He left just before Melissa made it back from the pool. ‘Are we meeting Matt for dinner or what?’ she asked.
‘No, drinks afterwards.’
‘Great.’
‘With Alfio.’
‘Nice guy.’
‘Looking to get laid.’
‘Not that bloody nice. I’ve a husband and two kids to get back to.’
Harriet smiled. And I’ve got James, whether he likes it or not.
Gerry was waiting at the airport for Melissa with flowers and a large apology. She was just glad to be home. She hugged him tightly and asked after their kids – Susan was kindly minding them. All the way home they talked about how they could manage and what they would do, and even after they’d arrived, they sat in their driveway talking.
‘You’re sure?’ Gerry said.
‘I’m just so tired,’ Melissa said.
‘I know,’ he confessed.
‘It won’t be for ever.’
Gerry kissed his wife. ‘Rather you than me.’
‘It won’t be for ever,’ she repeated.
Melissa would be sad to leave the company and her friends, and she knew she’d miss the gossip and the jokes, the work, the money and the benefits, but her job was demanding and so were her kids, and she knew she just couldn’t do it all any more. She handed in her notice two weeks later, and that night she had the first good night’s sleep she’d had in more than a year. Hello, world, I’m back.
Matt insisted on walking Harri to her car in the long-term car park.
‘So is it okay if I call you?’ he said.
Harri smiled. ‘It’s fine.’
‘Good,’ he said. ‘I suppose you know Alfio is going home.’
‘Well, he couldn’t hide out in Wicklow for ever.’
‘He was the best trainer I had.’
She laughed. ‘That’s tough shit.’ She got into her car and he waved her off – it was too early in their relationship for a hug.
She drove out of the airport and straight to Malcolm’s, where James was still staying. He opened the door.
‘Hi,’ she said, beaming at him.
‘Hi,’ he replied.
‘I’ve come back from Seville and while I was there I told an Argentinian guy to take a chance on the woman he loved and it didn’t really work out – but fuck it, because now I’m here asking you to take a chance on me. I love you. I want to marry you, and you know what they say – third time lucky.’
‘How romantic of you.’ He laughed.
‘Yeah, well, I’m a big romantic.’
‘No, you’re not.’
‘No, I’m not … but I could change.’
‘No, you couldn’t.’
‘No, I couldn’t. So, are you in or out?’
Malcolm arrived home with two bags of chips, a kebab and a battered burger only to find his flatmate’s tongue down his ex-fiancée’s throat. Ah, well, all the more for me.
In the month following Harri’s trip to Seville she spoke with Matt Delamere often. The phone was so much easier than face to face. She felt calmer and she thought he did too.
‘You know what I don’t get?’ Harri said, into the phone, while propping up her pillow to make herself comfortable.
‘What?’ Matt asked, sipping a glass of wine in his conservatory.
‘Brendan found her. But what the hell was he doing out in the wood in the middle of the night?’
‘He said he was going for a run.’
‘And you believe him?’
‘At the time he was a celibate gay man so I suppose anything is possible.’
‘Poor Brendan.’
‘You know, once, years ago and when he was very drunk, he told me he heard her calling him.’
‘Telepathically?’
‘That’s what he said.’
‘Impossible.’
‘That’s what I thought but then I remembered something.’
‘What?’
‘Liv used to try to contact me telepathically when I was at boarding-school. She always got so pissed off when it didn’t work.’
‘Bloody hell.’
Matt laughed. ‘I’m sure he was just running off some frustration.’
‘Yeah.’
Harri said goodnight, then thought about what Matt had said. She wondered whether or not she’d mention it to James, who was in the other room halfway through a box-set of CSI. I’ll just sleep on that one.
One morning, not long after that conversation, Brendan was sitting at his kitchen table reading the newspaper and indulging in his second cup of coffee.
‘Brendan?’
‘Harri?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well, hello.’
‘I hope you don’t mind me calling this early in the morning.’
‘Of course not.’
‘Do you mind if I ask you a question?’ She was holding the phone between her ear and her shoulder to facilitate making toast.
‘Go ahead.’
‘On the night Liv died, why did you call Uncle Thomas?’
‘Who the hell is Uncle Thomas?’
‘Oh, I’m sorry – Father Ryan. Why him?’
‘Because Liv’s mother wasn’t well. Her stepfather was an animal who had just been escorted out of town – and poor Matt, well, he was only a boy. I promised Liv I’d take care of her and I failed. After all the business with her stepfather, Father Ryan felt he’d failed her too. I knew he’d help and he did.’
‘Brendan?’
‘Yes?’
‘That night in the wood, did she really call out to you telepathically?’
Brendan was slightly shocked by the question. He was silent for a moment. ‘Call me crazy, but I think she did.’
‘Wow,’ Harri said.
After that they chatted for a little while – long enough for Harri to burn four slices of toast – but the end of the call was the most intriguing part.
‘Harri?’
‘Yes?’
‘How’s George?’
