by Ella Grey
“Seven years,” she told him.
“And do you get home much? Although I don’t know why you’d want to,” he added amiably. “Dublin’s great, but the Big Apple is in a different league I think.”
“Well, this is actually my first time home since,” she replied, trying not to make eye contact with Olivia.
“Oh.” Matt couldn’t hide his surprise. “Well, living in a great place like that, I suppose I can’t blame you.”
“Doesn’t she look fantastic, Olivia?” Leah gushed, already tipsy on the wine she was drinking. She’d had a few drinks before they went out, and had already knocked back two champagne cocktails before the others arrived. Robin suspected her friend was out to get well and truly blotto tonight.
“She certainly does,” Olivia answered. “I love your dress, Robin, and you’ve really kept your figure too. Now, if I wore something like that I’d look like Ten Tonne Tessie.” She laughed gaily, but to Robin there was something forced about it.
“Thanks, you look great too.”
“I think you and I both know that dieting was never my forte. I still have the old ice-cream weakness,” she added conspiratorially.
“Don’t be silly, you look amazing,” Matt said, looking up from his menu.
“Love must definitely be blind then,” Olivia rolled her eyes.
“Women,” Matt said, exasperated. “Remind me again why I agreed to come along tonight.”
All of a sudden Robin wished she hadn’t come. Olivia was being way too nice to her and behaving as if she didn’t have a care in the world.
Well, maybe she didn’t. She was a bit taken aback at how easy and comfortable she and this guy seemed to be with one another. She supposed she was so used to seeing Olivia with Peter that it seemed sort of strange. Then again, why shouldn’t Olivia move on?
Thinking of her last-minute visit to the graveyard yesterday, she shivered, ashamed. After all Olivia had been through, she deserved to be happy.
“So, things are going well in New York?” Olivia asked then. “Great news about your book, although I must admit it was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t know you were writing.”
Robin was embarrassed now. It felt as though she’d let her down somehow. “It’s all a little bit out of the blue for me too,” she said. “I have a niece, well, she’s not exactly my niece, she’s Ben’s niece but she’s asthmatic and –”
“Ben’ssh her cute boyfriend,” Leah interjected, her voice slightly slurred.
Olivia looked at Leah. “Slow down a bit there, you – we haven’t even started eating yet,” she admonished teasingly.
“It’s my birthday, I’m single and I’ll get pisshed if I want to,” Leah laughed, her tone giddy.
Matt topped up his wineglass. “And if you can’t have a few to celebrate reaching the big 3-0, sure when can you?”
“Cheers, Matt!” Leah clinked glasses with him, pleased she had a drinking partner in crime. She waylaid a waiter passing their table. “Three more Bellinis here please.”
“I’m almost sorry I’m driving,” Olivia said, grinning at Robin. “We’re obviously in for a wild night.”
She smiled back uncomfortably. Another cocktail sounded good, because at that moment, she wasn’t sure how to continue this one-to-one conversation with Olivia. She wished Leah would get involved a bit more, but her friend was too busy knocking back cocktails and chattering with Matt.
Just then, the waiter came to take their order and as usual, Robin stiffened, dreading the drawn-out exchange to come and the usual accompanying frustrated looks.
“Hi,” she said, when he stood beside her, her complexion reddening slightly as she rattled off her usual spiel. “I’d just like to let you know that I suffer from a severe peanut allergy, and I’ll need to ask you a couple of questions about this menu. If I eat something with peanuts in it, I might die.”
To her amazement, the waiter smiled back. “That’s no problem, madam, my youngest suffers from the same thing. I know how careful you have to be.”
“Thank you,” Robin couldn’t comprehend the relief she felt. As the waiter went through the menu with her, she saw Matt watching her with interest.
“Must be tough,” he said, when the waiter had left the table. “Not everyone is so accommodating, I’d imagine.”
Robin nodded. “That was rare. I don’t blame them, but it’s hard when you’re made feel like an over-hysterical fusspot. People just don’t realise, that’s all.”
