Irish Affair

by Heartley, Amanda

  “See?” I say with a shrug. “The guys had fun. We should too.”

  “I know what you’re saying, but I don’t think Amelia’s really interested in that kind of thing. You know, with baby Ava, and everything?” Siobhan explains. “She seems too tired to care about that, to be honest. She’s barely managing to prepare herself for the wedding.”

  “But it’s not her responsibility to plan this,” I point out. “All she has to do is turn up. Surely, she can manage that? It’s the maid-of-honor who organizes the pre-wedding stuff.”

  “Well, Clare’s the maid of honor and she’s back in the States. She doesn’t get over here until tomorrow,” Siobhan informs me.

  “Then you should step up,” I say, smiling at her.

  “Me?” Siobhan says, and laughs.

  “Yes, you. What kind of future sister-in-law are you if you let her get married without having a bachelorette party? She’ll look back on this in fifty years and regret it,” I warn her.

  “You’re being way too dramatic,” Siobhan says. “You crack me up, Kales.”

  I sigh and shake my head. It’s sad that she’s not rising to the challenge. “I really feel for Amelia.”

  “I’m sure she’ll cope,” Siobhan replies. She pulls into my parents’ driveway and stops, then turns to me and raises her eyebrows, as if waiting for me to get out. Sighing, I take the hint and climb out of my seat, grabbing my bags from the trunk. I slam it shut and then walk around and hug her through the open driver’s side window.

  “Thanks again for picking me up,” I say, kissing her on the forehead.

  “Anytime,” she says with a smile. “I’ll see you later, okay? Call me after you’re settled in.”

  “You bet I will,” I say.

  I wave after her and wait until she’s driven off, before I walk up the path toward the front door. Truth be told, I’m terrified of seeing my parents again. I left home because nothing I did was good enough and I’m sure that hasn’t changed. We speak on the phone from time to time, but our conversations feel forced and censored, neither of us wanting to say what we really feel, for fear of offending the other. Which is kind of funny, considering my feelings weren’t exactly high on the list of concerns for my parents when I lived at home.

  I’m shaking when I reach the front door. I take a deep breath and open it, then step inside. I leave my bags by the door as I look around, stiffening when I hear noises coming from the kitchen. I walk down the hall toward it, wincing every time the floorboards creak underneath my shoes. Mum’s sitting at the table with her back to me. She turns around, and I’m pleased to see her face light up when she sees me standing in the doorway. She races over and wraps her arms around me, the force of her embrace astounding me. I relax slightly, but I know well enough not to get my hopes up yet.

  “Kayla!” she gasps. She pulls back, her hands on my shoulders, her eyes wide as she stares at me.

  “Hi, Mum,” I say with a smile.

  “What are you doing here? How come you didn’t you tell us you’d be back this early?” she chastises me softly. “I thought your flight was tomorrow morning. We would’ve come to pick you up if we’d known.”

  “Yeah, sorry. I got moved to an earlier flight and Siobhan offered to come and get me. I didn’t want to put you out,” I lie. The truth is, I wanted Siobhan at the airport, instead of them. “Where’s Dad?” I ask, glancing around, hoping to change the subject.

  “He’s away working. He’ll be back home about midday tomorrow.” She smiles and hugs me again. “It’s so good to see you again, dear. Lisa will be so excited you’re home.”

  I smile at the mention of my little sister. We have a great relationship. She’s three years younger than me, but you wouldn’t know it with how well we get along when we’re together.

  “Lisa, come down here for a moment, will you?” Mum calls out down the hallway.

  Lisa comes jogging down from her room, and her eyes widen when she sees me. She nearly topples me over as she wraps her arms around me, kissing me all over the face. I giggle and kiss her on the cheek as I return her hug.

  “Good to see you too,” I say with a grin.

  “I can’t believe you’re back,” she says. “And only for a week? That’s so cruel, Kales. You’re going to go off and leave me again, aren’t you?” she says with a fake pout. I roll my eyes, because this kid is so over-dramatic, she makes me look quiet. I smile to myself, because she’s hardly a kid anymore at nineteen.

