They went to the car and secured Britta in her baby seat.
‘I’ll go on ahead with the van,’ Sam said. ‘Why don’t you travel with the girls?’ he said to Kathleen. ‘This old thing is a bit of a bone-shaker.’
‘All right,’ Kathleen answered. ‘We’ll see you at the gallery anon.’
Sam waved and drove on.
‘He’s such a darling man,’ Kathleen said. ‘He and Lexie are a wonderful couple. Fate led me to them.’
As they followed Sam in the car, Kathleen told Agata all about her childhood and how number three Cashel Square was playing a starring role in the new chapter of her life.
Travelling along Wicklow’s scenic roads, with miles of unspoilt greenery on either side, Kathleen had a momentary out-of-body experience. A month ago she had been experiencing the worst gut-wrenching pain imaginable. She had been doubtful as to whether or not she’d even make it through a day, let alone a week, without Jackson. Now she was part of a whole new world, with people who had welcomed her into their lives.
By the time they drew up outside the gallery little Britta was asleep.
‘I’ll wait in the car with her until she wakes,’ Kathleen offered.
‘Are you sure?’ Agata asked.
‘Certain. That’s the type of thing a grandma does. I should know,’ she said, winking.
‘I really appreciate this,’ Agata said.
‘I’ll bring her to you as soon as she wakes.’
Agata smiled and leaned across to hug Kathleen.
As she watched Agata rush inside the gallery, Kathleen thought about the young woman’s situation. It couldn’t be easy for her living in such a remote area alone with a small baby, yet clearly Agata couldn’t have been happier. She hoped the exhibition would be a success. The paintings were brilliant and eye-catching, and Kathleen was rooting equally for Agata and Lexie. They deserved to make a big splash tomorrow night. As she turned to gaze at the sleeping cherub in the back seat, Kathleen took a deep breath. ‘There’s a lot riding on tomorrow, little one,’ she whispered. ‘Your mummy needs it to go well. Lexie does too. And as for me? I’m wishing for a rainbow.’
Chapter 31
On Thursday Lexie was up earlier than usual. Instead of having her normal leisurely breakfast, she filled a coffee flask to go. Breakfasts at number three simply weren’t the same any more. Thoughts of her abortion, her parents’ disappointment and how she’d hurt them pricked her conscience. Sam’s resentment was almost palpable but Amélie’s comment distressed her most of all. Did everyone she knew agree that she simply didn’t care about much outside her job?
Relieved that the exhibition was taking up so much extra time, Lexie took a deep breath, fixed a smile on her face and skipped down the steps to knock on Kathleen’s door.
‘Good morning,’ Kathleen called. ‘It’s lovely and bright. Just what we need to draw the punters in.’
‘Happy birthday!’ Lexie said, kissing her cheek and handing her a card.
‘Thank you, sweetie,’ Kathleen said. ‘Shall I open it?’
‘Of course!’
The card, which Lexie had made, had an old black-and-white photo of number three Cashel Square stuck to the front.
Happy birthday Kathleen,
With love and best wishes from
Number three, Sam and Lexie!
PS Your gift is your choice of a picture from today’s exhibition!
Kathleen hugged her and dabbed her eyes. ‘Thank you, darling girl. You’re so kind and thoughtful.’
‘I know today must be hard without Jackson, but I hope you’ll enjoy your birthday as best you can.’
They walked to the gallery, chatting about the last-minute jobs that needed doing.
‘I’ll pick up the canapés from Ramona at the café just before four. There’s no point in fetching them too early – we’ve nowhere to put them and I’m always nervous of food around the art work.’
‘Did you stick to sushi or have you opted for hot things too?’ Kathleen asked.
‘It’s all sushi but Ramona will do a good variety of both vegetarian and fish. Deep-fried things are asking for trouble. Grease doesn’t mix well with paintings or ceramics. All I need is for someone to leave paw prints on one of the pieces and it’d be ruined.’
Lexie also had a large stack of brownies coming – she’d asked Ramona to stud them with birthday candles – but she kept that to herself.
‘Where’s Amélie?’ Kathleen asked, as they arrived at the gallery.
‘I left her sleeping. She went out with some friends last night and didn’t get home until late. I figured she wouldn’t thank me for hauling her out of bed at the crack of dawn.’ Lexie smiled.
