by Clare Revell
Jacqui shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.” She took a deep breath. “Fifteen Raggleswood Crescent.”
“I know it. I’ll be there in ten.”
****
True to his word, Liam pulled up in exactly ten minutes. As Jacqui opened the door, he had to restrain himself from not pulling her into the hug she so desperately needed. He settled for a smile and a sweeping bow. “Your carriage awaits, my lady.”
Jacqui picked up her jacket and bag and followed him to the car. She looked at him, suspicion in her eyes. “You’re not going to insist I talk?”
He shook his head. “No, not at all. We’re going to sit in a companionable silence and watch the sun set.”
Liam drove to the park, studiously ignoring the tears she shed on the way. He knew how painful anniversaries were, whether they were birthdays, wedding or death days. He also knew from experience that all Jacqui needed was someone to be there. He could do that, just like Niamh did for him. He parked next to the lake and got out. Going around the car, he opened the door.
“A poet once said that sunsets are magical and simply watching one can make someone feel better.”
Jacqui got out, rubbing her eyes. “Right.” Her voice still carried the echo of her tears.
“Don’t believe it myself, any more than I believe in the luck o’the Irish, but that’s what the poem said. Anyway, I have this bench right over here.” Liam walked with her towards it. “I had it put here after Sally died. It’s part of their ‘adopt a bench’ scheme. I just come and sit here sometimes. I wrote a poem to go on the plaque. Wanted something more personal than just her name and dates, you know.”
Jacqui stood and read the plaque, her eyes glistening.
My love
And I would come
And sit here, feed the ducks
Or walk around the lake. Come spring,
Autumn, summer or winter, we’d be here.
Until the day Sally was taken
Away, leaving me just
Memories of
My love.
“That’s lovely. Did you really write that?”
Liam nodded. “Yeah, it’s the only poem I’ve ever written. She loved it here.” He sat down and patted the space beside him. “Sit.” He nodded as she sat and lapsed into silence. He gazed out over the water. Aware she was crying, Liam pulled out a tissue and offered it to her.
“Thanks.” She buried her face in it.
He smiled. “It amazes me how women are always grateful for these, but never bother to ask if it’s a clean one.” He winked as she stiffened and pulled it away from her eyes looking at it.
“It’s clean. My mother always told me to wear clean underwear and carry a clean hanky every time I go out. Though I use tissues so I don’t have to launder and iron them.”
Jacqui nodded, tears falling and shoulders shaking. Liam looked at her. For a moment he hesitated, remembering the vibrant, almost electric feeling that passed between them at each accidental touch. To instigate it and encourage that feeling would be wrong. But at the same time he couldn’t just sit here and do nothing to comfort her. Offering her a hug was the right thing to do, and he had to put his feelings aside.
Taking a deep breath, he held out an arm. “Come here.”
As she moved into his embrace and buried her face in his shoulder, he held her tightly, amazed at the force of emotion flooding her.
He’d mourned his wife, but never allowed himself to cry. Except the other night, at the pizza place when he’d shared his pain with this woman.
He was proud of the fact he hadn’t cried, properly cried, since he was seven. Anger, on the other hand, he knew too well. He sat in silence, just holding her, looking out at the water and pondering why he’d almost let loose that night.
Eventually her sobs slowed and she looked up, her face red and swollen. “I’m sorry. I made your shirt all wet.”
“Never apologize for showing your feelings. I’ll dry. Besides, if you can’t cry on a friend’s shoulder who can you cry on?” He smiled at her as she sat up. “I’m happy to lend a shoulder whenever you need one.”
“Thank you.” She took the new tissue he offered.
He pulled his arm back, not wanting to impose the contact any longer than was comfortable. He smiled and pointed across the lake. “Watch—this is the best bit.”
Jacqui followed his finger and gasped as a rush of gold swept across the lake as the setting sun hit the surface of the water. “Wow.”
“That about sums it up.”
The orange lit her eyes and something moved within him. This woman touched him on an unexpected level. He wondered whether she felt the same way. He wasn’t ready for anything more than friendship. But he’d promised her a sunset and silence.
The sun slid beneath the water before Jacqui took a deep breath and turned to look at him. “Thank you. You were right. I did need to get out.”
Liam eased his shoulders against the back of the bench. “You’re welcome.”
She returned the smile. “You’re good company, Liam. You know when to talk and when to be silent. Not many know that one.”
He looked at her. Seize the moment…
“I was wondering what you’re doing Monday evening.”
“Not much. Why?”
“How about coming out with me? Just as friends, nothing more,” he added.
Jacqui didn’t say anything. Was the glint in her eyes pleasure or fear?
“If I’ve said something wrong, feel free to hit me or just insist I take you home.”
Something flashed in her eyes before she buried it. “No, I’d like to see you again on Monday.”
Liam pushed a hand through his hair, not pursuing the flash of fear he’d seen. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven… Do you feel up to a quick game of pooh sticks before I drive you home? Because it’s my turn to win.”
She looked at him. “Sure. Umm…is this really a ‘just friends’ thing? Or is there something more to it?”