It was a month before her wedding. The Shelbourne was jammed but Harri could spot Matt a mile away. She waved and he smiled at her. She rose and he kissed her cheek. They sat.
‘How’s Clara?’
‘Good.’
‘I’m glad.’
‘James?’
‘Great.’
He grinned. ‘I broke up with Clara.’
‘So when you said she’s good you meant she’s better off without you.’
‘Thanks a lot. I’m going to remain single for a while.’
‘Single or celibate?’
‘I haven’t decided.’
It had been about four months since they had first met and, although it was still new and sometimes strange, Matt and Harri had formed a nice little friendship. It turned out that although they had not many common interests they were alike in that they valued honesty over propriety.
‘Nervous?’ he asked, surveying the menu.
‘Not a jot.’
‘You’ve no plans on stuffing up a third wedding, then?’
‘Nope.’
‘Good for you.’
‘Thanks.’
The waitress was a blonde in her late twenties. ‘What can I get you?’ she asked.
‘Well, my dear, that depends on what you’re offering,’ he said, arching an eyebrow.
‘Don’t you dare!’ Harri warned.
It was never going to be a traditional father-and-daughter relationship but Harri already had that kind of dad in Duncan Ryan. She found she quite enjoyed her time with Matt on a completely different level, which was new and interesting.
Before they left, he mentioned Liv’s old house on Castle Street. He told her he’d bought it a few years beforehand and that it was hers if she wanted it. ‘A wedding present,’ he said.
‘It’s too
much.’
‘No. It’s not. It’s rightfully yours and, besides, there’s a huge amount of work to be done. I was thinking it might make a nice little holiday home.’
‘We have a place in Wexford.’
‘George says it’s a dive.’
She laughed. ‘It’s a complete dive.’
‘Well, the house on Castle Street is probably not much better but I think, in its time, that place saw a little happiness. Go and see it. Think about it.’ He handed her the keys. ‘You don’t have to take it if you don’t want to.’
‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘I don’t know what to say.’
‘Don’t say anything. Just go there. I think you’ll like it.’
‘I will.’
‘One more thing. Liv’s mum, Deirdre, left her room exactly as it was on the night she died. It’s untouched, like going back in time.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, and suddenly her eyes were welling. ‘Thanks.’
He nodded and they said their goodbyes.
George had been seeing Brendan for several months before he had the courage to tell Harri. ‘I really like him.’
‘La la la!’
‘Harri, I really like him.’
‘La la la!’
‘Are you going to stop that?’
Harri took her hands away from her ears. ‘As I’ve already pointed out, he’s twenty-six years older than you.’
‘I know.’
‘He was my dead mother’s friend.’
‘I know.’
‘He’s my brand-new father’s best friend.’
‘I know.’
‘Stop saying, “I know.”’ For the first time Harri realized how annoying it was. ‘Do you really think you have a future with this man?’
‘I do. I really, really do.’
He had spoken in earnest. Bloody hell. ‘Fine, then.’
‘Really?’
She nodded. ‘It’s not like you’ll do anything but what you want to do anyway.’
‘That’s true. After all, I am known for being selfish,’ he acknowledged. ‘Thank you, Harri.’
‘You’re welcome, George.’
After just a short time together, it seemed as if Brendan and George had never been apart. They shared the same interests, dressed similarly, enjoyed the finer things in life and, most noticeably, they were comfortable together, as though they really and truly fitted. The gap in each of them had closed.
Harri enjoyed spending time with her brother and his boyfriend, but to Brendan, the presence of George and his old best friend’s daughter in his life meant the world. ‘I’m really happy,’ he told George one night, lying in bed, warm and relaxed. ‘I can’t remember being this content.’
‘Me too,’ George said.
‘I was so lonely,’ Brendan went on, ‘for so long.’
‘And the romantic in you likes to believe that your friend Liv had a hand in us meeting.’
Brendan’s smile widened. ‘You know me so well.’
George laughed. ‘Well, whether it was Liv or Fate or just bloody good luck, I’m grateful.’
It was two weeks before the wedding. Harri rang Susan from the car.
Beth picked up.
‘Well?’ Harri asked.
‘He’s still in surgery. Do you know what they’re actually doing to him?’
‘I don’t want to know.’
‘They’re reconstructing –’
‘Beth, I do not want to know.’
‘Mum keeps making dick jokes. Like, why did the dick cross the road? Because it could.’
‘That’s not funny.’
‘I didn’t say they were funny. Dad’s laughing, though, so that’s good. Oh, she’s back from the loo – I’ll put you on to her. See ya, Harri.’
‘See ya, Beth.’
‘Hi,’ Susan said.
‘Well?’ Harri asked.
‘He should be out shortly. I’m starving.’
‘Me too.’
‘I’d love a chicken tandoori.’
‘Exactly what I was thinking.’ Harri looked at James, who was driving. ‘We’ll have to stop for a chicken tandoori.’
‘Are you in the car?’ Susan asked.
‘On the way to Wicklow.’
‘You’re going into that house, aren’t you?’
