No Ordinary Love

by Anita Notaro

  ‘I think you’re a match, all right.’ She giggled. ‘And Maddy knows these things.’

  We yawned at the same time then were asleep within seconds, although I did have to kick her once or twice during the night because she was snoring.

  Next day was a bit manic; I had a new poodle called Bambi, white with a pink bow, as a client. It was another classic case: his owner, Joanna, had treated him like a king since she’d got him as a pup, imposed no discipline whatsoever, never exercised him and, as a result, was killing him with kindness – literally. He was so fat he could hardly walk. And now he wouldn’t tolerate strangers anywhere near her and she was surprised!

  I just about managed to get my hair done, but had to work a bit later as a result and so ended up changing in the office. Mary was taking Pete for the night, so they headed off together, after she’d told me I looked the best she’d ever seen me look, which I took as a compliment. The purple dress was very fitted, with a chiffon, see-through outer layer, so I felt sexy, and a bit funky thanks to some of Maddy’s jewellery and my new shoes and bag.

  I met Clodagh in town but we were both running late so, after a trillion texts, we had cancelled the pizza place and headed straight for Krystal, where the party was being held. The first person we met was Maddy, along with the other main stars, posing for a photo outside. Judging by the number of photographers, it was the place to be tonight. We waited and admired it all from afar, then Maddy broke free and dragged us inside, talking a mile a minute, telling us who was here so far and declaring Clodagh hot and me a ride.

  There were loads of people from TV and radio, and a good number of soap stars over from London, along with a few we recognized but couldn’t quite place.

  ‘Failed X Factor finalists, one or two of them, then there’s that irritating guy from I’m a Celebrity, and yer wan who looked like she never wore any underwear on Strictly Come Dancing. Oh, and that good-lookin’ guy from The Apprentice, along with the bitch who never shut up moaning.’ Maddy had filled us in on everyone within thirty seconds. ‘Oh, and one or two Big Brother finalists.’

  ‘How can you possibly tell all that?’ Clodagh wanted to know.

  ‘I can’t, I’m making it up, but with reality-show contestants you can’t go wrong.’ She handed us each a glass of champagne and we nabbed a tray of gorgeous nibbles from a cute waiter, who kept feeding us once Maddy had winked at him.

  Before long, Louis and Mike joined us, with Louis carrying a huge bunch of flowers for Maddy.

  ‘Oh my God, I feel like a bride or something.’ She was thrilled. Mike gave her a big hug then handed her what looked like champagne in a wooden casket.

  ‘It’s Dom P.’ She sounded amazed as she peered into the carrier bag.

  ‘Nothing but the best,’ Mike said. ‘I’m just looking for an invite to all the top parties now that you’re really famous.’

  ‘Done.’ She kissed him full on the lips. ‘As long as you mind Lulu at them all, she has a few bad habits that tend to get her into trouble.’ She winked at me.

  ‘And haven’t I had first-hand experience of most of them?’ Mike avoided my eyes.

  ‘Wow, Lulu, you look amazing.’ Louis grabbed me and swung me around. ‘You too, Clodagh.’ He gave her a hug.

  It was madness but great fun. Maddy even insisted one of the Sunday papers take a photo of ‘me and my two best friends’, and she promised the photographer that if we made it on to the gossip page of what was arguably the paper most widely read over breakfast each weekend, she’d get him a walk-on part as an extra on the show. ‘You’re on,’ he told her, and jotted down our names.

  The time passed so quickly. There were speeches, then we got to watch the first episode, and everyone said Maddy was brilliant; even people who didn’t know her were offering congrats. I was proud as Punch as I drifted around.

  Clodagh had met a guy she used to deal with in her last job, and they were deep in ‘potential-new-client’ territory, Maddy and Mike were having what looked like a heart to heart in the corner, so I was pleased when Ronan O’Meara came up to say hello.

  ‘I was wondering when I’d see you,’ I greeted him warmly. ‘How’ve you been?’

  ‘Good, yeah.’ He looked tired. ‘I only just got here. Some party, eh?’

  ‘Amazing,’ I told him. ‘I keep smiling at people I think I know and then I realize they’re on TV. Have you seen Maddy?’

  ‘Yes, only briefly though. She’s in huge demand from what I can see.’

