A Love Like This

by Maria Duffy

  ‘Well, it appears the wife is better at handling the snags than I am. Apparently I don’t understand how to get them brown all over.’

  Will grinned. ‘Well, if she’s willing to look after the cooking, you should take full advantage and crack open a beer.’

  ‘Are you joking me?’ Brendan laughed, shaking his head. ‘She’s given me the role as commis chef so I guess I’ll actually be doing most of the work.’

  Will felt relaxed and happy as he followed his friend out to the back garden. More than two years on from Jack’s suicide, he was finally able to live his life again without feeling guilty. Jack had made his own choices and it wasn’t Will’s fault. He smiled as he stepped out into the sunshine and saw Brendan’s wife looking flustered as she tried to juggle the numerous things on the barbeque.

  ‘Maybe I should take over, love,’ said Brendan, a victorious smile on his face. ‘Why don’t you sit down with Will and have a chat.’

  ‘Hi, Will. Lovely to see you again.’ She abandoned the barbeque to go and kiss Will on the cheek.

  ‘Lovely to see you too, Lexie. I can’t wait to have a proper chat with you at last.’

  Chapter 11

  ‘So tell me, Will.’ Lexie leaned across the wooden patio table. ‘How come a great catch like you is still single?’

  Will laughed. ‘It’s not for the want of trying, Lexie. I’ve had a few dates with women over here but, for some reason, none of them seem to want to stick around.’

  ‘Don’t believe a bit of it,’ said Brendan, refilling a plate with chicken wings from the barbie. ‘He’s the most eligible bachelor in town – they’re queuing up for a piece of him.’

  ‘I can imagine.’ Lexie looked at him admiringly. ‘The George Clooney of Perth!’

  ‘I wish,’ said Will, blushing. ‘I can assure you, if the right girl came along, I’d be more than happy to have a relationship.’

  Lexie’s eyes twinkled. ‘Well, maybe I can help you with that.’

  ‘Lexie!’ said Brendan, looking embarrassed. ‘Don’t throw yourself at our guest.’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Brendan. I don’t mean me. I’m talking about Donna.’

  ‘Well, that’s a relief.’

  Lexie rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Will. ‘I can’t wait for you two to meet. You’re going to love her.’

  ‘So who’s this, then?’ Will didn’t want anyone matchmaking for him but was curious all the same.

  ‘She’s my friend from back home. I haven’t seen her since I went over for a visit three years ago and she’s coming here to stay for a while in August.’

  ‘I haven’t met her myself,’ said Brendan, chomping on a chicken wing. ‘But she and Lexie grew up together and she sounds like a lovely girl. Cute too, if the pictures are anything to go by.’

  Lexie was quick to agree. ‘She’s gorgeous and great fun. You two will get on brilliantly.’

  ‘The thing is,’ said Will, reluctant to disappoint Lexie but not wanting to string her along, ‘I may not be around in August.’

  Brendan was just about to take a bite out of a sausage but stopped to stare at Will. ‘That’s news to me. I thought your visa wasn’t up until the end of the year.’

  ‘It’s not. But I never intended to stay in one place all this time. There are other places I want to see before my time is up.’

  Lexie looked disappointed. ‘But you’ve got a job and a home here. Why don’t you at least wait until closer to the end of the year?’

  ‘Lexie! Will isn’t going to stay around just so you can matchmake.’ Brendan turned to Will. ‘When are you thinking of heading off, mate? We’ll miss you but it really would be a shame if you spent all of your two years here in Perth and didn’t get to experience anywhere else.’

  ‘I know. But Lexie is right. I’m pretty settled here at the moment so I may not head off for another few months. There might be time to meet this friend of yours yet.’

  Lexie beamed. ‘Fantastic. She’s ringing me later so I’ll tell her about you. She’s desperate to find a man so she’ll be thrilled.’

  ‘Oh, thanks for that,’ said Will, feigning a look of disgust. ‘So I’m only fit for someone who’s desperate?’

  ‘Oh, God, I didn’t mean … I wasn’t saying …’

  Will laughed. ‘I’m only having you on. I’d love to meet your friend. She sounds like a lovely girl. But I hope we don’t get on too well because I’ll definitely be moving on before the end of the year.’