Olivia smiled tightly. “It’s probably much easier in New York too. I’m sure they’re better geared up.”
Again, Robin wished she wouldn’t be so … nice to her. She almost wished she’d be frosty, uncommunicative, anything but the understanding, sympathetic Olivia she’d always been. “It is, when you know where to go. But, there are always risks.” She turned to Leah, anxious to change the subject. “Are you OK there? You’ve downed most of that wine by yourself.”
“Why shouldssn’t I?” Leah slurred, her eyes glazed. “When issh my birthday?”
Olivia caught Matt’s eye. “Tell you what,” she said to Leah, “why don’t we just have water with the meal and then later we’ll have some champagne.”
Sensing now that her drinking was a little bit more than just celebratory, he swiftly removed the bottle of wine and hid it under the table. Robin was worried too. Leah was getting way too drunk way too fast.
“Where’sh the wine gone?”
“Don’t worry, he’ll be back with more later,” Olivia soothed. “Oh, look, here’s our starters.”
Leah took a huge gulp of the water, and the table was quiet while they ate.
Robin took tiny bites, the discomfort of the reunion with Olivia making her lose her appetite. She would have to say something, but not here, not now.
The conversation became a little stilted and awkward once the introductions and attempts at catching up were out of the way. Matt kept up some chit-chat during the main course, which lightened the tone a little, but Robin was finding it very hard to relax and even harder to find things to talk about.
She wasn’t sure whether she should enquire about Olivia’s daughter as she had never met the child, and hadn’t exactly been supportive when she was born. She decided instead to concentrate on safer ground. “So how’s Kate getting on?” she asked. “Does motherhood suit her?”
“Kate thinks you’re a bitssh, Robin,” Leah blurted drunkenly. “But I think she’s a bitssh, so there.”
Matt looked visibly uncomfortable, and Olivia looked as though she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. “Leah, don’t be silly,” she said. “I know you’re upset that Kate couldn’t come tonight but –”
“She wassh alwayssh horrible to you, Robin, wasshn’t she?” Leah went on as though Olivia hadn’t even spoken. “She was a bitssh to you, when we all knew it wasshn’t your fault.”
“Leah, it’s OK,” Robin demurred, “Oh, look, here’s the waiter – let’s order dessert.”
Leah shook her head exaggeratedly. “I told her it wasshn’t your fault but she didn’t believe me.” All of a sudden, she looked distraught. She reached across and grabbed Olivia tightly by the hand. Then she reached for Robin. “You two are my bessht friends, my bessht friends, I want you to know that.”
Matt stood up, evidently deciding it might be a good idea to give them some time alone. “I just remembered I have to phone Frank,” he said, taking out his mobile and waving it in front of the others as if to demonstrate.
“That’ssh OK, Matt, that’ssh fine, you’re my bessht friend, too,” Leah giggled at his retreat.
Olivia caught Robin’s eye. “Forget about dessert, I think it’s time we got you home, pet,” she said.
Leah’s eyes widened. “Home? Will Josh be there?”
“I’ll take her back in a taxi, if you like,” Robin offered, after Olivia hurriedly paid the bill and the three of them joined Matt outside.
“It’s OK, I’m driving anyway,” she replied. “Can I
give you a lift back to the hotel?”
“No, that’s fine, you guys go ahead – I can get a taxi.”
“Don’t be silly,” Matt piped up. “Sure, it could take you forever to get one, and once we’ve got Leah settled, it’ll only take us a few minutes to drop you into town.”
If Olivia was annoyed that he’d persisted, she didn’t show it.
“Really, I’ll be fine.”
Olivia spoke quietly. “Robin, it’s no problem, although it might be a while before we get Leah sorted. She’s very drunk and I don’t particularly want to leave her on her own.”
“I could stay with her,” Robin suggested. As tomorrow was Sunday, her time was her own, and the next item on her publicity itinerary wasn’t until Monday. “I could keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn’t get sick or anything.”
“That mightn’t be a bad idea,” Matt said. “At least then you wouldn’t have to worry about her.”
