‘I know. I’m looking forward to that. It’s just this was my retreat from the world: here’s where I made a new life for myself. It will always be special for me.’
‘Of course it will,’ Devlin agreed. ‘And for me as well. The few days I’ve spent here have been superb. I’m taking so many photos so that I’ll always have mementos of it. There’s something healing about this place, isn’t there?’
Caroline nodded. ‘I found that. And you look so much better, Devlin, even after only four days.’
‘I feel so much better,’ Devlin declared exuberantly as she stood on the balcony and took deep breaths of the aromatic scents of spices and coffees that wafted by on the breeze. ‘I know that I’ve a whole lot of hassle waiting for me when I get home. I know Galway’s City Girl has got to be looked at in the context of the recession. But I’ll cope with it. Right now, I feel I could cope with anything.’
‘I read in an Irish paper that several big employers in Galway laid people off over the last few months,’ Caroline remarked as she put the kettle on for a pot of coffee. ‘Is that going to make a big difference to you?’
‘Well, I’m afraid it will,’ Devlin sighed. ‘They’ve laid off hundreds of people and we would have targeted a good number of their female workforce as customers. Luke warned me about overspending there and I didn’t take too much notice. Still we’ll sort something out – and at least Belfast is doing great so I won’t get depressed about things. Certainly not here in Abu Dhabi. What’s on the agenda for today?’
‘Well, I thought we’d go to my beach club for a change and then I’ve planned a Coronation Street show for this evening so that you can meet some of my friends. More important, we can eat the Taytos you brought over. Tayto crisps are to die for, as the dreaded Lucinda Marshall would say.’
‘Don’t mention that she-devil’s name,’ Devlin groaned.
‘Sorry,’ Caroline said. ‘I forgot.’
‘Actually, so have I,’ Devlin remarked. ‘It’s all like a bad dream now and a lot of good came out of it. Mum and I are great pals and very close. And I finally realized how much Luke loves me and I know now that I love him very much.’
‘I’m so glad for you, Devlin! You deserve someone like Luke. He’s a good man and you’ll always be happy with him.’
‘I know that! I wish he was here to share my holiday – even though I’m having a ball, I’m looking forward to stopping off in London to spend a few days with him.’
‘Crikey, she’s only here four days,’ Caroline teased, ‘and she’s looking forward to going home already, I must be failing dismally as a hostess.’
‘Well, I’ve never been to a Coronation Street party before,’ Devlin giggled. ‘Maybe it will change my mind.’
In fact the party was great fun. Devlin met Féile, Caroline’s friend and neighbour from across the hall, and before the evening was out, Féile had promised to take her to the Eastern Jewellers to buy some gold and – or so Caroline slagged her – to watch an expert in haggling. The Tayto crisps went down a treat, as did the huge curry Caroline had prepared. There was wine, beer and spirits, and Caroline quite happily spent the night sipping pineapple juice. Lively discussions arose about the developments in Coronation Street, as they were all up to date with the serial, thanks to their families who regularly sent videos of the programme out to them. Watching Caroline so at ease with all her Abu Dhabi friends, confident, and with a poise she had never had before, Devlin was very happy. Coming to Abu Dhabi was the most positive step her friend had ever taken and it was a decision that had paid dividends.
Caroline had introduced her to Mike, the man she had written about in her letters, and it was clear that they were good pals. He was a friendly, unassuming chap who teased Caroline unmercifully about her cooking. Devlin reflected how nice it was to see her friend enjoying male company, while also being aware that she was her own woman now. Having a man in her life was not the be-all and end-all. Caroline had confided in Devlin that for the time being she was only interested in men as friends. She was certainly in no rush to get into an intimate relationship after her disastrous marriage to Richard.
Laughing and chatting with Caroline’s friends while Arabic music played in the background and couples danced in the sitting-room, Devlin felt light-hearted and carefree. It was ages since she had been at a party, and the crack was mighty.
