Within minutes of her call, he was there. Leaning across the seat he opened the passenger door for her and kissed her cheek. "I'm glad you called. Where have you been?"
"In Dublin." Her eyes shone. "Can we stop for a coffee? I have to tell someone."
"Of course. Do you have a preference?"
"Not at all. I've news, Ritchie. I had an interview in Dublin at a senior center. They need a dietician. It went well, very well. Nothing is confirmed, yet. The board of directors has to approve, but I think I have the position."
"In Dublin?"
"Yes. Isn't wonderful? I'll be away from Tralee and I'll be doing something useful. I don't know what the salary is, but it's a start."
"I didn't realize you were set on Dublin."
"Of course you did. We discussed it in the library."
"I thought we'd settled on America."
She focused on the raindrops streaking the windscreen and considered whether correcting him was worth an argument. What was Ritchie O'Shea to her anyway? Certainly not significant enough to change her mind, but he was an old friend, enough of a friend to collect her when she needed a lift home. "You misunderstood," she said. "There is no we. I thought I made it clear that I would never take Evan away from his family."
"There is opportunity in America that isn't here, Kate."
"That's why I went to Dublin. I found what I need there." She shook her head. "I thought you'd be happy for me."
"That's short-sighted, isn't it? Why should I be happy about a decision that eliminates any possibility of seeing you? I'm off to America."
"And when might that be?"
"I've a few ends to tie up, but probably next month."
She didn't reply. The silence stretched out between them until they turned on to the Tralee Road. Then she spoke. "I don't think I want that coffee after all."
"Suit yourself. Where shall I drop you?" he asked.
"Ballyard. My mother's house. Thanks for coming for me, Ritchie."
"My pleasure." He pulled into the driveway.
Kate climbed out of the car. "If I don't see you before you go, good luck."
"It's like that, is it?"
"I think so. Goodbye, Ritchie. God Bless." She didn't bother waiting for him to leave before walking into the house. Her grandmother was in the sitting room drinking a cup of tea. "Hi, Nan. How are you?"
Dolly looked up and smiled. "I'm grand, Katie. Where have you been?"
Kate sat down on the couch. "I went to Dublin to see about a job."
"Any luck?"
"I won't know for a few days."
"Dublin is quite a drive, isn't it?"
"Not too bad any more with the train and the airport." The house was very quiet. "Where's my mom?"
"I believe she's napping. Your mother works very hard, you know. Shall I wake her for you?"
"No. Let her sleep. My news can wait."
Johannah appeared in the doorway. "I thought I heard a car. Welcome home, Kate. How did it go?"
"It looks promising but I won't have confirmation until the board of directors approves. I think I made a good impression and they definitely need someone."
Johannah's smile disappeared. She looked stricken. "Then you'll be leaving soon."
"I think so, if I get the job."
"Are you sure about this, Kate? Dublin can be very lonely without family and friends."
Kate stood. Naturally her mother would feel this way. What had she expected? "It will give you and Nan an excuse to visit and I'll be home often. Don't forget, I'll be bringing Evan to see Dermot."
"Have you told Dermot?"
"I don't have the job yet, Mom. I didn't want to tell you until I was sure. I knew you wouldn't be pleased."
Johannah crossed her arms and leaned against the doorjamb. "It isn't that I'm not pleased, Kate. I'm very proud of you. I just wish that you could have found something closer to home." She straightened and smiled brightly. "Still, it could be worse. You'll still be in Ireland. I'm very pleased about that."
Laughing, Kate crossed the room and embraced her mother. "Thank you. Where's Evan?"
"Dermot has him. I told him you would be over after the plane landed. I'm sure he's anxious to hear how it went."
Kate bit her lip. Dermot would have to be told about her decision but she'd hoped she wouldn't have to see him until her move was secure.
Johannah looked anxious. "Would you rather stay with Nan and I'll pick up Evan?"
