The Perfect Gift

by Emma Hannigan

  By this time next month, she would be installed there for the next while, enjoying the best commute in the world. Her dream of opening an upmarket restaurant in the converted flat was going to become a reality. She was certain of that. For now, she would use the flat as her home and that would afford her more time to find somewhere convenient to live.

  Keeley’s big day had arrived, and it was all systems go. The marquee for the party was erected across from Nourriture and Mouse was working diligently as she helped Steve to string bunting and place bunches of balloons on the tables. The giggling and horseplay between the two of them made Róisín stop and smile. She’d noticed a little bit of flirting between them before, but had put it down to friendly banter as they were a similar age. But now that they’d gotten to know one another a little better, it was obvious they were very well suited.

  Róisín turned her attention to the food for the party. She marched purposefully toward the marquee with a list of things in her head that needed doing. As she walked in, she was caught by surprise. Mouse and Jill had done the most amazing job of the décor. They’d gone so far as to set the tables and had carried the colour theme throughout.

  ‘Mouse and Jill,’ she said in awe. ‘How did you learn to do all this?’

  ‘Is it OK?’ Mouse asked, looking critically at the space.

  ‘OK? It’s utterly fantastic. Mum and all the guests are going to be gobsmacked when they see this. You’re so clever, well done!’

  ‘I was second in command, I would like to point out,’ Jill said. ‘I only arrived a while ago so I’m not taking any of the credit here. It was all down to Mouse.’

  ‘Ah cheers,’ Mouse said with a wide smile. ‘I had a vision in my head and it happened to work. I hope your ma enjoys her night now.’

  ‘I’m sure she will,’ Róisín said.

  ‘I need to finish off the entrance area and I’ll be happy,’ Mouse said walking off and making it clear she was finished chatting. Róisín smiled in spite of her stress. Mouse was one in a million and she had a good feeling that she was going to become a wonderful asset to Nourriture.

  The rest of the day seemed to slip by in a flash as Róisín helped the others put the finishing touches to the party. The DJ had set up and the hog roast was well under way. Instead of fiddling around with lots of different drinks Róisín had decided to offer a whittled down version of a bar, sticking to Prosecco, red and white wine, two signature cocktails and Rob’s Celtic beer. Rob had kindly offered to come and pour drinks while cheekily winking and saying he was going to be pushing his own product.

  ‘I can just see you doing that too,’ Róisín said. ‘You’ll have Mum’s gardening club members swigging out of bottles by the end of the night.’

  ‘With a bit of luck,’ he said.

  Róisín had invited Melvin, Rob’s dad. He was apparently delighted with the invitation and was bringing one of his bridge buddies as his plus one. Róisín had booked them two rooms at the Thatch. Jill had invited Róisín and Rob to stay at the cottage.

  ‘Better to have a bed within staggering distance,’ she said.

  Róisín was a bit nervous about introducing him to her parents as her official boyfriend, but she felt it was essential that they know how important he was to her. This definitely wasn’t a flash in the pan thing, so they were going to have to get used to him.

  By the time the shop was closed Róisín hadn’t time to go home and change, so she slipped into the office and did a swift patch job on her make-up and pulled on the black bandeau dress she kept there on a hanger to see her through most eventualities.

  ‘Looking good,’ said a voice from the marquee as she tottered across the road in her high heels.

  Róisín gazed with appreciation at Rob. He was wearing a very tight-fitting short-sleeved shirt with indigo blue denims. Not a look she would’ve loved the idea of on paper, but it showed off his taut physique to a tee.

  ‘You’re not looking too shabby either,’ she said, hoping she didn’t look like a love-struck teenager. He pulled her close and kissed her. ‘This is supposed to be my mother’s party,’ she said breathlessly. ‘But already I feel as if it’s my birthday and Christmas rolled into one.’ The smile that lit his eyes made her want to stamp her feet in a happy dance right there in front of him.

  Róisín could’ve stayed in his arms for the entire night if guests hadn’t started to arrive.

  ‘Wow, this is the difference between sixty-plus-year-olds and young pups,’ Róisín said. ‘The invitation said eight, it’s five to eight and they’re all pitching up!’

