The Perfect Gift

by Emma Hannigan

  ‘What the hell are you doing?’ Liv demanded.

  ‘Em … I was just checking if you needed anything for supper.’

  ‘Liar. You were looking to see if I’m drunk, weren’t you?’ she said, her eyes blazing. ‘Well here!’ She yanked the bottle from the basket and thrust it at Róisín. ‘It’s empty, which is why I blatantly asked you for another one. I’m not some sort of secret drinker. I met one of the mums from Billy’s class and we shared the half bottle I had. Is that OK, Miss Drinks Police?’

  ‘Hey,’ she said gently, resting a hand on her sister’s shoulder. ‘I’m not here to judge or make you feel bad. I want to help you.’

  ‘By practically accusing me of being an alcoholic?’ Liv shouted, then she burst into heaving sobs.

  ‘Liv, please, please talk to me,’ Róisín said, feeling as if she wanted to cry too. ‘You’re not yourself lately. You always seem stressed and in bad form and, well … I feel like we’ve drifted.’

  ‘So you thought you’d get me to drift back by accusing me of being a boozer?’

  ‘I didn’t … Jesus, help me out here. I know you were drinking earlier, and you were the same the night of my birthday too. I’m worried you’re overdoing it.’

  ‘Quite the little detective, aren’t we?’ Liv sneered before squaring her shoulders, wiping her tears and taking a big breath. ‘I am absolutely fine, not that you give a toss.’

  ‘Liv,’ she said, with warning in her voice now. ‘Stop being a cow and take this conversation at face value. I’m worried about you. End of. I’m not stalking you or trying to catch you out or make you feel bad. I’m worried, that’s all. I love you. You’re my favourite sister in the whole world,’ she said, nudging her and doing an exaggerated pout.

  The fight seemed to go out of Liv. She looked deflated all of a sudden and her shoulders sagged. ‘Look, don’t worry, Róisín. And thanks. I guess I just needed someone to tell me they love me. I feel better now, honestly. Say goodbye to Auntie Róisín,’ she encouraged the children. A quick hug and she was gone before Róisín could say another word.

  Róisín had never known Liv to act so oddly. As she shut the door and walked back to where Rob was sitting, she felt a sense of dread in the pit of her stomach. Something was going on with Liv, but why didn’t her sister feel she could talk to her about it? Róisín wondered if she was too focused on her job and her own problems – was Liv right and she was prioritising all the wrong things at the expense of the people she loved?

  Chapter 19

  By the time they’d finished a bottle of wine, Róisín was more than ready to get out of Nourriture. The wine took the edge off her mood, but she was still anxious about Liv. So much was happening lately – Jacques, Mr Grace, Liv – she felt a real need to let off some steam.

  ‘I love this place, but it’s still work,’ she said. ‘Will we head to the cottage? It’s only ten minutes’ walk.’

  ‘Sure,’ he said, following her and helping her lock up. ‘It must be really handy living and working within walking distance. Up until now I’ve spent most of my week in the van.’

  ‘Yeah it is. I did that on purpose. I was living back with my parents after some time in France and even though their place is only ten minutes in the car, it’s still not really walkable at night. The road is so narrow and the cars zoom around that bay road as if it’s a race-track.’

  They walked in companionable silence until the cottage came into view.

  ‘I’ll warn you now, Jill is a hoot but her boyfriend is an acquired taste. Don’t freak out. I’ll mind you!’

  They stepped into the cottage. In true Jill style there was a mess from the front door to the back. The music was pumping and a few people were dancing while Jill was flitting from one person to the other.

  ‘Ro-Ro!’ Jill yelled. ‘How’s it going? So who’s this, then?’ she asked, winking obviously.

  ‘This is Rob – my friend,’ she said.

  ‘Alright Rob!’ she said. ‘How’s it going so far? Are you enjoying downtown Ballyshore? Can you handle the craziness of it? We’re not far off a scene in Father Ted, are we?’

  ‘I wouldn’t say that, Mrs Doyle,’ Rob quipped. ‘I think it’s pretty fantastic around here. Hey Alan! How’s it going?’ he said waving. ‘Excuse me for a moment, ladies. I haven’t seen this lad for years.’

  ‘He’s sweet,’ said Jill as soon as he walked away. ‘Where on earth have you been hiding him? He’s not a dork but not a jock and he seems to be able to string a sentence together. Result, my friend, result.’

