The People Next Door

by Roisin Meaney

  ‘Right.’ He was halfway out of the room.

  And, Dan?’

  ‘Yeah?’ He didn’t turn round.

  ‘Happy New Birthday.’

  He felt a brief stab of what might have been pain. ‘Thanks. See you.’ He walked quickly from the bathroom towards the top of the stairs, praying he wouldn’t meet Brendan on the way out.

  Driving home, he remembered the other New Year’s Eve. They’d gone back to Listowel, eighteen months after their first date there, and booked into a hotel in the square. They’d wrapped up and driven to Ballybunion, battling gale force winds to walk the beach where they’d first met.

  Back in Listowel they’d eaten bowls of creamy seafood chowder in their favourite restaurant and cradled hot whiskeys in a noisy little pub afterwards. A television was switched on for the countdown. Everyone joined hands and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and Ali had hugged Dan, then put her lips to his ear and whispered, ‘Happy New Birthday.’

  And later, just over an hour into his twenty-ninth birthday, she’d turned to him in bed and said, ‘Marry me.’

  He checked his mirror, flicked on his indicator and moved out to overtake a dark van. In less than five hours he’d be thirty-three. And this year he’d be spending his birthday with Clara.

  The van driver raised a hand as Dan passed. Dan waved back. Happy New Year.

  He wondered what it held in store for all of them.

  NUMBER SEVEN

  Greg held out the little bowl to Yvonne. There was a small pile of grated ginger in it. ‘Is this enough?’

  ‘Plenty.’ She finished slicing the pork fillet into narrow strips. ‘Will you get the cornflour? It’s in a plastic tub with cherries on it.’ She checked the recipe. ‘And sesame oil, in the press above the microwave.’ Another pause. ‘And coconut milk. It should be there too.’

  Like a married couple they were already, Greg beginning to find his way around the kitchen. Until they’d got engaged, anytime he’d come to the house for a meal, there’d never been any question of him helping with the cooking. But it was different now.

  She took fish sauce from the fridge. ‘I’m so glad you like Thai food – I don’t think I could marry you if you didn’t.’

  Greg laughed. ‘Well, in that case, I’m very glad I like it too. What did you say Clara was doing tonight?’

  Yvonne mixed the marinade ingredients together and added the pork strips, turning the meat to coat it. Just out for a meal with a few others, and then on to the nightclub in the Belford Arms afterwards. She’s staying at Siofra’s – it’ll be impossible to get a taxi home.’

  ‘Right.’

  ‘So there’s no danger of her walking in on us.’

  He laughed. ‘That’s not why I was asking.’

  She threw him a look that she hoped was filled with disbelief. ‘Oh, sorry. You were just making polite conversation. I see.’

  Their first night together under number seven’s roof. She’d ply him with drink and he’d relax, let go a little.

  ‘Clara’s seeing someone,’ she told him now.

  ‘Really? Has she said something?’

  ‘Oh no – you know what she’s like. But I just know there’s someone, mother’s what do you call it.’

  ‘Intuition.’

  ‘That’s it.’ Yvonne shook out the tablecloth and settled it on the table. ‘There’s definitely someone, and she has to be meeting him tonight.’ And maybe staying with him too, knowing that Yvonne would never dream of checking up on her.

  Greg set out the cutlery and took two wineglasses from the cabinet. Are you sure you wouldn’t have been happier going out?’

  ‘Quite sure.’ Yvonne watched him winding the corkscrew into the bottle of white wine and then levering it up slowly. ‘I never enjoyed New Year’s Eve in town.’ She reached under the worktop and lifted out the wok. ‘If you were single you felt left out and pathetic, and if you were attached you felt obliged to be madly in love at midnight.’

  Greg laughed. ‘Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but I fully expect you to be madly in love this midnight – I know I will be.’

  Yvonne smiled and switched on the hotplate under the wok. ‘I’ll do my best.’ She took the glass he held out and clinked it against his. ‘To us – drink up.’

  NUMBER NINE

  ‘I didn’t even know there was such a thing.’ Kathryn watched as Justin eased the cork out of the bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. They were on the sofa in front of the fire in the sitting room. Kathryn was wrapped in the angora shawl that Suze had given her before she and Ann had left for Spain two days before.

