Red Letter Day

by Colette Caddle

  Celine gave up the pretence of studying her menu. 'Maybe I'm missing something, Daddy, but exactly what is wrong with her?'

  Frank looked away from her cold stare. 'She's upset, love, it's understandable.'

  'No it bloody isn't,' Celine hissed. 'I used to be married to her brother. How I live my life now is none of her business.'

  Frank patted her hand. 'Of course it isn't, love, but Brenda is very conservative, you know that.'

  'Narrow-minded, more like!'

  Frank paused as their drinks were put in front of them and shook his head when the waiter asked if they were ready to order. He took a grateful drink of his pint and smiled at his daughter. 'Let's enjoy our evening. Forget about Killmont.'

  'Gladly,' Celine snapped and picked up her menu. She couldn't believe it but she was remarkably close to tears. In part she felt hurt that her father was spending so much time consoling Brenda — he wasn't even related to her!

  'Beef Chop Suey sounds good,' Frank was saying.

  Celine smiled despite herself. 'Have you ever tried anything else, Daddy?'

  He closed the menu and smiled at her. 'Why would I when I've found something I like?'

  The waiter arrived back and Celine ordered Kung Po Chicken.

  'Hah!' her father said. 'The words kettle, pot and black spring to mind!'

  Celine laughed. 'Okay, okay, so I'm not feeling adventurous tonight. I need comfort food.'

  'And why's that?' Frank asked.

  She shrugged. 'Who knows. Tell me about Brenda.'

  Frank looked wary. 'I think it would be better if we talk about something else.'

  'No, really, it's okay. I promise not to shout or throw your dinner over you.'

  Frank smiled. 'Thank God, I'm starving!'

  Celine's eyes narrowed. 'Are you trying to tell me you didn't eat in Brenda's?'

  Frank's eyes twinkled. 'You know me too well. Just one scone.'

  'So, how is she?'

  Frank sighed. 'I know you don't want to hear it, love, but she's quite upset. I'm not sure why. Like you say, you're barely related now. Maybe knowing there's another man on the scene means she has to accept Dermot is gone.'

  Celine softened. 'I had no idea you were into amateur psychology.'

  'Huh!'

  'How's Alan coping with all of this?'

  Frank frowned. 'Well, that's what worries me. I think he's had enough. He's been very irritable lately, even on the golf course.'

  'Really?' Celine was surprised. Alan was the most laid-back, easy-going character she'd ever met. He was a solid, reliable man that you could always depend on.

  Their food arrived and Frank waited until they were alone again before answering. 'Yeah, I know, I've never seen him like this.'

  Celine piled rice onto his plate. 'Do you think it's serious?'

  'I really don't know.'

  'I hope they work things out. I can't imagine what Brenda would do without Alan. I'd offer to have a word but I'm the last person she'd want to talk to.'

  Frank nodded. 'I asked her to come with me tonight but she wouldn't.'

  Celine sighed at the sadness in his eyes. 'Don't worry about it, Dad. You can't make it happen. If she doesn't want to know me, that's her decision. It does bother me, you know. She's Dermot's only sister. We never had much in common but I thought we'd always be friends.'

  'I'm sure you will be. Just give her a chance to calm down. Now, tell me about you. How's the job going?'

  For all of ten seconds Celine considered telling him about Fergus but decided against it. 'Okay,' she said instead.

  'Silly question, I suppose, when you're only a few days in the job.'

  'Yeah.' Celine wondered what she would tell him if she decided to leave Close Second and where she would go.

  Frank didn't seem to notice her preoccupation and was happily tucking into his food.

  'Have you ever met anyone else, Daddy?'

  'What do you mean?' Frank looked up at her.

  'Another woman?'

  'No, of course not!'

  'Why "of course not"? You were only fifty-six when Mum died. That's very young to be alone.'

  Frank raised his eyebrows. 'That's good coming from you.'

  Celine smiled. Her father and Marina had been trying to set her up with a man for years. Kevin Gilligan wasn't quite what they had in mind though. 'Seriously, Daddy.'

  He put down his knife and fork. 'Seriously? I got some offers and there were times when I was tempted. Like you say it can be very lonely. But I'm afraid the woman hasn't been born who can take the place of your mother.'

