Foreign Affairs

by Patricia Scanlan

She was going to really make an effort with Brenda, Jennifer promised herself. The last few days had been lovely. It had all been very relaxed and Brenda appreciated the attention the rest of them had given her. Just because the holiday was over was no reason why it should end. Brenda was delighted when Jennifer suggested a monthly get-together. It would be nice for the four of them to keep in regular close contact. They’d had some good laughs these past few days, there was no reason they couldn’t have the same at home. She knew Brenda was making an effort not to moan and whinge and feel envious. Perhaps this new job with Paula would give her a boost. Maybe she’d feel part of it all now. Jennifer hoped so. She’d been a bit neglectful of their relationship in the past. All it took was a bit of effort. She’d make that effort, she thought firmly as the plane banked and the twin red and white ESB towers came into view.

  Jennifer felt a twinge of excitement. They were in Dublin, they were practically home. She couldn’t wait to feel Ronan’s arms around her. She was dying to snuggle up beside him in bed and tell him every single detail about the holiday. He’d roar laughing when he heard about Brenda and Paula’s plans to work together. He’d be delighted to hear about Rachel. He worried about Rachel. After this holiday, he wasn’t going to have to worry about his little sister any more. It had been a great idea to bring Rachel on holiday with them. Jennifer had a lot to thank Paula for, she thought fondly, smiling at her friend across the aisle.

  ‘Nearly there, if you can last that long.’ Paula grinned. She knew how much Jennifer was looking forward to seeing her husband. Coming home was the best part of a holiday, Jennifer thought happily as the plane passed the Bull Island and made its final turn towards the airport.

  She couldn’t exactly say she was looking forward to coming home, Paula decided as the plane began its final approach and she heard the landing gear go down with a thud. Certainly she wasn’t looking forward to it with the excitement of Jennifer or the anticipation of Rachel. For once, she and Brenda were in the same boat.

  Jennifer had asked if she had sorted herself out, and she’d said that she was more sorted out than when she arrived in Corfu. That much was true, Paula reflected, as the fields below came closer. She wanted to develop Holiday Villa. She’d developed it successfully thus far, so leaving TransCon was not an option. She also knew that, hard as it would be, she had to put Nick and all that had happened out of her mind. He was Helen’s and there was no point in making herself miserable any more. She would not allow him to occupy any space in her mind. Only on very rare occasions, when she was far away from Ireland, might she allow herself to think about the treasured words he’d said on the phone to her. ‘If I hadn’t been involved with Helen . . . It could have been wonderful for us. You’re very special . . .’ Enough now! Paula ordered herself. Start as you mean to go on.

  And what about Kieran? Paula sighed. She was looking forward to thrashing out ideas for her new project. She didn’t think he’d have any major objections. She’d made a go of Phase One, as Paula liked to call it. Phase Two was a logical extension, and the way to go. She liked Kieran very much. Could loving ever follow liking? She’d never feel for him what she felt for Nick, but as Jennifer said, there were different ways of loving. She should stop comparing. There was no point in getting in a tizzy over it. She couldn’t force it. If it happened, it happened. At least their business relationship was secure. That thought gave Paula comfort. She buckled her seat belt. The holiday had left her very refreshed. It had been a long time since she’d really lazed around the place. She should do it more often. The last few days had been an absolute pleasure. Even Brenda had enjoyed herself. It was the first time Paula had ever seen Brenda really joining in and having fun. It made an enormous difference to the atmosphere.

  It had been lovely too, sharing a room with Jenny. Just like old times in Spain. They’d had some great long talks. Jenny had helped her get through the worst time of her life. No matter what happened in the future, Jenny would always be there to offer sound advice and friendship. In that respect she knew she was an extremely lucky person. The plane touched down with a bump. People clapped and cheered. Paula took a deep breath. It had been a great holiday despite a shaky start. A lot of good had come out of it. But now it was time to get back to reality and get on with things. Paula stood up and gathered her bits and pieces.

  ‘Are you ready?’ asked Jenny.

  ‘As ready as I’ll ever be,’ Paula said briskly. She was first off the plane.

  Brenda was first through the arrivals.

  ‘Mammy . . . Mammy,’ she heard John call. Her eyes opened wide with pleasure when she saw Shay and the three children standing with a homemade banner that said in big black letters WELCOME HOME MAMMY. A lump came to her throat. Brenda abandoned her trolley and ran to embrace her family. The kids clambered over her trying to hug her. Shay stood with a big grin on his face. ‘I missed you,’ he said.

  ‘Oh Shay.’ She buried her head in his shoulder. ‘I’m pregnant, you know,’ she blurted out.

  ‘I know,’ he said calmly.

  ‘How? I never said anything,’ she said in surprise.

  ‘Your moods always change,’ he said diplomatically. ‘That’s why I thought the holiday would do you all the good in the world. You look great,’ he smiled at her. ‘You’ve the best tan ever.’

  ‘Mammy, did you get us a present?’ Claudia asked, her eyes bright with anticipation.

  ‘I sure did,’ Brenda said. ‘I’ve got presents for everyone.’ There were cheers and more kisses. Brenda returned Shay’s hug affectionately and thought, it’s nice to be home.