  ‘He’s a supplier,’ Róisín said rolling her eyes.

  ‘Yeeees,’ Jill said. ‘A supplier of romance and lurve …’

  Róisín made her way to her bedroom and kicked off her shoes. She changed into a pair of pink and black leopard print leggings with an oversized T-shirt and pulled her hair out of its tight bun. She instantly felt more relaxed.

  Rob seemed well able to mingle and work the room, so she didn’t follow him or act as if she was trying to mind him. Instead she went over to chat to a few of the girls she hadn’t seen for ages. They had been interrailing in Europe and were full of stories about their escapades.

  They were having a great giggle, with Naomi telling them about her disastrous date with a fireman who thought he was Patrick Swayze, when Gordon appeared.

  ‘Who’s for tequila slammers? I’ve got the salt and lemon, come on birdies what’s holding you back? Roll up, roll up, let’s get the chicks all tanked up!’ he yelled. ‘Anyone, anyone? Bueller?’

  ‘Where did you find him?’ Naomi asked.

  ‘He’s Jill’s fella.’

  ‘Feck off,’ Naomi said. ‘Has she lost her mind while we’ve been gone? He’s a nightmare.’

  ‘Ah, he’s OK when you get to know him,’ Róisín said in a lame attempt to sound loyal.

  ‘Don’t worry, Ro. I’m hardly going to tell Jill we were all agreeing that her boyfriend is a moron.’

  One of the girls decided to have a tequila, which made Gordon ecstatic. Just as he was about to search for another victim Jill bopped over.

  ‘Jilly-Nilly-Milly-Moo!’ he said tweaking her cheek. ‘Tequila for you, my sweet?’

  ‘For sure,’ she said kissing him and beaming over at Róisín and waving.

  ‘What on earth does she see in him?’ said a voice from behind.

  Róisín turned to find Rob there.

  ‘Lord only knows,’ Róisín said. ‘I just don’t get it … what am I missing?’

  ‘Eh, if you find out maybe you’d tell me.’

  ‘Ah hey there! What’s your name?’ Gordon shouted, pointing at Rob.

  ‘Hi I’m Rob.’

  ‘G’day!’ he said in a terrible attempt at an Australian accent. ‘Tequila coming up. And don’t you dare say no! We’ve only just met and you wouldn’t want us to get off on the wrong foot now, would ya mate?’

  ‘Ha,’ Rob said. ‘Good man there, Gordon, but I’ll pass on the old tequila if it’s all the same to you. Can’t bear the stuff. I’ll only end up puking and nobody needs that.’

  ‘Deadly! Nothing like a good puke to know you’ve had a good night out. Here’s a large one. Don’t thank me now, thank me later when all the birds in the room are looking hot. Some of them are a bit munterish at the minute, but help is at hand,’ he said far too loudly. Jill laughed hysterically while most of the other girls turned and walked to the other side of the room.

  ‘Stick with me Rob, mate. I’m a real ladies’ man. I’ll sort you, yeah? Here.’ Gordon was shoving a tumbler of tequila at Rob.

  ‘He said no, Gordon,’ Róisín said. ‘OK?’

  ‘Whatever, Róisín,’ he said, shrugging. ‘Just because you couldn’t drink it. You’re so cool with your shop that sells all home-made stuff that nobody normal eats. You’re like some sort of granny with your pancake machine.’

  ‘Don’t be rude,’ Jill said, looking shocked for a second.

  ‘Aaaaah!’ Gordon touched his nose with his finge
r and pointed at Róisín and kept repeating the movement. ‘Got ya, didn’t I? Róisín, your face, ya mad yoke! You thought I was really being a shite, didn’t ya? Go on, admit it, I got ya fair and square, right?’

  Róisín had never wanted to punch another person so much. In fact, she couldn’t remember ever having such a burning desire to cause another human being pain. So instead of resorting to violence, she snatched the tumbler of tequila, downed it in one gulp and walked away to a chorus of wolf whistles and cheers.

  ‘Deadly buzz!’ Gordon shouted. ‘Good girl yourself, Róisín. Sure you’re a little firecracker in there. You’re a bit bloody scary, but you’re a firecracker.’ He snorted. ‘Round of applause for Róisín, folks!’

  ‘You’re terrible, Róisín. I’m a bit shocked, but it doesn’t change how I feel about you overall,’ said Colm, suddenly at her elbow.

