The Heartbreak Cafe

by Melissa Hill

  ‘What’s wrong with wanting to spend some time with the others and their families?’ she’d retorted. ‘We haven’t done anything like that in ages and having some fun will do us good.’

  ‘I wasn’t aware our lives had got so boring. What about our impromptu afternoon down by the docks last weekend?’ he asked referring to a lovely lazy Sunday afternoon they’d had enjoying mojitos outside in the sunshine at a café bar.

  And when Jess couldn’t argue with that, he just shook his head in exasperation. ‘All right then – I’ll go along with your little Happy Families party. You’re right about one thing; maybe we don’t see enough of the others at the moment. But honey, please don’t expect me to have an epiphany just by having them here. I’ve been around little people before you know.’

  So while Jess’s grand plan had very quickly been rumbled, she was still looking forward to spending time with her friends, and pleased that at least Brian was willing to be sociable.

  But of course, she hadn’t anticipated Emer’s announcement …

  Eventually, the last of the party guests departed and she and Brian were left alone.

  ‘So, when were you going to tell me?’ he asked and rather than the outrage that Jess had expected, instead his voice sounded strange, almost guarded.

  Guiltily, she met his gaze. ‘I know, and before you say it, yes of course I should have said something, and believe me it wasn’t my intention to just come out with–’

  ‘A bit of an understatement don’t you think? For goodness sake Jess I’m your husband, or have you somehow forgotten that?’

  ‘Of course not,’ She moved towards him, but immediately he stepped back.

  ‘How long have you known?’ he asked, again in that odd, faraway voice.

  ‘Erm …not long.’

  ‘Really? And you didn’t think it was important to let me in on such a monumental occurrence, before making a huge announcement to all and sundry?’

  Now she understood the undertone – Brian wasn’t just angry; he was incensed, and Jess couldn’t blame him.

  Deeply ashamed of herself she bit her lip. ‘I’m so sorry, I know I should have said something first … but of course, it’s all still very early days and … I suppose I wanted to be sure. But then today with Emer … well I sort of just got carried away.’

  ‘Right, maybe I can understand that,’ he replied, looking thoughtful and Jess was faintly relieved that he seemed to accept this (admittedly weak) explanation. ‘But how do you think it happened? I thought we were fully covered that way.’ He was referring to the pill and by the tight set of his jaw, Jess figured that now wasn’t the best time to reveal that she’d stopped taking it a couple of months ago.

  ‘I suppose sometimes these things happen …’

  ‘Strange that it didn’t happen in all the years we’ve been together up to now,’ he said dubiously. ‘Have you scheduled a doctor’s appointment yet – just to be sure?’

  She shook her head, her heart hammering. ‘Not yet.’

  ‘Well, I suppose you should get on to that then, shouldn’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I will, just as soon as I have time.’ She paused and again went to move closer to him. ‘Brian, I know what I did today was awful and I don’t blame you for being upset about that. But how do you feel about … this?’

  There was a pause. ‘Well, I suppose I’m happy if you’re happy,’ he sighed, which to Jess sounded like a complete non-answer. Then to her surprise, he reached across and gave her a light peck on the cheek. ‘Why don’t you go and lie down for a while. I’m sure you’re tired after today, and I’ll finishing clearing up here.’

  ‘No, honestly I can do it.’

  ‘Really Jess, you should be taking it easy. Seeing as you’re so … into the idea, I’m sure you’ve read all about how pregnant women shouldn’t inhale cleaning supplies and we wouldn’t want anything to go wrong, would we?’ he added, studying her intently.

  She found herself eager to avoid his penetrating gaze.

  ‘OK then,’ she agreed, thinking perhaps it might be a good thing to give him some space, help him to calm down a little. ‘It was a pretty crazy afternoon, so I suppose I might take it easy for an hour or two.’

  ‘A crazy afternoon is right,’ she heard him mutter under his breath, as he bent down and picked up an empty juice carton.

  Jess left the room and headed upstairs as quickly as her legs could carry her. . Once she was inside her bedroom, she leaned against the closed door and took a deep breath.

  What on earth she had just got herself into?