She nodded. “OK, let’s get her to the car.”
Sitting in the backseat alongside Robin, Leah wouldn’t stay still. Nor, to Robin’s discomfort, would she stay quiet. It was as if once the air hit her, she got another – giddier – lease on life.
“You know, I knew you two would be friendssh again, I just knew it! Thissh has been the best birthday ever – we’re all friendssh again now – and don’t worry about Kate, I’ll deal with Kate – she’ll come round. She just thought you were being mean to Olivia, but I knew you weren’t being horrible, Robin. I undersshtood why you didn’t come, and so did Olivia, didn’t you? We knew that you jussht –”
“How’s the shop going, Leah?” Matt asked.
“Fine, thanks very mussh for asking. You should come in and visit me soon – I’ll give you a free chocolate.”
“I’d like that – do you have any Turkish delights?”
“No, but I’ll do some sshpecially for you, if you like.” She giggled and whispered to Robin. “He’ssh very nice, isn’t he, Robin? Nicer than bloody Josh anyway, and do you know sshomething? I think he’s nicer than Peter too. There, I said it! ”
“Oh, is one of these yours, Leah?” Robin asked, as Olivia slowed and turned into the entrance of an apartment block, hoping and praying that Leah would stop chattering.
“Yep, that’s mine, sshee that one up there? Josh didn’t care, but I wanted one with a balcony.” She sniffed, and suddenly her mood changed. “I have the balcony all to myself now.” She turned to Robin. “Why did he do it, Robin? I gave up ssho much for him – I told him it didn’t matter that he didn’t want shhildren – if he didn’t want them, well then, that was fine, but then he goes and sshleeps with someone else. Why, Robin?”
“I don’t know, honey.” She knew that poor Matt was mortified. She was mortified for him and equally for Olivia – and indeed for Leah.
Olivia stopped the car and, having rummaged through Leah’s bag, got the keys to her apartment and let them in. She went on ahead to open the door and, as best he could, Matt helped Robin support poor drunken Leah as they made their way up the steps to her apartment. He gave her an embarrassed smile. “The poor crature – I’m sure she’ll suffer in the morning.”
“She certainly will,” Robin agreed, relieved that they’d finally reached home. She followed Olivia through to her friend’s bedroom. The two were silent as they helped her undress, Leah mumbling all the time. “I knew we’d all be friendssh again.”
When she was safely tucked up in the bed, the two joined Matt in the living-room.
“Is she asleep?” he asked, his face concerned, but also, luckily, a little amused.
Olivia nodded. “I think she’ll be OK now.” She turned to Robin. “Will the couch be OK for you? I think she has some spare blankets in the hotpress –”
“I’ll be fine – I’ll find them,” she interjected. “It’s late, and you two need to get home. I’ll keep an eye on her, I promise.”
Robin walked them both to the door, unable to understand why she felt so sad, and desperate to say something. But it wasn’t sadness, she decided, trying to read Olivia’s expression as she lost her nerve and said nothing other than goodbye. It was guilt.
“So are you staying long …?” Olivia ventured cautiously.
“No, I’m off to the UK on Tuesday, so I don’t know if I – ”
“I see. Well, the very best of luck with everything. I’ll be sure to pick up a copy of your book for Ellie.”
“Thank you.”
Matt gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Good night, Robin – it was great meeting you. Good luck with the book and sure, we might see you again sometime?”
“Bye, Matt, thanks.”
Closing the door softly behind them, Robin could now understand why Olivia was involved with him.
He was similar to Ben in a way – kind, considerate and loyal. They were both very lucky, but the big difference was that Olivia deserved someone like that in her life; deserved someone who cared enough about her to appreciate her loyalty.
The fact that Robin, with all her faults, didn’t deserve a man like that was obvious, and something that, tonight, Leah’s babblings had brought home even more.
49
Olivia was mostly silent on the way back to Lakeview in the car, her thoughts scattered as she kept going over the evening.
