The Birthday Girls

by Pauline Lawless

  Lexi could see that he was genuinely concerned about Angel. He confirmed that she was not taking any prescription drugs either which was a relief. Lexi knew it was the combination of them and the alcohol that had caused Angel’s near-fatal collapse before Christmas. Lexi wondered if Kenny really did have business in LA or was it just an excuse for him to see Angel. She sensed that he was getting very, very fond of her. If only Angel would fall for him. That would be perfect.

  * * *

  Brenda had called Lexi to say that she and Bob were separating for good. They’d tried to make a go of it but it hadn’t worked out. Lexi wasn’t surprised. Brenda didn’t go into details but Lexi guessed she’d hear the whole story eventually.

  * * *

  Mel had been giving a lot of thought to what she was going to do. There was no way she could raise a baby while she worked such long hours. It was going to be a problem and she had to find a solution. Her life had to change.

  The president of the company had called an emergency meeting of the partners and Mel was sitting mulling over her situation as she waited for him to start the meeting. She found it hard to concentrate on what he was saying as he explained that there were problems with the office in Columbus, Ohio, and that he needed one of them to relocate there for six months and find out what the hell was going on, shake them up and fix things.

  Columbus, Ohio? Mel thought. Could I do it? But she knew she couldn’t move there. She knew absolutely no one in that part of the world.

  “And our Florida office is also showing a loss which I suspect is due to bad management and perhaps even fraud. So I need two volunteers, one for Columbus and one for Tampa, to sort out this mess.”

  Mel wondered was she hearing things. This was too good to be true.

  “So, think it over and let me know by this afternoon,” he concluded.

  Before any else had a chance to do anything, Mel’s hand shot up.

  “Yes, Mel?”

  “I’d like to volunteer for Tampa, sir, if that’s okay with you.”

  He looked at her strangely as did all of the others. “Tampa, Mel? Am I hearing you right? I thought you were a New Yorker, through and through.”

  “Yes, sir, but I’d like to take on the Tampa job.”

  “Very well, come to my office at noon. And if anyone else is interested in taking on Columbus, let me know. There will be added perks going with the job of course.”

  The other partners murmured amongst themselves. This was an opportunity to shine though none of them wanted to leave New York. However, the president was due to retire in two years and something like this could catapult them into the first place as his successor. Mel had no hankering for that. She was thinking of her baby.

  * * *

  Mel knocked with trepidation on the door of the president’s suite and his PA admitted her into her office, which was as grand as any of the partners’ offices.

  She then led her into her boss’s grandiose room. It couldn’t be called an office – more a salon, actually. It had a ninety-degree view of the city. No one entered here without a previous appointment. It was the holy-of-holies and Mel had only been here three or four times before.

  “Come, my dear,” the president greeted her, showing her into the dining room which was set for lunch. “I was so surprised by your offer today that I felt we should discuss it over lunch.”

  His butler pulled out a chair for her and she sat.

  “Tell me, Mel, why do you want to take on Tampa?” he asked as she admired the lobster salad that was placed before her.

  She explained that she was pregnant and that she had been thinking of asking for a transfer anyway. “And I have friends in Tampa, which will be important for me at this time.”

  “Well, congratulations my dear. That’s wonderful news. But can you give it six months? Will you not want maternity leave?”

  “Not before my baby is due, which is mid-August. I will of course take it after he’s born. That gives me plenty of time to sort out the Tampa office.”

  “Well, well, this has come at an opportune time for you,” he chuckled. “Some people are born lucky. Guess you’re one of them!”

  “Yes, sir, I’m a very lucky girl,” she grinned at him.

  “You said ‘he’. Do you know it’s going to be a boy for sure?”

  “No, sir, I just feel it in my bones.”

  He laughed and they went on to discuss the problem in the Tampa office.

  “How soon can you leave?” he asked.

  “I have another scan tomorrow so I’ll be ready to go any time after that.”

