“I wouldn’t exactly say I’m an expert on computers but I have done an advanced course, and I am fluent in French.”
“Thank God for that,” Sylvia sighed. “I dread having to try to understand the French producers when they call. I did French at Uni but my accent is crap.”
Ellie liked Sylvia enormously. She was very open and friendly and Ellie knew that they’d get on well. Sylvia called a spade a spade and she liked that. Yes, she’d have no trouble working alongside this woman.
“Sam says you’re his top student on the wine course,” Sylvia continued.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Ellie blushed at the compliment, “but I do love it. Sam makes it all so interesting.”
“Do I detect a mutual-admiration society here?” Sylvia commented bluntly. “I’ve been dying for Sam to meet the right girl. Maybe you’re the one.” She cocked her head to one side, looking Ellie over.
“Oh, definitely not,” Ellie giggled. “I’m getting married next January.”
“What a pity! You and Sam would be perfect together.” Sylvia shook her head in disgust as Ellie blushed a deep red.
“He has a girlfriend – Orla – hasn’t he?”
Sylvia pealed with laughter. “God, no! Orla’s his cousin. She sometimes helps out here. Anyway, let me show you how the company system is set up.”
They spent the next hour going over everything that Ellie would be responsible for. It seemed straightforward enough.
“It’s great that you’ve done the wine course. It all makes more sense then. Okay, time for coffee and chocolate biccies,” Sylvia said, leading the way to the small kitchen behind the office. “I’m really pleased that you’re joining us,” she told Ellie, her voice serious, “and I know Sam is too.”
“Yeah, well, it’s a lifesaver for me, you know. I lost my job last Friday.”
“So Sam said.”
Sylvia then went on to talk with pride of her baby daughter Isolde who was eighteen months old. “Thank God I’ll get to see more of her, now that you’re here.”
Ellie was happy to be helping out. It was great. She felt she was really needed here. She couldn’t wait to start. Somehow she felt it was the start of a whole new life. The song was right – behind every cloud was a silver lining. Who would have thought it?
45
Rachel did her usual pampering on Wednesday and then went to the TV studios to discuss the following day’s filming with Zita and her production assistant. It was all so exciting and she’d bought a beautiful new Louise Kennedy suit for the day and a fabulous Richard Lewis silk jersey dress for the evening. Everything was ready to go.
The following morning the crew arrived at the house at seven thirty and Rachel invited them all in for coffee. The children were looking adorable and had been warned to be on their best behaviour.Carl greeted Zita with a handshake and although she held it for a fraction too long she was cool and professional towards him, thank God. He breathed a sigh of relief. Having his wife and lover in the same room made him uncomfortable.
Zita saw how great he came across on film. He was one of those rare people that the camera loved. She really must seriously consider doing a programme on him in the future. That would give them a great excuse to be seen together without raising eyebrows. Yes, she must definitely look into it.
After filming the family breakfasting together, they followed Rachel to the care home in Baldoyle where she talked to the elderly residents there. From there it was on to the local day-care centre where she chatted with the staff and even joined in the karaoke session that was taking place. She then went to a charity luncheon being held for the hospice and worked the room like an old pro. She had a natural charm which came across on camera and Zita knew they’d have some great footage for the programme.
After lunch it was on to the summer school where she presented prizes to the children taking part. From there she went to the local Brownie camp-out and presented certificates to the little girls, delighted that Becky was one of them.
It all made for terrific filming and Zita had to admire the gracious way Rachel dealt with everyone she met. She appeared to have boundless energy and never flagged for a second.
In fact Rachel was in her element, feeling like an actress playing the part of a politician’s wife.So what if people thought she did this every day? They wanted action and she’d given it to them.
