by Melissa Hill
‘Not really,’ she replied automatically but just in time, figured she’d better keep up appearances, especially in front of Trish. ‘Of course I miss having my assistant and the parties and the premieres, but honestly? The reason I came here was to spend time with my folks and that’s what I’m doing.’
‘Hmm, a little bird told me you’ve been spending some time with Charlie Mellon too,’ Trish said coyly and Ruth looked at her.
‘What? Where did you hear that?’
She smiled. ‘I told you, a little bird told me.’
‘Well, the little bird was wrong. I did see Charlie ages ago, yes, when he called to drop off something for Dad at the house, but other than that…’
‘Right. Whatever you say,’ Trish replied in a tone that suggested she didn’t believe a word of it. It was times like this when Ruth really did miss LA – even though Hollywood was a small town and the rumour mill moved fast, it surely wasn’t as fast as the one in this place!
And once again she hoped against hope that her doctor wasn’t in cahoots with Trish Brogan, or soon her little secret would be everywhere. As it was, one only had to count back the weeks to figure out exactly when it happened and worse, who the father was, and Ruth didn’t need that kind of melodrama, not again. She didn’t think she would be able to cope with it this time, not when she’d just about got over the last round.
She decided she’d better change the subject. ‘Tell me, do you think they’d desauce the meat on here? My stomach really can’t handle anything made with starch.’
The following day Nina was working the afternoon shift at the cafe – much to her relief as after last night’s ginormous steak portion, she’d had a severe case of indigestion that had kept her up most of the night. Thankfully she’d got away with sipping slowly at the wine, and once Trish had made inroads into the bottle, she’d failed to notice that Nina had drunk hardly any at all.
She’d really enjoyed herself though; Ruth was good company and could be quite hilarious once you broke through her sometimes rather guarded persona. It was funny too how despite her protests she still hadn’t quite left her LA life behind, and Nina knew the chef at the restaurant must have been scratching his head at her various requests.
They’d had great fun last night, especially when Ruth decided to fill them in on all of Hollywood’s celeb secrets, like which massive male heartthrob was secretly gay and which long-time married ‘power couple’ couldn’t stand the sight of each other. It was priceless stuff and Nina knew that Trish sorely wished she worked for a newspaper that would be interested in such juicy gossip. But then again, nobody would probably believe her, and in truth, it was hard to tell if Ruth was being serious or just ramping up the scandal for fun.
In the end, it had been well after midnight by the time they’d left the restaurant and by then Nina’s sides were sore from laughing.
Half way through the afternoon, Emer, Deirdre and their respective broods came in to the cafe, followed closely by Jess.
Nina’s stomach knotted; she hoped that Jess wouldn’t mention anything about their meeting in Dublin that time.
‘How are you all?’ she greeted, coming over to their table immediately. Meeting her gaze and obviously sensing her concern, Jess gave her a surreptitious wink.
‘Hi there… Nina, isn’t it?’ she said, purposely pretending she didn’t know Nina all that well, and she felt relieved.
‘I’m good, thanks. How are you all today?’
Once her customers were seated and the children settled in, Nina took their orders and dropped them in to the kitchen. On her return out front she overheard part of the three women’s conversation.
‘Are you sure Brian won’t mind the kids running amok on those gorgeous walnut floors?’ Deirdre was asking Jess.
‘Well … I’m sure it will be fine seeing as it’s a garden party, so everyone should be outside mostly …’ she replied, tone hesitant.
‘We’d better pray for good weather so!’ Emer laughed, and Deirdre shot her a look.
Her interest piqued by their chat, Nina hovered around a nearby table, taking much longer than normal to clear it. She knew she shouldn’t listen in, but she was eager to find out if they were still bending Jess’s ear about getting pregnant.
‘It should be fine,’ Jess said. ‘And Brian is really looking forward to it. It’s been ages since we had you guys round.’
‘Jess is having us all over for a party next Saturday,’ Emer said, addressing Nina, who jumped guiltily.