The rest of her holiday passed in a whirl of sightseeing, shopping and other parties, until the day before she was due to go home. This Caroline had decreed a ‘blitz-on-suntan’ day. Lying on a comfortable lounger, Devlin sipped her Pimms and felt the sun warm on her body. She gazed out over the Arabian Gulf, relaxing after having spent the previous hour windsurfing. She felt that lovely torpor that comes with complete ease and it was hard to believe that she had been there for two weeks. She had needed very little persuasion from Caroline to extend her holiday to a fortnight. Caroline had been so good to her, going out of her way to make sure she enjoyed herself. They had gone to Dubai and spent a fortune; they had had a weekend in the desert – an experience Devlin would never forget. Watching the setting sun turn the golden dunes to dusky pink and feeling the immense stillness all around, Devlin had felt a lovely serenity envelop her.
She had an abundance of new clothes – mostly silks that she’d had made up as jackets by the superb tailors that were so plentiful in the city. And Féile, true to her word, had taken her shopping to the Eastern Jewellers, where she had bought herself a gold filigree chain and matching earrings and bracelet. She had bought Luke a gold signet ring and had his initials carved on it. She had jewellery and silks for her mother and shirts and cigars for her father. Her gift for Maggie was an exquisite little gold dhow on a chain.
But she’d really gone mad buying things for the children and Caroline had warned her that she’d have excess luggage. ‘Who cares?’ Devlin had laughed, enjoying the spending spree of her life.
‘Have another Pimms?’ Caroline invited.
‘Oh, all right.’ Devlin gave in without a struggle. She had really acquired a taste for the refreshing drink and was going to treat herself to a bottle in the duty-free.
‘Imagine, the two of us will be home this time next month,’ Caroline mused.
‘Imagine, you’ll be in Tibet this day week!’ Devlin laughed. ‘You’ve changed so much, Caroline: going to the Himalayas on your holidays!’
‘I know. I feel so much happier and much freer than I’ve ever been before. Instead of life being a big ordeal it’s become a great adventure. You know, Devlin . . .’ Caroline leaned up on her elbow and stared across at her from the adjoining lounger. ‘I know City Girl is very important to you, and rightly so, but don’t let it become the whole of your life. Don’t miss out on what Luke can give you and what you can give to him. Of the relationships the three of us have had, I can see yours being the most successful. Neither Richard nor Terry ever gave me or Maggie the support that you get from Luke. Don’t take it for granted.’
Devlin stared at the dark-haired girl with the big brown eyes, now staring earnestly at her. Whenever Caroline had given her advice in the past, it had always been the best. Caroline had the knack of getting to the core of the matter. Devlin knew, as she lay there under an Eastern sun, watching the waters of the Gulf shimmer in the sunlight, that she was getting the best advice she had ever been offered. She had had a lot of time to reflect during this holiday, and she knew that what Caroline was saying was absolutely true.
‘You know something, Caroline?’ Devlin smiled happily. ‘You’re right!’
The image that was reflected in the big wall mirror in a ladies’ room in Heathrow was far different from what Devlin had seen in the mirror in the Abu Dhabi Sheraton a fortnight before. She smiled, trying to picture Luke’s expression when he saw her: tanned and glowing with health, in such contrast to the pale, scrawny woman who had left Dublin for the holiday of a lifetime.
She felt refreshed and invigorated and back to her old vivacious self, and she
vowed that she would never again let herself go so long without a proper holiday. She had spoken to Liz on the phone just five minutes before, and Liz had assured her that the building was still standing and, although she knew it would come as a dreadful shock to Devlin, City Girl had operated extremely smoothly in her absence and would continue to do so for the few days she was spending in London.
Devlin was not too disturbed to find that she was not indispensable. If what she had in mind went according to plan, City Girl would have to get used to her not being always at the helm.
She traced the outline of her lips with an ice-pink lipstick that really accentuated her tan. So did the mint-green Lacoste T-shirt she was wearing with a pair of white Bermudas. It was amazing how the tan made such a difference to her appearance, giving her a wholesome, healthy air. Eyes sparkling with anticipation, she brushed her lashes with a wand of mascara and sprayed some White Linen on her wrists and at the base of her throat. In a few minutes she’d see Luke, and she was dying to feel his arms around her and his lips on hers.