She was tempted, but the image of Johannah trying to evade Dermot's questions was simply not palatable. Mustering her courage, Kate shook her head. "No. I'll tell him exactly what I told you. It looks good, but nothing's certain yet."
Her mother smiled. "Good girl. Take the car. It's supposed to rain for what's left of the day."
* * *
Taking advantage of having transportation, Kate drove through the Manor round-about and parked outside of the chemist near Tesco. She needed shampoo and hand lotion but first she would treat herself to a cup of tea and a scone at the café upstairs. Bypassing the line of customers waiting for a late lunch, she chose the fruit scone and a small pot of tea, paid the cashier. Carrying her tray, she headed toward the seating area and froze. Seated in the barrel chairs near the window were her husband, her son and a young, blond woman she didn't recognize. Dermot, laughing and talking, with another woman.
Blindly she turned around, tray still in hand, and headed in the opposite direction. Where were the stairs and where could she rid herself of the tray and disappear? Her handbag slid off her shoulder to her forearm, spilling her tea. She stopped to adjust it and her vision cleared. Reason set in. Manor was a public place. She had every right to enjoy her tea just as Dermot had every right to entertain whomever he pleased. But not with Evan. Her teeth clenched and her steps slowed. At the nearest empty table she sat down, mechanically buttering her scone, adding milk and sugar to her tea. She would take her time, breathe deeply and enjoy her food. She would pretend everything was the same as it was ten minutes ago. She would do as she'd intended, visit the chemist, phone Dermot, tell him she was coming. Then he would invite her to join him and introduce her to the woman. There was probably a very good explanation. Kate relaxed. Dermot would never begin seeing someone while he was still married. Dermot was responsible and settled. From the very beginning of their relationship, he'd never shown the slightest interest in anyone else. The woman was probably someone he knew from the store, someone he'd run into by chance here in the café. That was it. He wouldn't fancy someone like that anyway. She was definitely attractive, but flashy. Dermot had never been impressed with flashy.
Her package from the chemist tucked under one arm, Kate stood at the foot of the stairs, pulled out her phone and scrolled down to Dermot's mobile number. He answered immediately. "Kate?"
She struggled to speak, the rush of emotion at hearing his voice unnerved her.
"Kate? Are you there?"
"Yes. I'm home. Is it a good time to collect Evan?"
"Of course. I can drop him by if you like. I'm at Manor, at the cafe."
"I'm at Manor, too. Shall we meet upstairs?"
"I'm already there. Come up."
Kate disconnected and quickly climbed the stairs. She pretended to look around for her husband and son, waving at Evan when he spotted her. Taking her time, she made her way through the tables. The woman was gone. "Hello, Dermot." She kissed Evan on the cheek. "Did you have a good time with Daddy?"
Evan nodded. "I had soup and jell-o."
"That sounds yummy." Kate sat down. "Did anything else happen?"
Evan's brow furrowed. "No."
Dermot interrupted. "How are you, Kate? How did the interview go?"
"Well, I think. I won't know for a week, but it looks promising. It's a good job, Dermot. Be happy for me."
He nodded. "If it what's you want, I am happy for you. But I want you to know that you have choices."
"What do you mean?"
"Liam mentioned you were thin
king about starting your own business, a special nutrition business for people who need a particular diet. He said he could help you."
"Where would I get the financing?"
Dermot colored. "From the business."
"Your mother wouldn't approve of that."
He looked at her steadily. "My mother doesn't have to approve. I'm the primary shareholder in the business and you are my wife. Everything that's mine is yours. You have a right to it. For Christ's sake you've worked hard enough behind that desk."
Evan slid off his chair and climbed into her lap. "Can I have a toy?"
Kate settled him into the crook of her arm. "Not now love. We'll be going home soon." She turned her attention back to Dermot. "What are you saying, Dermot?"
"I'm trying to apologize. I've been self-centered, thinking only of the future and retirement. I've disregarded your needs, your education and your desire for a home of your own."
"That's very kind of you, Dermot," she said slowly. He still hadn't explained the woman.
"But?"