  ‘Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.’ Lexie winked at Will. ‘Now come on, let’s go inside. I’ve got goose bumps all over my legs.’

  ‘Actually, I might call it a night,’ said Will, seizing the opportunity to leave. ‘I’ve been getting up early all week to run on the beach and, as a result, I can’t seem to stay awake past ten at night.’

  ‘I thought you Irish were party animals,’ said Brendan, looking from his wife to Will. ‘Lexie here is the same – come ten o’clock and I’m trying to peel her off the sofa!’

  Lexie gave him a friendly slap. ‘It’s okay for you. Your job means you’re usually on late shifts so don’t have to be up early. I’m up at five most mornings.’

  Will nodded. ‘The early mornings are definitely a killer. You work at the hospital, don’t you?’

  ‘Yep.’ Lexie’s face lit up. ‘I’m just the breakfast lady – but I adore my job.’

  ‘Don’t say you’re “just” anything,’ Will chastised. ‘Your job is as important as anyone else’s.’

  ‘Ah, you’re very good for saying that but I have no illusions about it. I never bothered going to college so I’m trained to do nothing.’

  Brendan joined in. ‘Will is right, love. Those patients would go hungry if it wasn’t for you. So in a way, just like the doctors, you keep them alive.’

  Lexie roared laughing. ‘I’ll tell the bosses that in the morning so. I wonder if they’d consider paying me as much as they pay those doctors. Wouldn’t that be lovely?’

  ‘But seriously,’ continued Will, ‘don’t you hate the whole class thing? How people are judged on what job they do? When I’m out and I tell women I’m a lawyer, their eyes often light up and they ask me loads of questions. When I say I’m a barman, they often lose interest very quickly.’

  ‘I’m doomed so,’ said Brendan, shaking his head. ‘I can’t imagine I’ll ever be any more than a lowly barman.’

  ‘Hey!’ Lexie reached across and flung her arm around him. ‘You’re taken, so what does it matter? And you’re no lowly barman anyway. You’re the sexiest, most intelligent, kindest barman I know.’

  ‘Thanks, love.’ Brendan leaned in for a kiss and Will took that as his opportunity to leave.

  ‘Right, on that note, I’ll love you and leave you. Thanks for a fantastic evening. I’ll have to return the favour soon, although it will be a bit of a squeeze at my place.’

  Brendan stood up. ‘No problem, mate. Glad you had a good night. See you tomorrow night?’

  ‘Yep. I’m in at seven so I’ll see you then.’

  The three of them walked through the house to the front driveway where Will had parked his car. The breeze had picked up and it had become quite chilly, despite the lovely sunny weather earlier.

  ‘It was lovely to see you again, Lexie,’ said Will, leaning across to plant a kiss on her cheek.

  ‘You too, Will. We’ll have to do it more often.’

  Will jumped into his car and reversed out the driveway, waving them back inside as he did so. He’d really enjoyed the night but being with Brendan and Lexie tonight had made him feel lonely. They were the perfect couple. They had a laugh at each other’s expense and yet it was clear that they adored each other. It must be brilliant to feel settled in the world – to know you were where you were supposed to be.

  He pulled the car up beside his mobile home and stepped out onto the dewy grass. He could feel frogs jump at his feet and he smiled to himself. Frogs were just part of everyday life here
and hundreds of them could be found jumping around after dark on the campsite. He imagined his mother’s face if she even saw one anywhere near her house. Life was so different here.

  He let himself inside and locked the door behind him. Now that he was home, he might just have one beer before hitting the sack. He grabbed one out of the fridge, sank into the little sofa and flicked on the telly. He didn’t watch it much but it was company sometimes. His mind wandered to his conversation with Lexie earlier and this friend who was coming over. It might be a bit of fun to go out on a few double dates and get to know her. He was sick of meeting girls in the bar or on the beach and having no connection with them. Maybe this girl would be more interesting – especially since she was Irish. Well, he’d just have to wait and see. And anyway, August was four months away and anything could happen between now and then. If there was one thing he’d learned over the last few years, it was that life could be very unpredictable.