  Chapter 25

  Nina was on her way to meet Trish and Ruth. They were getting together at the library today to go over in detail the information Trish had so far collected for the charity book. Nina knew Trish was in a state; she’d not been getting as much work done as she’d hoped over the last few months, and the deadline with her publisher was fast approaching.

  Of course she also knew why Trish was running behind, as she’d been spending an awful lot of time with this new man of hers. Nina remembered when she and Steve had started seeing one another at first, and knew how all too easy it was to get wrapped up in one another. Of course, now she knew why he’d come on so hot and heavy at first. She shook her head, thinking again about what a fool she’d been.

  Just then her mobile phone rang, and seeing the number displayed realised it was her mother. ‘Hi Mum,’ she said cheerfully, putting the phone to her ear.

  ‘Hello darling; just checking in to say hello. How are you?’

  ‘I’m good, where are you?’ Nina asked, sort of hoping that her mother would say she was on her way home. It was stupid of course, as Cathy and Tony weren’t due back until late September but there was a side of her that hoped they would be getting homesick by now. Some chance.

  ‘We’re in Moscow actually. Nina, you should see the place - absolutely incredible, but really, I think I’ve drunk enough vodka for the rest of my life.’

  Nina rolled her eyes and smiled. Typical, the party always followed her mother.

  ‘Any idea on when you’re heading home?’ she asked, trying to disguise the hope in her voice. Things hadn’t got any better with Patrick; he still barely acknowledged her and tended to just eye her warily whenever he saw her. Which Nina ensured wasn’t often.

  ‘We were thinking of staying on just a bit longer, actually,’ Cathy said.

  Nina shut her eyes, almost willing her mother to understand how much she needed her. ‘Oh really? How much longer?’

  ‘Well, we didn’t expect this part of the world to be so interesting really, so I we might extend it by a week or two …are you OK with that?’

  ‘Of course, why do you ask?’

  ‘It’s just you seem a little surprised …’ Cathy sounded hesitant and again Nina could have kicked herself for making her worry. ‘Is everything all right with you, love? How are things with your dad?’

  ‘Everything’s great Mum, and Patrick’s fine too. How’s Tony?’

  ‘Slightly hungover,’ her mother said, a smile in her voice. ‘But he sends his love as usual.’

  Nina laughed and stopped outside the library.

  ‘Well I’m delighted that the two of you are having such a great time. Keep in touch, won’t you?’

  ‘Of course. We’re going to start heading back towards that direction soon – we might take in Germany or maybe France?’

  ‘Sounds great – at least you’ll be closer to the right time zone.’

  ‘Exactly – it’ll help us with the jetlag. I promise I’ll let you know where we end up anyway.’

  ‘Thanks Mum, great talking to you.’

  Having said goodbye to her mother, Nina entered the library, going immediately to the back room where she found Trish already hard at work. Ruth was sitting off to the side near a pile of boxes and looking rather bored.

  Trish looked up. ‘Hey there,’ she said, her eyes narrowing slightly as her line of sight trailed to Nina’s middle, and feeling
self-conscious, she quickly sat down.

  ‘So, where are we at?’

  ‘Oh, running behind, as usual. I don’t know why I agreed to this bloody project in the first place.’

  ‘Well, maybe you shouldn’t be wasting so time on other more … energetic pursuits,’ Ruth teased

  Trish snorted. ‘Ha! You should be one to talk.’

  ‘What?’ Perplexed, Nina turned to look at Ruth, who blushed.

  Trish filled in the blanks. ‘High-school sweethearts reunite,’ she said grinning.

  ‘Really? That’s wonderful!’

  ‘I think so,’ Ruth said, looking about ready to burst with excitement.

  ‘I’m really pleased for you Ruth,’ Nina said meaning it. ‘So will Charlie be moving back to LA with you then?’

  ‘Well, we’re not entirely sure yet… there’s a lot to sort out beforehand really …’

  ‘Oh?’As usual Trish’s news antenna was ready and waiting. ‘Like what? Do tell.’

  ‘Well …’ Ruth took a deep breath. ‘I suppose it’s going to be public knowledge soon, and we’ve been debating about telling anyone, but we’re just about to tell my parents so…’ she looked from one to the other. ‘I’m pregnant.’ Trish’s mouth dropped open, as did Nina’s. ‘Of course, I’m already as big as a whale, so I really didn’t think anyone would be all that surprised.’