  ‘Ah, you can get anything now. If it’s not in the shops, it’s somewhere on the net.’ Justin filled the two flutes and handed one to her. ‘Knock yourself out.’

  The coffee table held a little bowl of olives, a plate of dry crackers, three peeled tangerines and a tub of pistachio nuts. A fat candle burned, and Bach was on the stereo.

  ‘Let’s get these up.’ He lifted Kathryn’s slippered feet and rested them in his lap.

  She ran her hand along his arm. ‘Maybe Grainne would like a glass.’

  ‘I looked in just before you came down. She’s asleep.’

  He must be tired, trying to look after both of them. It had been wonderful to have Ann around, especially since Marzena had gone back to Latvia to spend Christmas and New Year with her family.

  ‘My father phoned today.’ Justin scooped pistachios from the tub.

  ‘Did he?’ In the nine years she’d been married to his son, Kathryn had met William Taylor just a handful of times. He was good looking – Justin had inherited his long eyelashes and dark hair – and very charming.

  And also, Kathryn decided after their third meeting, very insincere.

  ‘He wanted to know how Mother was doing – and I told him about the baby. He says congratulations.’

  Kathryn took a tiny sip from her glass and reached for a cracker. She still didn’t feel in the least like eating, or drinking anything other than peppermint tea – would she ever be able to face alcohol again? – but she was doggedly working her way through whatever food or liquid appeared in front of her. In the past week, she’d put on three pounds – although Dr Lynch had told her most of that was baby related.

  ‘I’ll expect you to have put on about two stone by May,’ he told Kathryn at her last check-up. ‘Or thereabouts. You’re sticking to a healthy diet?’

  ‘Oh, yes,’ she said. ‘Apart from ice cream and pickles at midnight, and the odd lump of coal.’

  ‘Sounds about right. And you’re getting plenty of rest?’

  ‘I am. I’m in bed most of the time, these days.’

  ‘Good, that’s fine.’ Dr Lynch paused. ‘Tell me, on another note – and I’m sorry to have to bring it up – have you and Justin decided how you’re going to cope when Grainne needs round-the-clock care?’

  Kathryn looked at him. ‘Are you talking about a hospice?’ She remembered how adamant Justin had been about keeping Grainne at home. ‘I really don’t think that’s an option.’

  The doctor closed Kathryn’s file and held it between his fingers. ‘There is another way, if you want her to stay at home. There are services provided by the Cancer Society, nurses who’ll visit by day, and night nurses too, depending on need. I can contact them if you want.’

  Kathryn nodded slowly. ‘That sounds good. I’ll talk to Justin, see what he thinks.’

  ‘Fine. And when the time comes, we can find out what’s available.’

  No need to spoil tonight though. They still had time, hadn’t they? No need to remind him that his mother would soon be too sick for him to manage. Not tonight.

  Kathryn lifted her glass. ‘What’ll we drink to?’

  There was a pause, and then Justin said, ‘Happy endings.’

  He didn’t need reminding.

  New Year’s Day

  NUMBER EIGHT

  Clara lifted her watch from the bedside table. ‘A quarter past nine. What time do the
y stop serving breakfast?

  ‘No idea.’ Dan slid his hand along the smooth curve of her back. ‘Are you hungry?’

  ‘Starving – I could eat a horse.’ Clara turned to face him. ‘Happy New Year – and happy birthday. Did you like having a birthday on New Year’s Day when you were growing up?’

  Dan shrugged. ‘Didn’t mind. It was better than Christmas Day – that would’ve been a real bummer.’

  Clara smiled, stroking his chest, pulling gently at the dark curly hair. ‘Your son could have been born on Christmas Day, couldn’t he? How early did you say he was?’

  ‘He was due on the fifth of January. Actually, I was kind of hoping he’d be born on my birthday.’

  She ran her nails lightly across his skin. ‘It’s all a bit weird, isn’t it?’

  ‘What is?’ But he knew what she meant.

  ‘Well, I mean, you and your wife’ – she traced little circles around his nipples – ‘being parents now, and her with someone else.’

  ‘Yeah.’ Dan took her hand and held it. ‘But so far it’s working out OK.’ He searched her face. ‘How do you feel about it?’