  ‘Colm!’ she said. ‘I didn’t realise you were even here.’

  ‘I’ve been watching you from the far corner, Róisín. You’re looking lovely. You always do. But I think the summer weather makes your eyes shine that bit more. Mabel loves the summer. She cheeps all the more in her cage. Mammy and me often smile for no reason because of Mabel.’

  ‘Ah that’s lovely,’ Róisín said. ‘It’s nice to have, eh, pets … nothing like a bird singing to lift the spirits. So how are things with you, Colm? Any holidays planned?’

  ‘Oh yes. We’ll go on a bus tour as usual. They’re great craic. The sing-songs on the bus are mighty and the entertainment at the hotels is second to none. Some day, God willing, you’d come too?’ He looked so earnest and hopeful Róisín hadn’t the heart to be cutting.

  ‘Do you know, my business is so twenty-four/seven that it simply doesn’t leave time for bus tours. But I hope you have a great time.’

  ‘Mabel doesn’t know we’re going. She’s minded very well by Mr Stokes when we go. We bring him back a box of chocolates by way of thanks, but she’s never the same when we’re gone.’

  ‘No,’ Róisín said shaking her head. ‘She wouldn’t be. She’d be pining.’ Róisín had to stifle a giggle as the famous Monty Python parrot sketch came to her mind.

  ‘Will we take a romantic stroll outside, Róisín?’ he asked, licking his lips.

  ‘Ah, thanks Colm but I’m happy here in the thick of things.’

  ‘Will you dance so?’

  ‘I’m not so much in a dancing mood just at the moment.’

  ‘Will we sit in the corner and have a drink in that case? That’d be nice, wouldn’t it, Róisín? I think so at least, Róisín …’

  ‘Colm, I don’t want to be rude. Honestly I don’t. You’re a lovely man and you’ll make a great partner for some lucky girl. But that girl isn’t me I’m afraid.’

  ‘Oh. I see, Róisín,’ he said, looking at his brown laced shoes. ‘Right then.’

  ‘I’ll see you around, yeah?’

  She managed to extract herself from Colm and chat to Rob for a bit. Another hour slipped by.

  By then most of the partygoers were feeling kind of over the whole Gordon shouting thing and they all began to do what Róisín was doing: avoiding eye contact with him. It didn’t exactly deter him as he continued to stagger about with the tequila, looking for takers.

  Mercifully, he passed out face-down on a beanbag in the corner. Jill was oblivious to the general feeling of relief when the shouting and annoyance stopped.

  An hour later the cottage was empty. Gordon was helped to bed by a couple of lads on their way out. Jill followed, leaving Róisín and Rob in the living room.

  ‘I think I’ll chuck another log on the fire. I know it’s meant to be summer, but I’m freezing.’

  ‘It could have something to do with the fact it’s half two in the morning as well,’ he said.

  ‘If you want to crash, I’ll grab you the sleeping bag.’

  ‘No, I’m happy to sit and chat for a while if you are?’ he said.

  ‘Deadly buzz,’ she said and laughed.

  ‘So what’s the deal with you and your sister?’ he asked. ‘She seemed really stressed out earlier on. Mind you, I know what it’s like with siblings. I’ve a brother and we fight like dogs at times.’

  ‘No, we’re really close. We usually get on pretty well … although she’s not actually my blood relation at all.’

  ‘No?’

  She found a bottle of wine and held it up, offering him some. He nodded.

  ‘I was adopted when I was just over three weeks old.’

  ‘And do you have any contact with your birth mother?’

  ‘No.’ She screwed up her face for a moment. ‘Hey, it’s not your problem, I won’t bore you …’

  ‘You’re not boring me, this is intriguing. Have you tried to find your mother or what’s the story?’

  She told him what she knew and even though she hadn’t discussed it with another soul, she even told him about the cards and how the letter had come on her birthday.

  ‘I think that’s lovely,’ he said. ‘My mum died when I was a kid and I would give anything to get cards or letters from her or anyone who knew her. I think about her a lot and wonder if she’s still with me in spirit. Do you believe in spirits?’

  ‘I think I do,’ she said. ‘But I can’t say I’ve ever seen a ghost or anything.’

  ‘Me neither,’ he said. They sat in silence.

  ‘What’s upsetting Liv, do you think?’ Rob asked.