  The DJ started the music, which was a mix of everything from fifties and sixties right up to Michael Bublé. The sound level was a far cry from nightclub booming, but just loud enough to create a party atmosphere.

  By the time Keeley, Doug, Liv and the children arrived, the marquee was buzzing. Keeley looked teary yet exhilarated as she milled around, being kissed to within an inch of her life.

  ‘How are you doing, Mum?’ Róisín asked as she finally got to say hello to her. Liv walked over, looking better than she had in years.

  ‘This is simply wonderful. I really cannot thank you both enough for all of this.’

  ‘You deserve it,’ Liv said. ‘If my two love me half as much as we love you in years to come, I’ll be a happy lady.’ They both watched with a smile as the children played on the dance floor in front of the flashing coloured lights.

  ‘They’re such gorgeous children,’ Keeley said. ‘They need their mum. The difference in you these past couple of weeks is astonishing. Well done, Liv.’

  ‘I agree,’ Róisín said, hugging Keeley and kissing Liv’s cheek.

  ‘Dad and I have bought a new house, by the way. The cottage before the beach, on the left.’

  ‘No way!’ Róisín said. ‘You two don’t waste time, do you?’

  ‘We’ve actually organised ourselves so that we don’t have many things to interfere with our time for the foreseeable future.’

  Doug came over and joined them.

  ‘I’m telling Róisín and Liv about the cottage,’ she said.

  ‘And,’ Doug said, ‘it’s looking as if we’ve got a buyer for the B&B. A young couple with four children no less. They’re moving from the city to the country to raise the children and wanted a place with lots of space.’

  ‘I’m so happy for you both,’ Róisín said as she hugged them in turn.

  Rob walked over and Róisín turned to hug him.

  ‘Mum and Dad, I want you to officially meet my boyfriend,’ she said with a little giggle. ‘This is Rob.’

  He shook their hands and duly introduced his father Melvin and his friend Amelia, a dainty little white-haired lady in a gorgeous matching dress and frock coat.

  Melvin handed Keeley a small gift-wrapped box.

  ‘I used to adore making wooden presents for my late wife,’ he said. ‘So I hope Doug doesn’t mind that I took the liberty of making something small for you.’

  ‘How lovely of you,’ Doug said, nodding and impressed.

  ‘It’s a little carved frame and I thought you could put a photograph from tonight inside that you can cherish. The date is inscribed on the back to remind you how young you are!’

  ‘Oh thank you, Melvin, I’m thrilled,’ Keeley said.

  ‘Wait until you open it,’ Melvin said. ‘My old eyes aren’t as sharp as they used to be. It could be dreadfully bockety!’ They all laughed as Róisín looked up at Rob. His father was so thoughtful and an utter gentleman. He was further proof, not that she needed it, that she had found a truly good man.

  After an hour and a half, Róisín asked the DJ to announce that food was now ready and invited people to come and fill their plates. The atmosphere was one of warmth and celebration as the tables filled with chattering and laughing guests.

  So far, so good, Róisín thought happily.

  Chapter 49

  As Nell and Mouse got into the car, neither of them was feeling overly confident about
turning up at the party. Mouse had insisted on coming back to the lighthouse before the party, knowing full well that given half a chance, Nell would back out of going.

  ‘Do we really want to go?’ Nell asked.

  ‘Yes, we do,’ Mouse said firmly. ‘You look fantastic in your new gear. Your make-up is beautiful too, even if I say so myself.’ Mouse had sat her down and made her close her eyes as she applied what felt like an entire palette of eye shadow to her lids.

  ‘I’ll be like a panda,’ Nell protested.

  ‘No you won’t,’ Mouse insisted. ‘I’m doing shading and most of it is iridescent, so it’s not as if I’m drawing dark brown all over you.’

  For her part, Mouse had curled her hair gorgeously. With her imperfections evened by the foundation and the smoky eyes and pale glossy lips, she looked like a doe-eyed beauty.

  ‘You’re so pretty,’ Nell said. ‘I hope there’s a nice fella waiting for you tonight.’

  ‘I might have done this for me,’ Mouse said.

  ‘Or you have your perfectly mascaraed eye on someone,’ Nell said as she walked to a mirror to inspect her look. ‘Wow, are you sure you didn’t use a magic wand? Good job, Missy Mouse.’