  Shortly afterwards, the girl herself appeared and dragged him off to meet her co-stars.

  ‘I think I’ve just been chatted up by a model.’ Mike appeared at my side.

  ‘At my Christmas party, you swore you were not getting involved with young ones. Too much effort, was what you said, as I recall.’

  ‘Ah, but this was different, this was a male model.’ Mike grinned. ‘Thankfully, Louis took him off my hands. Close, though.’ He wiped his forehead.

  ‘Well, I was doing quite well myself with an ageing DJ until you frightened him off.’ I indicated a well-known radio jock with dyed blond hair wearing very tight jeans.

  ‘Oops, sorry about that. I’d say he’s just your type, too. You look great.’ He smiled. ‘Are you enjoying it?’

  ‘Loving every minute,’ I told him.

  ‘By the way, Louis wants to cook the three of you dinner on Saturday night at our place. How you fixed?’

  ‘I’m free.’ I was delighted. ‘And Maddy said she was planning to have a lazy weekend, because she hasn’t stopped since Christmas and next week’s her first break since she got the part, so I’d say you’re on.’

  ‘Great, will you check with Clodagh so?’ Mike asked. ‘My only job was to invite you all, and he’ll swoop any minute to check up on me.’ He looked around and was immediately nabbed by someone, so I excused myself and went in search of a drink.

  Maddy introduced me to several more people, and before I knew it the night was coming to a close. For the first time ever, she swore she couldn’t stay standing for one more minute, so we headed into a corner and caught up. ‘God, if I have to make small talk with one more journalist I’ll need an injection.’ She grinned.

  ‘Where’s Ronan?’ I asked. ‘I haven’t seen him in ages.’

  ‘He had to leave. I was a bit disappointed, to be honest. Apparently, Ellen’s in town, and he had to meet her.’

  ‘I think there’s some stuff going on there,’ I told her. ‘I’m sure he’ll fill you in.’

  ‘Yeah, he mentioned that he’d a lot on his plate, which is fine. I’m just not sure himself and myself are going anywhere fast though.’

  ‘Do you still like him?’

  ‘Yeah, I do, but d’ya know, it wouldn’t kill me if it ended tomorrow. I’m having a ball right now, with or without a man. What did you think of our director, by the way? Cute, eh, just like I said?’

  ‘Yes, and you’re right, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. But this is your time to shine, I’m certain of it. I think you’re right to just see where the Ronan thing takes you,’ I told her.

  ‘How about Mike?’ she whispered. ‘He seems to keep coming back to you.’

  ‘Yes, we’ve had a few good chats. But he knows half the people here, from what I can see, so he’s in demand.’

  ‘He is, and from where I’m sitting, whatshername – the actress in Fair City – is determined to get her claws into him.’ Maddy put on her evil face. ‘Should I go rescue him?’

  ‘No, he’s a big boy, he can look after himself,’ I told her. ‘Did he invite you to dinner on Saturday, by the way?’

  ‘He did, and I’m in. So’s Clodagh. And if Mike doesn’t suggest dinner with you soon – just the two of you – I owe you a tenner. He’s interested, you mark my words.’

  ‘Maybe, but it sort of suits me to get to know him a bit first. Does that sound strange? I’m kind of getting used to myself all over again and I like the fact that I’m not in a hurry for anything. Even though a night of
mad passionate sex with him might be just what I need.’ I giggled, and Clodagh sat down and demanded to be let in on the joke. I took the opportunity to mention Paddy Russell, and to my surprise she remembered him and declared him ‘quite fanciable’, so Maddy decided we were doing all right for three spinsters.

  ‘D’ya know, for once in my life I may not be the last to leave the party, I’m completely zonked,’ Maddy said a short while later. ‘What time is it?’

  ‘It’s after midnight – what say we hit the road?’ Clodagh said.

  ‘Only on condition that we can walk up to Burdocks, buy chips and sit on the wall near the park and eat them,’ Maddy said.

  ‘You’re a star, you can’t buy chips and sit on a wall eating them out of a bag,’ I joked.

  ‘Watch me, I’m starving again.’

  ‘Me too,’ I decided. ‘Let’s go.’