‘Oh … that sounds nice,’ she replied, smiling.
Jess caught her eye. ‘Yes, I thought it would be good for all of us to get together, the kids too so that no one will have to worry about babysitters.’ Deirdre and Emer were smiling and nodding in agreement.
Nina looked at the children, secretly wondering if Jess knew what she was getting herself, and her furniture, into. Little Amy was in the process of smearing Petit Filous onto her clothes and Deirdre’s boys were in the middle of painting each other’s faces with coloured marker.
She swallowed hard. ‘That’s very nice of you.’
‘Yes, and one we really appreciate,’ Deirdre said. ‘And I think it’ll be good for Jess to see what her house will look like when it’s full of little ones, since it won’t be long till she has her own.’
Nina couldn’t help but think that the woman sounded like an over-aggressive mother-in-law, and one look at Jess’s face suggested she felt the same. Poor thing looked like she wanted to cry.
‘Yes well, everything in its time, I suppose,’ Nina said, trying to help get her new friend off the hook, and Jess gave her a grateful smile. ‘Do you need any help with catering, or anything? Ella does a great line in finger food, although I suppose with it being in Dublin and everything, you’ve already made your own arrangements.’
‘No, I would actually love that,’ Jess said brightly. ‘Saves me the headache of worrying about what to get, or how to cook it.’ She grimaced. ‘Brian is great on the barbecue, but I’d burn toast.’
‘That’s a really great idea, Nina,’ Deirdre said, ‘I would totally offer to give Jess a hand, but I’m afraid I might be more trouble than I’m worth with these two. Don’t worry about tidying up too much beforehand though,’ she said to Jess, ‘Because the place will get torn up in no time.’
Judging by the barely masked glee on Deirdre’s face, it was almost like she was relishing the prospect of letting her children loose on Jess’s nice house. What sort of friends were these?
‘Well, let me know if you want to talk to Ella about nibbles,’ she said to Jess. ‘I know she’d be delighted to help out, and we can organise someone to drop them up to you that morning.’
‘I’d really appreciate that,’ Jess smiled. Then she paused, as if something had just occurred to her. ‘Actually Nina, I was wondering if you’d like to come along too? If you’re free, that is.’
‘To the party?’
‘Sure.’ She could tell that Jess was almost enjoying the surprised looks on the other girls’ faces.
‘You could get a lift with whoever’s dropping off the food.’
‘Oh, to help with the party, you mean,’ Emer said in a patronising tone that got right up Nina’s nose.
Jess reddened. ‘Of course not! No, Nina please don’t misunderstand, I mean absolutely as a guest. It would be lovely to have you,’ she assured her and Nina could tell from her tone that she genuinely would like her to come – perhaps as some form of ally? In which case she’d only be happy to accept, especially if it browned off the other two.
‘I’d be delighted,’ she said with a smile. ‘Thank you for asking.’
Chapter 23
It was the following Friday morning and Ruth was getting ready to go to a hospital appointment. She looked in the mirror and realised that these days she had a glow about her; her face had filled out a little (as had her body) but she didn’t mind.
Today she was having her first ultrasound at a private maternity clin
ic in Dublin. As her parents still knew nothing about her pregnancy, she’d called a taxi to take her within walking distance of the hospital so as not to arouse suspicion. For the same reason, she had arranged to meet the driver in the centre of Lakeview rather than have him call to the house to collect her.
She was walking into town, deep in thought and thinking about what it would be like to see living proof of her baby’s existence, when a car slowed alongside her and she heard her name being called.
‘Ruth.’
She looked up and to her surprise found that the driver of the car was none other than Charlie.
‘Oh hello there.’ She smiled and waved, trying her utmost to appear relaxed and unaffected. Still, she couldn’t ignore the way her heart skipped a beat when she saw him and she quickly resolved to put those thoughts away.
‘Where are you off to? Can I give you a lift?’
‘Just into town, and no I’m fine walking.’
