The Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

  ‘Nope,’ Kathleen agreed. ‘The sea-salty fingers add to the whole experience.’

  ‘Not to mention the odd sandy crunch,’ said Betty.

  By the time George came in, the three women were in full flow, reminiscing about old times.

  ‘Save me,’ Ben said dramatically, clinging to George. ‘They’re on a trip down Memory Lane. I feel like I’m that cartoon man Mr Benn and I’ve stepped back to the nineteen-fifties.’

  By early evening Kathleen knew she needed to get home. Ben offered to run her back.

  ‘It’s only around the corner, but you’re in danger of falling down a drain the state you’re in,’ he said. The other two cackled as Kathleen blew kisses and waved.

  Lexie must have spotted her from the kitchen window as she was walking towards the steps to the apartment because now she skipped down to her. ‘How’s it going? Did you have a nice day with your friends?’

  Kathleen hiccupped, swaying slightly.

  ‘Oh, it’s like that, is it?’ Lexie said, grinning.

  ‘Come down for a few minutes, will you, dear?’ Kathleen begged. ‘I need to tell you about my rainbow.’

  ‘I forgot! It’s today, isn’t it?’ Lexie said. ‘I’m so sorry, Kathleen.’

  ‘Don’t be silly! You can’t be expected to remember all my ludicrous notions.’

  As they closed the door, Kathleen waddled over to the couch and plonked down heavily. ‘Oh dear, I’m not very good at all-day drinking. I used to be faaaaabulous at it,’ she said, batting her hand and sounding much more American than usual. ‘But I guess age makes everything less efficient. My poor liver is probably turning to marble as I speak.’

  ‘Let’s hope not.’ Lexie smiled. ‘So tell me about the rainbow.’

  ‘Ah, it was just exquisite, Lexie …’

  Lexie perched on the arm of the sofa and listened as Kathleen regaled her with the tale. ‘The entire back wall was covered. It was spectacular. Jackson, honey, you outdid yourself. Mwah!’ she said, blowing a kiss skywards.

  ‘I think you should get to bed shortly or else you’re going to wake up feeling stiff and cold at four in the morning, wondering how on earth you got here,’ Lexie suggested.

  ‘You’re probably right,’ she said, hauling herself up. ‘Goodnight, then, dear.’

  Lexie said she’d let herself out, so Kathleen shuffled into the bathroom. Deciding against a full facial cleanse, she pulled out a wipe, did half a job on her face and teeth, then fell into bed. She kicked off her shoes and curled up, momentarily wondering if she ought to undress.

  The last thing that went through her mind as she drifted off was an image of Jackson’s smiling face as he bent to kiss her cheek.

  Chapter 44

  Kathleen didn’t venture out of the basement all the next day. She tried to get out of bed twice, but each time she felt nauseous and her head was spinning.

  ‘Jackson, what’s going on, honey? I think I’ve pickled my innards.’ Knowing she should eat, she tried some dry toast but even the smell made her retch. She took a cup of weak tea back to bed and propped herself against the pillows. Swallowing two Tylenol, she prayed the pain would subside.

  She could hear toing and froing from above and longed to be able to emerge and make conversation. Her legs were heavy and she racked her brains to recall an accident.

  ‘Was I hit by a truck last night, Jackson?’ she asked the ceiling.

  When she woke next it was three thirty in the afternoon. Her belly ached and she knew that, no matter what, she had to make herself eat.

  She shuffled into the kitchen and found yoghurt in the fridge. Leaning against the counter, she peeled the foil lid back and spooned the creamy pink contents into her mouth with a quivering hand until the pot was empty.

  A banana followed a slice of dry bread. Then she forced down a pint of tap water. Knowing it might take her stomach a while to settle, she ventured out of the back door and dragged a chair to the sunny section of the patio.

  As she sat down the strangest feeling came over her. She could see everything with renewed vigour. The leaves on the trees and the petals of the flowers were astonishingly crisp. The colours were vivid and enticing. The sound of birdsong was distorted, though, and her head ached. Not in a normal way. It felt as if a tiny man had crawled into her ear and was busily hammering a thick blunt nail through her skull.

  The food churned inside her, creating a bloated knot in her stomach. She clamped a hand over her mouth and tried to stand up, terrified that she was going to vomit there and then on Lexie’s lovely patio. She took a deep breath. Her stomach settled. Her head continued to throb.

