A Love Like This

by Maria Duffy

  She suddenly snapped back to the present. He’d actually found her. She didn’t know how he’d done it, but he had. She pushed through the door that opened at the side of the counter, a smile almost splitting her face in two. ‘William, I can’t believe …’

  ‘Donna?’ Megan looked at her strangely. ‘Who are you talking to?’

  Donna stared at the customer who’d sounded so like William and her heart sank. He must have been about fifty, with a scruffy-looking beard and tiny eyes that were too close together. Nothing like her beautiful William.

  ‘Donna?’

  ‘Oh, sorry. I, em, thought I heard William – William Byrne. He was, em, coming in to order a cake today. Sorry about that. I’ll just grab this and head back inside.’

  She whipped one of the rosewater cupcakes from the display and disappeared into the back, her heart beating like crazy. She needed to get a grip. Bloody hell! She’d laugh if she didn’t feel so pathetic.

  Sitting back at the little table, she began nibbling at the pink icing on the cake. It was at times like this that she missed Tina. She’d have laughed at Donna making a fool of herself like she just had and she’d have had plenty of advice to offer on the situation. Tears sprang unbidden to Donna’s eyes at the thought of her sister. It was more than two and a half years since that dreadful night but the pain had never left her. She’d found a way of dealing with it but she didn’t think it would ever go away.

  Right, she wasn’t going to allow herself one more minute of wallowing. She was due her period, so maybe that’s why she was so down in the dumps at the moment. What she needed to do was make some cakes. She poured the half-full cup of tea into the sink and threw the barely-eaten cake in the bin.

  ‘Donna, are you okay?’

  ‘Jesus, Megan. You almost frightened the life out of me!’

  ‘Sorry. You seem very jumpy, though. What was all that about out there?’

  Donna busied herself washing her hands. ‘It was nothing. I’m just a bit distracted today. I have a lot on my mind.’

  Megan nodded and gave her a sympathetic look. ‘Well, there’s a woman outside asking for you. I forgot to get her name. Tall. Well dressed. Face like a slapped arse.’

  ‘You’re very naughty,’ giggled Donna. ‘But I know exactly who it is. Tell her I’ll be out in one minute.’

  Donna dried her hands on her apron and went to take the cake out of the store room. One of the most exciting parts of her job was seeing the reaction on people’s faces when they saw the finished product. And she felt this was her best work yet. She couldn’t wait to see what the customer thought. She checked the receipt and double-checked inside the box to make sure she had the right cake and carefully carried it out to the shop.

  ‘Now, Mrs Cooper-Smith. It’s all ready for you.’

  ‘Yes, well I should hope so. I’ve been out here ten minutes already and I have a client to see in less than half an hour.’

  ‘Sorry about that,’ said Donna, placing the box on the counter between them. ‘But I was just doing a final check to make sure everything was perfect.’

  ‘Right, I suppose I’d better have a look to make sure it’s okay before I head off. I’d hate to have to come back.’

  ‘Of course.’ Donna opened the box and turned it to face Vivienne Cooper-Smith. She held her breath as the woman stared at the cake.

  The seconds ticked by and Donna was beginning to feel anxious. ‘Mrs Cooper-Smith? Is it okay? I mean, do you like it? I included everything you said but if there’s anything you’re not happy with I can always …’

  ‘It’s perfect.’ She looked up and, to Donna’s shock, tears were glistening in the corners of the woman’s eyes. ‘Perfectly beautiful.’

  Donna exhaled. She’d thought for one minute that she was going to have to redo the whole thing. She really needed to work on her confidence.

  ‘I’m glad you like it. I really hope your husband does too.’

  ‘He’ll love it. How could he not?’ Her voice wobbled and Donna was startled to see tears form in her eyes.

  ‘God, I’m really sorry. It’s not like me to get all emotional. It’s just seeing the cake with everything George loves on it.’ She took a dainty cloth hanky from her Coach handbag and dabbed at her eyes. ‘George got sick a few years ago and I could have lost him. It’s just the two of us so I don’t know what I’d do without him.’