‘Yeah,’ she said.
‘Best of luck.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Right, I’d better go,’ said Susan.
‘Tell Andrew I said hi.’
‘Will do. Love to James.’
She hung up and Harri looked at James. She sighed.
‘What?’
‘Nothing.’
They stood outside the house for less than a minute. Harri put the key into the door and opened it. They walked around the downstairs, the tiny hall with the steep staircase, the back kitchen that led to an overgrown garden. The front sitting room was small but full of light. They made their way upstairs, with Harri leading. The first stop was the bathroom, which was surprisingly large.
‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’ James asked.
‘This room is perfectly proportioned to house a Raindance Rainmaker shower.’ She sighed.
‘Bingo!’
Liv’s bedroom had her name on the door. Harri stood outside looking at it for a moment or two. The name ‘Olivia’ was faded, almost gone. She opened the door to reveal a small room with a small bed, a locker stuffed with girls’ magazines, nail varnish and creams. The wardrobe housed her clothes: jeans, tops and a smock or two.
‘Jesus, people are wearing them again now,’ James pointed out.
Her school uniform hung there, but was pushed to the side and on its own. The desk by the window was tiny and there was engraving in its soft wood.
Liv loves Matthew
One day at a time
Kentucky
James found a big padlock in her top drawer. ‘What the hell is this for?’ he said, raising it high.
Harri sat on the bed, a little overwhelmed.
‘Are you okay? You look pale.’
‘I’m fine.’
‘Sure?’
‘Can you feel her presence here?’ she asked.
‘No,’ he admitted. And if I could I’d run out of here like my arse was on fire. ‘Me neither and I’m glad. I’m glad she left this place.’
It was James who noticed the slight bump in the mattress.
‘Well, it’s old.’
He lifted it. ‘I’ve found something.’ He held up a thick book.
‘It’s a diary,’ she said, eyes glistening.
A few letters fell out. Harri picked them up. ‘They’re from Matt.’
She opened the first page and read aloud, ‘“January 1975. And so starts another year. God, I hope it’s better than last year. Sheila said it has to be because everyone knows that every year ending in five is a good one. Sheila really is a SPAZ!!”’
She laughed and hugged the diary tight. ‘It’s her,’ she said, tears falling.
‘Who knew we’d find treasure?’ he said, holding her close to him.
11 July 1976 – Sunday
I woke up feeling sore and all day I’m getting cramps. I was making Mam some breakfast and had to bend over with the pain but then it went. She seems brighter since HE left. He collected his clothes yesterday and it was Father Ryan who drove him to the station. I don’t know where he’s going and I don’t care, but Sheila said her dad told her that one of the lads that normally drink in the Pole was in his bar last night and he said HE’s going to London. It’s so great that he’s gone. I swear even when I’ve got cramps I’m smiling. I really think, after a few months away from him, Mam will be back to her old self. My eye is healing well, which is good if I’m going to be getting married soon. Matthew left to go and see his grandd
ad this morning and before he left he slipped a letter through my door only because I said since he’d finished school I really missed his letters. He is so romantic.
It’s late and the pain is much worse. Mam’s in bed asleep. It’s raining. If I go now and take the short-cut through Devil’s Glen I’ll get to Dr B’s in half an hour. It’s probably nothing but better to be safe than sorry. I’m so sick of not having a phone!!! Maybe if I close my eyes and concentrate really hard I can communicate with him so that he can meet me halfway.
No.
Shit.
Before I go. Today I took a walk in the afternoon because I thought it might help with the pains. I haven’t really spent much time by the Eliana since HE grabbed me there, but today I stayed for a whole hour just looking out to sea. I know I’m always saying I can’t wait to leave Wicklow but I love it here too. Wicklow’s in my bones so, no matter where I go, I’ll never leave it and that’s okay by me. I’d better go before the rain gets any worse.
One last thing! I’M GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!! Hello, I’m Liv Delamere!!!!
10 July
Liv,
Tomorrow morning I’ll be on a train to visit my granddad to get him to agree to me making you my wife. Dr B is right. It’s the right thing to do, but, more than that, it’s the only thing I want to do. I want to call you my wife. I love you more than I knew it was possible to love. My heart is full and it’s full of you. Henry says angels exist and I think he’s right because I’m going to marry one. (Don’t puke, I’m serious!) I can’t wait to come home to you. I can’t wait to make you my wife. See you soon, Liv Delamere.
Love
Matt
27. The wedding – take three
The date was 27 December 2006, and it was the third time Harri was set to marry.
She’d slept like a log the night before, with her fiancé beside her.
‘I’m not doing it unless we go to the church together,’ he had said.
‘But it’s unlucky.’
‘Could it possibly be any more unlucky than being left at the altar twice?’
‘Good point.’
Now James was in George’s room. Malcolm and Brendan were helping him with his tie, his vows and her nerves.
‘What did you say? Honour, protect and what?’ Malcolm said, through a mouthful of toast.
The Truth Will Out Page 30
