was overwhelmed by the delicious food in all of them but the buffet breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria was hands-down the absolute best.
The highlight of their first day was the visit to Ground Zero which brought the horror of 9/11 alive again for all three women. Brenda couldn’t hold back the tears as she looked up at the lasers representing the twin towers and recalled the horrific events of that day. The others also shed tears as they toured the museum that had been newly opened on the site. Then they visited the small St Paul’s Church nearby which had been a haven for the rescue teams at the time and was now a memorial to those brave men and women, many of whom had died as they tried to save others.
After a quick lunch they took the ferry across to Ellis Island. Brenda was shocked to hear that neither Lexi nor Mel had ever visited there before. It was very moving and impossible to believe that these poor immigrants were the ancestors of so many successful Irish Americans, one of them even becoming President of the United States.
They planned to go to the Statue of Liberty next but Brenda and Mel could see that Lexi was exhausted and offered to go home with her.
“No, no, you two go on,” Lexi insisted. I’ve been there before and I don’t want to spoil your fun. I’ll take a cab back to the apartment for a nap so I’ll be ready to party this evening.”
Reluctantly, the girls agreed and did as she asked and took the ferry over to the Statue which was enormous close up. It was so symbolic of New York that it was a thrill for Brenda to climb to the top of this famous landmark.
“I’m awfully worried about Lexi,” Brenda confided to Mel as they sipped a hot chocolate to warm themselves after the climb. “She tires so easily.”
“Have you said anything to her about seeing a doctor?”
“Yes. I suggested it to her on the flight here but she absolutely refuses to talk about it.”
“You know Lexi – she’s as stubborn as a mule.”
“I know but she mentioned that Marvin is seemingly on at her too about it.”
“Maybe he’ll have more luck persuading her than we’ve had,” Mel said hopefully.
“I don’t know. He hasn’t so far,” Brenda replied unhappily.
* * *
This became the pattern for the rest of their stay. At about three o’clock Lexi would return home and the two girls would continue exploring New York.
Mel took Brenda skating at the Rockefeller Center which was great fun and also up to the top of the Empire State Building. They took the ferry across to Staten Island which was still recovering from the awful devastation of Hurricane Sandy. They took photos with the naked cowboy on Times Square and generally did all the tourist things that people did in the Big Apple.
The evenings were equally thrilling and Lexi joined in these with gusto. Mel knew all the best restaurants and as she often entertained clients there, the maître d’s were effusive in their welcome making them feel like important guests. They ate in Little Italy one night which was great fun and on the Friday Mel sprang a surprise on them. She had managed to get tickets to the Broadway show, The Lion King, which was a fantastic experience for Brenda. Afterwards they had eaten in Joe Allen’s and were thrilled to meet some of the cast there.
“You can’t leave New York without seeing some of the fabulous stores here,” Mel insisted and took them into Bloomingdales and Saks and Bergdorf Goodman.
After one look at the prices Brenda cried, “I couldn’t possibly afford anything here!”
“Don’t worry, I don’t buy anything here either,” Lexi confessed.
“Me neither, even though I could afford it,” Mel confided, “but I couldn’t let you leave New York without visiting these famous stores. Never mind, tomorrow I’ll take you to Century 21. The prices are much more reasonable there.”
Chapter 22
Meanwhile in LA, Angel was very pleased with the way she’d managed to hold it together in front of Consuela on the Thursday and Friday. At times the craving for a drink became so unbearable that she would creep up to her room and take a drink straight from the whisky bottle. She would then wash her teeth, use mouthwash and then suck a mint, all in an effort to pull the wool over her housekeeper’s eyes. She was taking more Prozac than usual but she had to do something to curb her depression.
The call from Lexi had helped and she was happy that Mel had apologised, but hearing them all having a ball together in New York without her made her more depressed than ever. But she was not an actress for nothing and she put on a great show of normality in front of Consuela. By Saturday morning she was beginning to crack so she devised a plan. Getting dressed and putting on her make-up, she descended the stairs smiling brightly.
“Good morning, Consuela,” she said pouring herself a coffee.
“You look pretty, Miss Angel. Is good,” Consuela declared beaming, happy to see her mistress all dressed up.
“I’m meeting friends for lunch and then going on to a gallery opening with them so there’s no need for you to stay here today, Consuela. Why don’t I drop you home on my way?”
“You sure? You no need me?”
“I probably won’t be home till late tonight. No, you go off and enjoy the weekend with your grandchildren.”
Consuela looked uncertain but was pleased with this suggestion.
“Well, if you sure, Miss Angel.”
“I’m sure,” Angel nodded, smiling confidently at her. “Now run along and grab your coat and bag. I need to leave now.” She went and switched on the answering machine.
Consuela did as she was told.