  Donna nodded. ‘When something like that strikes, it makes you realise what’s important. I’m glad he’s still around.’

  ‘Me too,’ said Vivienne, her eyes glazing over a little.

  ‘And I’m thrilled you love my cake so much. When is the party?’

  ‘Tomorrow night. It’s just a small affair with a few friends.’

  ‘I’m sure you’ll have a great time,’ said Donna, glancing at the clock. Jan would be back soon and she really wanted to make a start on that birthday cake.

  Vivienne must have got the message because she reached into her bag for her wallet. ‘I really can’t thank you enough for the cake,’ she said, handing over a hundred euros cash without flinching. ‘I know we agreed on eighty, but I’d like you to take the extra twenty for yourself. You did such a brilliant job.’

  Donna’s eyes opened wide. She’d never had a tip before, never mind such a large one. ‘I can’t, really …’

  ‘I won’t take no for an answer.’ She rooted in her bag again and pulled out something. ‘And here’s my card. I have my own law practice just across town so if you ever need a solicitor, I’ll look after you.’

  As though getting back into character, her face became stony, all trace of tears gone. With a curt nod, she turned on her heel and was gone out the door without another word. Donna stared after her. What a strange woman. But at least she loved the cake. And a twenty euro tip! She’d put it aside and maybe she’d take Bob out for a Chinese at the weekend. He was always treating her so it would be nice to return the favour for once.

  Donna glanced at the card in her hand. Vivienne Cooper-Smith, Solicitor. There were a whole lot of letters after her name which looked impressive and Donna imagined she was a woman you wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of. She slipped the card into the pocket of her jeans and headed back to her work station.

  She hummed to herself as she began to make tiny pieces of clothing from icing. She was making the eighteenth birthday cake to look like a messy bedroom with clothes and things strewn all over the place. She could never get over the fact that she was actually paid for doing this. It was such great fun and it made her happy.

  ‘I’m bloody gasping for a cuppa,’ said Jan, coming through the door like a hurricane. ‘You’d swear we were living in the North Pole or something, with the way they have the heat blasting in that wholesaler’s. I thought I was going to faint if I didn’t get out of there quickly.’

  Donna laughed at Jan’s flushed face and her usually perfect grey bun beginning to unravel. ‘Come on, I’ll make you a cup of tea but I’ve had my break already.’

  ‘Ah, just take a few minutes, Donna, love. I don’t get to see enough of you these days.’

  ‘You see me almost every day!’

  ‘But it’s not the same. I’m delighted you have your own place now but I miss having you around at home.’

  ‘Well, come on then. But just a few minutes. I wouldn’t want the boss to say I’m slacking off.’

  ‘I’ll have a word with her for you.’ Jan winked and led the way into the kitchen.

  They chatted for a while about trivial stuff until Jan’s face turned serious. Donna knew there was something on her mind.

  ‘Go on then,’ said Donna, raising an eyebrow.

  ‘Go on what?’

  ‘I can tell you want to say something. Go on – spit it out.’

  Jan laughed. ‘You know me too well. I was just going to ask you about Bob …’

  ‘What about him?’ Donna shifted uncomfortably on the chair.

  ‘Is there any chance you’ll be taking him off my hand
s any time soon?’

  The question hung in the air for a few seconds until Donna managed to speak. ‘Wh— what do you mean?’

  ‘I know I shouldn’t be poking my nose in, but it’s been a few months now and Bob spends half his time in your place anyway. Is there any chance you might make it a more permanent arrangement?’

  Donna was taken aback. She loved Jan but she didn’t want to discuss the ins and outs of her relationship. She was Bob’s mother, for God’s sake. It just didn’t feel right. And besides, she wasn’t ready for that full-time commitment yet.

  ‘I’m sorry if I upset you by asking, love. It’s just that seeing you both together makes me so happy. I couldn’t wish for a better daughter-in-law.’

  ‘Whoa! Back up there just a minute, Jan. You’re jumping ten steps ahead.’

  Jan took a sip of her tea and looked sheepish. ‘I just mean that the two of you are great together and I pray to God every day that it’s the real thing. You do love him, don’t you?’