  As soon as the ground slowed down and the trees stopped spinning, she moved back into the apartment and towards the bathroom. Leaning against the door, she waited for the nausea to return. Sweat poured down her spine. Perhaps a shower would refresh her. Kathleen staggered to the bedroom to fetch sweat pants and a clean T-shirt.

  Confusion overwhelmed her. She had no idea where she was or what she was doing there. The fear was paralysing as her eyes darted around the room. She tried desperately to control her breathing. Her shoes lay upturned near the bed. She knew they were hers. Jackson had bought them at the mall last year. She’d teased him and said he was losing his marbles. ‘They cost the same as a month’s pay when you started out,’ she said.

  ‘That was then, this is now. Besides, you’re worth it.’

  The jewellery on the dressing table was hers too. She’d found that powder-blue cameo years ago and still loved it. The books beside the bed, one of which had a marker in it, seemed vaguely familiar. But the rest of the stuff … none of it was from their home.

  ‘Jackson?’ she called tentatively. ‘Honey?’

  The silence haunted her. She needed to find Jackson but her head was pounding and those pillows looked so inviting. Lurching forward, she fumbled with the covers. She managed to pull the corner of the duvet down and climb in. The pillow felt so comforting and soothing against her throbbing head. She felt like Goldilocks commandeering a strange bed. But she hadn’t the energy to wonder whom she might be offending or why she’d ended up there.

  Closing her eyes helped tremendously. The daylight glared and hurt them.

  ‘Stay here with me, darling Jackson,’ she said, as she tried to sleep.

  Chapter 45

  Lexie showered and took extra care applying her body lotion. She’d worn the same Jo Malone scent since they’d met. He’d surprised her with a beautifully wrapped box of perfume, shower gel and body lotion a couple of months ago. ‘Sam! This must’ve cost you a fortune.’

  ‘It did, but I’ll get the benefit. You’ll feel all wonderful and I’ll be on the receiving end of Happy Lexie afterwards.’

  ‘Cheeky!’

  She smiled as she covered her arms and chest with the luxurious cream, then switched on her hairdryer and wafted it over her skin, encouraging it to dry. Padding into the dressing room, she pulled a brush through her hair as she flicked through a rail of clothes.

  She glanced out of the window to check that it was still sunny and warm. She wanted to look her best. Sam had invited her for dinner. ‘An official date,’ he’d said, with a smile.

  The idea had made Lexie want to cry. She was so relieved he was making an effort. ‘Oh, wow,’ she said. ‘What a lovely idea.’

  ‘And, to add to the fun, I’m going home,’ Amélie said, appearing with her bag.

  ‘You don’t have to leave, honey,’ Lexie said.

  ‘I know, but I need to get settled back at home. I feel bad for Mum and Dad too. They don’t deserve the added stress.’

  ‘If that’s what you want,’ Lexie said.

  ‘It is. Besides, you two lovebirds are a bit nauseating. I’m happier living with people who are less saccharine,’ she said, raising her eyes to Heaven.

  ‘I’ll drop Amélie home – I’ve to do a few bits in the office,’ Sam said.

  ‘But it’s Sunday,’ Lexie said.

  ‘I need
to sort a couple of things and I’ll meet you at the fish restaurant on the promenade at six.’

  Wanting to feel comfortable and able to eat her dinner without holding her tummy in, Lexie selected a pair of light drawstring linen trousers and a pastel-coloured, kaftan-style top. The neckline and cuffs had gorgeous twinkling jewels, which meant she didn’t need to go rummaging for a necklace and bracelet.

  Her skin had enough of a glow to allow her to use a tinted moisturiser rather than foundation. A quick flick of mascara and some lip balm completed her summery look.

  Not wanting to take the car, she opted for a pair of ornate Swarovski-crystal-encrusted sandals so she could walk easily.

  Tiddles appeared and rubbed against her legs, miaowing up at her. ‘Yes, Tiddles, I’ll feed you before I go, don’t worry.’ She scooped him up and buried her nose in his soft fur. He stayed in her arms, purring, as they ventured downstairs where she opened a pouch of food and squeezed it into his dish. ‘God bless us and save us, Tiddles, that smells vile,’ she said, grimacing. The cat shot over to the dish and began to eat hungrily. ‘There’s the difference between you and me, Tiddles. My kitchen Hell is your Heaven.’