‘My friend Rodger called last night. He’d love to come today and he’s waiting to hear if beastly Bee can give him a ride.’
‘Fingers crossed for that,’ Lexie said.
‘It would be nice for him. I hope the long journey to and from Howth with that crotchety daughter of his won’t wear him out.’
‘She sounds ghastly,’ Lexie said, pulling a face.
By nine o’clock Agata and Britta had arrived. Lexie watched as Kathleen held her arms out to the baby. ‘Hello, sweet child.’ She nuzzled the little girl’s soft, downy hair.
‘She has a card for you,’ Agata said with a grin.
Kathleen handed the baby to Agata and fumbled the envelope open excitedly. ‘Look what it says on the front!’ Kathleen said, eyes shining.
Happy birthday to a wonderful grandmother
‘Huh?’ Lexie was perplexed. ‘Am I missing a beat here?’
‘We agreed I’m going to be Britta’s grandma while I’m in Ireland. There was a vacancy for the role.’
‘I see,’ Lexie said, raising her eyebrows. She caught herself muttering under her breath as her reflection showed a furrowed brow and cross expression. Again she thought of Amélie’s comment. Forcing a smile, she vowed to stop being so tetchy. She’d caught Kate glancing at her questioningly from time to time too. She needed to keep herself in check a bit.
The morning flew by. Little Britta got a bit fed up especially when it became clear that she couldn’t pull herself up using the various tables displaying ceramics.
‘Don’t do that, honey!’ Lexie swooped to scoop her up. ‘I’m terrified something might land on top of her,’ she said apologetically, to Agata. ‘It’s not really a great place for a little demolition demon.’
‘I’ll take her to the promenade,’ Kathleen offered. ‘I can push the buggy to the water’s edge and, if you’ve no objection, Agata, I could let her paddle for a bit.’
‘She’d love that, thank you,’ Agata said.
As Lexie, Kate and Agata hung the paintings and made sure the gallery was welcoming, Amélie arrived.
‘You look gorgeous,’ Agata said. ‘I love that bright blue on you.’
‘Yeah, it really suits you,’ Lexie said, with a smirk. ‘Funnily enough, the dress is very like one I paid a king’s ransom for and haven’t even worn yet.’
‘Ooh, sorry!’ Amélie said. ‘I didn’t have anything smart. I thought you’d be happier if I borrowed something rather than turning up looking like a scarecrow.’
‘You look great. I won’t ever be able to wear that dress now, because I’ll look ancient and wobbly in it after you,’ Lexie quipped.
‘You heard her,’ Amélie joked. ‘She pretty much said I can keep it! So, what do you need me to do?’
‘Would you go and see if Ramona needs some help with the canapés?’ Lexie asked.
‘Sure. I’ll catch you all in a while,’ Amélie said.
As she walked out of the door, Agata watched with her head tilted. ‘She’s a great girl, isn’t she? You’ve a lovely relationship, you two.’
‘I’m lucky to have her in my life. She’s going through a bit of a hard time right now, so she’s staying with Sam and me for a while,’ Lexie said.
‘I’m sure she’ll be fine. She has lots of support and she knows you
love her.’
Four o’clock came before they knew it. Like a floodgate opening, the gallery door seemed to swing non-stop. Kate was brilliant, handing out information leaflets. As Kathleen returned with Britta, Sam appeared with Amélie and a man in a wheelchair came into view.
‘That poor fellow seems to be struggling. There’s a slight incline on the footpath, which wouldn’t be noticeable to us when we’re walking,’ Sam explained, and rushed out to his aid.
‘It’s my friend Rodger,’ Kathleen exclaimed, balancing a chirping Britta on her hip as she followed suit.
Lexie watched through the window as Kathleen swooped to hug the man before ushering him along, Sam helping.
‘Here we are,’ Kathleen announced. ‘Everyone, this is Rodger!’
‘You’re so welcome. Kathleen told us all about you. I’m Lexie. That’s Sam behind you, this is Amélie, our esteemed artist, Agata, and her daughter, Britta.’
‘Hello,’ Rodger said, saluting and waving. ‘Apologies for the grand entrance just now. My daughter was kind enough to give me a lift but, as she pointed out, it was beyond her level of patience to drive around the maze of one-way streets to get here.’