  God, this conversation was getting more and more uncomfortable. ‘Yes, of course I do, but it’s still early.’

  ‘I know, love, and I’m sorry for asking. Forget I said anything.’

  ‘It’s okay, Jan. No harm done.’

  Donna spent the next hour working on her cake but she was feeling unsettled. Jan was like a mother to her and she loved her to bits. She knew Jan loved her too but Bob was her son. What would happen if they ever split up? If things went bad between her and Bob, would Jan abandon her? Donna couldn’t bear the thought. She’d no plans to leave him but, as she knew only too well, sometimes life took twists and turns that weren’t part of the plan.

  She took a step back to survey her work so far. Not too bad at all. It would be a while before it would all start to come together but it was looking good. She felt her spirits lift again. She was worrying unnecessarily. She and Bob were solid and loved each other deeply. She’d lost her family once but nothing was ever going to tear her new family apart.

  Chapter 22

  Donna was glad to step out of the rain and into her warm flat. She’d left the heat on before she went out so the place was lovely and toasty. She couldn’t wait to get out of her wet clothes and warm up. Her nightly visits had become weekly ones and she hated herself for the fact that she didn’t even look forward to that visit any more. It just made her sad, frustrated and completely emotionally drained. She was exhausted now and all she wanted to do was snuggle up on the sofa by herself and catch up on last night’s Emmerdale.

  Ten minutes later she was in her furry pyjamas and rooting in the fridge for something to eat. She decided on some cheese and crackers and poured herself a small glass of white wine. She didn’t drink much but every now and then she’d indulge in a glass or two. On her way over to the sofa, she grabbed the phone to check for messages. There were none, but she was surprised to see a missed call from Lexie. It had come in at half six, which would be half one in the morning over there. It wasn’t like Lexie to ring at that time. She hoped there was nothing wrong. She quickly dialled the number.

  ‘Hiya, Donna.’

  ‘Lexie, are you okay? I saw the missed call and had to ring straight away.’

  ‘Yeah, sorry about that. If I’d remembered it was Wednesday night, I wouldn’t have rung. Are you just in? How are things?’

  ‘Yep, I’m just in the door. And things are just as they always are. Like they’ll always be.’

  ‘Ah, Donna. You don’t know that. Things can turn around and you know you’ve got to have—’

  ‘Honestly, Lexie, I’m not being rude but can we please talk about something else? I’m too drained to go over this again. So tell me, what’s up with you? It’s not like you to ring at this time.’

  There was a silence and Donna could feel her heart beginning to quicken.

  ‘Lexie? What’s happened?’

  ‘Oh, Donna. It’s over.’ There was a gulp, followed by a sob, and then she began to cry softly. ‘I … hate … him.’

  Donna was alarmed. ‘Who? Brendan? Of course you don’t hate him. Come on, tell me what’s happened.’

  It took a few moments for Donna to compose herself but then the story flowed out. Some woman had called to their house the other day demanding to see Brendan. Lexie had told her he was in work and asked if she could give him a message. ‘Yes,’ she’d said. ‘You can tell him that just because the pregnancy test was negative doesn’t mean he can walk away.’ She’d turned and left while Lexie was left with her mouth gaping open, trying to make sense of it all.

  ‘Wow,’ said Donna, trying to take it all in. ‘But maybe there’s an explanation. I’m sure Brendan gets plenty of women throwing themselves at him in his line of work. Maybe he rejected her and she wasn’t happy. Maybe—’

  ‘He had an affair with her, Donna. He admitted to it.’

  ‘Oh God, Lexie. That’s awful. I can’t believe Brendan did something like that. Can you talk it through? Get counselling or something?’

  ‘But that’s not all,’ said Lexie, a sob catching in her throat. ‘Apparently he’s been sleeping with other women for the last two years.’

  Donna shook her head in disbelief. ‘Did that woman tell you that? Because you know what they say about a woman scorned. I wouldn’t believe it.’

  ‘No, Donna. Brendan told me himself. And he wasn’t even particularly sorry about it. Sorry he was found out, maybe, but not remorseful about what he’d done.’

