by Melissa Hill
Shane nodded slightly and turned immediately back to Aidan, with whom he was in deep conversation.
“Do you mind if we join you?” said a voice from behind Jenny. “It’s just that we don’t really know anyone here, and I saw Mike talking to you two earlier.” The girl looked around in alarm, and whispered conspiratorially to Karen. “I really don’t want to get stuck with Miss Baby Talk again.”
“Sure,” Karen said automatically, pulling out a chair beside her for Mike Kennedy’s companion.
The girl smiled and sat down, relieved. “Thanks. I’m Rachel, by the way.”
She opened her handbag, and began to apply a thick coating of bright red lipstick.
Karen introduced Rachel to the others at their table. “Where is Mike?” she asked.
“He’s still up at the bar, chatting to some oul fella he met a few minutes ago.” Rachel rolled her eyes. “I’m nearly sorry I brought him now – he’s no good. I asked him to help find me the man of my dreams and what does he do? Chats to old-age pensioners.” She lowered her voice and looked around her. “Any decent single men at this table by any chance?”
Karen laughed. “Not this lot I’m afraid,” she said. “Well, there is Aidan but I wouldn’t wish him on my worst enemy. So, you’re not with Mike then?”
Rachel looked at her as if she was mad. “Mike, yeuch. No, he’s my brother. Oh, no, you didn’t seriously think I was with him, did you?”
A few minutes later, Mike appeared at the table.
“I’m very sorry about this,” he said, frowning at Rachel. “She tends to be a little … forward.”
“Not at all,” Jenny said, smiling as he took the seat beside her. “You’re more than welcome to join us.”
“How do you know the bride and groom?” Karen asked him. “Are you related?”
Mike shook his head. “I don’t know them at all, actually.” he said. “Rachel trained as a nurse with Tessa, and she asked me to come along with her today. She’s determined to find a man, and has roped me in to help her out.” He rolled his eyes at his sister.
“I haven’t seen Tessa in about three years, but we keep in touch. I went to work in London after we qualified,” Rachel explained, pushing her hair behind her ears as she buttered a bread roll. “I can’t believe she’s actually married though. It makes me feel ancient.”
Jenny picked up her napkin, as a plate of egg mayonnaise was put on the table in front of her. “Ancient?” she said. “You couldn’t be more than twenty-four or twenty-five, surely.”
“Twenty-seven,” Rachel answered glumly, “and unfortunately, still single.” She shook her head dispiritedly, then added with a grin. “Your man over there is a bit of all right though. A bit old, but I’m sure we’d get around that.” She nodded in the direction of the top table.
Jenny followed her gaze and laughed out loud. “That’s Tessa’s father.”
“Oh. I didn’t recognise him from the church,” Rachel looked slightly bashful. “I don’t suppose Mrs Sullivan would be too pleased if I made a play for her husband at her daughters wedding.”
They all laughed.
“We’re friends of Tessa’s from Dublin,” Karen informed her. “I used to share a flat with Gerry, before he and Tessa moved in together. This is my fiancé Shane,” she added, nudging him. Shane nodded in their direction, his mouth full of salad.
“Good – another one spoken for, that means more men for me. What about you? Are you here with anyone?” Rachel asked, pointing towards Jenny with her fork.
She shifted in her seat uncomfortably. “Um, I’ve just come out of a relationship actually,” she said, wishing Rachel hadn’t asked. “He moved to America not so long ago.”
“Rachel, don’t be so bloody nosy,” Mike admonished, sensing Jenny’s obvious discomfort. “You can’t go around asking personal questions of people you’ve just met.”
Jenny smiled to defuse the tension. “No, it’s fine, Rachel, really. It’s just, it ended badly and sometimes I find it hard to talk about it.”
“Sorry,” Rachel looked embarrassed. “Mike’s right. I shouldn’t have been prying. It’s just sometimes it feels like I’m the only single girl of my age left these days. It’s a relief to find someone else who’s not engaged, or married, or planning to do either.” She giggled. “Maybe the two of us should go on a man-hunt together.”