Kathleen pinched Lexie and glanced sideways.
‘Well, you’re here now,’ Sam said, attempting to smooth things over.
‘Indeed,’ Rodger said. ‘I’m insisting on getting the DART home and I can flag a taxi from the station. So at least there won’t be any further unnecessary trauma.’
‘We’ll drop you to Caracove Bay station whenever you want to go,’ Sam promised. ‘But for now you’re just the gentleman I need to test the sparkling wine. Are you up to it?’
‘I don’t need to be asked twice,’ Rodger said.
As Rodger moved towards the drinks table, Amélie turned to Lexie. ‘What kind of a sadist is his daughter?’ she hissed. ‘The poor man just had surgery and can barely move. He seems so sweet too. She seriously needs to get a life. Stupid witch.’
‘It seems pretty cruel to have dumped him with any distance to travel,’ Lexie agreed. ‘But we can’t judge her if we don’t know the situation.’
‘Yes, we can,’ Amélie spat. ‘What a mean cow! If someone did that to me I’d never forgive them.’
‘Be careful,’ Lexie hissed. ‘We don’t want Rodger to hear us.’
‘Why are you being so holier-than-thou all of a sudden?’ Amélie asked. ‘You’re acting all antsy full stop. What’s up?’
‘Oh, nothing,’ she lied, glancing at Sam. ‘I hope tonight is a success for Agata, that’s all.’
Agata was proudly showing Rodger some of her work. With one hand on her hip, she was gesturing wildly and giggling.
‘Well, she’s having a whale of a time, if you ask me,’ Amélie said. ‘So chill. Enjoy it. It isn’t like you to be so uptight. That’s usually my mother’s job. What’ve you done?’ she asked, narrowing her eyes.
‘I love the way you jump to all sorts of conclusions about me.’
‘Sorry,’ she said sheepishly. ‘But you’ve got to admit you’re acting kind of spooked.’
‘I’m just in work mode, honey. That’s all. Now, can you please help my stress levels and feed the growing crowd?’
‘Sure thing,’ Amélie said, grabbing a tray and mingling.
Lexie wanted to feel her usual relaxed and happy self but too many demons were addling her mind.
Much to everyone’s delight, punters continued to pour through the doors. Before long the gallery was buzzing as people enjoyed the wine, sushi and art.
‘I’m going to make a little speech,’ Lexie whispered, as she led Agata towards the desk by the elbow. ‘Would you like to say a few words too?’
‘I’d be delighted,’ Agata said. ‘I’ve nothing prepared but that’s okay, isn’t it?’
Lexie nodded, then clambered on to a chair and clapped her hands high above her head. ‘Good afternoon, folks,’ she shouted, as shushing dominoed around the room. ‘Sorry to interrupt but I want to say a few words before handing you over to the star of the show.’
Met by a sea of smiling faces, Lexie told everyone how she’d stumbled across Agata’s work and how honoured she was to find such a talent. ‘Little did I know it, but Agata had quite a collection of completed work she’d been carefully squirrelling away. Now I know how Ali Baba must’ve felt when he shouted, “Open, Sesame,” and the cave wall drew back revealing hidden treasure!’ The crowd applauded as Lexie jumped down and Agata took to the chair.
‘This is simply wonderful. I am so grateful that you all made it here this afternoon. I especially want to thank Grandma Kathleen for being so fabulous with my darling Britta.’ There was another round of applause as Kathleen jiggled little Britta and helped her wave at her mummy. ‘But none of this would have happened without the strength of Lexie’s belief in me. Lexie, you have an incredible gallery here and I know we all agree that you give your heart and soul to this place. I for one am so very grateful.’
The claps and cheers as Agata got down and hugged Lexie should have lifted her heart. She knew it was a moment she ought to have seized and enjoyed. But she felt dead inside: everyone saw the gallery as her one true love. Her heart and soul.
Just then Maia wove her way through the crowded room towards her, clasped her hand and kissed her cheek. ‘Hi, doll, sorry I missed the very beginning of your speech. I came as soon as I could. Work was insane today. It’s going really well in here,’ she congratulated her. ‘Kate is flat out and loads of the pictures have red “sold” stickers on them. If things keep going the way they are, we can book a lovely holiday in the Caribbean. Just imagine us, a girly break … I’d love it.’