“I hope you have nice day,” she said to Angel as she was dropped off.
“You have a nice weekend too.”
Angel drove off and when she’d turned the corner she headed back for home. Going inside she went upstairs for her secret stash and poured a large glass of whisky. She sighed with pleasure as the warm liquid made its way down her throat. Relief flooded through her as she felt its effect. It was the most heavenly feeling in the world.
Kicking off her shoes and getting into her bathrobe she made her way downstairs and, after double-locking the door, curled up on the sofa the bottle of whisky close to hand. Soon she would forget everything as the whisky did its job.
* * *
The following day was Brenda’s last in New York and Mel suggested that they take the subway to Century 21, the huge cut-price store that was close to Ground Zero.
“You absolutely have to travel at least once on the subway,” Mel insisted as she led them down to t
he underground.
“It’s an experience,” Lexi said, rolling her eyes to heaven. “All human life is there, rushing past you, almost knocking you down, as only New Yorkers can.”
“Ah, it’s not too bad if it’s not rush-hour,” Mel replied.
“How often do you travel by subway?” Lexi asked her.
“Only when I want to treat a visitor to the experience,” Mel grinned sheepishly.
“As I thought,” Lexi nodded and they all laughed.
“You wouldn’t believe the musicians that busk there at all hours,” Mel confided.
“That reminds me,” Lexi said, “about the famous violinist, Joshua Bell, who sold out a Boston theatre and two days later took his $3.5 million-dollar violin and played Bach for forty-five minutes in a Washington DC subway. Most people ignored him except for six people who stopped to listen. Believe me, if it had been the New York subway, nobody would have stopped.”
“Heavens, that’s incredible,” Brenda remarked.
“Isn’t it just?” Lexi agreed.
Brenda was glad that Lexi had encouraged her to buy the cashmere coat and boots in Ellenton as it was freezing cold in New York and she’d have been lost without them. She was pleased to see that the prices in Century 21 were really low and bought a few last-minute presents.
Mel took them to lunch in a lovely Belgian restaurant, Les Halles, just across Broadway and then they took a stroll down Wall Street which was surprisingly narrow.
“You’ll have a permanent crick in your neck from looking up at all these tall buildings,” Lexi teased Brenda who was staring skywards yet again.
“I just can’t believe how high they all are.”
“The Twin Towers dwarfed them all,” Lexi said, her voice sad.
They were silent for a while and then Mel announced: “And now, another surprise. We are now going on the Sex and the City tour.”
Brenda squealed with delight and clapped her hands.
“Are you serious?” Lexi asked.
“Deadly,” Mel grinned.
“In that case I’ll forego my rest this afternoon. After all, I’ll be sitting on a bus, won’t I?”
“Yes, and you can doze off if you want to.”
“Not on your life,” Lexi nudged her playfully. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
All of them were huge fans of the late-nineties TV series. They’d often compared themselves to the four women on the show although none of them would admit to being like Samantha. However Mel, Lexi and Brenda were in no doubt but that Angel had that one in the bag!
The tour was great fun as they visited places featured in the series and took photos of each other sitting on the steps of Carrie’s apartment.
“Isn’t it a shame Angel isn’t here?” Lexi remarked.
“Well, I did invite her,” Mel said.
“She would have loved this,” Brenda observed wistfully as they ate cupcakes in the same Magnolia bakery where Miranda had been seen stuffing her face in one episode of the TV show.
However, they all agreed that though they missed her entertaining way they didn’t miss the drama that inevitably followed whenever she was around. Things were much calmer without Angel, that was for sure. The three of them were easy and relaxed together just like old times. Although Angel had always been the fun one of the group, sadly she had lately been causing more disharmony than fun.
They had a hilarious afternoon and after a wonderful farewell dinner in the revolving rooftop restaurant of the Marriott Hotel in Times Square, it was back home to pack.
Brenda had called Bob earlier and as usual it had gone to voicemail. She tried his mobile but it was turned off so she rang home again and left a message telling him of her arrival time Tuesday morning. He certainly seemed to have been occupied while she’d been away.
* * *
Franco called to collect Brenda and Lexi at one thirty the following afternoon to take them to the airport. Mel had opted out of accompanying them.
“I hate goodbyes at airports,” she explained, “and, besides, I suppose I had better show my face in the office.”
“Thank you so much, Mel. I’ve had a truly wonderful time. I don’t know how I can ever repay you,” Brenda said, as she hugged Mel tightly.
“I’ve really enjoyed having you,” Mel replied, “and I do hope you’ll come more often. It’s been great fun.”
“Goodbye, honey, and you take care. I’ve had a wonderful time too,” Lexi concurred.
“I’m happy. And I’ll be fine, honestly. Don’t worry about me. It’s been great having you both here. Now go before I start crying.” She ushered them into the limo, waving as they drove off.