  They trundled along in the car and Nell felt sick with nerves. It was almost forty years since she’d been to a party. She couldn’t possibly voice that to Mouse. Even admitting it in her own head was bad enough.

  Guessing the village would be parked up, Nell found a spot just before Ballyshore and turned the car.

  ‘Always have your escape vehicle lined up and facing in the right direction,’ Mouse said. ‘I learned a thing or two from Da.’

  Nell laughed heartily, glad of the light relief. As they climbed out of the car and walked toward the marquee, which was humming like a beehive, Nell wanted to beg Mouse to stay by her side. But sense prevailed and she knew she needed to pretend she was at ease. The poor girl was living for this party and she couldn’t become a burden on her. Besides, Nell mused, she was an adult. She could get in her car and drive away if the mood took her.

  Much to her astonishment, Nell found herself smiling the second she walked into the tent. The atmosphere was relaxed and unpretentious.

  ‘You did an amazing job, Mouse,’ she said. ‘When you said you’d wound bunting around things, you didn’t make it sound quite as wonderful as this.’

  Nell took a glass of wine. She had no intention of drinking more than one glass, but felt it would take the edge off her nerves.

  Mouse pulled her over to meet someone called Steve. Instantly, Nell knew why Mouse had been so eager to get to the party. The looks of mutual infatuation that floated back and forth on the invisible line of heightened tension between them brought Nell back. Ah, young love and the incredible feelings of expectation, she thought.

  Food seemed to be in full flight and Nell was advised to take a plate before it was all gone. She hadn’t thought she was hungry until she spied the hog on a spit and the mouthwatering spread of salads and breads. She and Mouse joined some of the other staff from Nourriture at a table toward the rear of the marquee. The others were incredibly welcoming and Mouse had obviously fit in with ease.

  ‘So tell us about Mouse,’ another rather hairy-faced fellow said. ‘Was she a nightmare when she was younger? I’d say she was a little monkey!’ he scoffed.

  Nell looked to Mouse for guidance.

  ‘I didn’t grow up with Nell. I’m only living with her for the last while. She’s my family now though.’

  ‘Oh sorry, I didn’t realise,’ he said blushing wildly and looking uncomfortable. ‘I just assumed you were related. You have that kind of relationship.’

  ‘Yes, we do,’ Nell agreed. ‘Mouse and I were meant to be together. Like bangers and mash.’

  ‘Beans and toast,’ Mouse shouted.

  ‘Tea and cake,’ Steve added.

  They all laughed and the awkwardness was momentarily forgotten. Nell finished her food and excused herself.

  ‘Give me the nod if you want to go or if you need me to rescue you,’ Mouse said.

  Nell smiled and walked to the far side of the marquee where she stood and observed. She scanned the room for familiar faces. She recognised some of the local bigwigs who turned up week after week in the local newspaper. Mo hadn’t been invited, much to her chagrin. Nell had promised to fill her in on as many details as she could, which the other woman had agreed was as good as being there, if not better.

  ‘John-Joe hates tents. They make him sneeze, so it would be preferable if you could give us a blow-by-blow account of the evening instead.’

  The music wasn’t exactly loud, but everyone noticed when it stopped all the same. The sound of someone tapping a microphone silenced the crowd.

  ‘Sorry to interrupt, folks. I won’t keep you long, I promise. There’s nothing worse than someone warbling into a microphone when all you want to do is have a good time!’

  Nell stared intently at the man, drinking in everything about him. He was well dressed and seemed likeable. He had smiling eyes and an easy manner that she reckoned would endear him to most.

  ‘As you all know, we are here to celebrate Keeley’s sixtieth birthday.’ A round of applause rippled around the tent. ‘Anyone who has had any contact with my wife over the years will confirm that she deserves this party.’ More applause. ‘On behalf of our daughters, Róisín and Liv, I would like to thank you all for coming and welcome you here tonight.’ He looked nervous all of a sudden. ‘Keeley is usually the one who organises all the surprises. She does it with ease and flair. So I wanted for once to turn the tables. Can you come up please, Keeley?’