She opened her bag, took out the little box and saw the gold of the ring glinting in the sunlight. A smile touched her lips as she reflected on the deed she was about to perform. The more she thought about it, the more right it seemed. Nevertheless her heart skipped a beat in anticipation.
Twenty minutes later she had collected her bulging cases and passed through customs. Then she saw Luke, smiling broadly at her, his arms held out in welcome.
Devlin flung herself at him, kissing and hugging him, telling him how much she had missed him.
‘What a reception!’ He smiled down at her, holding her tightly to him. ‘I must make you go on holidays more often.’
Devlin kissed him again and then opened her bag and took out the little box containing his ring. ‘I bought this for you, Luke, with all my love.’ She opened the box and handed it to him. Raising her clear blue-green eyes to his, she took a deep breath and said calmly, ‘Luke, will you marry me?’
Epilogue
‘Devlin, love, here’s a cup of tea.’ She opened her eyes to find her father smiling down at her.
‘And it’s a beautiful day.’ Lydia popped her head around the bedroom door. ‘I told you the Child of Prague statue in the garden always works. Don’t stay too long in bed; the girls will be here soon. I have my appointment with the hairdressers at nine, so I’d better go and organize myself. I’ve a million and one things to do.’
‘All right, Mother, I’ll be up in a minute.’ Devlin sat up in bed and ran her fingers through her tousled hair.
‘Your mother’s in her element. No general could be more in command in his field of battle,’ Gerry whispered conspiratorially.
Devlin laughed. ‘I’ll tell you one thing, Dad. If Luke and I ever have a daughter, she can elope with my blessing.’
‘Ah, it won’t be that bad once everything is in place,’ Gerry assured her. ‘The main thing for you is to enjoy yourself, because when all is said and done, your wedding day is the most special day in your life. Forget all the incidentals, all the things your mother is enjoying getting into a flap about. Just think that nearly everyone who loves you is going to be with you and at the end of the day, the one who loves you most is going to be the last person you see before you fall asleep and the first you see when you wake up.’
‘Gerrryee!’ Lydia’s voice resounded up the stairs.
‘Your mother would do well in Moore Street if it wasn’t for her accent,’ Gerry chuckled. ‘I’m coming,’ he called. ‘Devlin, before I go, while we have these few moments to ourselves before pandemonium is unleashed, I just want to tell you that no daughter could make a man prouder than you’ve made me. I thank God every day for giving me a daughter as special as you.’ Gerry leaned down and kissed Devlin on the cheek.
‘Oh, Dad,’ she murmured, overwhelmed at his words. ‘Look, you’ve made me blubber.’ Putting the cup on her bedside locker, Devlin wrapped her arms around her father’s neck. ‘I love you, Daddy. Thanks for everything, and especially for all the support you gave me in the bad times. I know I’m marrying Luke and I do love him, but I’ll always be your daughter. I’ll always need your love and you’ll always have mine.’ Devlin spoke from the heart. Her father’s arms tightened around her and his eyes grew suspiciously moist. But he said nothing, just hugged her tightly, and then he was gone. Devlin was alone, sitting in bed in the room of her childhood.
‘Now, my girl,’ she said crossly, wiping away the tears. ‘That’s the end of your blubbering for the day. You are not a weeping willow, you are a very happy bride-to-be, and besides, your mascara will run when you have your make-up on.’ She caught sight of herself in the mirror. ‘Idiot,’ she grinned.
She lay back against the pillows, determined to enjoy these last few minutes of peace. Caroline and Maggie would be here soon. They’d been through it all so they’d know what to expect. She smiled, remembering the weddings of her two dearest friends.
They had a great day the week before, just the three of them. Luke was always teasing her that he was getting three for the price of one and it was just as well he wasn’t the jealous type because Maggie and Caroline were bonded to her with Superglue and she to them. The three girls had seen one another through thick and thin and that was why she had wanted their little hen-party to be so special. And it was! Devlin smiled at the memory.
‘A chauffeur-driven limo, you exhibitionist you!’ Maggie laughed as the three of them left City Girl. They had spent the morning having the works done, compliments of the proprietor. They’d been cleansed, massaged, manicured, pedicured, aromatized, steamed, sauna’d, everything, before having their hair done and faces made up. It was a morning such as every woman dreams of and the three had enjoyed every nano-second of it.