“I’m sure Jenny isn’t as desperate as you are, Rachel,” Mike said irritably. “Can’t you leave the girl alone?”
Rachel made a face at him. “I don’t know why I ask him to go anywhere with me,” she said turning to Karen. “He’s so dry –honestly. Wait until I tell you …”
Mike rolled his eyes apologetically at Jenny, as Rachel engaged Karen in conversation. “I’m really sorry if she embarrassed you. Sometimes she acts like a ten-year-old.”
Jenny waved him away and took a sip of her wine. “It’s fine honestly. She’s a lovely girl – I’m glad you joined us. We thought you two were together actually, earlier on in the bar.”
He laughed softly. “Please. She’s my sister, and I love her dearly but someone like Rachel would be the complete opposite of my type.”
Jenny felt herself idly wondering what his type might be, and then she stopped. Was she mad? Mike was a customer, and she had already embarrassed herself enough with him.
“So, did Barry Ferguson organise a fitting for a new suit for you yet?” she asked, anxious to get the subject of their first meeting out of the way.
“Fitting?” Mike frowned. Then realisation dawned. “Ah, the famous Armani suit.” He chuckled as if remembering something. “Promise me you won’t say anything,
but …” He beckoned Jenny forward, and the back of her neck tingled as she felt his warm breath against her ear. “My so-called designer suit cost a hundred and fifty quid from Next,” he whispered. He sat back, and laughed at Jenny’s shocked expression. “Well, I have to keep up appearances with the bank manager, don’t I? But, don’t worry, I’ll tell him the truth – eventually,” he added with a grin.“I couldn’t resist laying it on thick at the time. It was very funny, actually – I thought the poor guy would explode.”
“It wasn’t funny for me.” Jenny laughed. “I’ll never be able to live it down – I’m the laughing-stock of the bank as it is.”
Jenny noticed Karen watching them closely from across the table, as she and Mike laughed together. When she went to the Ladies’ just after they cleared the second course, Jenny knew if would only be a matter of seconds before Karen followed her. She was right.
“He’s gorgeous,” Karen giggled, the vodka and tonic having long since taken effect. “And he fancies you like mad.”
“He doesn’t know anyone else here, that’s all,” Jenny said, dismissing the thought, as she reapplied her make-up in the mirror.
“Nope,” Karen’s words slurred slightly, as she spoke. “Rachel says that he couldn’t stop talking about you earlier, after meeting you in the bar.”
“That’s because of what happened at work. I’m not surprised he told her about that. He probably said: ‘There’s that idiot from the bank’ – nothing more.”
“Mmm, whatever you say. But you like him too, don’t you?” she challenged.
“Karen he’s a customer.”
“Jen, you’re not a doctor. Are there any rules about dating customers outside of working hours?”
Jenny shrugged her shoulders.
“I didn’t think so,” Karen said firmly. “Go and have a bit of fun, Jen – you deserve it. It’s plain enough for all to see that he likes you – he hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you all day, more’s the pity,” she added glancing at her reflection in the mirror. “I quite fancy him myself. Look at that. The bloody hat flattened my hair completely.” She took a brush out of her bag and began brushing her hair.
“Karen Cassidy – you’re an engaged woman.”
“I’m only joking. I wouldn’t change my Shane for anything. Seriously, though,” she added som
brely, “maybe it’s about time you started having fun again. You’ve locked yourself away from everything for months – it can’t be good for you, you know. And he’s … well, Roan is out of the picture now, isn’t he?”
Jenny nodded, the combination of the wine and Mike Kennedy’s supposed interest in her making her euphoric. “You’re right. And it’s been a great day so far.” She winked mischievously at Karen’s reflection. “OK, you’ve convinced me. A little bit of flirting might be in order.”
“Good girl!” Karen clapped both hands together. “That’s more like the Jenny we know and love.”
“Do I look alright though?”
“You look great,” Karen enthused, not wanting to deflate her by admitting that the strappy, green dress Jenny wore was all wrong for her colouring. Nevertheless, her friend looked brighter and more confident than she had seen her in a long time. It had obviously done her to world of good to get out today and enjoy herself. “Your hair looks a lot thicker too, since you cut it.”