  She’d pottered into the garden when it occurred to her that there was no sign of Kathleen. From the silence and lack of movement, Lexie assumed she was out with Betty and Jenny before they went back to Connemara.

  Wanting to make the most of the lovely evening, she set off for the restaurant. There were plenty of people, young and old, rambling around, enjoying the balmy evening. As she arrived she glanced at her watch. She was fifteen minutes early so she ordered a glass of Prosecco. The waiter was chatty and friendly, telling her the place had been hopping all day.

  She sipped and closed her eyes momentarily. ‘Delicious.’ The menu offered the usual starters, then a fantastic array of fresh fish. She and Sam usually shared a mixed platter of antipasti.

  By the time she was halfway through her glass of bubbly Lexie could feel her shoulders relaxing. She sat back into her chair and looked around at the other diners.

  Sam appeared and bent to kiss her, with a cheeky look on his face.

  ‘What have you been up to?’ she asked suspiciously.

  ‘You know me too well.’ He grinned. The waiter greeted him and offered him a glass of bubbly.

  ‘Yes, please, and another for my wife, the alcoholic,’ he joked.

  Moments later, as they toasted one another, Sam produced a small red box.

  ‘What’s this?’ Lexie asked, in complete shock.

  ‘Open it.’

  Lexie gasped as she stared at the pretty diamond cluster ring. ‘Sam!’

  ‘It’s for your birthday,’ he said. ‘But I thought you needed it now.’

  ‘I didn’t expect anything like this,’ she said.

  ‘You deserve it. I love you so much, Lexie. Things have been awful lately but I know we’ll work it out. I wanted to make sure you realise how much I want us to be together. What better way to say it than with diamonds?’

  ‘I’m hearing you loud and clear,’ she said, as she stood up to hug him. ‘I love it. And I love you.’

  ‘Let’s just have a main course and go home,’ Sam said, arching an eyebrow suggestively.

  ‘Good idea.’ She giggled.

  The waiter looked slightly confused as they gobbled their food, paid and ran out of the place just over half an hour later. ‘No drink on the house?’ he asked. ‘Beautiful evening, you no want stay longer?’

  ‘We have more important things to do,’ Sam said, banging him on the back.

  They left hand in hand to walk home. As they came around the corner at Cashel Square Lexie was surprised to see there were still no lights on in the basement. They were just about to go up the steps when they heard a faint voice calling from just inside the basement door.

  ‘Kathleen?’ Lexie shouted. The muffled answer alarmed her. ‘Are you okay? It’s Lexie.’

  ‘Help.’

  ‘I’m coming in,’ Lexie said, fumbling with her keys. Mercifully she found the right one and opened the door. ‘Kathleen?’ she called again.

  ‘Help me.’

  Her voice sounded really odd. Lexie and Sam found her slumped against the wall just inside the door.

  ‘Kathleen! Oh, my God, are you okay?’

  The older woman shook her head and began to cry. ‘I don’t know what’s happened to me. I have a dreadful pain in my head and I can’t figure out what I’m doing here. I’ve been calling out to Jackson for the longest time and he hasn’t come. Can you help me?’

  Lexie rushed to her side while Sam called the emergency services. ‘It’s okay, Kathleen. Help is on the way,’ she promised.

  Sam had ordered a taxi too, and said he’d meet them at the hospital as the ambulance workers would only allow one person to accompany Kathleen. Lexie had never been in an ambulance before, but she’d had a strange notion that it would be serene and calm. Instead it was like travelling in an out-of-control tin can: everything rattled and clattered while walkie-talkies crackled and beeped non-stop.

  Kathleen was wheeled away by a waiting medical team as soon as they arrived. Lexie climbed out of the ambulance and made her way to Accident and Emergency. Not sure what to do, she went to the reception desk and gave her details, explaining she was with Kathleen.

  ‘Thanks for letting us know,’ the woman said. ‘Take a seat and we’ll inform you of any news as we have it.’

  Perching on the edge of the yellow plastic chair, Lexie glanced around at the other anxious people sitting there. She’d never been to Accident and Emergency until Amélie was brought in and here she was again. She shuddered, and wondered how on earth the doctors and nurses managed to work there. She’d be terrified. Sam appeared and she ran to him.