On the way home she stopped off in Superquinn to pick up some last-minute things and then home to cook dinner for her wine group. She had considered getting caterers but it would look so much better if she did it herself and besides, she did love cooking. All the time the cameras rolled and Rachel almost felt like a contestant on Come Dine With Me. Thank God the guests wouldn’t be marking her efforts though. That would have been too much!By the time Carl arrived home Rachel was all glammed up in her new Richard Lewis dress and looking forward to the evening ahead.
Carl presented his wife with a big bouquet of flowers and, as he kissed her and whispered something in her ear that made her smile, Zita felt the pangs of jealousy stir. Seeing them together with the children was heartwrenching. They were the picture of the perfect family, all blonde and beautiful.The children were adorable and were allowed to stay up to greet the guests.
Sam and Ellie arrived first and Zita lifted an eyebrow at the fact that they’d arrived together. Was she missing something here? Ellie straight away bent down to chat to Jacob and Becky and it was obvious that she loved kids. Sam seemed a little uncomfortable with the cameras on him. He looked stupendous with those gorgeous dark eyes gazing moodily into the camera. God, he was sexier than most film stars!
Ronan wasnext to arrive and he also had brought a bouquet of flowers for Rachel. He seemed shy in front of the cameras which didn’t surprise Zita. He was a lovely bloke.
They filmed everyone having a glass of champagne and then Zita called for attention.
“Okay, everyone, we’re not going to spoil your evening by filming every bite you put in your mouth. We’ll just restart when you sit down to table and after the first course has been presented, we’ll wrap up. Alright?”
Sam and Ronan both heaved a sigh of relief and even Ellie was not too happy to be in the spotlight. Rachel was pleased. She’d had enough for one day.
She served the starter and Zita called, “Okay, it’s a wrap!” as the stifling hot lights were turned off and everyone relaxed.
The camera crew clapped spontaneously and Rachel blushed sweetly. She left the table to offer them some drinks and snacks she’d prepared for them.
“That’s one right lady,” Zita overheard one of the soundmen say to another.
“Class act,” the other man agreed.
And it was true, Zita had to admit. Rachel had been the perfect subject all day long, gracious and kind.
“Zita you are staying for dinner, aren’t you?” Rachel enquired.
“I’m not exactly dressed for a smart dinner party,” Zita replied, looking down at her jeans.
“Nonsense, you look lovely.”
Carl joined in. “We’d love you to stay.”
She looked into his sexy blue eyes and was lost. More than anything she wanted to spend the evening in his company, even though his wife would be there too.
“Okay, if you insist,” she consented feebly, unable to resist him.
“That’s my girl,” he whispered, when Rachel had gone into the kitchen, winking at her.
She felt like a fly caught in a spider’s web.
“Tomorrow night?” he whispered.
“Sure,” she whispered back, her heart soaring. The pain of watching him with Rachel was almost unbearable. Now she felt she was having her revenge.
Rachel had had to be very careful not to be seen to be having a drink while the cameras were on her. While having her shower and dressing, she’d sneaked a large vodka and orange. She couldn’t have risked a gin – the smell would have been a giveaway – hence the vodka. Once the cameras were turned off she let rip how
ever and sneaked a gin and tonic in the kitchen before dishing up the main course. Once or twice she saw Carl frowning at her but she ignored him. God damn it! She’d had a rough day, she deserved it. And she’d done it mainly to promote Carl’s career. You’d think he’d have been grateful.
After they’d all left, she’d kicked off her shoes andpoured herself a cognac.Then she sank down on the couch with a sigh. “Wow! What an exciting but utterly exhausting day.”
“Don’t you think you should go to bed?” Carl asked.
“Don’t you think I deserve a drink? I have to relax,” she said, rubbing her feet which were aching. “I think Zita was very pleased with the result though,” she observed happily.
“She’s certainly good at her job,” he remarked, deciding to pour himself a whiskey. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, he thought to himself. His wife was certainly knocking back the booze big-time. He’d have to do something about it.
“Do you know that’s the first night you’ve had dinner here this week.” Rachel looked at him, trying not to sound as if she was criticising.