  * * *

  ‘Hiya, Lexie. It’s not too late, is it?’ Donna had just got home from work. It was only 5 p.m. in Ireland but she was aware it was midnight in Perth. She wouldn’t normally ring so late because she knew Lexie went to bed early but she’d promised her she’d ring tonight.

  ‘It’s fine,’ said Lexie, in a sleepy voice. ‘Brendan has gone to bed but I was waiting up for your call.’

  ‘God, I’m sorry. We can chat tomorrow if you’d prefer.’

  ‘Don’t be daft. I’m dying for a chat. So, did you get the tickets sorted?’

  ‘Yep! All booked. Can you believe it?’

  ‘Oh my God! After all these years. I can’t believe you’re finally coming over to see me. I actually cannot wait!’

  ‘Me neither.’ And Donna meant it. The thought of seeing her friend again and being able to spend precious time with her was the only thing she could think of at the moment.

  ‘Right, you’ll have to email me all the travel details and I’ll make sure I’m at the airport to collect you. We’re going to have a ball. And I might even have a man for you.’

  Donna felt alarm bells ringing. ‘What do you mean? You’d better not be matchmaking or I’ll cancel those tickets tomorrow.’

  ‘Relax, will you, Donna? There’s just this guy …’

  ‘Lexie!’

  ‘Let me finish before you start jumping to conclusions. He’s a friend of Brendan’s and a really nice guy. I just thought it might be nice if the four of us went out some time. I mentioned you to him and he was all on for it.’

  Donna sighed. ‘I’m happy to meet your friends, Lexie. But I’m not going over there for romance.’

  ‘Okay, okay. But maybe you’ll change your mind when you meet him.’

  Donna couldn’t help laughing at her friend’s determination. They chatted amicably for the next half hour about everything. Donna felt as though Lexie was sitting there beside her on the sofa. Even the distance hadn’t made things awkward between them. They’d been friends all their lives and had remained in constant touch from the day Lexie had got on that plane to a new life.

  Donna suddenly felt light-headed and realised she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. It had been so busy in the bakery today that she’d barely taken a break at all. ‘Sorry, Lexie, I’m going to have to go. My stomach thinks my throat’s been cut. I’ll email my itinerary over to you later so you can have a look at it tomorrow.’

  ‘Great,’ said Lexie, and Donna could almost picture her smile. ‘I’m ready to fall into bed so I’ll say goodbye and I’ll give you a buzz in a few days.’

  ‘Night Lexie. And for once I can actually say, “See you soon!”’

  Donna pottered into her little kitchen to see what was in the fridge. Thankfully there was a bit of roast beef left from yesterday’s dinner so she’d make a sandwich with that. She was due back out in an hour so she’d just about have time to eat and shower before she left. It was the story of her life – work, home for a quick wash and bite to eat, and then back out again. She’d fall into bed exhausted most nights. Her evening visits were really taking a toll and she knew she’d have to cut back. What was the point in her going every night anyway when nothing changed? She felt tears prick her eyes and she blinked them away quickly. Feeling sorry for herself wasn’t going to get her anywhere so she’d just have to get on with it. And, really, she had a lot to be grateful for.

  As she poured boiling water into her mug, the negative thoughts disappeared and she began to feel almost happy. Bubbles of excitement rose in her stomach. She was going to Australia. She was actually going to do it. It had never been in her life plan but it had been in Tina’s, so she was going to make sure she did it for her.

  Chapter 12

  13 August 2010

  ‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Donna, happy birthday to you.’

  Donna flushed as a magnificent cake was put in front of her. She hadn’t expected that! It was Friday and her last day in the bakery because she was flying out to Perth the very next day. She hadn’t planned on celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday but Jan wasn’t one for letting a day like that pass.

  ‘Go on, love,’ said Jan, a huge smile on her face. ‘Make a wish – and make it a good one.’

  Donna closed her eyes tightly. There was only one wish she wanted to come true and she said it again and again in her head as she blew out the candles. There were cheers and then shouts for her to cut the cake and pass it around.