  ‘Oh wow, Charlie sure moves fast, doesn’t he?’ Trish chuckled, and Ruth looked sheepish. ‘Wait … are you saying …holy crap! Is it Troy Valentine’s?’

  Ruth, who’d evidently forgotten herself, went immediately into full-on PR mode.

  ‘Well that’s really here nor there,’ she said uncomfortably. ‘All anyone needs to know is that Charlie and I are back together.’

  ‘Ruth, it’s really lovely news,’ Nina was quick to congratulate her, but was secretly gob-smacked that she hadn’t noticed anything, considering. And despite Ruth’s protests at being as big as a whale, she was actually no larger than a goldfish!

  ‘Yes, congratulations.’ Trish looked thoughtful. ‘So how far along are you?’

  ‘Not far,’ Ruth said evasively.

  ‘Well, you must be twelve weeks at least, otherwise you wouldn’t be telling people,’ she insisted and Ruth blanched.

  ‘Oh what does it matter how far along she is? The main thing is she’s happy, and you are, aren’t you, Ruth?’

  ‘Very much,’ she nodded, beaming. ‘I still can’t believe that after all this time, Charlie and I worked everything out.’

  ‘Well, I really think it’s fabulous news,’ she said, giving Ruth a hug. ‘And you deserve it after everything that’s happened.’

  ‘Thank you. It’s all pretty nerve-wracking to say the least, as I really don’t know anything about babies, you know?’

  ‘I know how you feel,’ Nina said without thinking. Then she reddened. ‘I mean, I can only imagine – ’

  ‘Oh for crying out loud!’ Trish groaned, throwing up her arms, ‘Would you just go ahead and say it?’ she said with a wide grin.

  ‘What?’ Nina said innocently.

  ‘Well, to be honest, it’s looked to me for some time that Ruth’s not the only one heading for the maternity ward this year.’

  ‘Is it that obvious?’ she said, mortified.

  ‘I’ll say.’

  ‘No not at all,’ Ruth said kindly. ‘I mean, yes, you have put on some weight since I first met you, but in a lovely baby sort of way,’ she went on. ‘We must be only a few months apart?’

  ‘Well, I’m actually a lot further down the road …’ she confessed, already feeling as if a large weight had lifted. It was sort of nice to be able to talk openly about this, instead of keeping it all bottled up. And especially nice to share it with Ruth.

  ‘So I guess this is the real reason you’ve been sticking around so long,’ Trish stated and Nina nodded. ‘I’d kind of guessed it wasn’t for the love of your dear old dad.’

  ‘I didn’t really have anywhere else to go – especially with Mum away…’

  ‘And what about the father?’ Trish asked gently. ‘The guy you were seeing in Galway – is that all finished with?’

  ‘No, he and I aren’t together anymore – and he won’t be involved in any of it,’ she admitted and Ruth leaned forward and patted her on the hand.

  ‘Men are shits.’

  ‘Oh no, it’s fine really. It’s just … well I haven’t said anything before now because I still haven’t quite decided what to do about it.’

  ‘I think it might be a little late for a termination or anything,’ Ruth said worriedly, and Nina shook her head.

  ‘No, that’s not what I meant. More that I’m not sure what to do once it’s born. I’m not exactly cut out for motherhood and …’ Feeling her eyes begin to water, she decided to change the subject, not wanting to be the centre of attention anymore. ‘Anyway, seeing as we’re all confessing our secrets,’ she continued, turning to Trish, ‘are we ever going to meet your mystery man?’

  ‘Well, he’s not really that much of a mystery,’ she said in a decidedly cryptic tone and Nina frowned.

  She laughed. ‘You know him, in fact I think you would have both met him at some stage.’

  ‘Really? Where?’

  ‘Remember Ruth’s homecoming party – the one where you ended up hiding in the broom cupboard?’

  Both girls nodded.

  ‘He was there. Actually Ruth, his company sponsored the whole night.’

  Suddenly it clicked with Nina. ‘Dave?’ she said, blood rushing to her cheeks as stupidly, she realised she’d thought the same guy had been flirting with her.