“Oh Rach, give over,” he sighed. “I’ve had a tough day too. And by the way, I won’t be home for dinner tomorrow night either. I have a previous engagement.”
She shook her head helplessly. This was obviously the way their life was going to be in the future.
He then opened his laptop and she flicked through a magazine, neither of them speaking. When she’d drained her glass, she poured herself another one, ignoring her husband’s disapproving look.
46
Ronan was busy stacking shelves in the shop on Friday afternoon when his mobile rang.
“Hi, Ronan, it’s Doris here, Fiona’s mother.”
He tensed himself, waiting for the news. He’d spoken to Fiona yesterday and she hadn’t been feeling too good. He’d tried ringing her that morning but it had gone to voicemail and she hadn’t rung back, which was most unusual.
“Just want to let you know that Fiona started labour during the night and as of twenty minutes ago is the mother of a beautiful baby boy!”
“That’s wonderful!” he exclaimed. “How is she?”
“Tired, but deliriously happy. She asked me to call you straight away.”
“Thanks, Doris. I’m so glad you did. When can I come visit her – er, them?” he laughed.
“Well, you can visit anytime except mealtimes. I’ve just left her and I know she’d be very happy to see you . . . and Ronan, thank you for doing this. I can’t tell you how much it means to Fiona.” Her voice was very emotional.
“I’m happy to be able to do it. She’s a wonderful girl.”
“Yes, she is and she’ll make a wonderful mother.”
“I’ve no doubt. I’ll call in after work tonight, probably around seven.”
“She’ll be delighted to see you.” Doris had grown exceedingly fond of him in the short time she’d known him.
Ronan gave the news to Sam and Dermot who were delighted that all had gone well and then he dashed out during his tea-break to buy a large bouquet of yellow roses for Fiona and a cool little suit for the baby.
Fiona’s face lit up when she saw Ronan enter the ward. She looked tired but extremely happy. In her arms she was cuddling the cutest little baby Ronan had ever seen. He’d seen Conor’s sons when they were newborn and they’d been scrunched up and ugly but this baby was not at all like that.
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Fiona asked him, stroking the baby’s smooth cheek.
“He really is,” Ronan agreed. “Not at all wrinkled, like I expected.” He bent in over the little bundle, putting his finger in the baby’s hand. The tiny baby grasped it with a strength that surprised him. “Wow, he’s strong for such a little fellow!”
Fiona laughed. “I’ve named him Oisín,” she smiled, “and I’d like you to be his godfather, if you’d like that.”
Ronan felt tears come to his eyes. “I’d love that,” he told her. “Hello, Oisín!” To his amazement the tiny baby gave a little smile. “Well, look at that,” he said, love for the child welling up in his chest. This little guy needed him and he’d make sure he was a great godfather.
Fiona didn’t inform him that the smile was probably wind!
He sat happily, looking at the baby and chatting to Fiona, until he saw she was getting tired. He took the baby from her and put him back in the crib.
“Congratulations again,” he said, kissing her on the forehead as he saw her eyes close.
Well, what do you know, I’m a godfather, he thought to himself as he walked jauntily back to the car.
Marcus dropped into Zita’s flat that evening. He was on a high because he’d just won a big contract and wanted to celebrate.
“Come on, let’s go out on the town,” he suggested.
“Sorry, I can’t. I’m busy.”
“Don’t tell me it’s that asshole Dunne again.” He looked at her with disgust.
“Don’t call him that!” she yelled, furious with him.
“God, you’re pathetic. Can’t you see he’s only using you?”
“How do you know that? You don’t know how he feels.”
“Oh puhleeese, you are delusional!” He saw her blushing and realised with horror that she really was serious.
“I don’t believe it. You’re in love with him!Oh, Zita, Zita, honey, how could you let that happen?” He just couldn’t believe it. What had happened to her? Where had her common sense gone? She was behaving like a lovestruck teenager, for God’s sake! He was wasting his time. There was no getting through to her. This guy had bewitched her.