  ‘You’re so good to organise this, Jan,’ she said, when everyone had gone back to their stations and she was left with the older woman in the little kitchen. ‘I haven’t been much of a fan of birthday celebrations these last few years.’

  Jan patted her hand gently. ‘I know, love. You’ve had it tough. But I couldn’t let you head off to the other side of the world without at least a little fuss. If it hadn’t been a birthday cake, it would have been a farewell cake.’

  Donna stuffed another mouthful of the chocolatey sponge into her mouth and closed her eyes as she allowed her tongue to have the full chocolate experience. It was one of the first things Jan had taught her. If you shut off some of your senses, the remaining ones are more powerful. She’d learned that taste is a lot more intense if you close your eyes.

  ‘Well, is it okay?’

  ‘Okay?’ said Donna, wiping her mouth. ‘It’s absolutely divine. You’re such an amazing baker, Jan. I wish I could bake as well as this.’

  ‘Ah, thanks, Donna love. But you’re a far better baker now than I was at your age. I just hope and pray that you’ll come back to it after your travels and let us develop that talent of yours further.’

  ‘Of course I will. You know I won’t stay away for too long. This is where I belong.’

  Jan nodded and picked at her piece of cake and Donna realised with a start that the older woman was crying.

  ‘God, Jan, what’s up? It’s not like you to get upset.’

  ‘Don’t mind me, love,’ she said, grabbing a piece of kitchen roll from the table and blowing her nose. ‘It’s just the thought of not seeing you for so long. You’re like …’ Her words trailed off and she bowed her head.

  ‘I’m like what?’

  ‘I was going to say you’re like a daughter to me but I didn’t want you to think it was any disrespect to your own mother.’

  Donna bristled. ‘How could you be disrespecting her? She was never a real mother to me and, if I’m honest, I’ve spent the last number of years wishing I’d grown up with you as my mother.’

  The words hung in the air for a moment until Jan broke the silence by sobbing. Great big heaving sobs. Donna was startled and jumped up and knelt down beside her. They hugged for what seemed like ages until Donna pulled away and looked at the other woman.

  ‘What is it, Jan? This feels like more than me just going away. Is there something else? It’s not you and Chris, is it?’

  Jan took a deep breath and dried her tears. ‘No, of course not. Sure don’t you know that me and that fella were made for each
other. Barely a cross word in thirty-eight years.’

  ‘That’s a long time alright,’ Donna mused. ‘But what has you so upset, then?’

  ‘I had a little girl once. Abigail.’ Her eyes glazed over again and Donna was almost afraid to breathe. ‘Never took a breath in this world. But she was perfect. Ten little fingers and toes and the most beautiful little rosebud mouth you’ve ever seen.’

  ‘Oh, Jan.’ Tears pricked Donna’s eyes. ‘You had a stillborn baby? I never knew. That must have been horrific.’

  ‘It was, love. She would have been thirty next month. Can you believe it? Thirty years old and not one of her birthdays has gone past without me making a cake and sticking the relevant number of candles on it.’

  ‘So she would have been your firstborn?’ Donna sat back down but kept a firm hold of Jan’s hand.

  ‘She was. I had Bob two years later and I’d somehow thought that having him might dull the pain but it didn’t. The only thing that helps is time – the pain never goes away but it becomes more manageable in time.’

  Donna nodded, thinking of her own situation. She’d definitely agree with the time thing. She still felt devastated and cheated about the fire but, bit by bit, she was managing to piece her life back together and each day was becoming a little easier.

  Jan’s hand flew to her mouth suddenly. ‘Jesus, Donna. I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Here’s me going on about something that happened thirty years ago and you’re still in the early days of loss.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Jan. I think losing a child must be one of the worst things a person can experience. I’m so sorry you went through that.’

  ‘Thanks, love. As I said, it was a long time ago but sometimes I can’t help looking at you and wondering if she’d have turned out just as wonderful.’

  ‘Stop, Jan, will you? I’ll be a blubbering mess in a minute.’

  ‘Look, Donna. I just want you to know that I’m here for you. You know I’m going to take care of things while you’re gone away, but if you ever want to talk or cry or just hear a voice from home, I’ll be on the other end of the phone.’