The Birthday Girls

by Pauline Lawless

  After they’d dried off in the sun, Jack carried an icebox from the boat and, handing her a cool beer, spread out a picnic of bread and dips with shrimp and chicken wings, followed by fresh pineapple and grapes.

  “Not exactly what you’re used to,” he said, biting into a chicken wing.

  “It’s the most romantic meal I’ve ever had,” she replied, kissing him, tasting the salt from the sea on his lips.

  They sat wrapped together in a huge beach towel as they ate. Then Mel lay down with her head in his lap and he fed her the grapes and pineapple. She was totally naked but it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Her previous inhibitions had disappeared. She would have stayed there forever but sadly the day had to end and they were both quiet as they headed for home.

  “That was a very special day,” Jack said as he pulled up at Lexi’s house.

  “I’ll never forget it, as long as I live,” she told him and she knew it was true.

  Neither of them wanted to part but eventually he had to leave and, missing him already, she walked in to meet her friends.

  * * *

  Brenda had been in bad form all afternoon and Lexi knew it had something to do with Bob. Although Brenda had received calls from her kids and family all day long, wishing her a happy birthday, Lexi suspected that Bob was not among the callers. Eventually, while they had been relaxing alone by the pool in the late afternoon, Lexi asked her outright.

  “Have you heard from Bob today?”

  “No. I can’t believe he’s being this childish. It’s ten o’clock at night in Ireland now but he still hasn’t called to wish me a happy birthday. That’s the first time in twenty-five years that’s happened.” She sounded glum.

  “Tell me about it,” Lexi said, reaching for Brenda’s hand. Although they were all close, Lexi had always had a special bond with Brenda. She was the sister Lexi never had and she loved her dearly.

  “Where do I start?” Brenda wondered. “I loved Bob so much but we seem to have grown apart over the years. I was so occupied with the kids and my younger brothers and sisters that I didn’t notice, or if I did, I was just too busy to do anything about it.” She grimaced. “That was probably a big mistake.”

  Lexi patted her hand. “How could you have, with all the responsibilities you had on your shoulders?”

  “I guess. Bob never was great with responsibility and he didn’t have the ambitions that I had for the children. I wanted them to fulfil their potential, something I never did, but Bob didn’t understand. We had endless rows over it.”

  Lexi was heartbroken for her.

  “To be honest, I feel like I’ve outgrown him and I can’t see any way forward. We’re just two different people now from the people we were twenty years ago. I never thought I’d say it but I guess we married much too young.”

  “I don’t know what to say. What are you going to do about it?”

  “I don’t know. I’m so afraid. He doesn’t want to make love to me any more and he won’t talk about it. I can’t even remember the last time we made love, it’s been so long.” Brenda felt the tears come to her eyes as she voiced her worst fear.

  “Oh honey, I’m so sorry,” Lexi said sadly, taking Brenda’s hand. “That must be difficult.”

  “It is. Our sex life was always good and I’m missing it now and feeling frustrated all the time. I wonder if it’s my fault that he finds me undesirable and unattractive. I miss the intimacy. It’s as if there’s a huge chasm between us and I don’t know how to bridge it.” She swallowed hard, trying not to cry, but it was difficult and a tear slid down her cheek.

  “That’s terrible and trust me, you are desirable and attractive. Troy certainly agrees with me there.”

  Brenda smiled. “He has boosted my confidence, I have to admit.”

  “It sounds like you and Bob don’t communicate any more which is the most important thing in a relationship. You absolutely have to get him to talk about the problem.”

  “I have tried but it’s hopeless. He adamantly refuses to discuss it. I will try one more time but if he won’t communicate with me then I guess our marriage will be over. I can’t go on like this.”

  “All I can advise is that life is so short, you must live every moment to the full.”

  “You know, Troy said the same thing to me the first night we met.”

  “He’s right. I, more than anyone, know how quickly it can be snatched away.”

  “You certainly do,” Brenda replied as she wiped a tear away. “Why is life so damn difficult?”