Karen indicated Jenny’s shorter, layered bob, which her new hairdresser had styled and tinted just a few days beforehand.
“Anyway, we’re running away with ourselves – Mike might already be involved with someone, for all we know,” Jenny pondered.
Karen shook her head. “Rachel would have said something. Honestly, I haven’t been able to get a word in with her. She’s funny, isn’t she?”
“Poor old Aidan hasn’t stopped staring since she sat down at our table.”
“Seriously? I hadn’t noticed – I’ll have to introduce them. Aidan could do with a woman in his life. It’s been a long time since he’s had a decent relationship, poor thing.”
“Well, judging by her chat earlier, I’m sure Rachel would be pleased.”.
“Then I’ll put them both out of their misery and get them talking. Who knows?” Karen said, walking back out towards the banquet hall. “Tessa and Gerry’s wedding might spawn a host of new romances.”
Soon after the main course had ended, the speeches began. Tessa’s father, visibly nervous, gave a very short but loving speech about how proud and how happy he was for his eldest daughter and her new husband.
Soon after, a red-faced Gerry stood up and was greeted by whoops and jeers from around the room. The wedding speech had been a long-standing joke amongst Gerry and his mates, and they all knew that he was petrified at the thought of standing up in front of everyone on the day. His hands trembled as he clutched the microphone.
“Um, thank you all for coming here today,” he began, his hands shaking as he tried to read his notes.
By the time Gerry had finished speaking, every single woman in the room including Tessa, was in tears. Even some of the men looked suitably moved by his words. It had been the most romantic and moving speech Jenny had ever heard, and as she watched Gerry sit down and reach for Tessa’s hand, she envied her friend enormously.
“I didn’t think Burkie had it in him,” Shane said, his eyes watering suspiciously. He turned away from the table, and feigned blowing his nose. “Every woman in the place will wish they married him after that. Look, even that narky waitress from our table is all smiles at him now.”
“It was incredible.” Jenny dabbed at her eyes with a table napkin. “The things he said about Tessa – and the way he looked at her – the room might as well have been empty as far as the two of them were concerned.”
And that was it in a nutshell, she thought. In all the time she and Roan had been together, he had never once looked at her like that and, she realised, he probably never would have. She found herself studying Tessa at the top table. The bride had been smiling contentedly all day long, and anyone could see how deliriously happy she was. With all her fussing beforehand, Jenny and Karen had expected the wedding to be more of a showpiece for Tessa, but now Jenny understood that wasn’t the case. Her friend was simply trying to make the most memorable day in her life as special for everyone else as it was for her. As she watched Tessa glow with undisguised happiness, Jenny couldn’t help feeling envious of her friend. It must be wonderful to be that happy, knowing that the person she loved returned that love, easily and without question. It must be the best feeling in the world, she decided, suddenly feeling terribly sad, and afraid that she might never experience it.
“Penny for your thoughts?” she heard Mike ask, as he returned from the bar.
She looked up and smiled, taking the glass of wine he offered her.
“I was just thinking about everything that Gerry was saying – about how he knew from day one that Tessa was the one for him, and how he knows without hesitation that he wants to be with her for the rest of his life. But how can he tell?” she pondered. “How can anyone tell?”
“I don’t think anyone can tell – really.” Mike sat down, and moved his chair closer. “Emotions always run high on the day, especially during the speeches. People tend to say a lot of things and make a lot of promises that they might not be able to keep.” He shrugged dismissively.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, it’s impossible to know how some things will pan out, that’s all.” He took a sip from his pint.
“Sounds to me like you’ve got a very poor view of marriage,” Jenny said, a little taken aback at his cynical attitude. “I’m pretty sure that Gerry meant every word of what he said today.”
“Of course, he meant it all – today,” Mike said evenly. “It’s all very well making promises on the day. It’s what happens afterwards that counts and, believe me, words can be forgotten very easily.”
He had such an edge to his tone that Jenny decided to drop the subject. She took a sip from her wine glass, and looked across the table at Rachel and Karen, who were chatting together easily.