  Ruth seemed lost in thought. ‘Wait a second … are you talking about that guy from the brewery?’

  Trish nodded. ‘Yep.’

  ‘But doesn’t he have a little girl?’ she continued. ‘I’m almost positive he lives in one of the newer houses out my direction, and I’ve seen him around a few times with a little girl.’

  ‘Oh,’ Nina said, feeling even more foolish, ‘I didn’t realise he was divorced.’

  Trish said nothing, and Ruth and Nina both eyed her. ‘Trish, Dave is divorced, isn’t he?’ Ruth pressed, her eyes widening.

  In one fluid motion, Trish pushed away the articles and pictures she was fussing over. She bit her lip. ‘OK fine, as long as we’re all confessing something. No he’s not divorced, he’s still married, actually.’

  Nina felt the blood rush from her face.

  ‘You’re kidding!’ Ruth gasped.

  Trish now looked as if she had just been caught stealing, as in a way, she had. ‘I know, I know, but I didn’t know at first … he never said anything and it sort of just happened, OK? The marriage is pretty much over anyway.’

  ‘But it is a marriage, nonetheless, and you are interfering.’

  Trish looked wounded. ‘Don’t lay the saint act on me Nina; you only just told us about your little secret – talk about the pot calling the kettle black.’ The words stung more than Trish could have imagined and she couldn’t believe how her friend could knowingly carry on with another woman’s husband. ‘Anyway, it’s my business not yours, and I don’t know why I even told you.’

  ‘No, you didn’t and now I wish I didn’t know.’

  ‘Nina, try not to judge me until you’ve walked in my shoes and please don’t sit there and presume to act like you’re holding the moral high ground. You know his wife, and she’s a pain; you said it yourself.’

  Don’t judge me until you’ve walked in my shoes. Nina looked at her. ‘What? How on earth would I know this guy’s wife?’

  ‘She comes into the café, her and that friend of hers and their gaggle of kids.’

  ‘Oh … you don’t mean ...’ Realising she meant Emer and Deirdre, Nina’s head spun as she tried to put this together. She’d met Deirdre’s husband at Jess’s party and was sure his name was Kevin, which meant that … ‘He told you the marriage is already over?’ she asked Trish.

  She gave a defiant s
hake of her head. ‘Absolutely. Yes, they have a child but that’s partly the reason. The kid is all the wife cares about, and she just sits at home doing nothing while he’s out trying to keep the payments on that big house going.’

  ‘Trish,’ Nina wasn’t sure if it was her place to tell her, but she felt her friend should know that she was deluding herself. ‘I’m not saying this to hurt you, but if you’re talking about Emer, I heard only recently that she’s pregnant again.’

  Trish’s face crumpled. ‘What? What are you talking about …?’

  ‘Honestly. I was there when it was announced,’ she continued gently. ‘So if he’s telling you the marriage is over …’

  ‘Oh no,’ Trish said, putting her head in her hands. ‘The stupid … I swear I’ll …’ Nina moved across to put a comforting arm around her shoulders but Trish shrugged her off. ‘Leave me alone,’ she said tearfully, gathering up her papers and shoving them into her briefcase. ‘And forget I ever said anything!’ And with that Trish rushed out of the room, banging the door as she went.

  Nina looked at Ruth who’d stayed silent throughout the entire exchange.

  ‘Wow, interesting day, huh?’ she said, eyes wide.

  Nina nodded her head glumly. ‘I’ll say.’

  Trish was right, this wasn’t any of her business and she knew she’d gone over the top with her accusations and for the wrong reasons. But her friend didn’t know that, and as far as Trish was concerned she was trying to take the moral high ground and she, of all people, had no right to do that. All of sudden Nina felt scared, about this baby and what the future held; scared that because of her actions, she had just lost another important person in her life.

  Ruth stood and picked up her handbag. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ she said. ‘I think now might be a good time for a carb-fest at the Hearbreak Cafe.’

  Chapter 26

  Jess lay in bed and patted her stomach, yet again thinking about being pregnant. She so wished that Brian could be happier about the prospect and had been sure that once he’d got over the initial surprise would be over the moon about it.