  God, that makes me feel old.

  We sit down and have a cup of tea, making small talk as Mum prepares dinner for us. She asks the usual questions about what it’s like living in L.A., but I still feel like she’s only asking them because she feels she ought to. I don’t know what it is with my parents, but I’ve never felt that what I wanted to do with my life mattered, or that what I was doing was important. I’m the daughter that went fleeing off to the States to chase a dream, while their good daughter stayed at home to study for a law degree. I’m the one they forget to mention whenever anyone asks what Lisa and I are doing. It’s amazing that my sister and I get on so well, considering how differently we’re treated.

  After I finish my tea, I climb the stairs to my room to unpack. Even though I’m not tired, I lay down on my bed and just stare at the ceiling, trying to work out what I’m doing with my life. Everything just feels like it’s such a mess at the moment and coming back here has only magnified my problems. Working out the areas I’m happy with is an easy task because there isn’t much on that list.

  Maybe I should just move back here and be done with it?

  I’m sure my parents are expecting that. It’s like every phone call, every Skype call, they’re just waiting to hear that I’ve failed miserably and I’m moving back home. I guess that’s partly why I haven’t said anything to them about the dark secret I’m keeping. I’m probably going to have to tell them, eventually.

  The longer I can keep this to myself, the longer I can pretend it’s not happening.

  Chapter Two

  Kayla

  It’s the following morning and I’m meeting Siobhan for breakfast at a café in town. I glance around again. When I don’t see her, I turn my attention back to my list, ticking each item off in my head. I hear a giggle over my shoulder, so I shove the notebook back in my bag and turn around to see Siobhan standing there.

  “Finally,” I say, smiling at her. “I was worried you weren’t going to come.”

  “Of course, I’d come, though I’m surprised you’re here before me,” she replies, sinking down onto a chair.

  “I slept surprisingly well, considering I was in bed right after dinner,” I retort.

  The only problem with going to sleep at eight in the evening is you’re awake bright and early. By seven-thirty this morning, I’d showered, had a cup of tea, and was ready to go. For close to an hour, I’ve been here working out the details of the bachelorette party I’ve decided to throw for Amelia.

  It might seem odd to some people that I’d plan a party for someone I’ve never actually met. I’m doing this for Siobhan; letting your future sister-in-law get married without a bachelorette party is just wrong. Besides, I could do with the distraction from my own problems. I can’t see why Amelia would object and I hope she appreciates it. After all, why would anyone pass up the opportunity to dance, drink and run their hands over half naked men?

  Siobhan reaches out and snatches the notebook from my purse, while I protest. She shakes her head as she reads over my list, then looks at me accusingly.

  “You’re kidding me, right?” she asks. “A bachelorette party?”

  “Call it a wedding present,” I say with a smug grin.

  “It’s a pretty shitty one if you ask me,” she retorts.

  “What do you mean?” I ask, trying my best to not sound wounded.

  “She’s just had a kid,” Siobhan says, shaking her head in dismay. “She’s breast-feeding, and you think a cocktail bar is appropriate for her bachelorette ni
ght?” Siobhan asks. “And, then there’s the tiny matter that she doesn’t even want one.”

  I make a face, because when she puts it like that, I sound almost inconsiderate.

  “Fine,” I grumble, annoyed that she’s fighting me on this. “What about dinner beforehand, then?” Siobhan raises her eyebrows, so I roll my eyes. “Followed by casual drinks at a hotel. Just a small gathering. I can book a room, so we can have it there?”

  “Okay, she might go for that,” Siobhan says, clearly unconvinced. I stare at her. She frowns back at me and says, “What?”

  “Well, are you going to call her? I kind of need to know now,” I say. “I mean, I’m not exactly spoiled for time, here.”

  “Jesus, Kayla,” Siobhan laughs, but she gets out her phone to call Amelia. I try to listen in on the conversation to judge how well it’s going, and it doesn’t seem to be going well, but in the end, it sounds like Siobhan has convinced her to let me organize this for her.