“Does Rachel still work in London?” she asked casually.
Mike shook his head. “No, she moved back here a few months ago. Now she works in the Mater, and she’s staying with me until she gets a place of her own.” He rolled his eyes. “It can’t come soon enough for me, I can tell you. Rachel has to be one of the most disorganised and untidy people in the world. Sometimes I find it difficult to believe that we were raised by the same parents.” Then he laughed. “I still can’t believe that Rachel ended up as a nurse. She’s so ditsy, and I can’t for the life of me understand how any intelligent person could put my little sister in charge of a hospital ward. Imagine relying on the likes of her to give out medication.”
Jenny laughed. “Typical. You probably still see her as your silly little sister, incapable of doing anything ‘grown up’. I’m the same with my younger brothers. But Rachel couldn’t have got through all those years of training if she was that bad. I’ll bet she’s brilliant at her job.” She watched Rachel waving her arms animatedly as she chatted with Karen and Shane. “She seems like the type who would be excellent with patients – so friendly and chatty. They probably all adore her.”
“Maybe. But I can tell you one thing – you won’t ever catch me near the Mater Hospital if Rachel’s on duty. I’d rather suffer than let her near me.”
They both laughed.
Eventually, each grew silent while the waitress cleared the table in front of them.
Jenny put her hands on her stomach and slumped into her seat. “Thank God – the sight of all that food was making me feel twice as full as I am already.”
“Do you want to go for a walk?” Mike asked sitting back in his chair and stifling a yawn. “I’m stuffed after all that, and the grounds are beautiful here.”
“Good idea.” Jenny picked up her handbag and throw. “I could do with stretching the legs myself.”
The air had grown colder as the evening began to draw in. Jenny wrapped the flimsy throw around her arms and hugged it tightly towards her. She shivered.
“It’s a little chilly all the same,” Mike said. “Do you want to leave it?”
“Not at all – I’ll warm up as we walk,” she said, waving away his concern. To her surprise, she found that, freezing or
not, she wanted to spend time alone with him.
They walked together for a short while, chatting amiably about the day’s events and
Jenny wasn’t quite sure why, but after a little while she found herself steering the conversation back to their earlier discussion about Gerry’s speech.
“I’m curious about what you said before – about marriage. What do you have against it?” she asked simply.
She sensed Mike stiffen beside her and Jenny suspected that she had been too forward. She could have kicked herself. “I’m sorry, Mike – forget I said
anything … ” Then, remembering those comments and his reticence to discuss them, a sudden realisation dawned on her. “You’re married, aren’t you?” she said, looking straight at him.
Mike said nothing for a moment and, inexplicably, Jenny felt a rush of disappointment flood through her suspecting that she was correct.
“I was married,” he confirmed, “but not any more.”
“Oh.” She wanted to know more, but at the same time didn’t want to pry. Was he a widow, separated – what had happened?
“I’m divorced,” he said, answering her unspoken question. “I have been for over two years now.”
“Oh.” Jenny repeated.
“It’s no big deal,” he said, noticing her discomfort. “It was a long time ago. But the experience has made me more than a little cynical about marriage, and so-called wedding vows.”
Jenny nodded. His wife must have left or cheated on him, she thought. “I can imagine. I’m sorry, I feel really bad now. I didn’t mean to pry, I mean I hardly know you …”
“Forget it, Jenny, honestly.”
She felt terrible. Why did she have to be so forward? He probably thought she was a right nosy cow.
“So?” Mike said, with a grin. “Tit for tat. You said earlier that you had just come out of a serious relationship. What’s your story?”
Jenny was pleased that he didn’t appear too annoyed with her for prying
“There is no story as such, and it wasn’t that serious – not to him anyway,” she added with a nervous laugh. “I caught him cheating on me at the end, but I’m pretty sure he was at it since the beginning, and all throughout our time together. I just wouldn’t admit it.” To her surprise, she felt liberated by her own words. Amazingly, she could finally admit out loud, not just to herself, but also to a complete stranger that their relationship had been a sham.