  ‘I’m in shock here,’ said Donna, pushing her food away. She suddenly didn’t feel hungry.

  ‘And how do you think I feel?’

  ‘I’m sorry. Of course.’ Donna wasn’t sure what to say. She’d thought that Lexie and Brendan were the perfect couple. ‘And did he say why? Or does it even matter?’

  ‘Oh yes, he didn’t hold back. He said I’m gorgeous and he loves having me on his arm when we go out. He said that I’m a great wife and he loves being married to me.’

  Donna was confused. ‘Well, that doesn’t make sense.’

  ‘Oh, but you haven’t heard the best bit yet. I’m not exciting enough. Apparently his needs weren’t being met in the bedroom so he decided to seek out women who’d give him what he needed.’

  ‘Bastard! And had you no idea this was going on?’

  ‘Of course I bloody well didn’t! What do you take me for?’

  Donna recoiled at the viciousness in Lexie’s voice. ‘I’m sorry, Lexie. I didn’t mean anything by—’

  ‘No, I’m sorry, Donna. I just can’t believe how my whole life is falling apart. I thought we were happy. We were happy.’

  ‘I know you were,’ said Donna, feeling desperately sorry for her friend. ‘And maybe you could get that back again. Maybe you could—’

  ‘He’s gone. There’s no going back. He packed up his things and left this afternoon.’

  ‘Oh God, I can’t believe it’s come to that already.’ Donna was finding it hard to keep up. It seemed unbelievable that all this could have happened since she spoke to Lexie last week.

  ‘How could he have done it to me, Donna? How could he have taken my heart and trampled it into the ground?’ She was sobbing again and this time Donna felt tears running down her own cheeks.

  There really were no words so Donna just waited until Lexie’s sobs subsided. She wished she was there beside her so that she could give her a hug. It was heartbreaking to think she was at the other side of the world with no proper friends to comfort her. Lexie had lots of friends over there but, as she’d said on many occasions, they were just social friends – none of which she could really talk to.

  ‘And … and …’ Lexie was attempting to speak through her sobs, ‘that woman could have been pregnant. He … he almost made another woman pregnant when he’d told me in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t ready for a baby.’

  Donna thought back to a previous conversation when Lexie had contemplated tricking him so that she could get pregnant. Thank God for small mercies.

  ‘I just wi
sh I hadn’t listened to him,’ continued Lexie. ‘I could have had a child by now.’

  ‘Lexie. You don’t mean that.’

  ‘I do, Donna. I have plenty of love to give to a child myself. I don’t need him or any man to help with that.’

  ‘But, Lexie, you’re so young. You’ll meet other men and have plenty of chances to have children.’

  ‘Well, if I do, it’s going to be in Ireland, where I belong. I should never have come over here.’

  Much as Donna wanted to see her friend, she didn’t want her making any rash decisions. ‘You can’t mean that, Lexie. You’ve had some brilliant times over there and moving to Australia was exactly what you needed back then. Give yourself some time and have a think about what you want to do.’

  ‘I don’t need time, Donna. That’s one of the reasons I was ringing you tonight. I’m coming home.’

  ‘What? When? How can you have decided that already?’

  ‘Well, don’t sound too excited about it.’ Donna could hear the pout in Lexie’s voice.

  ‘I am. There’s nothing I’d love better than to see you but I just want to be sure you’re making the right decisions. What if Brendan comes back? What if he changes his mind?’

  ‘Fuck him, Donna! So what if he changes his mind. I’m not changing mine. Maybe, just maybe, I could have forgiven one lone incident, but I can’t get over two years of infidelity.’

  ‘Of course you can’t. And I’m sorry to have even suggested it. So what’s the plan, then? Are you going to book flights soon?’

  ‘First thing in the morning. I’ve already spoken to Gran and I’m going back to stay with them until I get on my feet. I don’t know what my next step will be but at least I’ll be home and surrounded by the people I love.’

  Donna felt a lump in her throat. ‘Don’t worry, Lexie. We’ll be here for you. I know it’s going to be hard for you but it will be great to catch up. I can’t wait for you to meet Bob properly. He’s such a …’