He caught his breath. In for a penny, in for a pound. “That’s up to you. It could be a date,” he said, watching for her reaction. “If you want. It’s up to you. I mean…not a ‘date’ date, more of a ‘two friends going out together and seeing what happens’ date.”
“Is there such a thing?”
Liam shrugged. “I guess there is now. We could be the first.”
Jacqui smiled. “I’ll think about that.” She was quiet for a few moments, then seemed to come to a decision. “Monday, it is. You sure I can’t persuade you to come to church tomorrow instead of going to the rugby?”
Liam nodded. “I’m sure.”
6
Monday morning, Jacqui stood outside the classroom, her coat pulled up against the wind and drizzle. English weather was so fickle—hot one day and cold the next. She surveyed the playground and made notes. What this spot needed was a covered area, picnic tables, a basketball hoop and outdoor table tennis—something to entice the children outside and keep them there, no matter what the weather. A roof of some kind over the table tennis would mean they could play all year round.
She looked up as Liam’s voice floated through the open window. She smiled as his voice went up and down as he spoke. He must be pacing the room she realized, as his voice varied in volume. It was intoxicating listening to him. The cadence of his melodic Irish lilt as he paced and taught captivated her. Poetry appreciation had never sounded so good.
Shaking her head, she tried to focus on the paper in front of her. Where was she? Oh, yeah, hoops and table tennis. An arbor, roses, and perhaps even a small garden they could sit in. The back of her neck prickled, and she glanced back.
Liam stood in the window watching her.
She mimed being cold by rubbing her arms. Her heart leapt as he smiled back. She held his gaze for a moment, and then turned back to her work. A warm feeling spread through her at the thought of spending the evening with him.
What is it about him that makes my heart sing? Lord, h
e touches me in a way that no one ever has before. And he’s nothing like Vince. I don’t flinch around him. I even let him hug me the other night and wasn’t afraid. That’s incredible. But he’s not a Christian. And he seems reserved, maybe even afraid of something. Like tonight…he almost said a date then backtracked.
Her phone rang. “Hello.”
“Hello Jacqui, its Eve.”
“Hi, Eve. Are you wishing you were out here in the lovely drizzle rather than stuck in a nice warm, dry office? Because, if that’s the case, I’m more than happy to swap jobs with you.” She kept her tone light. She preferred to be out here even if it was cold and damp.
Eve laughed. “No, no, it’s fine. I don’t want to spoil your fun. Besides, I know how much you hate being stuck in an office. How’s it going?”
“It’s going really well. I’m getting a feel for the place and some great ideas. Did you just call to check up on me?”
“No. I trust you implicitly—that’s why you’re doing this one. The reason I called is to ask if you’ve heard of the Horatio Corporation.”
Jacqui frowned as she thought. “No. It’s not even ringing any bells. Why?”
“They’ve rung twice now asking for you. Maybe you’re being head-hunted.”
“Not likely. Can you find out about them for me—see if they’ve got a website? Just don’t give them my number until I know a little more about them. I’ll be in the office at some point tomorrow, to draw these plans up. And before you ask, no I’m not thinking of moving on.”
“Miss Dorne?” Mr. Forbes appeared in her field of vision.
“I’ve got to go, Eve. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow. Bye.” She closed the phone and slid it into her pocket. “I was just coming to find you. Would you like to see what I have come up with so far?”
****
Liam arrived just after six.
Jacqui answered the door, still dressed in jeans and she promptly got flustered. “Hi…I, ummm, I’m not ready yet. I still need to change.”
“I know I’m early. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, you said seven. It’s only six.”
“When you’re with me, you’re on Irish time.” He laughed. “You’re just fine for what I have in mind. Have you been to the steam fair yet?”
“No. It’s not something I ever fancied doing on my own.”
“Would you come with me? I used to go each year with Niamh before she got married. Now she’d rather go with Jared, and it’s just not the same going as a threesome, or even going with Patrick. Mind you, Patrick’s a workaholic—hardly ever takes a day off.”
He’d never gone with Sally.
“So I’m your third choice?” Her eyes sparked and there was a hint of a teasing tone in her voice, but he wasn’t sure and hesitated.
“No. For one thing you’re far prettier than Patrick.”
“Thank you—I think. Sure, I’ll come with you. I should change first though.”
Liam shook his head. “Really you look fine. So, how did your day go?”
“Fine. Come in a sec while I find my shoes.” She grabbed her trainers and sat on the floor to tie them. “Mr. Forbes liked my ideas. I’ll spend tomorrow in the office to draw up the plans. I can get the plants and so on fairly fast so should be able to start on Thursday.”
“Wow. You don’t hang around, do you? What do you have planned?”
“That would be telling. You’ll just have to wait and see like everyone else.”
Liam laughed. “Fair enough.”
Jacqui stood. “Right, I’m ready.”
“Then let’s go. Thought we’d walk as it’s a nice evening and it’s not far.” He opened the front door for her and followed her out.
****
Jacqui had hoped Liam would hold her hand as they walked and was disappointed that he didn’t.
They could hear the music from two streets away. The huge rides and shows spread out all across Victoria Park with colored lights dancing in the air.