  “I really think you have to thrash this out with Bob as soon as possible. You can’t let it fester on like this.”

  Brenda nodded. She knew Lexi was right.

  * * *

  Mel returned home to find Lexi and Brenda in a sombre mood.

  “What’s up?” she asked, worried that something had happened while she had been having such a wonderful day.

  “Nothing to worry about . . . well, I mean, it’s just Angel. She refused to get out of bed at all today. I tried to bring up the subject of her drinking but she wouldn’t listen,” Lexi explained. “She’s in a bad way, Mel. She needs professional help but I don’t know how we can get her to go for it. Brenda and I are so worried about her.”

  “Oh lord! Sorry I wasn’t here to help.”

  “You couldn’t have helped. No one could get through to her, the state she’s in. She’s been sleeping all day.”

  “I’m not surprised after all she drank last night. Is there nothing we can do about it?” Mel asked in a worried voice. Yes, she’d been really angry with Angel last night but they’d been friends for so long and if Angel needed help then she could count on her.

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to put our heads together and come up with a solution.”

  “Well, you look like you had a good day,” Brenda observed, changing the subject.

  “I did. I had a wonderful day. Today’s your birthday, Brenda. Happy birthday! I hope you had a great day.”

  “Every day’s a great day here,” Brenda replied, smiling. “But I suspect you had an even better day,” she remarked, noting Mel’s tanned skin and the glow in her eyes.

  “It was like a dream. The best day of my life,” Mel admitted breathlessly.

  “I hope you’re not falling for him, sweetie. I don’t think Jack is a guy to be tied down,” Lexi warned.

  Mel didn’t reply but looked downcast which made Lexi fear the worst.

  “Well, go and get changed quickly,” she instructed Mel. “We’ve been invited to Marvin’s for a barbeque in fifteen minutes.”

  “Oh great! But what about Angel?”

  “No, she won’t come. She’s taken some sleeping pills so I reckon she’ll be out for the count till morning. We’ll have to decide what to do about her tomorrow. In the meantime you’d better go get changed or we’ll be late.”

  “I expect to hear all about today in detail later,” Brenda said as they stood up.

  “Ooooh, you’d never believe it if I told you,” Mel pronounced as she skipped out and ran up the stairs.

  “I can well believe it!” Lexi called after her, grinning.

  “Lucky Mel!” Brenda said enviously as she left to go upstairs and grab her bag.

  Lexi looked after her worriedly, a frown on her face. Lordy, she thought to herself as she waited for them to come down, this birthday week is turning into something of a nightmare. Things were not going according to plan. Angel’s problem would have to be dealt with immediately and then there was Mel’s inevitable heartbreak when she and Jack would have to say goodbye. There was no way that was going to work out! And it was now obvious that Brenda’s marriage was in trouble. If only things were as straightforward now as they’d been when they were kids! Life had been so simple then.

  * * *

  Thinking over her conversation with Lexi, Brenda decided, on the spur of the moment, to call Bob. She checked her watch. It would be eleven in Ireland now.

  She dialled
the home number with trepidation. It rang and rang but there was no reply. She tried his mobile number but it went to voice message. She hung up without leaving a message. Where the hell was he?

  * * *

  Mel checked in on Angel who was, as Lexi had said, out for the count. Mel spoke to her softly but Angel did not respond. When Mel saw the bottle of Ambien on her bedside table she understood why. It was the strongest sleeping pill available and was also addictive. There was also some Prozac. She wondered if Angel was taking them regularly on top of alcohol. If so, then her friend really was in trouble. She debated whether to mention it to Lexi and Brenda. Better leave it till tomorrow, she decided.

  They left for the barbeque, Lexi having left instructions with Maria that she was to call Marvin’s number if Angel should wake up.

  * * *

  The three girls linked arms as they made their way up Marvin’s driveway.

  “Wow!” Brenda exclaimed as she spotted the mansion rising up before her.

  “Wow again! My lord, Lexi, that is some house!” Mel cried.