‘Are you sure? It looks like it’s about to rain and you don’t want to get caught out in it.’
Ruth looked up. The skies did look formidably dark and no; she didn’t want to get soaked – not in the circumstances. ‘Well, if you don’t mind…’
‘Not at all. Get in,’ Leaning forward, he opened the passenger door and Ruth slid in alongside him.
‘Nice car,’ she said, taking in the top-end Mercedes’ plush leather interior.
‘Yeah, well there are some benefits to being in this business,’ he said smiling. ‘But seriously, it’s not mine, it’s actually a display model.’
‘Oh. Well it’s very nice in any case.’
He pulled away from the kerb and they sat in a somewhat uncomfortable silence as he drove towards town.
‘So how are you these days?’ Charlie asked eventually, his gaze surreptitiously moving to her stomach.
‘I’m great thanks.’
‘Are you feeling OK? Any morning sickness or anything?’
She looked sideways at him. ‘No, just a little at the beginning but nothing for a few weeks now.’
‘You’re lucky. My sister, Kelly – do you remember her? She suffered with it for the full nine months.’
‘The poor thing. I guess I am lucky. How is she now and what did she have?’
‘She’s great and she had a little boy, Lenny. He’s almost two now – a mad fellow altogether.’ Charlie smiled fondly and shook his head. ‘You couldn’t keep up with him.’
‘I can imagine,’ Ruth said, finding it hard to picture herself running around after an energetic toddler. It still didn’t quite seem real, although she supposed it would after today.
‘So all’s going well then … with everything?’ Charlie continued and Ruth wondered why he was so interested now when he’d reacted so badly to the news initially.
‘Pretty much but I’ll find out more today.’
‘How so?’
‘I’m actually on my way for an ultrasound.’
‘Really? Where?’
‘Mount Carmel.’
He looked surprised. ‘I didn’t realise you were seeing someone here. I thought you’d wait until you got back to LA, you know just in case…’
‘I know what you’re thinking but honestly there’s a much greater chance of my keeping it under wraps here than in LA. One phone call from a dodgy nurse and the stalkerazzi would be down on top of me in no time.’
‘I suppose you’re right. Well, I hope it goes well … although, wait a second – how are you getting there – to the hospital I mean?’
‘I’m taking the train – my folks still don’t know, so I thought it would be safer.’
‘Don’t be stupid, I’ll drive you.’
‘Charlie no. It’s good enough of you to drop me into town…’
‘Forget it, I’m driving you. The last thing you want is the likes of Maeve McGrath or any of the nosy crew spotting you on the train, following you to the hospital and working things out,’ he argued, referring to one of the town’s longtime gossips. ‘Then it would definitely be all over town.’
Ruth thought about it. It certainly would be safer having someone who knew her situation drive her there, and certainly less chance of her getting caught out on the way.
‘Thank you for the offer but I’m sure you must have lots of other things to do – ’
‘Ruth, shut up.’ Charlie’s tone was gentle but firm. ‘I’m driving you – and I’ll drop you back afterwards too. As I said, you don’t want to take any chances.’
She looked at him, touched by his concern. ‘Thank you Charlie. I really appreciate it.’
‘No problem.’ At the bottom of the road, before they reached the centre of Lakeview, Charlie took a left and drove along the main road out of town.
As they drove towards Dublin, Ruth sat alongside him in a comfortable silence, faintly relieved that she didn’t have to take the trip on her own.
‘So it looks as if Lakeview is growing on you,’ Charlie stated eventually.
She smiled. ‘I know, I’m sort of surprising myself actually. I have a routine and some friends and well, it’s all just so easy, I guess.’
‘When do you suppose you will go back to La-La Land?’ he asked his features darkening somewhat.
‘I’m not entirely sure yet. The plan was to stay until the end of September, but of course I hadn’t bargained on this,’ she said motioning to her tiny bump. ‘Still, the break is nice and I’m starting to question some things.’
