“No television?” Rachel exclaimed, beginning to realise the gravity of the situation.
“I haven't had a minute's peace all day,” Holly sounded completely worn out. “Whatsmore, it's Simon's mid-term break from school, so I've got another week of the two of them fighting and wrecking my head.”
“Can't Will fix the television?” Rachel asked.
“He would fix it, but he's working abroad for the next two weeks and I can't really expect him to come all the way home to fix the TV.”
“I suppose not,” Rachel agreed.
“Anyway, enough about me and my hell of a life, how are you settling in to your life in Belmullet?” Holly asked, changing the subject.
“It's going very well, actually,” Rachel said, “it's a bit hectic at the moment trying to sort out the shop and unpack the house simultaneously, but I'm getting there, slowly but surely.”
“When's the grand opening?”
“I'm thinking the end of next week,” Rachel said, “I've had a load of flyers made up that I've distributed in all the local shops and there's been an ad running on the local radio station for the past few weeks, so hopefully people will be interested to see the new florist in town.”
“I'm sure they will be delighted,” Holly said, encouragingly.
“I had a call last week from a lady who was wondering if I could organise the flowers for her daughter’s wedding at the end of the year, can you believe it?” Rachel said.
“Wow,” Holly was impressed, “I think you're going to be a very busy lady.”
“I've volunteered to do the flowers for Jen's wedding in April, so that'll be good practice.”
“I completely forgot that Jen is getting married in April, not long to go, only about six weeks or so,” Holly said.
“Tell me about it,” Rachel said, “there just aren't enough hours in the day at the moment. We're all up to our eyeballs in wedding preparations. It'll be a rush to be ready on time. Jen and Victor only booked the hotel reception last week.” “Oh, really, where did they decide to have it?” Holly asked.
“They finally decided on the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa,” Rachel said.
“Double wow!” Holly exclaimed. “It's absolutely outstanding there. That's where Will and I had our wedding reception, remember?”
“How could I possibly forget? We had such an amazing time there. I recommended it to Liz, and she said that's one of the main reasons she and Vic booked it. It is a divine place,” Rachel said.
“The staff were so helpful and attentive,” Holly continued, “they made everything so less stressful than it could have been. The food was delectable.”
“I know,” Rachel said, “it's an oasis of peace and calm, and it's so convenient that it's located less than forty miles from Cork city.”
“It's such an idyllic location,” her sister sighed at the happy memories of her wedding day, “the beaches, the views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the spa is like a little piece of heaven. I wouldn't mind being there right now, I can tell you. I'd jump at the chance to escape from this mad house for a few days.”
“It's not that bad, surely?” Rachel asked in concern.
“I love them both very much,” Holly replied, “but it can be difficult when I'm alone so much. Sometimes I feel like a single parent with Will being away so much for work. Children are so demanding and all-consuming. I barely have a minute to use the bathroom without one of them calling me for something. It's been ages since Will and I had any time on our own, just the two of us. I can't remember when I last enjoyed a relaxing bath or read a magazine. I'm constantly on the go, legging it to Simon's school in the morning and afternoon, then he has swimming and rugby at the weekend or a birthday party. There's always something going on. Don't get me wrong, Rach, I love being a mother, it is the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life, but I'd love even a few hours break now and then.”
“I'm sorry, Holly,” Rachel said, “I feel guilty not being there for you anymore. Well, consider yourself invited to Jen's hen weekend, you can be my special guest, and besides, I'm sure Jen would love to have you there. I'll sort a babysitter for Simon and Mia.”
“It does sound tempting,” Holly said reluctantly, “I'd feel so guilty leaving them.”
“Don't be daft, they'll be fine,” her sister persuaded her, “they'll have each other for company and they'll probably think of it as an adventure anyway.”
“Ok, then, count me in,” Holly said excitedly.
“Excellent,” Rachel said, “I just have to confirm the final details with Liz and then I'll get back to you with all the information.”
“I can't wait,” Holly said, clapping her hands.
Chapter 40
“Look, we're just going to have to make a decision about where to have the hen party and stick to it,” Liz said.
“Time is running out. Jen's getting married in early April, so we'll have to organise the hen party for at least a few weeks beforehand, so everyone can recover.”
“I totally agree with you,” Rachel said, “I'm sure Jen doesn't want to turn up to the most important day of her life with a raging hangover and looking all bleary-eyed.”
“Definitely not,” Liz said.
“I have so many ideas,” Rachel continued, “but when I start thinking of finalising the details, my mind starts to boggle with all the potential combinations. I really want Jen to have a brilliant time. She truly deserves it.”
Liz had driven up from Cork to help Rachel with the opening of her new business and to finalise the hen party plans. So far, they were having some difficulty coming to a decision.
“Ok, let's try narrowing it down,” Liz suggested, getting out a pen and paper.
“I like the idea of going away for the weekend, maybe somewhere foreign.”
“Me too,” Rachel said, “plus I'd like for us to have a day in a fancy spa. We've been promising each other for ages that we'd go to a spa together for a major pampering session but we never seem to get around to it, and I know Holly could do with some relaxation at the moment. She's very stressed out with the children.”