  “Okay,” she says, putting her phone down. “She’s agreed. Very reluctantly, but it has to be tomorrow, because their rehearsal is Wednesday, and the barbecue is on Thursday night. Friday night is the night before the wedding, and she just wants to relax.”

  “Done,” I say with a nod. “Wait, what about her sister?” I ask. “Should we wait for her?”

  “She gets in at nine today, I think,” Siobhan replies.

  “Okay, then let’s have breakfast, because I’ve got lots of planning to do,” I say, a rush of excitement creeping through me. I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to anything.

  Siobhan laughs. “Sounds good, because I’ve got a class to go to this afternoon, anyway,” she says. She picks up a menu and decides on the waffles, while I choose the cooked breakfast. I’m going to need all the energy I can get today. We talk until our breakfasts arrive. I shovel mine down and wait impatiently for Siobhan to finish hers. She shakes her head and smiles as I continue to write things down on my list so I won’t forget them.

  “What?” I say, frowning at her. “I was born to plan events.”

  She nods. “That, I definitely agree with. Maybe you should give up fashion school and go into event management instead?”

  I know she’s only teasing, but it’s funny she should say that, because I’d seriously consider it. This party is just the distraction I need. Something I can put all my time and energy into and put everything else to the back of my mind.

  * * *

  I leave Siobhan at the café and head out to book somewhere to have this party. I’ve borrowed Mum’s car to drive into Dublin because, let’s face it, nothing in Kilcock is going to impress anyone.

  It’s such short notice, so the options are limited. Eventually, I manage to secure a large family suite at a nice hotel, on the condition that we aren’t too loud, and we don’t cause any disruptions to other guests. I book the room for the whole night, with the intention of staying there after the party is over. Going home drunk to my parents’ house in the early hours of the morning probably wouldn’t go down too well. I spend most of the day running around, trying to get things done. I’ve got everything from sashes and hats for the bridal party, to funky little cock straws and party bags.

  It’s mid-afternoon when I finally get home, and I’m surprised to find everyone is out. I pick up the note on the kitchen table, telling me there’s some food in the fridge, and my stomach growls appreciatively. After I eat, I get onto the last thing I need to organize, and possibly the most important.

  Save the best for last, right?

  The entertainment.

  As if on cue, my phone rings. I glance at it and see Siobhan’s name.

  “Hello,” I say, distracted as I scroll through listings on my iPad for strippers in the area.

  “Just two words. No strippers,” she says.

  “What?” I say with a laugh. I glance around. Can she see me?

  “I forgot to tell you this morning. Amelia was very clear that there will be no strippers. And because I know what you’re like, I thought I’d better ring and tell you.”

  “Not even just one?” I beg.

  “No. I’m serious, Kales,” Siobhan replies. “Don’t get any. She doesn’t want them. Okay?”

  I sigh. “Fine,” I grumble. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

  We chat for a couple of minutes, then I hang up and go back to my iPad. I fully intended on respecting her wishes, but then my eyes fall on the hot cop. The close-up shot of his muscular chest is enough to get me sweating. I click on his profile and smile, my finger hovering over the ‘book me’ button.

  Surely one won’t hurt.

  * * *

  It’s Tuesday afternoon and I’ve been setting up for the party since late morning. I glance up from blowing up the last of my penis-shaped balloons, just as Siobhan walks into the room. She giggles as she looks around, her eyes widening as she takes everything in. I glance around too, for the first time realizing how far I’ve taken this whole bachelorette thing. My face heats up. It’s possible I’ve gone a little over the top, but I couldn’t help it. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.

  “Jesus, Kales. Go overboard, much?” Siobhan says, picking up one of the straws to examine it. “Gosh, I never knew the penis was such a theme,” she adds with a giggle. “You do realize there’s like, only six people coming, right?”

  “Yeah, looking around, I’m thinking maybe I went a little bit far,” I mumble. I’m going to be using these straws for the next three years. “It’s just that organizing this has been such a good distraction from everything.”