  Maddy kissed half of Dublin on the way out. I snuck a glance at Mike and he was deep in conversation with the soap star, so I told Louis we’d see them both on Saturday and the three of us legged it.

  Clodagh and the guy she’d been talking to earlier decided to go to a noodle place nearby, so I arranged to pick her up there in about forty minutes. We’d decided to stay in her apartment rather than pay for a cab to Bray, so we made faces at Clodagh through the window of her ‘posh’ joint and Maddy and I headed off for chips arm in arm, carrying our shoes and a bag each of presents she’d received.

  We had tea and chips and fought over the last bite of spice-burger which we were sharing, then I walked with Maddy as far as Christchurch Cathedral, our parting spot. She hung out the window and waved her flowers and shouted that she loved me as she headed off in a cab. Then I caught up with Clodagh, as arranged, and we were home and in bed within half an hour.

  Next morning, I woke early, showered and jumped in a taxi and headed for the office, where I’d left my bike. I was trying to decide whether to make a quick trip home, as it was still early and I’d left some of my stuff there, when my phone rang. It was Tim Hynes, the young garda who’d been at my house a while back.

  ‘I just wondered if I might come and see you.’ He sounded serious. ‘I’m actually at your place now.’

  ‘I’m in the office, but I could be there in fifteen minutes or so,’ I told him. ‘Is everything OK?’

  ‘I just need to talk to you in person,’ he said. ‘I could come to you, if that’s easier?’

  ‘No, I need to collect some bits from home anyway.’ I had a bad feeling suddenly. ‘Has my place been broken into again?’ I asked him. ‘Or is something wrong with one of my family?’ It was all I could think of.

  ‘No, no.’ He seemed anxious to say it, so that calmed me down. ‘I’ll wait here so, if that’s OK?’

  ‘Yes, I’m on my way.’ I wondered if they’d found the intruder; maybe that was it. I thought of ringing the girls to fill them in, but Clodagh had been heading out the door for a run as I’d left and I was not going to wake Maddy, who was having her first lie-in of the year.

  I put on a warm jacket and was on the road within a couple of minutes. Because I was going against the morning rush-hour traffic, it was no time before I pulled up at the van.

  Tim Hynes and Clare Grogan got out of their car immediately.

  ‘Can we go inside?’ she asked, before I’d even taken off my helmet. ‘We need to talk to you.’

  ‘Yes, of course, but please tell me what’s wrong. Is it the intruder?’ I opened the door, and all three of us stepped inside.

  I looked from one to the other. I had an awful feeling about this; their faces looked way too serious. ‘What is it?’ I’d never wanted to hear an answer less in my life. I knew this even though I’d no idea what was coming.

  ‘I’m afraid there’s been an accident. It’s your friend Madeleine.’

  ‘The cab?’ I was thinking aloud. ‘Is she OK?’

  Clare Grogan looked worn out. ‘Would you like to sit down?’

  ‘Just tell me, please,’ I begged her.

  ‘She was hit by a car as she was crossing the road near where she lives. From what we know, the vehicle didn’t stop,’ Tim Hynes said quietly.

  ‘Where is she now?’ I had a sudden, ridiculous urge to laugh and tell him that Maddy would get great mileage out of this. If she wasn’t on the front page after the party last night, she certainly would be now.

  ‘I’m very sorry to have to tell you this, but I’m afraid she didn’t survive,’ Clare said. ‘She died at the scene.’

  35

  ‘I’M SORRY, WHAT DID YOU SAY?’

  ‘You need to sit down.’ They both grabbed me as I slumped. It wasn’t that I fainted; my stomach sort of upended and my legs went from under me so I more or less folded up, and when they caught me I knew I was going to throw up, even though I hadn’t eaten anything that morning.

  ‘Are you telling me Maddy is dead?’ I looked from one to the other, feeling sure I’d heard them correctly yet equally certain that I couldn’t have.

  ‘It happened about twenty minutes after she left you.’ Tim Hynes looked like he’d never get used to delivering this kind of news.

  ‘No, please God. Not Maddy.’ I remember staring intently at them, just in case it wasn’t true, and then, eventually, I ran to the sink. Afterwards, I stayed there, with my head resting on the cool surface, until I knew I had a chance of being able to deal with this.