They stepped into the long, gleaming limo and were driven the couple of hundred yards to The Commons. ‘Today we’re going to be Ladies Who Lunch,’ Devlin grinned. ‘Lucinda Marshall, eat your heart out.’ As usual the restaurant was thronged and as the glamorous trio were led to their table there was a lot of elbow-nudging and little murmured asides.
‘That’s Devlin Delaney. She owns City Girl.’
‘She’s marrying a gorgeous hunk. I saw him once. I wonder how long it will last?’
‘She really thinks she’s it, doesn’t she? Little tart. You’d think she wouldn’t want to be seen dead in public after that article the Echo did about her.’
‘I believe the mother’s a plonkie. Probably driven to it.’
‘Who’s that with her?’
‘Oh that’s Caroline Yates. She’s married to Richard Yates, that very successful solicitor, but I think they’re separated.’
‘There’s something very fishy going on there. He disappeared for over a year and then she went off somewhere and came back with a tan, looking like a million dollars, dripping with gold. I think she must have been having an affair with someone and it’s done her the world of good.’
‘You still see them together occasionally and they look happy enough. I wonder why he went away? Do you think there might be some sort of scandal – you know like the ones we’ve been having lately? Richard Yates – now that would be a shocker!’
‘The redhead’s the one who wrote City Woman. It was brilliant. Now, I don’t usually read, I don’t have time, but I just couldn’t put it down.’
‘She must be a millionairess by now. She was on the bestseller list for months. I believe she has another book coming out soon. It’s such easy money, isn’t it? Just sitting scribbling whatever comes in to your head. I might try writing one myself.’
‘I wonder if she came here to do research. I bet The Commons will be in the next book.’
‘All eyes are upon us,’ grinned Devlin. ‘I’d love to be a fly on the wall near some of the tables.’
‘Did you see Rachel Kennedy?’ Caroline was shocked. ‘She’s aged twenty years.’
‘Her husband ran off with a younger woman and I believe he’s trying to sell the hou
se from under her,’ Devlin informed her. ‘So she’s turned to the bottle.’
‘I know all about it,’ Caroline grimaced.
‘Oh, look,’ murmured Maggie, ‘it’s Shaun Archer, the TV personality. Isn’t he supposed to be having a rip-roaring affair with Veronica O’Kelly, the woman who owns all those night clubs?’
‘ “Supposed” is the operative word,’ Caroline whispered. ‘Apart from the fact that Shaun is such a narcissist that the only one he could ever have an affair with is himself, the relationship with Veronica is just a front. I have it on the best of authority . . .’
‘What do you mean?’ Maggie was puzzled. ‘Who’s he having an affair with?’
‘Maggie!’ Caroline exclaimed. ‘You’re hopeless.’
Devlin’s eyes widened. ‘You’re not serious. Shaun Archer? What a waste!’
‘You mean he’s gay?’ Maggie was gobsmacked.
‘Pat the girl on the back,’ giggled Devlin.
They had a giggly gossipy lunch such as only really close old friends can have and then they hit Grafton Street looking for Devlin’s going-away outfit. No stone was left unturned, no garment untried, until finally the decision was made and a beautiful, superbly cut Paul Costello trouser-suit was wrapped and bagged.
‘God, I hate that grunge look,’ Devlin declared as they sank back into the comfort of the limo and drove out to Clontarf.
It was a beautiful midsummer evening and the breeze was balmy as they sat on the balcony, Devlin and Maggie sipping champagne, Caroline with sparkling mineral water.
‘To the new Mrs Reilly.’ Caroline held up her glass.
‘To the new Caroline.’ Devlin toasted her back.
‘To us,’ toasted Maggie and they clinked glasses and laughed.
Well, she’d really better get up, Devlin decided happily. She couldn’t believe that it was her wedding day. When she asked Luke to marry her, he lifted her in his arms and swung her around until she was dizzy, much to the amusement of the other passengers in Terminal Four.
City Woman Page 48