‘Am I cold and selfish, Maia?’ Lexie asked, out of the blue, searching her face for honesty.
‘Pardon?’ Maia nearly choked on her sparkling water. ‘Where on earth did that come from? Aren’t you enjoying the buzz? This is a resounding success, Lex. What’s with the Mopey Mabel stuff?’
‘Nothing,’ she said. ‘Forget I said it. I need to do something,’ she said, rushing to the tiny storeroom. Moments later she emerged with a large tray of brownies dotted with lit birthday candles. An impromptu rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ began and people craned their necks to see who the brownies were heading for.
Kathleen looked astonished and baby Britta ecstatic as the tray stopped in front of them. ‘You monkey,’ Kathleen murmured to Lexie. ‘I could die of mortification. But I’m also very touched. Thank you.’
Lexie winked at her and waited until Kathleen had helped herself to the first brownie before taking off around the room with the tray.
‘Do you want me to do that?’ Sam offered, as he trailed her.
‘Great. I’d better go and give Kate a hand. She’s not an octopus after all.’
‘Looks like your baby is going to throw a nice bundle of cash in our direction tonight,’ Sam added, glancing around.
‘This place is my business. Not my baby. I don’t refer to your job as your child. Just because I’m a successful woman, why should people automatically assume I’m a cold, hard machine?’
‘Hey!’ Sam caught her wrist as she turned to walk off. ‘It was a joke. I was attempting to speak to you in a light tone, seeing as we’ve barely said two words to one another for weeks now. Forget I said anything.’
He started to walk away but she called him back. ‘Sam, I’m sorry. It’s just … It’s disconcerting to realise that people in general view me with veritable disdain and think I’m pretty much bereft of emotion.’
‘Lexie! Nobody thinks that of you,’ Sam said, with a furrowed brow. ‘You’re extremely uptight at the moment. Try to relax and enjoy the evening. You’ve worked hard and today you should pat yourself on the back. You should be enjoying the buzz. After all, this is what you wanted, isn’t it?’
‘No, Sam, it isn’t. I wanted to be happy with you. I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to live a tranquil life where I could be who I am and not feel as if I need to apologise for that,
’ she flared. ‘But clearly it’s not going to happen. None of it.’
Thankfully, as it turned out, someone needed her assistance to buy a painting, so Lexie was able to bury her head in her work for a while. Over the next couple of hours, she knew Sam was trying to catch her eye. But she made certain she was in the centre of the action and hadn’t time to stop.
As the crowd began to thin, she looked at her watch. ‘It’s almost nine o’clock.’ She was astonished.
‘Yes, and it’s all gone so well,’ Kathleen said. ‘Sam has kindly gone to the DART station with Rodger. He’d got quite sore. He hadn’t meant to stay so late, but he enjoyed it thoroughly and said to thank you.’
‘I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to speak to him properly. He seems a lovely man.’
‘I’m sure he understands. You were busy, dear. Besides, he said he’d gladly come to Caracove again. He got on very nicely with your parents too.’
‘Oh, good,’ Lexie said.
‘Rodger and I are going to take a trip to the zoo soon.’
‘That’s great,’ Lexie said. ‘I’m going to show the remainder of the guests the door and shut up shop. Otherwise I’ll be here all night.’
Lexie collected glasses, making it obvious the exhibition was over, and within twenty minutes the place was deserted, bar family, Kathleen, Agata and Britta. The baby was rubbing her eyes and resting her head on her mummy’s shoulder. Plugging her thumb into her mouth, she fought to stay awake.
‘I’d better get this little lady home,’ Agata said. ‘Thank you so much for everything. I’ve had such a wonderful time. I have two new commissions too. I can’t believe it!’
‘You deserve it all,’ Lexie said. ‘Let me help you out to the car.’
Kathleen came too. As soon as Britta was in her car seat, she turned her head to the side and closed her eyes.
‘She’ll sleep the whole way back,’ Agata said, with a smile.
‘None of us will be far behind her,’ Kathleen said, stifling a yawn.
‘I’ll call you tomorrow and we can discuss the money,’ Lexie told Agata. ‘Well done, and thanks again for being so fantastic. The customers loved meeting you and chatting about your upcoming work.’
The Summer Guest Page 23