  ‘Any news?’

  ‘Not yet,’ she said, as they found seats together.

  What seemed like a lifetime later, a doctor appeared. ‘Are you the lady who brought Kathleen Williams in?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’m Lexie Collins and this is my husband, Sam.’

  ‘It seems Mrs Williams has suffered a mild stroke.’

  ‘Oh, no! Poor Kathleen,’ Lexie cried.

  ‘She’s slowly beginning to remember things. It appears she’s had an ischaemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot. That’s the most common type and can be treated successfully if we get to it in time.’

  ‘And have you?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘It appears so,’ the doctor said. ‘We’ve given Mrs Williams an intravenous injection of a blood-thinning drug that should dissolve the clot. We’ll need to run some more tests and keep a very close eye on her over the next few days. She’s been asking for her husband, Jackson. Is he contactable?’

  ‘No,’ Sam said. ‘He passed away a couple of months ago.’

  ‘Ah, I see,’ said the doctor.

  ‘Do you think the stroke was caused by stress? She was so close to him and she seemed to be doing very well, but maybe when she was alone she was in a terrible state.’

  ‘There are many reasons why people have strokes,’ he said. ‘The important thing is that Mrs Williams is in the best place now. We’ll look after her.’

  ‘Can we see her?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘Give us another while to ensure the drug is doing what we want it to and then I’ll let you go in to her.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Sam said, shaking the doctor’s hand.

  They went back to the plastic chairs and sat down.

  ‘Poor Kathleen. She must’ve been so scared earlier,’ Lexie said.

  ‘Thank God we found her when we did,’ Sam said. Lexie nodded and laid her head on his chest.

  Knowing they’d want to be informed, Lexie phoned her parents and Agata.

  ‘Oh how awful,’ Agata said. ‘Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. Tell her Britta and I send our love. We’ll come and visit as soon as the doctors allow it.’

  ‘I’ll keep you in the loop,’ Lexie promised.

&
nbsp; Her parents were equally shocked. ‘The poor woman. She’s been through a terrible lot lately, hasn’t she?’ Penelope sympathised. ‘Still, good for you for acting so swiftly, dear.’

  ‘I’m just glad we found her when we did,’ Lexie said.

  It was after midnight before the hospital staff would allow Lexie and Sam to see Kathleen. Not sure if the older woman would recognise them, they tiptoed into the room, hoping they wouldn’t cause further confusion.

  ‘Hello, Lexie darling,’ Kathleen murmured. ‘And Sam. You’re my knights in shining armour.’ Her lips were chapped and dry and she seemed to have aged.

  ‘You remember us.’ Lexie breathed a sigh of relief. ‘You gave us a bit of a shock earlier on. How are you feeling?’

  ‘Pretty rough,’ Kathleen said. ‘Seems you found me just in time. Thank you, my darling friends. You really have been sent to me by an angel. Where would I be without you both?’ Tears slipped down her wan cheeks as she closed her eyes. ‘This isn’t really how I envisaged my life.’

  ‘I know,’ Lexie said. ‘But, fingers crossed, you’re over the worst of it now.’

  ‘I’ll be fine,’ Kathleen sobbed. ‘I’m just feeling super-emotional.’

  ‘Of course you are,’ Lexie soothed. ‘I called Agata and my parents. They all send their love and Mum and Dad are praying for you.’

  ‘That’s so kind.’

  ‘Is there anyone else you’d like me to call? Maybe Rodger or Betty?’

  ‘Oh, thank you, dear, but I think I’ll leave it until tomorrow. It’s too late. We don’t want them thinking there’s something wrong.’

  In spite of the awful situation, Lexie and Sam burst out laughing.

  ‘Eh, maybe something isn’t quite right, Kathleen. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you just made a pretty good attempt at wiping yourself out,’ Sam said.

  ‘I did, didn’t I? I’m a tough old bird, though. I’ll hang in there.’

  ‘You’d better,’ Lexie said, as Sam nodded. ‘Now we’re going to let you sleep – you look exhausted.’ Lexie took her hand gently. ‘I’ll bring you some essentials in the morning. Is there anything special you’d like from the flat?’