  Celine smiled. 'She was pretty special, wasn't she? So many of my memories of her are funny ones.'

  'She could always make people laugh,' Frank agreed, 'even at the end.'

  'I miss her so much. Even after all this time.'

  Frank cleared his throat. 'Time makes it easier but it doesn't make you forget. And I wouldn't want to.'

  'No.' Celine shook her head. 'Me neither.'

  'So was Gilligan a replacement for Dermot?' Frank ventured.

  'No! God, no!'

  Frank grunted. 'You're better off without him, Celine. I wouldn't trust Gilligan as far as I'd throw him.'

  Celine kept her head down and said nothing. Her dad had never had much time for smooth operators like Kevin and she knew now that he felt his suspicions were entirely justified.

  'You know what they say about every cloud has a silver lining? I think that's true. And I bet that you'll be happy here in Hopefield. Maybe you'll even meet someone special.'

  Celine felt sick. She hated lying to her father and the nicer he was to her, the lousier she felt. 'Maybe you're right, Daddy,' she said, forcing a smile. 'Who knows?'

  Chapter 13

  Fergus finished unpacking the newspapers, opened all the shutters and switched on the lights. Within minutes, the early commuters were arriving, en route to the train station and the bus stop. This was the one time of day when Dominic's customers were loyal — the book store didn't open until nine. It was nearly eight before Fergus got a chance to grab something to eat. He'd just slipped two slices of bread into the toaster when he heard someone in the shop. He went back into the shop to find Richard scanning the headlines on that morning's Irish Times.

  'Hi, Fergus, how's it going?'

  'Okay. Did you want anything else?'

  'A bottle of milk please and a quick word if you have a minute.'

  'Sure.'

  Richard handed over the money. 'It's about a job that's going across town. I wondered if you'd be interested.'

  Fergus brightened as he handed Richard his change. 'Go on.'

  'A friend of mine, Vincent Bourke, has just opened a new leisure centre and he's looking for people.'

  'I'm fairly fit but I'm not trained—'

  Richard laughed. 'Oh, sorry, no, he doesn't want you to work as an instructor. He wants you to run the snack bar. Well, obviously he'd want to interview you first.'

  Fergus stared at him. 'Are you serious?'

  'Yeah. He'd be looking for references but that's not a problem. I'll give you one and I'm sure Dominic will too.'

  'Cheers. What kind of hours are we talking about? Do you know how much money he's paying?'

  Richard held up a hand. 'Haven't a clue, you need to ask him all that yourself. So you're interested?'

  Fergus nodded. 'Absolutely. This is great, Richard, I really appreciate it. Where exactly is this health club?'

  'Sandhill.'

  Fergus froze.

  'Here's his phone number. He's expecting to hear from you today.'

  Fergus looked at the card in Richard's hand. 'Yeah, well I'll ring him if I get a chance.'

  'What?' Richard shook his head. 'A minute ago you thought it was a great idea!'

  Fergus shrugged. 'Maybe I've had enough of standing behind a counter.'

  Richard slammed the card down in front of him. 'I don't know what the hell is going on in your head, Fergus, but you'd better sort yourself o
ut for your mother's sake.'

  Fergus frowned. 'What's Ma got to do with it?'

  'If you're going to be around on a regular basis, Celine will leave and that means your mother will be without a manager. So do everyone a favour, Fergus, phone Vincent.' Richard left, banging the door after him.

  Fergus picked up the card and looked at the address. The sports centre was less than a mile from where he had grown up. His old school was nearby and the park where he'd first bought drugs was just around the corner. Even if he decided to go for the job, he knew his ma would be dead against it. She had sold their place while he was still in rehab and brought him home to the small house on the outskirts of Hopefield. She had told none of their neighbours where she was going, promising to get in touch when they'd settled in. She never had. Rose had left her life and her friends behind in an effort to protect him from the people who had dragged him down. Fergus had pointed out that drugs were available in every town and drug pushers were part of every community but Rose was adamant.

  'They don't know you,' she'd said, 'and you don't know them. And that's the way I like it.'

  He'd ran into Mick and some of the other lads occasionally but so far they'd left him alone. He wasn't sure how it would be if he was working close by, though. His thoughts were interrupted by Dominic's arrival.

