The Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

  To this day Lexie had guarded the details of what had actually happened. She was about to turn forty and she’d still die of shame if her father knew what she’d done. Her mother was irritated enough by her, so she knew their already strained relationship would be in tatters if Penelope discovered the truth.

  She sincerely hoped Amélie wasn’t headed on a one-way road to ruination but, as Lexie was only too aware, young girls had to make their own choices and stand by them. That was life.

  Chapter 9

  The gallery always looked incredible in the sun. The floor-to-ceiling windows at the front meant the space was flooded with light even on duller days. A delivery truck was waiting outside when Lexie arrived.

  ‘Sorry to keep you waiting,’ she said. ‘You should’ve called my mobile.’

  ‘It’s not a problem, love,’ the driver said. ‘I’m only here a short time. I’m heading back to the UK on the ferry, and I’ve an hour to kill.’

  Lexie signed for the canvas prints and set to work displaying them. When she’d first opened, she’d been rather sanctimonious about mass-produced art. She’d vowed she’d never stock anything that wasn’t an original. But business sense and her customers’ demands had forced her to be more open-minded.

  ‘Just because it’s not your cup of tea doesn’t mean it won’t appeal to others,’ Sam reasoned. ‘Just look at how many of those creepy damaged fairy folk you sell!’

  ‘They’re fallen angels, not creepy fairies!’ Lexie laughed. ‘They’re incredible pieces, Sam. Each one is handmade and they represent the tumultuous emotions people experience. The one we have in the hall is half skeleton and the rest of her face is normal. She depicts the truth that beauty is only skin deep.’

  ‘If you say so,’ Sam said. ‘She just freaks me out and I try not to look at her, especially in the twilight when I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine.’

  Lexie guessed the new prints would be more in line with what Sam preferred. They were bright and cheerful with nothing sinister or threatening about them.

  The ping of the little bell over the door made her turn around. ‘Good morning, Mrs Benson,’ she said, smiling broadly. ‘Isn’t it a gorgeous day out there?’

  ‘It certainly is, Lexie. How are you, dear?’ The older woman tottered in and offered her cheek to be air-kissed.

  ‘All the better for seeing you. How is little Mizzy?’ she asked, patting the grey-muzzled pug that squinted at her from the woman’s arms.

  ‘She’s finding the sun a bit of a trial. I’ve ordered her a pair of sunglasses but I don’t know how she’ll take to wearing them.’

  Lexie knew it was more than her bank account was worth to smirk.

  ‘What a marvellous idea! I never knew it was possible to buy shades for pets.’

  ‘I thought it was inspired too. George had a fit when I told him. But he’s always been jealous of Mizzy. Men are such babies.’ Lexie nodded, hoping she looked sympathetic. If the truth were told, she thought George Benson ought to be canonised. His wife spent money like water and did nothing but give out about him. The only thing she loved more than herself was the dog and, much to Lexie’s delight, art.

  ‘Did my painting arrive, Lexie, dear?’

  ‘It certainly did. I have it mounted on the display wall in the back so you can inspect it. As per usual, you’re under no obligation to take it.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, walking towards the private viewing room to the rear of the gallery. ‘I’ll know the second I lay my eyes on it whether or not I want it.’

  ‘Of course,’ Lexie said. ‘Come through and I’ll fetch you a cup of tea. Would you like a scone?’

  ‘Oh, no, thank you, dear. Just the cup of tea with my usual four sugars.’

  ‘Of course.’

  Lexie allowed Mrs Benson a few moments’ grace before she joined her with the tea served just the way she liked it, in china cup and saucer. She grabbed a little bone-shaped dog treat from the box in the kitchenette to keep Mizzy happy. That had been one of Lexie’s better ideas and impressed Mrs Benson no end.

  ‘So how are you feeling about this one?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘It’s perfect for the new extension!’ Mrs Benson said, looking thrilled. Mizzy, now on the floor, took the biscuit from Lexie and snuffled to the corner to enjoy it.

  ‘You’re a terror spoiling Mizzy like that,’ Mrs Benson said. ‘Thank you for the tea.’

  ‘My pleasure,’ Lexie said.

  ‘So what’s the damage?’ Mrs Benson wondered. ‘I’m almost afraid to ask, seeing as the last one I bought by this artist was two and a half thousand.’