  “A distraction from what?” Siobhan asks, frowning at me.

  “Oh, nothing,” I say, focusing all my attention on tying the balloon into a knot. “Just exams and stuff. The usual crap.”

  “Okay,” she says, looking like she doesn’t believe me. “Kales, I’m here if you need someone to talk to.”

  I hesitate, and for a split second I think about telling her everything.

  God, I wish I could tell her.

  Aside from her having enough to deal with between helping organize this wedding, and her veterinary course, I feel like all I do is get myself into situations that make Siobhan groan and roll her eyes. How many times has Siobhan warned me I’m going to get myself into trouble…again? She wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest that this has happened, and I know it’s all my own fault. I don’t need her, or anyone else, telling me that. I can deal with this by pretending it’s not happening.

  Siobhan walks over to the table and picks up my iPad. Her eyes widen.

  Oh shite! Hot cop is still on the screen.

  “What’s this?” she demands, holding it up.

  I wince. “Um, it might be the stripper I booked for tonight?” I reply.

  She shakes her head vigorously. “No! No way, Kayla. I said no strippers,” she growls.

  “I thought you were joking,” I protest weakly. “I mean, you can’t have a bachelorette party without a stripper, right?”

  Siobhan shakes her head. “Amelia is gonna kill you…and me!” she snaps.

  “So, just blame me,” I say with a shrug.

  “Oh, I will, but she’s expecting me to keep you in line,” she groans, an annoyed look on her face.

  “In line?” I repeat, making a face. “What am I, five?”

  “Sometimes, I wonder. Though five is more generous than I would’ve said,” she shoots back.

  “Well, excuse me,” I sniff, lifting my head. “Some of us don’t have Rory’s naked arse to look at every night, you know.”

  “Ewww, yuck,” Siobhan says, crinkling her nose. “That’s my brother, you know, and trust me, I haven’t seen his naked arse since we were little kids, thank God.”

  I roll my eyes. “Well, you have Ben’s arse,” I say.

  She sighs, that dreamy smile back on her face as she sinks down into the armchair.

  “So, when are you guys getting married?” I tease.

  “What? Don’t be ridiculous. We haven
’t even talked about that,” she grumbles. “We may not even get married.”

  “Oh my God, you totally want to marry him, don’t you?” I accuse her.

  “No,” she retorts, her face flushing bright red. “Well, maybe I do. He’s a great guy, Kales,” she admits. “I mean, really great.”

  I walk over behind the chair and lean over, wrapping my arms around her neck. She smiles up at me as I kiss her on the cheek.

  “I’m happy for you. You deserve someone who treats you right,” I say.

  “So do you,” she says, and I smile.

  Right now, I can’t bring myself to believe that will ever happen.

  * * *

  We laze around, talking for the next hour until we can’t put off getting ready any longer. I force myself to get off the bed and rummage through my bag for my dress.

  Maybe I should’ve hung it up when I got here.

  “That’s cute,” Siobhan comments, nodding at my dress. “I totally love the little pockets.”

  “The main reason why I got it,” I grin.

  I’m forever losing my phone, and everything else when I go out, so when I saw this, I had to have it. I strip off and wrestle my way into my dress, then brush my hair and put some make up on. I slip into my heels to finish my look, and I’m done, all before Siobhan has even started getting ready.

  She’s still frantically searching for a shoe half an hour later, when the others arrive. I roll my eyes and open the door. Amelia smiles at me as she steps forward and gives me a hug.

  “Thanks for arranging this, Kayla,” she says. “You totally didn’t have to.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing. I just hope you enjoy yourself,” I say, smiling back.

  I welcome Clare and three of Amelia’s friends who have come along to the party. They walk in, fawning and laughing over all the little things I’ve got for tonight. Hell, I even have little penis candy bags for everyone to take home at the end of the night. If that doesn’t spell creepy, then I don’t know what does. Amelia tosses a straw at her sister, who laughs and shoves it in her purse.

  “What?” she says innocently. “You never know when you’re going to need one.”