  'Hi, Fergus. How are things? Have you been busy?'

  'Not bad.'

  'Right. You go and get some breakfast. I'll keep an eye on things.'

  Fergus slid the card into the pocket of his jeans and went into the back.

  Richard crossed the road and went into the café. 'Black coffee and a muffin, Tracy.'

  'And a very good morning to you too,' Tracy replied as she reached for a large mug.

  Richard smiled. 'Sorry. It's one of those days.'

  Tracy rolled her eyes. 'What's wrong with everyone this morning?'

  Richard followed her gaze to where Rose sat by the window staring across at her shop.

  'I'll try and cheer us both up,' he promised and took his breakfast over to Rose's table. 'Can I join you?'

  'Of course.'

  Rose smiled at him but he noticed the dark circles under her eyes. 'Should I ask what's wrong or will I guess?'

  Rose sighed. 'I think you probably know.'

  'Well, your manager hasn't buggered off yet, has she?'

  'Yet being the operative word,' Rose told him. 'I'm sure it's only a matter of time.'

  'Don't be so pessimistic. Celine strikes me as a level-headed sort of girl. Once she's got over the shock I'm sure she'll decide to stay.'

  'I'm not so sure but if she does, Richard, keep an eye on her for me, will you?'

  'I'll keep an eye on both of them,' he promised. 'Tell me, does Dominic know what's going on?'

  'Yes, Fergus told him. I don't think he had much choice. He's been in such a foul mood he had to explain why.'

  'Then between us I'm sure we can sort things out and make sure that Celine stays.'

  Rose watched him, a speculative gleam in her eye. 'I think you have a soft spot for your new tenant.'

  Richard grinned. 'She's very easy on the eye.'

  Rose's eyes narrowed. 'You behave yourself. That girl has had enough heartache without you adding her to your list of conquests.'

  Richard raised an eyebrow. 'I don't know what you mean.'

  'Oh yes you do.'

  'It's not my fault that women chase me all the time,' he protested.

  'It's a hard life.'

  Richard scowled. 'It is. Sometimes I think it would be easier to invent a wife.'

  'Or you could actually get married.' Rose suggested.

  Richard shivered. 'Let's not get carried away. Anyway, who'd put up with me?'

  'You've got a point.'

  'Thanks, Rose. You know, I bet Celine Moore could be fun if she ever let herself go.'

  'Richard.' Rose shot him a warning look.

  He held up his hands in surrender. 'I'll behave myself, I promise!'

  Rose got slowly to her feet. 'I'll hold you to that. Now I must get on.'

  Richard opened his paper. 'Bye, Rose, and don't worry so much. I'm sure things will work out fine.'

  'I wish I had your confidence.'

  Richard watched her cross the road and disappear into the shop. An hour ago he had been quite sure everything would be okay but after Fergus's odd change of heart over the job, he wasn't so sure. Richard was convinced that Fergus was as straight as they come and there was no doubt that he adored his mother, so why was he stalling over the job? Richard had seen the expression on his face when he'd first told him about it — he'd been delighted. That rubbish about not wanting to work behind a counter was bullshit. So what was the truth?

  Shortly after Rose had opened up, Celine came downstairs. 'Morning,' Rose called before bustling into the back room. Celine took a deep breath and followed her. 'Rose, I'd like to talk—'

  'Yes, love, of course, but I'm in a bit of a rush right now.' And before Celine could say another word, Rose hurried past her out of the shop and into her car.

  Celine stood looking after her. Rose was obviously avoiding her but she was just putting off the inevitable, Celine had to leave. She hated letting Rose down. In the few days she'd known her, Celine was impressed with her as a businesswoman and in awe of her courage in the face of such obvious pain. If only she weren't his mother. A small woman struggling to push open the door interrupted her thoughts. Celine hurried to help her.

  'Thank you, dear. Lovely to see you again.'

  Celine frowned. 'Hello.'

  The woman laughed. 'Mary Boyle, remember? From the garage.'

  'Of course! How are you?'

  'Fine, fine. I just dropped by to see how you were getting on.'

  'You're very kind.'

  'And to bring you this.' Mary shoved a Tupper-ware box into her arms.

  Celine's eyes widened as she peeked inside. 'Shepherd's pie!'