"I think it might be too late."
He sighed. "I want you to be happy, Katie. I'm proud of you. I want you to know that."
Kate could no longer speak. Why didn't he argue with her? She nodded, set Evan on his feet, took his hand and walked quickly toward the stairs.
Chapter 39
Liam
He pulled into the driveway. His mother's car wasn't in her usual spot. Liam breathed a sigh of relief and was immediately ashamed. Johannah wasn't a bigot and she'd never interfered when it came to his friends.
Ciara McCarthy looked at him. "Are we going to sit here or go inside the house?"
"Sorry." Liam laughed. "I'm surprised that we're the only ones here, that's all. I wonder if they've left Nan alone."
"She's all right as long as it's just for a bit, Liam. Most of the time she remembers what she needs to." Ciara's voice was calm and reassuring, completely without drama, a quality he'd come to appreciate.
"Kate found her in the kitchen with her toast on fire."
"There are appliances that automatically turn off when the food is finished cooking." She hooked her bag over her shoulder. "Come on. Let's go in and face the worst."
Liam opened the door and stepped inside. Ciara followed him. "Hello," he said, "anyone home?"
No answer. The house was quiet. "It looks like it's just us."
Ciara raised her eyebrows. "Now, that's an invitation. What mischief can we get into before the grownups arrive home?"
He laughed. "More likely Evan will run up the stairs and surprise us in the act. Closed doors mean nothing to him."
"In that case, let's start dinner. I bought enough chicken for everyone."
"You didn't have to do that, Ciara. I have no idea what my family's dinner plans are."
She began pulling food out of her bags. "Then you'll have leftovers coming out of your ears."
"I can ring my mom."
"Do that or she'll be horrified that I've taken over her kitchen."
A car pulled up in the driveway. Liam looked out the window. "She's here and Nan is with her." He opened the door and waited for his mother and grandmother to climb out of the car. "We're cooking dinner." He reached out his hand. "Careful of the steps, Nan."
"You're a good boy, Liam. Is there time for me to nap? I'm wrecked. Your mother doesn't know when to stop."
"I think so. We've only just started." Johannah rolled her eyes. "Who's we?"
"Ciara's here with me."
She smiled. "How nice of you and Ciara. Is there enough for everyone?"
Liam relaxed. "Apparently so."
"Nan and I have been shopping. I'll put these bags away, settle her in for a nap and be down to help you."
"No need for that, Mrs. Enright," Ciara said, her head appearing behind Liam's shoulder. "Liam and I have it under control."
Johannah looked at her son. "Somehow I don't think it's Liam who has it under control."
"He can make you a cup of tea."
"That would be heavenly. Liam, your nan might be better for one as well. You can carry it upstairs to her." She called after her mother. "How does that sound, Mom?"
Dolly fluttered her hand, a gesture Liam presumed meant acceptance, and continued up the stairs. Johannah followed her.
Ciara handed Liam a box. "I bought crème cakes for dessert. Put one on your nan's tea tray. A rose in the bud vase wouldn't hurt either."
"They'll know I never thought of this on my own. A mug with milk and sugar is the most they'll expect."
"Next time you'll know better," she promised, turning back to the chicken.
Liam's steps sounded loudly on the stairs. He balanced a tea tray complete with not only the requisite milky tea, but a proper pot, cup, saucer and spoon, a crème cake and vase complete with a fresh flower. Johannah met him on the landing and raised her eyebrows. "How lovely. And to think you thought of all this yourself."
He looked embarrassed. "You know I didn't."
"I see."
Her long level glance unnerved him.
"What?" He knew he sounded defensive.
"Take your offering in to Nan and then come to my room. I want to talk with you about something."
Mentally, he groaned and walked down the hall.
His grandmother's door was open. She sat on the bed staring at the window.
Liam set the tray on the small writing desk. "What are you looking at, Nan?"
She put her forefinger against her lip. "Shhh. T'is a bird bathing in the bath. Look at how she preens herself."