“Right, so far we need flights, accommodation and a spa,” Liz said, checking her list, “how many of us are going?”
“Jen said she only wants close family and friends. She said she does enough bullshitting at work every day, that she certainly doesn't want to be doing it at her hen party. She wants to be with people who she trusts completely and with whom she can totally let her hair down.”
“I don't blame her,” Liz agreed, “there's nothing worse than some spoil sport sitting around watching you having some innocent fun and making a bit of a fool of yourself and then they go and tell everybody the next day how you said this and did that.”
“People like that are just spoil sports,” Rachel said. “They seriously need to get a life. I remember I went out with a few colleagues from work last year and this woman at work, who seriously got on my nerves, spent the night taking photos of everybody on her camera phone. I went a bit wild that night, I have to admit, one too many vodka and cokes went to my head. I much prefer wine to spirits but I was so thirsty from all the dancing that I just kept knocking back the vodkas.
Well, needless to say, it wasn't long until I was quite legless. Bettina, of course, captured most of my antics on her mobile phone and even took a video of me looking absolutely hideous.” “What did you do?” Liz asked, intrigued. “I cornered her in the bathroom and warned her that if she showed videos or photos of me to one more person that I'd have her hauled into Human Resources for a written warning before she knew which way was up.”
“Good for you,” Liz said.
“Anyway, back to the task at hand, Jen's hen party,” Rachel said.
“I'll make us a cup of tea while you get out your laptop and start searching the internet for airline prices and hotels,” Liz said.
An hour later and the girls had their plan sorted and finalised. They were going to fly to New
Quay in England, hire a car and stay in the little country village of Padstow. They'd found a secluded bed and breakfast which also had holiday cottages on site, so they would have their privacy and could make as much noise as they liked, without having to worry about disturbing the other guests. All meals were served in the main house, but the girls were glad to have the space of their own cottage.
They had managed to book Jamie Oliver's restaurant for dinner reservations in Cornwall. When the reservations lady realised that they were a hen party she gave them a special table by the window, which apparently overlooked the ocean. They had a booking for lunch at Rick Stein's renowned restaurant in Padstow, which Liz was very excited about. Rachel couldn't wait to taste scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam. The thought of them made her mouth water. There were plenty of pubs in the area and a taxi service was available too if the designated driver felt like having a drink.
Their biggest find was the luxury four star Treglos Hotel in Padstow which had a stunning spa. The hotel was situated overlooking Constantine Bay, which is home to one of the most renowned beaches in Cornwall. The girls found the hotel and spa on Tripadvisor, after trawling through lots of other spa reviews, where it came highly recommended. The girls spent a very pleasant hour drooling over the photos of the relaxing spa and all the treatments they offered. Liz was thrilled to see that the spa used Elemis products.
She squealed with delight when she started reading the online brochure.
“What's the big deal?” Rachel asked, after Liz's yelp almost made her jump out of her skin. “Elemis products are made from the finest plant ingredients,” Liz explained, “they use organic herbs and seaweed extracts and blend them with natural oils. They always leave your skin in the most beautiful condition and the smell is divine.”
“Is it worth nearly giving me a heart attack?” Rachel asked.
Liz paused for a moment for dramatic effect and then thoughtfully said, “hmm yes, I think so.” Rachel punched her playfully on the arm.
“You'll really like this then,” Rachel said, reading aloud from the brochure, “apparently the spa also uses Spiezia Organics, which are made by a Cornish company using one hundred per cent organic ingredients. Their products have even been certified by the Soil Association for women, babies, men and home.”
“Sounds good,” Liz said, “I didn't realise there was such a thing as a “soil association”.
“Me neither,” Rachel said, “anyway, which treatments shall we book? What do you think Jen will like?”
“Their “Runaway Ritual Pamper Day” sounds good,” Liz said.
“Yeah, it does actually, and they've included the price of the bathrobe and towel. I usually rob them anyway, so that's a bit disappointing.”
“Rachel!” Liz put on her shocked face. “I know you'd rob them too if you were brave enough,” Rachel laughed at her friend's face. “When I gave you those Molton Brown accessories I nicked from the hotel in Italy, you were more than happy to accept them, even though you knew for a fact they were stolen goods.”
Liz smiled sheepishly, “well they are gorgeous products.”
“So which treatments are you going to treat yourself to?” Rachel asked.
“I think I'd like the “Beauty and Light” Elemis taster facial and the “Heavenly Holistic” one hour Elemis massage,” Liz decided
. “Me too,” Rachel said, “I'll have to give these Elemis products a try after your raving over them.”
“You will adore them, trust me,” Liz said. “I think we should book the Radiance Facial for Jen and the “Oh so Organic” treatment, whatever that means.”
“It's quite expensive but she deserves it,” Rachel said.
“She certainly does,” Liz agreed. “We can have a light lunch at the hotel for an extra five pounds each too.”
“That's a good idea,” Rachel said, “we'll be so relaxed after all our treatments that we won't want to have to leave to get lunch somewhere else.