‘Like what?’
‘Oh, just things,’ she said, being intentionally vague. ‘I’m finding myself more relaxed than I’ve been in quite some time, and I’m wondering if it’s me who has changed or this place. You know?’
Charlie smiled at her but said nothing.
Less than an hour later they reached the hospital, and Charlie pulled into the car park outside. Stopping the car, he got out and came around to Ruth’s side to open her door.
‘Thanks,’ she said gratefully reaching for his hand as he helped her out.
‘No problem. What time is your appointment?’
‘We’re a little early actually but I’m sure it’ll be fine.’
‘Right. So do you want me to…’ he trailed off and Ruth looked at him.
‘What?’ she asked, rifling around in her handbag for her referral letter.
‘Never mind, it doesn’t matter.’
She frowned, wondering what was up with him. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to just head back? I shouldn’t be too long in there, but then again, I don’t know what to expect from these places, there could be a line a mile long and I really don’t want you waiting around.’
‘I’m in no rush honestly. And I was just going to ask if you wanted me to wait with you.’
Her head jerked up. ‘In the hospital … with me … really?’
‘I’m sorry if it’s inappropriate, it’s none of my business after all and – ’
Ruth was touched. ‘Actually no no, please do come, that would be nice, honestly.’
‘I’m not intruding?’
‘Not in the least, I would welcome the company.’
‘Well, okay, if you’re sure. I thought it would be easier than having you wait on your own – and at least then I’ll have some idea of when you’ll be out.’
‘Makes sense.’ Ruth smiled but still couldn’t help but feel taken aback at his request. It was a strange man indeed that offered to wait at a prenatal clinic amongst other women in various degrees of pregnancy, but if he insisted…
It was a only a half hour before Ruth’s name was called and in the meantime she and Charlie sat awkwardly amongst the other women, some with partners, others without and a few with children in tow. It was a weird experience but one that Ruth figured she’d have to get used to.
It was a private maternity hospital – the most exclusive one in Dublin – and luckily none of the other mums seemed to recognise or have any idea that the woman with her hair in a ponytail and whose skin was free of makeup was the famous
TV star of Glamazons. And again, Ruth found she didn’t mind. She was tired of being stared at and assessed and it sort of felt nice to just be normal, the same as everyone else.
Finally, the nurse came out and called her name. ‘Thanks.’ She picked up her bag and stood up, and for some reason saw Charlie do the same. ‘I think I can take it from here,’ she said grinning and he blushed.
‘No, you should come along too,’ the nurse insisted.
Ruth laughed, and Charlie looked mortified. ‘Oh no, no he’s not the father,’ Ruth clarified. ‘We’re actually old friends; and he’s just here for moral support.’
‘Well he can give you moral support in there too if you’d like.’ The nurse walked off leaving Charlie and Ruth staring at one another.
‘If you want me …’
‘Do you want to?’
Conscious that they now had an audience, the two quickly followed the nurse out of the waiting room and down the hallway towards the examination room.
‘I’ll wait out here instead,’ he said and Ruth sighed.
‘Oh for goodness sake – I won’t have you standing out here in the hallway. Come in with me if you like.’
‘Ruth, honestly …’
The sonographer popped her head round the door. ‘Ah, it’s nice to see the dads involved in the appointments; so many men can get squeamish here. Better get used to it though; you’ll be standing right there when the little one pops out!’
‘Actually, I’m not … ‘ Charlie began but the woman had already disappeared back inside. Ruth shrugged and beckoned him to follow her in.
‘Sorry,’ she mouthed and he shook his head and smiled, fully aware of the ridiculousness of it all.
When they came inside the sonographer smiled at them both. ‘Before you ask, he’s not the father,’ Ruth blurted out, suddenly nervous at the sight of the exam chair with its stirrups and the formidable looking medical machinery.
‘Well, that’s allowed. And I think it’s always nice to have someone else here for this,’ she said. ‘It is a big moment after all.’