  She hadn’t said much until now. And he, wary of her reaction, had never brought it up.

  Clara considered. ‘I’m not sure. I think I’m a bit afraid that you and your wife will never really be able to separate, now that you’ve a child together.’ She lifted her eyes and gazed at him. ‘And I’m not sure where that leaves me.’

  Dan brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. ‘I’m sorry. You’re getting a very bad bargain – a half-separated older man with a new baby – while I’m doing a hell of a lot better.’ He kissed the tips of her fingers in turn. All I can say … is that … I’m very happy … with the current … situation.’

  Clara gave a small smile. ‘OK.’ She rolled away from him and slid out of bed. ‘Come on – breakfast, before I collapse with hunger.’

  Dan looked at her naked body as she walked towards the bathroom. ‘Maybe a quick shower first.’

  Three weeks later: 22 January

  TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS

  Number nine, morning

  ‘Yvonne, it’s Kathryn.’

  ‘Everything OK?’

  ‘Well, as OK as it can be right now. Grainne’s got a lot weaker in the past couple of days. Justin sat up with her last night – he didn’t like to leave her.’

  ‘Oh dear. He can’t do that, not when he’s got to go to work.’

  ‘He’s not working today – I insisted he call in sick. He’s asleep now.’

  ‘You’ll have to get more help.’

  ‘We’re going to. Dr Lynch is contacting the Cancer Society and arranging for nurses to come.’

  ‘So you’re keeping her at home.’

  ‘It’s what he wants.’

  ‘I know. So what can I do?’

  ‘Well, I was wondering if you could pick up some shopping for me?’

  ‘Of course I will – I’ll call round after I finish here and you can give me a list.’

  ‘Thanks, that’d be great.’

  Number seven, morning

  ‘Clara? It’s me.’

  ‘Hey, you, what’s up?’

  ‘Nothing much. Just wondering if you and lover boy would like to come to Matty’s tonight.’

  ‘Ah, I don’t think so – not just yet.’

  ‘How long are you going to keep him hidden?’

  ‘I’m not keeping him hidden. We’re just not ready to tell our families yet, that’s all. You know the situation, I’ve told you. It’s all a bit awkward.’

  ‘Right. He’s still playing happy families with his wife and child, and you’re sneaking around, afraid to be seen with him in public. I could think of better words than “awkward”.’

  ‘Siofra, don’t be a bitch. It’s his son, what do you expect him to do? It’s definitely over between him and his … wife.’

  ‘OK, if you say so. It’s just we never see you any more.’

  ‘Never see me? We had coffee two days ago. We had lunch last week.’

  ‘Ah, you know what I mean. You never come to Matty’s. Everyone’s asking for you.’

  Are they? That’s nice.’

  ‘Barry keeps pestering me, wanting to know if you’re seeing someone.’

  ‘Tell him it’s none of his bloody business. No, tell him I am seeing someone, and it’s going very well. Look, I’ll ring you during the week, OK?’

  ‘Right.’

  Number seven, afternoon

  ‘Hi, love, it’s me.’

  ‘Greg, hi. I was just thinking about you.’

  ‘Were you? Listen, I’m really sorry, but I can’t get down this weekend – I’ve had to schedule extra rehearsals for Sweeney Todd on Saturday and Sunday because two of the cast were out with flu till yesterday.’

  ‘Oh, that’s too bad. You’ll miss Jim’s birthday dinner tomorrow night.’

  ‘I know, and believe me, Yvonne, I’d much rather be there than here, but they sorely need the rehearsals. We’re opening next Friday and they’re far from ready.’

  ‘Well, not to worry – I’m sure you’ll lick them into shape. Oh, by the way, Kathryn rang a while ago. Grainne isn’t at all well. It sounds like this might be it.’

  ‘That’s a bit sudden, isn’t it?’

  ‘Well, apparently Dr Lynch told them it could happen quite quickly. I know it sounds horrible, but it might be a relief to everyone. I’m sure they’re both worn out, and Kathryn can do without the stress.’

  ‘Mmm … well, let me know if anything happens.’

  ‘I will. Take care.’

  Number eight, afternoon

  ‘Dan, it’s me.’