  ‘Her husband, Martin, works away a lot. So she’s left with the kiddies. She used to be fine with the whole thing, but in recent times she seems to have changed. She’s really quick to get angry and has zero patience. She wasn’t like that before.’

  ‘Sounds like she’s not entirely happy …’

  ‘And Martin used to be a real dote. Salt-of-the-earth kind of guy, who’d do anything for Liv and the kids. Sure, that’s how he ended up doing this job that takes him abroad so often. He wasn’t making much money in his previous job so he changed. But he’s not the same either. Last time he was home he was less relaxed and he made a few snide remarks about Liv and the kids.’

  ‘It’s not easy, all this relationship stuff,’ he said. ‘It always seems to be a balancing act. One week it’s all fine and the next things can go totally pear-shaped.’

  ‘Tell me about it,’ Róisín said. ‘I make a mess of everything when it comes to men. I think I’ll give up and decide to be a mad old spinster with a house full of cats.’

  ‘You don’t seem like the cat-woman type,’ he said with a grin.

  ‘So how are things with Theresa?’

  ‘I’m really not sure,’ he said. ‘From her perspective we’re right on track, but I really don’t know how I feel.’

  ‘There’s nothing worse than those niggling doubts,’ she said.

  ‘We don’t talk much. We’ve never sat together and chatted like we’re doing now, for instance.’ He pulled his fingers through his hair. ‘Sorry, you must think I’m a right bitch sitting here moaning about my girlfriend. I feel very disloyal. She doesn’t deserve that.’

  Róisín stifled a yawn and, as if it were contagious, Rob did the same.

  ‘Right, I’m off to bed,’ she said. She grabbed a sleeping bag and pillow and made sure he was comfortable. As she fell into bed, Róisín felt happier and more relaxed than she’d felt in a long time.

  Chapter 20

  A bundle of small parcels brought a smile to Nell’s face as she accepted them from the postman.

  ‘It’s a long time since I’ve been up to the door of this place,’ he said. ‘It’s usually just the odd bill dropped into the postbox down the lane.’

  ‘That’s right,’ Nell said, giving him no information.

  ‘I hear you have a new lodger. That must be nice for you,’ he said, nodding eagerly.

  ‘Your ears are clearly pricked at all times.’

  A wave of irritation swept over Nell. Obviously Mo had been shooting her mouth off around the village again. She’d had numerous conversations wi
th that woman over the years about this very problem. Mo didn’t seem to take it on board that Nell didn’t want anybody knowing her business.

  ‘It’s nice to see you and talk to you for a change,’ the man said smiling.

  ‘Right,’ Nell said. ‘I’m a private person and that’s the way I prefer it.’

  ‘Ah getting to know people and listening to them when they feel like talking comes with the job. I love to get to know folks. I enjoy it no end.’

  ‘Good for you,’ she said. ‘It seems you have the right job in that case. Now if you wouldn’t mind letting me have my goods, I have a lot of things to do.’

  Nell took the clipboard with the delivery note on it and signed for the parcels and held her hands out. He shoved the parcels forward slightly and she took them, then stepped back and slammed the front door.

  ‘That was a bit harsh,’ Mouse said from her perch halfway up the staircase.

  ‘Why were you crouched there, spying?’

  ‘I wasn’t spying. It’s not exactly Buckingham Palace here. Not many people call to the door so of course I was going to be curious. What did you get? Or is that none of my business either?’

  ‘Yes, it’s completely your business as a matter of fact,’ Nell said. ‘It’s none of Postman Pat’s or whatever he calls himself business, however. Which is why I wasn’t going to be made to feel obliged to discuss anything with a stranger. Nosey idiot. It’s his job to deliver post and packages, not pry into everyone’s business. I never understood that mentality.’

  ‘He was only chatting.’

  ‘Well let him do it someplace else. Now, enough talk about him. Come and I’ll show you what I have.’

  They went to the kitchen, where Nell tossed a package at Mouse without warning. She managed to react quickly enough and catch it before it smashed into her chest.

  ‘Bloody hell!’ she complained. ‘What was that?’

  ‘Just checking you’re awake. You have decent reflexes. So you should at your age. Go ahead then,’ she coaxed. ‘Open it.’

  Nell ripped open the other parcel and pulled out a box that contained brightly coloured cards with letters and numbers printed on them.