  “You just think it’s huge because even the largest apartments in Manhattan are like a shoebox in comparison to the houses down here and they’re more expensive!” Lexi laughed.

  “I’m not surprised Troy wants to relocate from New York to here,” Brenda remarked.

  “Maybe he has a point,” Mel agreed as Marvin answered the door, an apron over his shirt and jeans.

  “Welcome, lovely ladies,” he bowed as he showed them in. “Aren’t we missing someone? Where’s Angel?”

  “She’s not feeling well and went to bed,” Lexi told him.

  He didn’t say anything but raised his eyebrows. In a way he was relieved. It would be more relaxed and easy without her. A true diva, she clearly thrived on drama which could be very tiring at times. Marvin preferred the quiet life. He led them through the house to the lanai out back where Troy, also wearing an apron, was bent over the barbeque.

  “What is it with men and barbeques?” Brenda asked as he kissed her cheek.

  “Yeah, they don’t know how to boil an egg but won’t let anyone else get a look-in when it comes to cooking outdoors,” Mel declared.

  “I’m not complaining,” Lexi said, sinking into the soft white leather chair.

  * * *

  It was a brilliant night and there was much laughter and fun as they enjoyed the delicious barbeque the two guys had cooked up. They had grilled rib-eye steaks and corn-on-the-cob, served with loaded baked potatoes which they explained to Brenda meant butter, sour cream, bacon bits and cheese.

  “My God, how fattening!” she cried, yet she ate every morsel of them as they were so delicious.

  All this was accompanied by Troy’s signature salad which they all agreed was unique. He took the teasing with good humour.

  When Marvin heard that Mel had spent the day with Jack, he said, “You should have brought him along. There’s more than enough food here.”

  “Ah, thank you, Marvin, but he couldn’t come. He’s working this evening,” Mel told him.

  “Maybe, if he’s free tomorrow, he’d like to come out on the boat with us,” Troy suggested.

  “Uh-oh, sorry, Mel, I didn’t tell you that Troy is taking us out on his yacht tomorrow,” Lexi explained.

  “Thanks anyway but Jack has plans for tomorrow. He’s promised to help a friend paint his boat,” she informed Troy, grateful that he’d thought to include Jack.

  * * *

  When they’d finished eating Mel went out on to the beach to have a smoke. She texted Jack: Thanks for a wonderful day. Wish you were here. Love, Mel.

  Meanwhile, Marvin had taken Lexi into the house to show her what he’d done with her computer and Brenda found herself alone with Troy.

  “It’s so great to have you here tonight,” he said, taking her hand. “Happy birthday, sweetie.”

  Brenda blushed prettily. “How did you know it was my birthday?”

  “Ah, a little birdie told me,” he laughed. He then produced a velvet box from his pocket and held it out to her. “This is a little something I got for you.”

  She was taken aback. “Oh, I feel embarrassed now. You really shouldn’t have –”

  “I wanted to. Please take it,” he said, pressing it in to her hand.

  She opened the box and gasped when she saw the gold chain with the small palm tree hanging from it. In the centre of the palm was a lustrous green stone.

  “Oh, I couldn’t possibly accept this,” she stammered.

  “Of course you can. It’s a small birthday gift and I hope when you’re back in Ireland you’ll wear it and think of us here.”

  Brenda was overwhelmed. She had a lump in her throat as she said, “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever given me. Thank you.” She reached forward to give him a kiss on the cheek but somehow they ended up having a real full-blown kiss. She pulled away breathlessly, shocked at what had just happened but aware of how much she’d enjoyed it. Seeing the desire in Troy’s eyes she knew he felt the same way but she quickly came down to earth with a bang. Okay, so Bob hadn’t so much as called her to wish her a happy birthday but he was still her husband and getting involved with another man was wrong. Flustered, she excused herself and ran to the bathroom. Breathing deeply, she tried to gather her composure and after a few minutes managed to calm down. She was shocked at her behaviour but even more shocked at the passion that kiss had aroused in her. Troy made her feel sexy and attractive again and kindled feelings she’d thought were gone forever. There was no doubt she and Bob had problems but getting involved with another man was not the way to fix them, however attractive he was. Still, it was exciting to feel alive and desirable again. It made her realise that the time had come to address the issues in her marriage.