  ‘What’s wrong? Is it Colm?’

  ‘No, nothing’s wrong, everything’s fine. I just wondered if we could change tomorrow’s arrangement.’

  ‘Change? How change?’

  ‘Well, I wondered if I could go to Belford, rather than you coming here.’

  ‘What? Bring Colm to this house?’

  ‘Well, yes. I thought it might save you a trip, that’s all.’

  ‘Well, I suppose. Is it not too cold to have him out?

  ‘I’ll wrap him up, don’t worry.’

  ‘Right. What time were you thinking of coming?’

  ‘Well, around noon, if that would suit you?’

  ‘Fine, see you then.’

  Number seven, late afternoon

  ‘Nuala? It’s Yvonne, from the clinic. You met me the day you came in.’

  ‘Oh, yes dear, I remember you.’

  ‘I was just wondering how Dolores is.’

  ‘Well, that’s very nice of you, dear. She’s not too bad, really, picking herself up now a bit. I’d say it was a rest she needed more than anything. She was in hospital, you know, for a couple of weeks.’

  ‘Yes, I heard that.’

  ‘Dolores wasn’t too keen on it, really, but I’m sure it did her good.’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure it did. Is she thinking about coming back to work at all?’

  ‘Oh, no, dear, oh, no, there’s no talk of that. She never talks about that at all. I’m not sure that she’d be able, really.’

  ‘I see.’

  ‘To be honest, dear, she doesn’t talk much about anything … but she’s still on those pills that the doctor gave her – they’re bound to have an effect, aren’t they?’

  ‘Oh, I’m sure they are. They probably make her feel a bit tired. But they must be doing her good.’

  ‘Oh yes, they have to be helping her, haven’t they?’

  ‘Well, tell her I rang, won’t you? And give her my best.’

  ‘Thank you, dear. She’ll be delighted. It’ll give her a real lift to know you’re thinking about her.’

  Number eight, late afternoon

  ‘Hi. It’s me.’

  ‘Hi – what’s up?’

  ‘Nothing much – but the trip to Charleton is off tomorrow, I’m afraid.’

  ‘What? I got the day off specially.�
�

  ‘I know, I’m really sorry. Ali rang just now and asked if she could bring Colm over here instead. I couldn’t come up with an excuse fast enough.’

  ‘Oh … OK. Obviously Colm comes first.’

  ‘You’re upset.’

  ‘Well, of course I’m upset. I was looking forward to a day out with you. But he’s your son – naturally he comes first. We’ll do it another time.’

  ‘I was thinking—’

  ‘I have to go – there’s a customer. Talk to you later.’

  ‘Hang on a sec … Clara? … Hello?’

  Number nine, late evening

  ‘Ann? It’s me.’

  ‘Justin – what is it?’

  ‘It’s Mother. Dr Lynch said you should come.’

  ‘Oh God.’

  One day later: 23 January

  NUMBER EIGHT

  ‘She’s coming here?’ Kieran’s spoon of porridge halted, halfway to his mouth. ‘What time?’

  ‘She said around noon.’ Dan dipped toast into the soft yellow of his boiled egg. ‘I just thought’ – carelessly, as if it didn’t matter – ‘you might like to see Colm.’

  He’d lit the fire in the sitting room as soon as he was up, and after breakfast he was going to clean the bathroom and run the Hoover around the place. Silly, really, Ali wouldn’t even notice – but it would give him something to do while he was waiting. No point in going to work this morning, no point at all, when he knew he wouldn’t be able to put his mind to it.

  Clara was mad with him. Her phone had been switched off all yesterday evening. He’d call the department store this afternoon when, hopefully, she’d have calmed down.

  He knew it wasn’t fair to expect her to put up with this weird situation. Maybe it was time now to bring it all out into the open. Maybe if everyone knew about them it would be easier. She could go with him sometimes when he visited Colm, instead of him dropping her in Charleton, which was what they’d been planning to do today, and meeting up with her afterwards.

  If she went with him, she’d see that Ali wasn’t a threat. Ali was happy with Brendan now, and Dan had Clara.

  They’d have tongues wagging for a while, no doubt about that, but wouldn’t it blow over? Wouldn’t some new bit of gossip come along to take the spotlight off them?