  Lexie pulled an apologetic face. ‘As it’s so large, I’m afraid it’s not cheap.’

  ‘Go on, I’m prepared,’ Mrs Benson said.

  ‘The artist is asking twelve thousand euro,’ she said. ‘I’m willing to drop my commission from the usual twenty per cent to fifteen, seeing as it’s you.’

  ‘Done.’

  Lexie couldn’t hide her joy – she clapped and threw her hands into the air.

  ‘I was expecting you to say fifteen thousand at least,’ Mrs Benson confessed.

  ‘Darn it! Can we rewind and start again?’ Lexie giggled. ‘I really appreciate the business,’ she added sincerely. ‘I hope you’ll enjoy your gorgeous piece.’

  ‘You know I will.’

  ‘If I thought Sam would allow it, I’d have taken this for myself. When I opened the gallery I was like a toddler who couldn’t bear to share. I wanted everything! It took several gentle reminders from Sam that I’m meant to be running a business here.’

  ‘Well, I can sympathise. If I owned this place I’d have gone bankrupt years ago.’

  Lexie processed the payment and arranged for the painting to be delivered. As she was showing Mrs Benson out, Kathleen arrived.

  ‘Hello!’ Lexie said brightly. ‘How lovely to see you.’

  ‘Hi, Lexie.’

  Nodding in acknowledgement, Mrs Benson and Mizzy left.

  ‘Thanks again and see you soon,’ Lexie said, waving. Turning to Kathleen, she made a sweeping gesture with her arm. ‘Welcome to Caracove Bay Gallery! Come in and browse.’

  ‘Gosh, it’s impressive,’ Kathleen said. ‘You’d fit nicely in downtown New York, never mind Caracove Bay.’

  ‘Why, thank you, ma’am!’ Lexie said, curtsying. ‘I just need to listen to the messages on my answer machine. Are you all right to have a little look around?’

  ‘Of course. I’m earlier than we’d agreed. I’ve been awake since five, so I decided to pop over now.’

  ‘That’s perfect. I’m sorry you didn’t sleep, though. Jet lag is a nightmare, isn’t it?’

  ‘It’ll pass,’ Kathleen said easily. ‘Don’t let me interrupt. I’ll be totally contented looking around.’

  Lexie got through her calls and served a couple more customers before Kate, her assistant, arrived.

  Lexie introduced her to Kathleen and grabbed her bag. ‘We’re popping next door for brunch if that’s okay with you?’ Lexie said. ‘I’ll keep my phone beside me so just text if it gets busy.’

  ‘Sure,’ Kate said. ‘Enjoy.’

  Lexie led the way to her favourite table, which boasted a view of the sea and the mountains.

  ‘This is wonderful,’ Kathleen said. ‘And the smell of coffee mixed with freshly baked bread is divine.’

  ‘As Sam said to you last night, we love coming here. It’s one of my favourite places in the world.’

  ‘What do you recommend?’ Kathleen asked, as the waitress approached.

  ‘Depending on how hungry you are, I’d go for scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, or porridge with summer fruit compôte. I’m having the porridge,’ she said.

  ‘I’ll join you,’ said Kathleen closing her menu, with a flourish. ‘And I’ll have an Americano too, please.’

  ‘Make that two,’ Lexie said. ‘I usually have two strong Nespresso coffees in the morning, but I only managed one today so I need my extra caffeine kick.�
�� The two women smiled. ‘Did you walk along the prom to get here?’

  ‘Yes, and I cannot get over the changes.’

  ‘The council spent a lot of money giving the seafront a face-lift. One of the few benefits of the Celtic Tiger,’ Lexie said.

  ‘I love the improvements to the park too. I sat in there for a spell. It may sound crazy to you, but I literally gulped in as much of the salty air as I could. It was as if my body recognised it and began to crave it.’

  ‘Oh, I’d well believe it,’ Lexie said. ‘I don’t think I could live inland, let alone in another country. I adore the sea air and miss it terribly even if I’m away on business for a few days.’

  ‘So you’ve never had the wanderlust then?’ Kathleen asked, as the porridge and coffee arrived.

  ‘Well, as I told you last night, I spent a year in Bordeaux when I was nineteen,’ Lexie said. ‘Sam and I have travelled extensively too. We’ve been on safari in South Africa, island hopping in Thailand and to countless European destinations, but we’ve always been glad to return to Caracove Bay.’