  Luckily, when she got back, the others had returned and it was time to leave. She avoided Troy’s eyes as she said goodnight. When she got home she tried to call Bob once more. She didn’t care that it was now three o’clock in the morning in Ireland. She rang him anyway, thinking that at least he’d be home now. However, once again the phone rang and rang with no reply. She replaced the receiver angrily. Where on earth could he be at this hour of the morning? Frustrated and lonely she went to bed but sleep evaded her. All she could think of was the fire in Troy’s kiss and the longing it had awakened in her.

  Chapter 16

  Lexi was more than surprised to see Angel appear the following morning as she was having breakfast on the terrace with Brenda and Mel. It was the earliest Angel had ever been up.

  “Good morning, all,” she said breezily as she helped herself to some coffee.

  The others were dumbfounded. She was her usual self, full of the joys of spring.

  “Well, it is a surprise to see you out and about so early,” Lexi observed. “How are you feeling?”

  “Much better, honey. I guess I must have eaten a dodgy shrimp the other night.”

  The three women looked at each other in amazement. Angel was obviously going to blame the crustacean for her disposition of the day before.

  “Well, what’s on the agenda today?” she enquired, smiling at them.

  “Troy has invited us out on his yacht this morning and we’ll have lunch on board. Will you be up to it, do you think?” Lexi asked.

  “But of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Troy is a fabulous guy and I quite fancy him. I have big plans for him.” She winked at them. “I’m really looking forward to seeing this yacht of his.”

  Mel shook her head and threw a disgusted look at Brenda. Angel was behaving as though everything was normal. There was no way they could have any kind of discussion with her about her drinking as long as she was in denial about her problem.

  “By the way, Kenny has been calling wanting to talk to you.”

  “Kenny?” Angel asked, her face blank. She screwed up her eyes as she tried to remember who he was. “Oh yes, Kenny,” she said. “He’s a bit old for me, isn’t he?”

  Mel shook h
er head in disgust.

  “Anyway, what time are we meeting up with Troy this morning?” Angel wanted to know.

  “Nine fifteen in the marina. We leave here at nine.”

  Angel looked at her watch. “Gosh, I’d better go and get ready.” She knocked back her coffee and jumped up.

  “Won’t you have some breakfast?” Lexi asked her.

  “The coffee was my breakfast,” Angel replied, blowing her a kiss before skipping away in through the French doors and up the stairs.

  Lexi looked at the other two helplessly. “I don’t know how she can survive. She didn’t eat a thing all day yesterday. She has to eat.”

  “Yeah, well, people who survive on alcohol and drugs rarely bother eating.”

  “Drugs!” Brenda and Lexi exclaimed together.

  “You’re not saying she’s on drugs?” Brenda asked anxiously.

  “Well, I noticed Ambien on her bedside table last night and I also saw some Prozac. That combination along with alcohol is lethal. It’s no wonder she was so out of it the other night.”

  “My God, if that’s the case it’s worse than I thought,” Lexi said in an anguished voice.

  “Maybe we’ll get a chance to talk to her today,” Brenda suggested.

  “Maybe, but I doubt she’ll listen,” Mel said resignedly.

  * * *

  Lexi, Mel and Brenda were all gathered in the foyer before nine but there was no sign of Angel even when the hour passed. She eventually made her entrance five minutes later looking as if she was on her way to a photo-shoot for the cover of the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated. She was wearing a tiny white bikini top which barely covered her ample assets and a white and gold chiffon wrap skirt which no doubt was covering an equally skimpy bikini bottom. She was wearing full make-up and her gold and crystal bead necklaces and bracelets all jangled as she walked. She was perched on a pair of gold platform sandals and sported a Michael Kors gold tote bag, huge Prada sunglasses and a big floppy white hat.