She’d handled it well, she thought. She’d been polite, friendly and gracious – despite the fact that she had felt totally uncomfortable throughout, and especially towards the end with all Leah’s gibberish.
With Leah so drunk, they had no choice but to slip into their old roles. Poor thing, she would really suffer tomorrow, in more ways than one.
She sighed inwardly. Seeing Robin tonight really brought it home to her that she’d have to let Matt into her confidence soon. It wasn’t fair otherwise. They’d been getting on extremely well lately and, luckily, Catherine seemed to be staying out of the way.
“Are you OK?” Matt asked softly.
Olivia jumped. She’d almost forgotten he was there.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m just thinking about Leah, that’s all. I’ve never seen her like that, Matt, and it worries me. She’s always been great at convincing everyone that she’s coping, that she’s getting on with it. Stupidly, I took that at face value, when I should have known that she was really suffering.” She shook her head. “I’m her best friend – how could I not have known?”
“I don’t know Leah very well, but she does strike me as the type of girl who values her independence. Yes, she’s upset now and she’s having a tough time of it, but that’s only natural.”
“I know, but I’ve never seen her so out of control.”
“It was her birthday – a big occasion and the man she loves wasn’t there to share it with her. I remember after Natasha died I went completely off the rails on what would have been our fifth wedding anniversary. I drank solidly the whole day long, trying to shut out the pain and the memories. It was a nightmare.”
“I know.” Olivia did know, but unfortunately she never had the luxury of going off and getting blotto whenever a meaningful birthday or anniversary came round to mock and remind her of all that she had lost. She had Ellie to look after.
Still, looking at it from that point of view, it did explain why Leah seemed so out of it. Before this, her life was wonderful – she’d achieved her lifetime ambition, she had a man who loved her, and the promise of an exciting future.
Now, things were looking a whole lot different and, while her professional life was still on the up, her personal life was in tatters. Olivia felt for her, and made a mental note to be there as much as she could for her over the next while, seeing as Kate didn’t seem to be prepared to do the same thing. She knew Leah was suffering over that too. Since Kate had her baby, that friendship was slowly but surely slipping away.
Matt looked sideways at her. “Robin seems nice.”
“She is,” was all she said.
“There’s a bit of history between you two then?” It was a
statement rather than a question.
She shrugged, not really wanting to get into it just then. “We were close in uni, but we lost touch when Robin moved to the States.”
“So, tonight really was your first time seeing one another in what – seven years? And you didn’t keep up contact in the meantime?” Matt was amazed. “No wonder there was tension.”
“Did you think there was?” Olivia was worried now. She thought she’d played it to perfection.
“Well, I thought she seemed a bit edgy, but I could have been imagining it.” He seemed to pause intentionally, before adding “So Leah, in her own way, was hoping to be peacemaker then?”
“Peacemaker?”
“Well, I didn’t really understand most of her gibberish, but she kept repeating that stuff about you all being friends again and how this Kate thinks Robin’s a ‘bitssh’,” he mimicked good-humouredly. Then his tone grew more serious. “It doesn’t take a genius to work out that she wasn’t there for you when Peter died.” Matt shook his head. “That must have been tough. Or …” he hesitated, “is there more than that to it? Did Robin–”
“What?” Olivia cried, then slammed down on the brakes and swerved as a car pulled out of a parking-place on her left. She had all but hit it.
“He was indicating,” said Matt mildly.
Olivia didn’t answer. It was as though every muscle, every tendon in her body had all at once tensed to breaking-point, and she felt as though a herd of horses had just trampled over her stomach.
Staring rigidly at the road ahead, her pulse still racing, she scrambled to sort out her thoughts. But how could she explain it all here – in the car, while she was supposed to be concentrating on driving? But she had to say something now, didn’t she?
“Matt,” she began. “I don’t know how you… ”
Just then his mobile shrilled, and the remaining words died on Olivia’s lips. He glanced at her apologetically, as he answered.
“Hey, Catherine.”
Olivia exhaled loudly.
“Hi, yes, we’re just on our way back – what? You’re kidding…”