“It looks like we've got everything sorted, finally,” Rachel said, closing her laptop. “I'll check my emails tomorrow and forward the itinerary details on to you and Holly. I'll text Jen to block the dates in her diary, cos it's going to be a surprise for her. I can't wait to see her face when we whisk her away to the airport. She probably thinks we're all just going to go and stay somewhere cheap and cheerful and drink too much champagne for the weekend.”
“Not us,” Liz said, “we are sophisticated ladies who like to do things in style.”
“I'm all for style,” Rachel said, “but we'll be having one or two drinks over the weekend too, as well as all our sophisticated indulgences. I'm not that much of a lady.”
“Me neither,” Liz laughed.
Chapter 41
“Hurry up, Batt, for goodness's sake!” Rachel snapped impatiently. “I'm about to keel over here waiting for you to get a move on. Do you have be so slow about everything?”
She was trying to pin streamers to the ceiling and was perched rather precariously on the top step of the ladder, with both arms stretched up over her head.
“You know what, you can find the bloody pins yourself!” Batt shouted. “I've had about all I can take for one day of you and your bad mood. I'm sorry if you're stressed out. I do realise that opening your own business is plenty of reason to be on edge, but you have no right to take it out on me. I'm trying my best to help you. Let me know when you've calmed down,” and with that he stormed out of the shop, slamming the door so violently behind him that the windows rattled.
Rachel almost fell off the ladder in shock. She'd never seen Batt in a temper before, let alone raise his voice at her. This was their first fight. They'd never even exchanged a cross word prior to this outburst. Rachel knew their argument was her fault. She'd been very snippy all morning, biting the heads off Batt and Liz for the past few hours. She climbed carefully down from the ladder and put the streamers purposefully in a pile on the table. Then she sat down and promptly burst into tears.
“What happened Rach? Whatever's the matter, girl?” Liz asked, rushing over to where her friend was sitting.
She'd left the shop less than half an hour earlier to buy the three of them soup and sandwiches for their lunch in the bakery next door and she was shocked to return to find her friend bawling her brains out. Rachel's initial sobs had now escalated into full blown wailing. She had tears and snot running rather unattractively down her face. Her makeup was all rubbed off and she had big black smudges under her eyes from her mascara. Liz stood and stared at her in silence for a few minutes, not knowing what to say to console her friend. Eventually, she offered her a tissue and a glass of water. Rachel gratefully took the tissue and loudly blew her nose. She took a few slow sips of the water, which helped to ease her sobs.
“It's not as bad as it looks,” she said.
“You do look like a bit of an alien head,” Liz smiled, “all red eyes and swollen lips.”
Rachel laughed at her description in spite of herself.
“I'm just feeling sorry for myself. Everything's getting to me. Tomorrow's my grand opening and I'm nowhere near ready. I have to-do lists coming out of my ears that I'm avoiding looking at with the sheer number of things I still have left to do. I'm starting to panic that I won't have it all done in time.”
“Don't be silly,” Liz said, putting an arm around her friend.
“Of course you'll be ready. The opening is tomorrow evening at seven o' clock, that gives us eighteen hours to finish everything.”
“Yeah, but we have to sleep and eat in that time too,” Rachel said, “so really we only have eight hours.”
“We have plenty of time, girl,” Liz said reassuringly, “the rest of the deliveries are coming this afternoon, so we have all night to get them sorted. I don't mind missing out on my beauty sleep for one night if it means helping you.”
“Ah, Liz, what would I do without you?” Rachel said, sniffing loudly.
“Here get this down your neck,” Liz said, shoving soup
and a sandwich at her friend. She wasn't a particularly demonstrative person and tended to get embarrassed when people were emotional around her.
The two friends sat together, in the middle of all the mayhem and mess, eating their lunch in companionable silence.
“Where's Batt?” Liz asked, suddenly realising he was missing. “His soup's going to get cold and I've got my eye on his sandwich if he doesn't hurry up and eat it.”
“He stormed out of here in a mood, just before you got back with the food,” Rachel sighed. “That's not like Batt,” Liz said, “he was in great form earlier, humming and singing away to himself.”
“Well, in fairness, I think I snapped at him one too many times,” she explained. “It was all my fault. I was venting my stress at him and he didn't deserve it. I'm sorry for giving out to you too Liz. I know I've been a right meanie today.”
“Nothing new there,” Liz said, laughing.
“Oi, cheeky!” Rachel said, “I promise to be on my best behaviour for the rest of the afternoon.” “I should certainly hope so,” Liz said, grinning, “otherwise I might have to beat you.”
“I think I'll text Batt and apologise to him too.” “Good idea,” Liz said, “in the meantime, I'll get stuck into the window display.”
Rachel dug her mobile phone out from the bottom of her handbag to text Batt an apology, only to find that he had already texted her.
“I'm sorry for shouting at you,” he'd written, “ I know you've got a lot on your mind at the moment. I'll be back to help again later, just popping home to mend a fence and cool down. I love you.”
Unforgettable Embrace Page 22