  ‘It’s hardly surprising when you consider your home and business.’

  ‘Well, we like it,’ Lexie said.

  ‘Do your parents live close by?’ Kathleen asked.

  ‘Um.’ Lexie nodded, with a mouthful of porridge. ‘Yup, they’re in Blackrock, just ten minutes up the road. Dad’s retired now so he plays golf and sails his boat. He’s such an amazing man. You’ll love him when you meet him. We’re very close. He’s always been my ally. Mum’s a fusspot through and through. She was head girl at school and I don’t think she ever stepped out of the role. She hangs out at both clubs, but isn’t that interested in the actual activities.’

  ‘That’s fair enough,’ Kathleen responded. ‘Isn’t it lovely for her to have the social outlet all the same?’

  ‘She needs more to occupy her mind, if you ask me.’ Lexie spoke without thinking. Flushing, she held up her hands. ‘Sorry, that sounded rude. Mum and I get on fine. We’re just different.’

  ‘Have you always sparked off one another?’

  ‘Mum likes to be very involved in everyone’s lives. She seems to feel it’s her God-given right to poke her nose into other people’s business.’

  ‘Some would say she’s caring,’ Kathleen said, raising an eyebrow.

  ‘I know you must think I sound like a right cow, but it’s hard to explain.’

  ‘Try.’ Kathleen smiled.

  ‘Okay. I’m hitting forty in September,’ Lexie said.

  ‘Congratulations.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She smiled briefly. ‘The thing is that I don’t see the big issue with being forty. Mum wants me to have a party – well, she wants to organise one for me. I’ve said thanks but no. So she’s been on to Sam and even texted me this morning about it.’

  ‘Again, one might say she’s just being kind and generous,’ Kathleen said. ‘I’m just being objective here.’

  ‘That’s why she’s so darn annoying. She makes out as if all her actions are for the good of others, when she’s actually suiting herself. I told her I’m not a big-bash type of gal and suggested she and Dad have one instead. Now she’s sulking and went miaowing to Sam behind my back and made out I was dreadfully ungrateful.’ Lexie’s eyes shone with fury. ‘She has a knack of making me look like the bad fairy while she’s the poor put-upon princess who’s been let down.’

  Kathleen smiled. ‘You have a very graphic way of describing things. I love that.’ She paused, considering things. ‘I understand what you’re saying. Some women, particularly when they advance in years,’ she fake-coughed, ‘start to flail and feel they’ve less purpose in life. Maybe she just wants to know you still need her.’

  Lexie rubbed her forehead. ‘There’s something else,’ she admitted. ‘Mum has started dropping hints about babies. The last few times I’ve met her, she’s talked about Sam and me starting a family.’

  ‘And that upsets you why?’ Kathleen held her head to the side.

  Lexie glanced over at her. They barely knew one another. She didn’t want Kathleen to judge her. ‘Well, the truth of the matter is that Sam and I don’t want children. We were both clear on that from the very beginning.’ She exhaled loudly.

  ‘Have you told your mum?’

  ‘Not as directly as I’ve just told you,’ Lexie admitted. ‘On the other hand, I’ve never told her I’d like a baby.’

  ‘But won’t you have to discuss it with her eventually? If both you and Sam agree, she’ll have to accept it.’

  Lexie smiled tightly. She hated having this conversation with anyone. It was private and personal and she realised, too late, that she probably shouldn’t have mentioned it to Kathleen at all. ‘Yes, I suppose.’ She changed the subject. ‘So have you thought about what you’re going to do? You must be so excited, planning your summer.’

  ‘It certainly is exciting. First things first,’ Kathleen said, ‘I’m going to call into an estate agent and hunt for an apartment. I’d prefer to leave the hotel, lovely as it is, sooner rather than later. It’ll eat into my budget and I don’t enjoy being cooped up in a single room.’

  Lexie bit her lip. ‘Please don’t feel pressurised,’ she began, ‘but Sam came up with a suggestion last night and I’m with him all the way.’

  ‘Riiight …’

  ‘Would you like to camp in our basement for the summer? That way you have the security of having us nearby and you can slot back into Caracove Bay more easily.’

  Tears welled in Kathleen’s eyes and she dabbed at them with her napkin. ‘Oh, Lexie, I don’t know what to say … I … Gosh. Are you sure?’