  ‘Please tell me, I need to know.’ My heart was hammering so hard I had to do something to try to quieten it, so I sat back down quickly before my legs gave out again. I still think I felt that, once I knew everything, I could fix it somehow.

  They filled in the details then and told me of the awful moments that had ended the life of my best friend. The taxi dropped her off and, as she was crossing the road, a car came around the corner at high speed, driven by two teenagers, according to the taxi man, who was stopped at traffic lights nearby. It hit her head on and didn’t stop.

  ‘The taxi driver rushed to her and called the emergency services. She was taken to the Mater Hospital, but she was dead on arrival,’ Clare told me.

  ‘What about her mum?’ My stomach churned again when I thought of Connie.

  ‘The guys who arrived on the scene found identification in her bag and sent a car to her family home. They were taken straight to the hospital at that stage. It seems like there was major confusion, because the taxi driver thought she was still alive. But it appears she died instantly.’

  ‘I was her ICE buddy,’ I told them, smiling at the memory. ‘She made me put her in as mine. How come no one contacted me?’

  ‘It all happened so fast, I’m afraid there just wasn’t time.’

  ‘So she didn’t suffer?’

  ‘No, she wouldn’t have.’ Clare hunkered down beside me.

  ‘How did you know I was . . . the last person who was with her?’ My stomach flipped again. ‘And why did you call to see me?’

  ‘The taxi driver told my colleagues she’d been with a friend, and Madeleine had told him you’d been to a launch party for her new show, so they went back to the venue and heard she’d left with you. Her mum begged us to call and tell you personally and, besides, we needed to check if anything unusual had happened. You didn’t meet anyone or have a row or anything that might have meant someone followed her?’

  ‘No.’ I was stunned. ‘You’re not suggesting her death was anything more than an accident?’

  ‘No.’ Clare rubbed my arm. ‘We’re pretty sure it was just that, but the car seemed to head straight for her, so we wanted to check with you, just to be certain you had no further information.’

  ‘Everyone loved her,’ I whispered. ‘Who could have done this awful thing and not even stopped to check how she was?’ I felt myself swaying as I went hot and cold again.

  ‘Are you OK? Is there anyone we can call?’

  ‘Maddy would have been the one I’d have called.’ I looked at the face of the young woman and wondered how many times she’d had to break news
like this. ‘She was my best friend. She shouted that she loved me as the cab pulled out of the rank; she slept in my bed the night before last. How could this have happened?’

  ‘I’m so sorry, it’s a terrible shock, I know. Can I get you some tea?’

  I shook my head, wondering how, with all my experience of dealing with crises, nothing had prepared me for this. ‘Clodagh,’ I suddenly remembered. ‘She’s our other friend. I need to tell her before she hears it. Will it be on the news?’

  ‘Yes, but no names have been released yet so don’t worry. Just give me Clodagh’s address. We’ll send a car and bring her here, shall we?’

  ‘No, I’ll tell her. Could you take me there please?’ I asked Tim Hynes. ‘I only have a bike and I’m not sure I could drive it right now.’

  ‘Of course.’ He nodded and stood up.

  I’ll never forget Clodagh’s face. As soon as she saw me getting out of a police car she knew it wasn’t good. She’d been sitting at her desk by the window working on her laptop when we pulled up.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ she asked as soon as she opened the door. ‘Lulu, what is it, what’s happened?’

  When I told her, she just walked ahead of us into the living room without saying a word. Then she sat down, put her head in her hands and rocked and cried. I sat beside her, and my tears finally came too. We sat like that, arms around each other for ages, while the two gardai made tea and discreet phone calls and tried to offer us what nobody could provide at that moment, the comfort of having our friend back.

  Eventually, we both had to start making calls, simply because the press had gotten hold of the story and, because the TV show was about to start and the accident had happened while one of its stars was on her way home from the launch party, it was now a major news item.

  First up, I phoned Becky. She was brilliant. I don’t know why I was so surprised but I was.

  ‘Lou, that is so awful, I can’t tell you how sorry I am,’ she said. ‘Now, tell me what do you need? I’ll phone Mum. She’ll be upset, she was very fond of Maddy too.’ She didn’t sound like my baby sister and it felt odd that she was looking after me for once.