  Rachel followed Brenda and smiled at her reception. Brenda was luckier than she knew. Ronan stood at the barrier beaming. He pretended to shade his eyes from her tan. Rachel laughed and gave him a kiss and a hug that was warmly returned. ‘You look great. You should go away more often,’ her brother said.

  ‘Don’t worry, I intend to,’ Rachel assured him happily. ‘It was the best holiday of my life.’

  Jennifer’s trolley was giving her dreadful trouble. It careered around the place with a mind of its own. What was it about her and trolleys? You’d think it was for spite. She struggled to catch up with Brenda and Rachel. She could see Ronan at the barrier. Her heart lifted. She saw him hug Rachel and then he was looking at her, a great big smile wreathing his face.

  ‘Jenny.’ He held out his arms wide and she practically fell into them.

  ‘Ronan, Ronan, Ronan,’ she said his name over and over as he hugged her so tightly she almost couldn’t breathe.

  ‘I missed you,’ he said fervently. ‘But seeing you look so well makes it all worthwhile.’ He held her away from him and looked at her.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ he asked gently and they both knew he wasn’t referring to her physical wellbeing.

  ‘Much, much better,’ she said softly. They kissed, oblivious to all around them.

  ‘Let’s go home,’ Jennifer murmured when they drew apart. ‘So I can really show you how much I missed you.’

  Paula’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t believe it. Helen, Nick and Nicola were standing behind the barrier waving at her. She hadn’t expected anyone to be at the airport. To see Nick with his arm around Helen, holding his little daughter, was a very bittersweet experience. She remembered another homecoming a long time ago when she’d had such high hopes. Stop it! she ordered herself briskly.

  ‘Hi, Helen.’ She hugged her aunt tightly and was warmly hugged in return.

  ‘This is a lovely surprise,’ she said.

  ‘It was Nick’s idea.’ Helen smiled.

  Paula turned to Nick. ‘It was a nice idea.’ She smiled at him. The sight of him made her heart beat faster. Some things never changed.

  He put his free arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug. ‘Welcome home,’ he said, ‘Nicola’s been dying for you to come home.’

  Her goddaughter beamed and planted a sloppy wet kiss on her cheek.

  ‘I’m not grand,’ she said dramat
ically.

  ‘You’re not grand?’ Paula took her in her arms. Her insides felt shaky. This was totally unexpected. To have an olive branch held out like this was more than she could have hoped for. She felt like crying, more with relief than anything else.

  ‘Why are you not grand?’ she asked Nicola, trying to compose herself.

  ‘Leaking nose again.’ The little girl sighed and gave an exaggerated sniffle.

  ‘That’s terrible, I’ve got something that might help to take your mind off a leaking nose.’ She handed Nicola back to Nick and took a parcel out of her carrier bag. She watched with pleasure as Nicola squealed with delight when she saw the family of Greek dolls in the box.

  ‘Thank you, Paula,’ Helen prompted.

  ‘Thank you, Paula,’ Nicola echoed.

  ‘Someone else has just arrived to meet you,’ Nick remarked. Their eyes met. I love you, she thought sadly.

  Nick pointed in the direction of the flower shop. Paula looked and looked again. Kieran stood with a huge bouquet of flowers waiting for her.

  She walked towards him. ‘Hi, Kieran. What are you doing here?’ Her voice was remarkably steady.

  ‘I couldn’t wait,’ he said quietly. ‘I had to know. Are you going to leave TransCon?’

  ‘Not if you let me start up an operation in the Caribbean and the West Indies,’ Paula said coolly.

  Kieran gave a holler and lifted her off her feet.

  ‘Put me down, you idiot,’ Paula laughed. ‘I take it that’s a yes.’

  ‘Yes! Yes! Yes! Whatever you want.’

  ‘I’ll just get you to repeat that in front of witnesses,’ she said.

  ‘Welcome home, Paula, I missed you.’ Kieran put her down and kissed her cheek.

  ‘You won’t be saying that this time next week,’ Paula teased. ‘But thanks anyway. It’s nice to be back.’ She raised her eyes to his. ‘I’m really glad you came,’ she said and meant it.

  ‘Thanks very much for a lovely holiday.’ Brenda hugged Jennifer and then Rachel and then, with a laugh, Paula. They were all standing outside the arrivals hall.

  Rachel gave Paula a hug. ‘I’ll be in touch. Are you sure about me moving in?’

  ‘Get your ass up to Dublin, fast.’ Paula laughed. ‘And while we’re all still here let’s make a date for our first reunion. Let’s say this day month, in my apartment. We can have a reunion and a Welcome-to-Dublin party for Rachel. And a Good-Luck-in-Your-New-Job bash for Brenda. All in the one night.’

  ‘Good thinking,’ Jennifer approved.

  ‘I’m looking forward to it.’ Brenda was thrilled.

  ‘And we can have a Thank-You-for-Your-Kindness hooley for Paula,’ Rachel added.

  ‘That’s arranged then,’ Paula said with satisfaction. ‘And you know something? The best way to end a holiday is to plan another one. So let’s get our thinking caps on and decide where we’ll go for our weekend away.’

  A chorus of approval greeted this pronouncement and then with a final flurry of hugs and kisses they went their separate ways.

  THE END