  ‘You don’t have to answer right away,’ Lexie added hurriedly. ‘Go and have a look at what’s available, if you wish, and let us know in your own time.’

  ‘Blow me down with a feather,’ Kathleen said. ‘I’d adore to spend the summer at number three Cashel Square,’ she said. ‘It would be perfect. It’s so close to the DART train and the sea and all the lovely amenities … Are you sure, dear?’

  ‘Certain!’ Lexie confirmed. ‘Why don’t you call round this evening and have a proper look at the basement?’

  ‘I could organise that, I’m sure,’ Kathleen said. ‘Listen, you chat with Sam again, and I’ll be over this evening. We can take it from there.’

  ‘I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it,’ Lexie insisted. Looking at her watch, she blew out her cheeks. ‘Shoot! I’ve to run, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Of course, go ahead. I know you’re busy with work. Shall I pop over at around eight thirty? That’ll give you both a chance to get home from work and have your dinner.’

  ‘Why don’t you join us?’ Lexie asked. ‘We can have a bite to eat and check out the basement.’

  Kathleen hesitated. ‘I …’

  ‘Good! That’s settled.’ Lexie beamed. ‘See you later. Can you make it by seven thirty so we’re not all dying of hunger?’

  ‘Sure.’

  As Lexie began to root in her handbag for her wallet, Kathleen leaned over and put a hand on her arm. ‘Brunch is on me. It’s the least I can do.’

  ‘Thank you, Kathleen,’ Lexie said. ‘That’s very generous of you. Enjoy your day.’

  As Lexie wandered back into the gallery, she knew she’d done the right thing in asking Kathleen to come and stay.

  Hello, hi and how’s it going!

  You are now conversing with one half of Amelton! Like it? Love it!

  Elton made it up – I’m not usually into the name-mash-up thing, but it’s so catchy and most stuff sounds right when Elton says it.

  Last night was such a blast. Elton and his mates … OMG. What a riot. Not only is Elton going to save the world but he’s lead singer with this really mint band. They’re going be the next big thing. They’ve got tonnes of gigs coming up. Can’t wait. Once school ends for the summer I’m going to be in charge of their social media, so I’ll post up the venues on Facebook and Twitter.

  We had a total buzz.
It all kicked off in the bedsit, but a load of the guys pitched up and it was all a bit cramped so we skipped out of there to the park. Drinks (cider by the neck) and tunes (via Elton’s new white iPhone).

  Liamo plays drums in the band so he was using two sticks to bash out the beat on the back of the bench. If I wasn’t completely committed to Amelton, I could possibly fancy Liamo. I might see if Lizzy wants to hook up with him. Take it from me, Liamo = hotto!

  Elton was singing along to a backing track and he’s got SUCH an amazing voice. I told him to do X Factor. He’s thinking about it for next year but he says he needs to concentrate on getting the band going first.

  X Factor can wait anyhow. Elton knows what he’s doing. He’s got a business plan. It’s water-tight.

  They’re called Satan Goes to Church. I can’t wait until they hit the top of the iTunes chart. Elton says we’re going to travel the world and stay in hotel suites with Jacuzzis and mini-bars all the way. He reckons once they conquer Dublin, next stop is London, then New York. I actually hate flying but I’m sure I’ll get over it, especially as we’ll be rocking into first class.

  Elton says we’re going to be the new-age golden couple that the whole world just wants to BE.

  The cops arrived last night, which was not cool. The lads all ran but Elton said he wasn’t scared. We braved it and stayed.

  I’m not sure it was the best plan, if I’m totally honest. He had ID and he’s old enough to drink, but they still took him off to the station in a car because it’s illegal to drink in public and cause a disturbance. I didn’t cry until Elton was gone. But then I had to sit in the back of another cop car and they were asking me loads of questions. It was so bogus. I cried so much the lady cop said they’d bring me home. I lied about everything so they took me to Lexie’s house. I am so stoked to have her and Sam. They are like THE coolest people EVER. I wish they were my parents. I knew it was a low blow to land in on them, but if I’d gone home Mum and Dad would’ve gone off the scale. Straight up, I’d say I’d be shipped off to boarding school for my final year.

  They’re always in bad form, even when I don’t get caught doing stupid stuff.