  Nell craned her neck as a pretty, wavy-haired woman in an elegant royal blue silky outfit walked to the microphone amidst further applause. Nell had seen her before, but not for a long time. She looked marvellous.

  ‘Keeley, the word roller-coaster is often used to describe marriages. We’ve certainly had our fair share of tumultuous times over the years. But no matter what has been thrown at us, we’ve survived.’ There was a communal aww from the crowd. ‘I know I’m blessed to have you in my life. Keeley and I are both officially retired and we will move to our new home in the village shortly,’ he said.

  There seemed to be massive surprise at this news. Nell listened as a ripple of chatter behind hands commenced.

  ‘Happy birthday, Keeley, and tonight I’d like to put a new ring on your finger. This time I’m asking you to remain as my wife as we look to our retirement together.’

  He got down on bended knee as Keeley struggled to hold back her tears. A standing ovation followed as Keeley admired her beautiful ring, which sparkled in the lights.

  Nell wrapped her arms around herself as she tilted her head to the side and wondered for a moment what her life might’ve been like had she found a man like this. Instead, she’d picked a coward who’d abandoned her.

  Her daydreaming ended as Mouse’s boss, Róisín, took the microphone. Nell listened and watched intently as she praised her mother and told the guests how lucky she’d been to have such an incredible role model.

  ‘Mum,’ she said taking her hand, ‘you have made me the woman I am today. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Liv and me growing up. If I end up being even half the woman you are, I know I’ll be happy. Liv is insisting she won’t speak,’ Róisín said looking to her sister who waved her hands in resistance. ‘So from both of us, thank you and we hope you have a brilliant night. Please stand, everybody, and toast our amazing mum.’

  Everyone did as Róisín bid and toasted Keeley.

  The music came back on and the chatting slowly moved from a rumble to a full-blown party once again. Nell was attempting to figure out what she ought to do next, whether she’d stay or go, when she felt someone touch her elbow. Spinning around, she came face to face with Keeley.

  The breath left her body, but she managed to whisper, ‘Happy birthday.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Keeley replied. She looked at Nell with such intensity, it jol
ted her. Neither of them moved a muscle. It was as if the sounds in the marquee had been faded to mute. The flashing lights in the background disappeared and all that remained was this woman’s gaze.

  ‘Would you walk with me a moment?’ Keeley asked.

  Nell swallowed and nodded. The evening air was balmy and sweet. The sounds of the waves lapping against the rocks below offered little comfort. They walked a short distance from the marquee and turned to face each other once more.

  ‘You know, don’t you?’ Nell said quietly.

  Keeley nodded as her face crumpled. She swayed horribly and for a terrible moment, Nell feared she would collapse.

  ‘It’s OK,’ Nell said. Her voice sounded strangled. Not like her own. Like a stranger she’d never met before. ‘How did you know?’

  ‘I saw,’ Keeley said through sobs.

  ‘Saw what?’

  ‘I saw the papers you signed when you gave the baby up for adoption.’

  Nell’s head reared back as if she’d been boxed.

  ‘But if you knew … why didn’t you ever … My God, who else knows?’ she asked, the words tumbling from her mouth.

  ‘Nobody knows. Not even my husband, Doug. I never told a soul.’

  ‘So all this time, you knew and never approached me?’

  ‘Why didn’t you approach me?’ Keeley shot back.

  ‘I was so eaten up by what I’d done. It took me years to even look in a mirror I was so traumatised. But I knew I couldn’t offer Laura’s baby the life she deserved.’ Her voice was barely above a whisper. Nell gasped as her body shook and she attempted to cover her face with her hands.

  Keeley stepped forward and gently removed her hands, holding them firmly in her own.

  ‘I shouldn’t have come,’ Nell said. ‘I feel like the black fairy at Sleeping Beauty’s christening.’

  ‘I’m very glad you came. You gave me the most wonderful gift imaginable. You’re my fairy godmother, Nell. The only reason I never told a soul and never contacted you was because I was terrified you would change your mind and take Róisín back. When I heard people say your name, I nearly lost my mind. I was so scared of you. Then I convinced myself it was a coincidence. But in the back of my mind, I always knew, but I was just so scared you’d take my Róisín from me.’