  “Excellent! Let’s say you start there next Monday so you’ll have a few days to sort things out before you go. I’m really concerned about what’s going on down there so I don’t want to give them any advance warning that you’re coming. Let’s not give them a chance to cover up anything.”

  “Is it so bad?” Mel looked worried.

  “I’m afraid so but I have every confidence that you’ll sort them out. And who do you think should take over your job here while you’re gone?”

  “I’ve been giving it some thought, sir, and I think Donna would be more than capable of doing that. She’s worked very closely with me and could step into my place tomorrow.”

  “Yes, I have been very impressed with her myself. Very well. Maybe you can ask her to come and see me at . . .” He buzzed his PA to see what free time he had that afternoon. “At five. Okay?”

  “Yes, sir, and thank you for everything.”

  “I should be thanking you. You’re the best employee I have and I don’t want to lose you. I know you’ll do a good job in Tampa. I’ll brief you on Friday.”

  * * *

  Mel couldn’t contain her excitement as she dashed back to her office. She called Donna in.

  “Donna, Donna, you won’t believe what’s happened,” she cried, twirling her friend around. “I’m moving to the Tampa office for six months, to sort things out there.”

  Donna’s face fell. “And you’re happy about that?”

  “Deliriously! I’ve been thinking of asking for a transfer as I’d like to be near Lexi and my friends there when the baby is born.”

  “Oh no! How will I manage here without you? What dickhead will I have as a boss now?” Most of the other senior management were male and neither of the two girls thought very much of them.

  “This is the best part: you’ll be taking over my job while I’m gone!”

  “What?” Donna shrieked. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, the president asked who I thought should stand in for me and I said you, naturally.”

  “Oh Mel, thank you, thank you, thank you! I can’t believe it,” Donna exclaimed, hugging her.

  “Believe it! He wants to see you in his office at five o’clock this evening.”

  “Oh, my God!” Donna cried, fanning herself with her hand. “But I’ll miss you. Will you be back after the six months? Your baby is due just about then.”

  “I’ll take maternity leave after he’s born and then we’ll see. In the meantime, I’m really happy about it and you can come down and visit me any weekend you want.

  “That would be great,” Donna said her eyes shining.

  “Now back to work. We’ve a lot to talk about before I go.”

  * * *

  Donna had insisted on accompanying Mel for her scan. “You shouldn’t be alone at these important moments,” she’d said. Mel was secretly grateful.

  As she looked at the screen she was amazed at how much her baby had grown in the past few weeks. Donna was blown away. She’d never seen this before.

  “Wow, this is a lively one,” the sonographer remarked as she looked at the screen with them. “Do you want to know the sex of your baby?” she asked as she moved the instrument over Mel’s tummy.

  “Yes, but I’m sure it’s a boy.”

  “Well, you obviously have a mother’s instinct already. It is a boy, and a healthy one at that.”

  Mel was not
at all surprised.

  She couldn’t wait to call Lexi. “I’ve been for my scan and I was right, it is a boy and everything’s fine.”

  “That’s great news.”

  “And I’ve got some even better news. The company have asked me to take over the Tampa office for six months so I’ll be moving down there this weekend.”

  “Oh my gosh, I don’t believe it!” Lexi was so surprised, she had to sit down.

  “Is everything okay?” Marvin asked her solicitously, worried something was wrong.

  She gave him the thumbs-up. “Better than okay,” she whispered before returning to talk to Mel.

  “Mel, that is fantastic news. I am thrilled. It will be so good to have you here. Will you come and stay here with us?”

  “Well, I’d like to rent a house, Lexi, preferably close to you in Clearwater, but if I could stay with you for a few days till I find a house, that would be great.”

  “Of course. My, this is great news. And you’ll have your baby here?”

  “Yes. My gynaecologist will refer me to a good one there. Isn’t it marvellous?”

  “Better than marvellous.”