Liam looked over her shoulder and smiled. A robin, fluffed and wet, sat in the birdbath, her feathers silver with drops. "I haven't seen a robin yet this year."
"Is that what she is?"
Liam frowned. His grandmother knew the name of every bird native to Ireland. He sat down on the bed and took her hand. "I've brought your tea, Nan, and a crème cake."
She smiled and touched his cheek. "You're a good boy, Liam. Leave it here. I want to watch the robin for a bit."
"Shall I stay with you?"
She appeared to consider it and then shook her head. "No, not this time. I'm very tired, you see."
"I'll check on you later. If you're not up for tea, I'll have Ciara save you a plate."
Her forehead wrinkled. "Ciara?"
"Never mind, Nan. Get some rest." He closed the door behind him, looked at the floor for a moment and then made his way to his mother's room. She stood at the sink washing her hands.
"Sit down, Liam. This won't take long but you may as well be comfortable. How's Nan? Did she drink her tea?"
Liam sat in the chair with the high back, the story chair where his mother had read him a million children's books. "She's watching a robin and said she'd drink it later."
Johannah sat on the bed across from him. "What's going on with Ciara?"
Liam felt like laughing. Trust his mother to come right out with it, no beating around the bush, no prelude, no nice conversation to soften the telling question. He wanted to tell her it was none of her business but he couldn't say such a thing to his mother. It was just a question after all, one any normal mother would think of asking even if she wouldn't come out and actually say it. "We're seeing each other."
"As in romantically?"
"God, Mom, is there any other way?"
"Of course there is. You could be friends."
"We are friends but it's more than that. She's nice and smart and pretty. She has goals. I'm attracted to her. She's attracted to me."
"I'm sure that's true."
He ran his hands through his hair, a gesture he resorted to when he was frustrated or uncomfortable. "That isn't such a given, you know, a girl being attracted to me. Not anymore. I'm not exactly a catch. I'm in college, without a penny to my name and I live with my mother."
She stared at him for a moment and then she laughed. "I suppose when you put it that way, you have a point."
He relaxed and then stiffened
again with her next comment.
"She's a traveler, Liam. They no longer roam the way they once did but they think differently. It's in their blood. They're very inbred."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"They pass down genetic mutations. Their life spans are short. It's difficult for them to settle down, to stay in one place, to follow through with obligations. It's a way of life, one they embrace and want to keep." She lifted her hands. "They aren't accepted, at least not yet. They won't accept you."
"I know all that."
"Then tell me what you're doing."
He looked at her. "I'm seeing a girl, a nice girl. That's all. We don't talk about the future. We both have plans. Hers, I might add, don't include roaming the country in a caravan. She's motivated, Mom. I'm disappointed in you. I didn't think you were a bigot."
She sighed. "Liam, I like Ciara. But these things don't work. Her father and brothers aren't served in the pubs. Her mother and sisters can't read a newspaper without help. It isn't just the two of you. There's a world out there that must be lived in. I'm not a bigot, I'm a mother and you're my child. More than anyone, I have your interests at heart." She stood. "Now go downstairs and help the girl with our tea. Please don't tell me she paid for it."
Quickly, Liam escaped, without responding to her last comment which of course announced his guilt more than if he'd simply come out with the truth. Once more, he wished that his father were alive. Mickey would understand. Men weren't judgmental. They accepted people for who they were, themselves, not their whole bleeding family.
He stopped on the landing to tie his shoe when it occurred to him that he'd like to hear Patrick's thoughts on the matter. How odd that he should think of him just now, and yet, not really. Patrick would be the perfect person to confide in. He was not family and yet he knew Johannah and he'd met Ciara. Patrick could be counted on to offer up impartial advice.
Chapter 40
Mickey
Mickey checked his watch from his seat in front of the fiction section. He kept one eye on the entrance to the library while at the same time attempting to read his newspaper. He'd been waiting for the better part of an hour. Just as he was about to give up, the familiar lanky figure he was expecting walked through the door.
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