Jacqui pulled out her purse as they reached the payment booth.
Liam’s hand closed over her wrist.
“Liam?”
“I’ll pay. I asked you, remember? I can’t ask someone out, even on a ‘just friends date’, and expect her to go Dutch. Or offer to pay for us both before you say anything.”
“And you bought dinner the other night. Both dinners come to think of it.”
“And? Please don’t tell me you’re one of those women who don’t like men paying for stuff when they go out.”
“It’s my turn to pay for something. It has to be. Isn’t that what friends do?”
“Aye, but I’m paying this time. Don’t argue with me, Miss Jacqui, as no one wins an argument with me.”
“Is that so?” She moved up in the queue. “Has anyone ever tried?”
“Several times, but puppy dog eyes have been known to break down my resistance on occasion.”
Jacqui immediately turned puppy dog eyes on him.
His laughter was infectious.
She laughed with him.
“Fine, Miss Jacqui, you can buy the candy floss.” He handed over the entrance money.
“Sounds good. You can’t go to the fair and not have candy floss.” She let Liam lead her inside the fairground. “So where first?”
“That will be the ghost train.”
“You’re kidding.” She laughed. “The last time I went on one of these I was terrified.”
“How old were you?”
She pulled a face. “Ten.”
Liam’s deep laugh sent chills running through her. “Well, there you go. That was at least nine years ago.”
“More like nineteen.” She put her hand over her mouth in mock shock. “Oops.”
“So now I know how old you are. Come on, I’ll hold your hand the whole time if you want.” He slid his hand into hers.
She half expected him to comment on how cold her hand was, but instead he just held her close. The ride was nowhere near as terrifying as she remembered. Of course that could have been because of the hand gripping hers, and the warm pleasant feeling stealing over her.
“You didn’t scream.” Liam joked as they got out of the ride. “I’m most disappointed. Maybe we should try the roller coaster.”
“Love them.”
“Then let’s do it.” Still holding her hand, he led her over to the huge ride.
Jacqui looked up and swallowed. It seemed so much bigger than the last one she rode. She started to have second thoughts as Liam led her to the cars. Grateful he didn’t pick the first one and not willing to back down and look stupid, she climbed into the car and buckled up her harness.
The first plunge had her screaming and screwing her eyes shut tight. The second had her burying her face in Liam’s leather jacket, clinging to him tightly.
Liam wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
Only when the ride was finally over did she look up at him.
“Good grief, woman, you scream like a banshee. I think I’ve gone deaf,” he teased as he helped her from the car. “Scarier than you thought, huh?”
“Yes, much, much scarier. Not doing it again if you paid me,” she mouthed, her throat sore from all the screaming.
Liam tilted his head and cupped a hand behind his ear. “What was that? Did you say something? Because I can’t hear you.”
“I said yes,” she mouthed again, grinning at him.
“I’ve gone deaf and you’ve lost your voice from all that screaming,” Liam laughed.
She flung her arms around him, hugging him out of the blue.
He hugged her back then looked at her quizzically. “What did I do to deserve that?”
“That was for bringing me here. No one has done anything this nice in a long time.”
“A nice girl like you deserves nice things. And you’re not the only one having fun. Come on, you can buy me an ice cream before we go on the dodgems.”
“Dodgems?”
“Sure. I’m a
little bumper car, number forty-eight. I went around the corrrr… I can never remember what comes next.”
“That’s a skipping rhyme.”
“Ah. Just as well I don’t know it then. I don’t skip.” He kept hold of her hand as they wandered through the stalls, eating ice cream until they reached the dodgems.
Jacqui wondered if Liam had made it his mission in life to hit her car as he seemed to hit nothing else. She screamed with laugher as he went straight for car number forty-eight. He then ignored the signs and rode her tail, bumping her car every chance he got. Next they raced each other down the huge Astroslide, flying over the humps. Jacqui won every time.
When Liam suggested they go on the Arrow, she had no idea what she was letting herself in for. It wasn’t too bad at first, just rocking back and forth, but its swings got longer and higher until they were hanging upside down for what seemed like forever.
She screamed, her heart racing. Her hands gripped the railing, and she hoped the harness was going to hold. Back on the ground, she stood there, panting, trying not to throw up. She glanced up to see Liam’s white face a stark contrast to his dark hair and beard. “Are you OK?”
“That has to be one of the most terrifying things I have ever done in my life. Voluntarily that is.” He sucked in a deep breath. “And now I feel sick.”
“It was your idea.”
“Was it? So it was. Well, if I ever suggest anything that stupid again, will you please…?” He broke off.
“Would I please what?” The normal completion of the phrase would be ‘shoot me’, but under the circumstances, that wasn’t remotely funny.
“Drown me with a bucket of water,” Liam finished finally. “I never want to go on one of those again.”
“That makes two of us,” Jacqui assured him. “So now what?”
Liam winked. “Something safer and less nauseating,” he said. “Like candy floss.”
“I thought you felt sick.”
“Not that sick.”
Jacqui bought cotton candy and let Liam drag her over to the hook-a-duck. “Oh wow, not seen one of these in years, Liam.”