“Well, sweetie, I’ll leave you in his clutches.” He got up and headed for the door. “No doubt I’ll be around to pick up the pieces,” he threw at her laconically as he exited the apartment.
“You know nothing!” she yelled after him. “You have no idea what I’ve been through in my life! You couldn’t begin to imagine the things I’ve done!”
But he had gone.
Zita felt sad that Marcus couldn’t be happy for her. He was her best friend but he didn’t understand how she was feeling. She was thinking of Carl every minute of every day and now, as she waited for him to call, she was filled with excitement and anticipation.
He didn’t disappoint. Their lovemaking had reached new heights. She’d prepared a lasagne earlier but neither of them had wanted to waste precious time eating, so they stayed in bed for the whole evening.
“I’ll treat youto dinner next week,” he told her as he stroked her hair. “We’ll go back to that nice restaurant in Dalkey that you liked so much.”
She smiled happily. It wasn’t the restaurant that was important – it was the fact that he was happy to be seen in public with her. That had to mean something, she told herself after he’d left.
Finally, she understood why people over the centuries had been moved to write love poems. She felt like writing one herself!
Yet another Friday night in alone, Rachel thought as she opened a second bottle of wine. She couldn’t understand what had happened to the wonderful life she thought she’d had just a few short weeks ago. The gloss had worn off very quickly. Carl was so busy that they spent hardly any quality time together anymore. When he was home he was distracted and spent the time alone in his study. At the back of her mind lay the suspicion that he was seeing someone again. She tried to push it away but with every sip of wine she became more convinced that this was the case.
When he finally arrived home at midnight, her courage fuelled by the wine she’d drunk, she tackled him about it.
“Oh for God’s sake Rachel, you’re paranoid. I’m off to bed.”
“That’s right,” she screamed. “Ignore me! That’s all you do nowadays.”
“Maybe, if you weren’t always drunk, I’d come home earlier,” he snapped.
“I drink because I’m alone every night. I never see you anymore.”
“I’m tired. I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight,” he said in a resigned voice a
s he startedto leave the room.
“You bastard!” she screamed, hurling her glass of wine after him.
He looked at her, disgusted, and kept going.
She looked in horror at what she’d done. Watching the red wine streaming down the wall, she sobered up pretty quickly.
“Oh my God, what have I done?” she whispered, putting her head in her hands.
She sobbed for at least ten minutes before going to clean up the mess. When that was done she made herself a cup of coffee and thought about what he’d said. She was drinking too much, she knew that, but she didn’t know how she would cope without it. It kept her sane.
47
Ellie was in brilliant form on Saturday morning. She absolutely loved her new job and it was fascinating learning more about different wines every day.
As for the wedding preparations, she now had the final number of guests – two hundred and twenty. Yes, David had gone over even the hundred allotted. She didn’t know half the people on his list but . . . he who pays the piper . . . as her mother reminded her. If this was what David wanted – well, it was his wedding too. Hopefully, some of his invitees would not be able to make it. She had wanted him to come and choose the menus with her but he’d said he had to work and was quite happy to leave it all up to her. Did all men about to be married behave like this, she wondered.
Sandrine was another story altogether. Annoyed at not being included the previous week, she insisted on accompanying them to the Castle to choose the menus. Marie-Noelle was afraid that her older daughter would make waves but she needn’t have worried. Gabriella supported Ellie in all her choices and poor Sandrine could only grin and bear it.
“It is, after all, Ellie’s wedding,” Gabriella had told her firmly, “and at the end of the day, what she wants is what’s important.”
Sandrine had met her match so she shut up and went along with it, wondering why she’d bothered to come at all.Two hundred and twenty guests! It was incredible. It was going to be a huge wedding. When she saw the Great Hall she felt even more jealous. She grudgingly agreed with her mother that the yellow/gold theme Ellie had chosen would go perfectly with the décor in the room.
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