  * * *

  Meanwhile, back in Ireland, Brenda was trying to get her life back on track after Bob’s departure. She refused to speak to him any more. He’d really gone too far this time. She didn’t tell any of the kids what had happened, just that she’d decided it wasn’t working out. Luckily she had her job in the salon to keep her busy but that would be gone by May when Sybil, the receptionist, would be back from her maternity leave. She had also taken to bridge much better than she’d expected to. She and three others from the bridge class, all of them separated or divorced, played in each other’s houses every Friday and then had supper afterwards. It was good fun. She did get lonely at times but then she’d often been lonely even when married to Bob. At least now she could come and go as she pleased. In a strange way she was happier than when he’d been around.

  She’d heard Bob was drinking a lot but what he did or did not do was not her concern any more. She would never forgive him nor forget that awful night and the sight of that horrible woman, naked on top of him. The kids kept in contact with her more than ever. She was looking forward to their Easter break next which wouldn’t be long now.

  When Brenda got the call from Mel to say that she was moving to Tampa, she was more than a little envious. How she’d love to be there too, especially for the birth of Mel’s baby in August but she knew it just wasn’t possible. She did feel a bit out of the loop, being so far away from them all.

  Chapter 33

  Lexi hadn’t mentioned anything to the girls but Marvin had finally got his way and persuaded her to see a doctor. Marvin went with her for her appointment with his doctor of twenty years who when he heard her symptoms and examined her, sent her to a gynaecologist who, in turn sent her for a blood test and a pelvic MRI. She had just returned from that and was now anxiously awaiting the results. She hoped it was something simple like an ovarian cyst – many women suffered them at some stage and they were easily treated. Whatever it was, she knew there was something wrong. Besides being fatigued and losing her appetite, she was feeling strong pressure on her abdomen. She played it down for Marvin’s sake but she was secretly worried.

  * * *

  Her last days in New York were hectic for Mel as she packed up and made ready to move to Tampa. She thought she would feel sad leaving but instead she was buoyant, feeling that a new chapter in her life was beginning. She wasn’t giving up her apartment just yet. She could have rented it out but it would have been too stressful trying to pack all her stuff away. It would be time enough to decide, when her baby was born, where they would live. She had a gut feeling that it would not be the Big Apple. In the meantime, she asked Donna if she would house-sit for her.

  “Are you serious? I’d love that,” was her friend’s reply, excited at the prospect of having her own space and in this gorgeous Upper West-Side apartment. “You know I love my family to bits but sometimes I long for some peace and quiet. I never get that or any privacy in my parents’ house. It will be great to be able to walk to work too and I promise I’ll take good care of it for you.”

  “I know you will,” Mel smiled at her, pleased that she’d thought of it. “And I’m happy knowing that you’re in it.”

  Finally, all was done and she took a last look at the apartment before leaving for her new adventure.

  * * *

  Mel picked up the Lexus that the company had leased for her at the airport and drove, humming to herself, to Clearwater. Maria let her in and she ran into the house calling out hello but was stopped in her tracks when she saw Lexi, lying on the couch, looking pale and gaunt. Mel had seen on Skype that Lexi had lost more weight but was shocked now at how frail she appeared.

  “Lexi, darling, what is it? Why didn’t you tell me you were ill,” she chided, hugging her best friend.

  “I didn’t want to worry you and anyway, it’s probably nothing.” Lexi smiled but Mel could see the fear behind her eyes. “Marvin finally insisted I go to the doctor who sent me to see a gynaecologist. He sent me for an MRI and blood tests and we’re waiting the results, so let’s not jump ahead of ourselves. Now let me have a look at you? Why, you’re looking marvellous!”

  “Well, I’ve got boobs for the first time in my life. I just hope they stay that way.” Mel had always been embarrassed by her flat chest and envious of Lexi and Angel’s well-endowed ones.