* * *
After Brenda had put her bags through, she and Lexi went for a last coffee. Lexi’s flight was from another terminal so unfortunately she couldn’t go through to the business-class lounge with Brenda. They were both sad when the time came to say goodbye.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Lexi said. “It’s been wonderful to have this time together.”
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough,” Brenda replied, tears coming to her eyes. “I’ll miss you too, more than you’ll ever know. Thank you so much for this, Lexi. I’ve had a fantastic time, the best time of my life.”
Lexi held her tight and then quickly broke away, afraid she might cry. Her last sight of Brenda was as she was going through security and she could see Brenda was crying. With tears in her eyes Lexi turned away and made her way to Terminal 3.
* * *
As Lexi entered the terminal her phone rang.
“Hello, Miss Lexi?”
Lexi recognised Angel’s housekeeper’s voice and heard the anguish in it. Fear gripped her heart. “What is it, Consuela? Is there something wrong with Angel?”
“Yes, Miss Lexi,” Consuela sobbed. “She in hospital. We go in ambulance.”
Lexi gasped and clutched at her chest. She sank down on a nearby chair, afraid that her legs might give way.
“What happened? Talk slowly, Consuela.”
“Miss Angel, she no wake up when I come in today.” The poor woman was obviously distraught as she lapsed into Spanish.
“Consuela, listen to me. Are you at the hospital? Can you put a nurse on the phone to me?”
She heard Consuela crying as she handed over the phone.
“Hello, who am I speaking to?” asked an unknown voice.
“Lexi Moretti. I’m Angel Flannery’s next of kin. Can you tell me what’s happened?”
The nurse could hear the anxiety in Lexi’s voice. “Well, she’s unconscious and in intensive care at the moment,” she informed her. “I’m afraid it looks like she has overdosed.”
Lexi gasped. “Oh my God!” she cried. “What hospital?”
The nurse gave her the name and address.
“I’m at JFK at the moment,” Lexi told her. “I was on my way to Tampa but I’ll catch the next available flight to LA.”
“Very good, Miss Moretti. I’ll leave your name at the desk so just come straight to intensive care when you get here.”
“Thank you,” Lexi said. She was already making her way to the ticket counter. She was in luck. There was a flight leaving in thirty minutes and if she ran they said she might make it.
She made it – just! Luckily she had only a pull-along bag with her. Sinking in to her seat she prayed like she’d never prayed before.
Waiting for take-off she called Marvin to tell him she would not be home tonight and briefly explained why not. Then she quickly dialled Mel’s number. As usual it went to voicemail.
“Mel, something has happened to Angel. She’s unconscious and in intensive care. I’m on a flight to LA. I’ll call you when I get there.”
“Sorry, madam, but you have to switch off immediately for take-off,” the cabin steward informed her.
“Have to go,” Lexi whispered. “We’re taking off.”
She was glad she had no time to call Brenda. No point in upsetting her befo
re her long flight back to Ireland. Besides there was nothing any of them could do except hope and pray.
* * *
It took Lexi over five hours to get from JFK to LAX but it felt like twenty-five. Her phone rang as she was walking through the arrivals hall in LA. It was Mel.
“What’s happened? Has she been in an accident? I’ve been sick with worry. Do you want me to take the red-eye tonight?”
“No, Mel. Wait until I get to the hospital and find out more. It appears she’s overdosed. Consuela said she came in this morning and couldn’t wake Angel. I spoke to a nurse who said that she was unconscious and in intensive care but of course it may have changed since then. Look, I’ll call you the moment I find out.”
“Does Brenda know?”
“No, I had left her when I got the call from Consuela. I thought it better not to call her until we know more. Brenda’s still in the air now. In any case, time enough to let her know when I find out more. Better go. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
“Hope she’s okay, Lex. I’m glad you can be with her.”
* * *
It took almost an hour to get to the Cedars-Sinai Hospital and Lexi ran to the intensive care unit where they told her there was no change in Angel’s condition. She put on the gown and mask they gave her and was shown into the room where Angel lay like a rag doll surrounded by tubes. She was on a ventilator and the only sound in the room was the bleep of the heart monitor over her bed. She looked so pale and fragile that Lexi feared the worse. She took the tiny lifeless hand in hers and stroked it as she spoke to Angel.
“It’s Lexi, honey. I’m here. Can you hear me, Angel? You’re going to pull through this. Can you open your eyes for me? C’mon, Angel, wake up.”
There was no response and Lexi looked at the nurse, tears in her eyes.
“Keep talking to her,” said the nurse. “It may bring her round.”
Trying hard not to cry Lexi kept talking but Angel lay lifeless and still as Lexi told her about their trip to New York. Still no response.
The Birthday Girls Page 17