  'I know what you single girls are like when you live alone. Live on crackers and coffee, don't you? That's my own recipe, freshly made this morning.'

  'I'll have it this evening,' Celine promised and carried it into the back room.

  'Ten minutes in a warm oven is all it needs.' Mary was close on her heels.

  Celine jumped. 'Great, thanks.' She edged towards the door but Mary was taking off her coat and sitting down.

  'It may be spring,' she said, 'but the breeze out there would skin a cat.'

  Celine groaned inwardly. 'Would you like a cup of tea?'

  'Oh, thank you, dear, that would be lovely!'

  Celine put on the kettle and took out cups and saucers — Mary didn't look like the mug sort — occasionally pausing to stick her head into the shop.

  'Don't worry, you'll hear the bell if you have any customers,' Mary told her.

  Celine smiled through gritted teeth. 'Of course.'

  'Are you settling in all right?'

  'Yes, thanks. Just a few teething troubles with the immersion.'

  'My Gerry could take a look at that for you.'

  'That's okay, my landlord, Richard Lawrence, fixed it.'

  Mary grunted. 'Did he indeed? Well if there's anything else needs doing you just let me know. My Gerry can turn his hand to anything.'

  Celine suppressed a smile. 'Thanks, I'll remember that.'

  'You must come to tea,' Mary decided. 'What about Sunday?'

  'Eh, well, there's still a lot to do and . . .' Celine stammered as she poured the tea.

  'Next week then.' Mary looked with patent disapproval at the packet of biscuits. T have a lovely shortcake recipe. I'll drop it in the next time I'm passing.'

  Celine smiled and prayed fervently for a customer to walk through the door.

  'Rose was never into baking.'

  'She's a very busy woman.' Celine jumped immediately to her boss's defence.

  Mary sipped her tea. 'Aren't we all?'

  The doorbell chimed before Celine could reply. Saved by the bell, she thought
, before muttering her excuses and hurrying into the shop. 'Can I help you?' she asked the attractive thirty-something who was working her way through the rails.

  The woman smiled briefly and returned to the job at hand. 'Just looking, thanks.'

  Celine sighed. 'Call if you need me,' she said and went back to Mary Boyle.

  She was delighted to see the woman was on her feet and hurried to hold her coat.

  Mary patted her cheek. 'I must be going. You're very pretty but you really need to put on a few pounds. Make sure and eat that pie.'

  'I can't wait.'

  Mary looked pleased as she went back through the shop. 'Now drop in and let me know when you can come to tea.'

  'Okay then.' Celine opened the door.

  'And remember to call Gerry if you need anything.'

  'I will,' Celine promised.

  'Goodbye then, dear, take care.'

  'Bye.' Celine stood in the doorway and waved as Mary Boyle made her way back up the road.

  Dominic emerged from next door with Fergus behind him. 'Morning, Celine! How are you getting on?'

  Celine stood rooted to the spot.

  Fergus muttered something about the loo and retreated inside.

  Dominic looked embarrassed. 'I'm sorry about that. Fergus has been doing his damnedest to stay out of your way.'

  'So you know?'

  'Yes, he filled me in. It's a very small world, isn't it?'

  Celine's smile was bitter. 'It certainly is.'

  'If there's anything I can do—'

  She shook her head. 'There's nothing anyone can do, Dominic. Not now.'

  Chapter 14

  Marina groaned as she heard the post drop on the floor. 'Joshie, would you get the post for Mummy?'

  No reply.

  'Joshie?' Marina took off her rubber gloves and walked into the living room. Josh was still in his pyjamas, sprawled on the floor, watching Pokemon. Marina frowned. 'Darling, you know Mummy doesn't like you watching that.'

  No reply.

  'Joshie, aren't you listening to me?'

  Joshie turned to give her a heart-stopping smile. 'Yes, Mummy?'

  Marina melted. 'Turn the television off after that programme is finished, okay?'

  'Yes, Mummy.'

  'Good boy.' She tousled his hair as she went out into the hall. The carpet was strewn with brown envelopes. Marina bent to pick them up, carefully keeping her eyes averted. She brought them into the kitchen and stuffed them into a drawer with the others. Josh came in, rubbing his eyes. 'Can we go somewhere nice, Mummy?'