  Marvin brought them tea as they chatted and when Mel saw that Lexi was tiring, she went to unpack so as to let her rest. Later as Lexi slept, she and Marvin spoke quietly in the kitchen.

  “I’m worried sick about her, Mel,” he confided, tears in his eyes.

  “I can understand that. I got a shock when I saw how much she’s failed in just a few weeks, but let’s wait until we hear from the doctors. They can work miracles these days.” She patted his hand in an effort to comfort him. “If I’d known I could have stayed in a hotel till I find a place.”

  “Lexi wouldn’t hear of that and anyway I have good news for you. Troy has bought a penthouse overlooking the marina so if you’re interested you can rent my house. I’ll keep the rent as low as possible.”

  “That’s not a problem as the company is paying for it. It will be great to be right next door. When can I move in?”

  “Straight away. Troy’s place is finished and he’s ready to move. I’ll talk to him tonight.”

  “That’s good. I wouldn’t like to be a nuisance when Lexi is so ill.”

  “If you believe in prayer, Mel, please pray for her. I’m so scared for her.”

  “I will, Marvin.”

  * * *

  Mel arrived at the office in Tampa at eight on Monday to find that the receptionist, a pretty young girl, was the only one there.

  “Where is everyone?” Mel asked, looking around the large, empty open-plan office.

  “Oh, they don’t usually come in till nine or nine thirty,” said the girl, smiling.

  “And the manager, Mr Nesbitt, what time do you expect him?”

  “Oh, he doesn’t ever come in till ten or eleven. Maybe I can help you?” She smiled sweetly at Mel.

  “I’m Ms O’Brien from the New York office.”

  The girl’s face registered her shock. “Ms Mel O’Brien . . . one of the partners?”

  “Correct! I’ll be working here for the next few months. Now, can you please show me into Mr Nesbitt’s office?”

  “Certainly, Ms O’Brien. This way.” The girl jumped up eagerly and led the way into the manager’s office.

  It didn’t take Mel long to see why this branch was not functioning. There was a putting machine in the centre of the floor with a putter and some balls propped up against the desk. In the adjoining room, which was designed as a conference room, the large table had been dismantled. In its place a golf-practice facility had been erected, complete with practice net, camera and screen to focus on one’s swing. Mr Nesb
itt was obviously more concerned about his golf game than he was about the business. There was also a well-stocked liquor cabinet which lay open with half bottles of whisky in evidence. Well, well, thought Mel. I have my work cut out for me here.

  Mel asked the young girl, who said her name was Ginny, to open up the filing cabinets for her. She took out several files and settled down to work. Things were worse than she’d anticipated.

  Around an hour later, there was a knock on the door.

  “Come in,” Mel said, looking up to see a very flustered young man hovering on the doorstep.

  “Mr Nesbitt?” she asked.

  “No, I’m Donald Young, Credit Control,” he introduced himself, shifting from foot to foot.

  “Ah, Mr Young, I’m Mel O’Brien from the new York office.”

  “Yes, Ginny told me. Nice to meet you, Ms O’Brien. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said nervously.

  “Mr Young, can you tell me what the hell has been going on in this office? These accounts don’t add up.” Mel pointed at the ledgers in front of her.

  “Yes, well, I can’t really say . . . erm . . . Mr Nesbitt would not like me to . . . erm . . .”

  Mel banged the table, making him jump. “I don’t give a damn what Mr Nesbitt would or would not like. I’m here to find out what’s going on. Now maybe you can tell me, seeing as how Mr Nesbitt hasn’t graced us with his presence yet.”

  “Yes, well, Monday is his golf league day. He doesn’t work Mondays.”

  “Or Tuesday through Friday either, I guess. Now I will be working here for the foreseeable future and you will all be answerable to me, not Mr Tiger-Woods-Nesbitt. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, Ms O’Brien, abundantly clear.”

  “Good! Now I wish to interview every member of staff here, starting with you. Everything you tell me will be confidential, understand?”