Red Letter Day

by Colette Caddle

  Dominic took off his glasses and started to clean them, a sure sign there was something on his mind. 'Not good but I've had an idea.'

  'Oh?'

  'Yes, I think it's time to close the newsagent's.'

  Marina's eyes widened. 'You're going to sell the shop?'

  He held up a finger. 'That's not what I said. No, I think I just need to change what I sell.'

  'How exciting! What have you got in mind?'

  'I wanted to come up with something to appeal to the residents at Richard's apartments.'

  Marina grinned. 'You mean rich people.'

  'Rich people with busy lives who don't have time to cook.'

  Marina chuckled. 'Or who, like me, don't particularly want to.'

  'Exactly. And the only choice is to eat out or order in. Then the choice is pizza, Indian, Chinese.'

  'Yes?' Marina prompted, getting impatient.

  But Dominic wasn't to be rushed. 'But at the same time we're much more health-conscious. So—'

  'So?'

  'I was thinking of opening a delicatessen with a difference.'

  'A deli! That's a good idea. There's none for miles around here.'

  'Exactly. But it would be more than just a normal deli. We could provide a limited catering service as well.'

  Marina frowned. 'You're a great cook, Dominic, but I'm not sure you're up to that.'

  He laughed. 'I wouldn't be doing the cooking. I'd hire someone to take care of that end.'

  'It sounds like a great idea. You could have special low-cal menus.'

  'Low cholesterol, low fat, the possibilities are endless.'

  'It's a great idea, Dominic, really great.'

  Dominic glanced up as Tracy walked by. 'You don't think they'll mind, do you?'

  'Of course not,' Marina assured him. 'You won't be in direct competition with them.'

  Dominic nodded. 'Some of their customers get coffee and cakes to take away but we won't be doing that sort of thing.'

  'How would you handle the catering side?' Marina asked.

  'I thought we could have a set menu each day so that people could just come in and order a meal for one or two at the last moment. For larger orders they'd have to give us twenty-four hours' notice and then we could do special menus for larger parties. If it took off, I'd probably need more staff, but only time will tell. I'm also going to see if I can get a wine licence. It would be great if the customer could order dinner and the wine to go with it all under the same roof.'

  'You've given this a lot of thought, haven't you?'

  'I've had lots of time to,' Dominic said with a wry smile.

  'Have you figured out how much it would cost? Putting in a commercial kitchen and changing the layout of the shop won't be cheap.'

  'No, but I've talked to the bank and they're willing to back me.'

  Marina looked reproachful. 'You've done all this yet you never said a word.'

  'I'm sorry, darling, but I wanted to be sure it would work before I said anything because—'

  'Yes?'

  Dominic reached over and took her hand. 'I wanted to know exactly what my prospects were before I asked you.'

  'Asked me what?'

  'This is not the way it should be,' Dominic apologised, looking around the busy cafe. 'I hadn't intended to do this.'

  'Dominic.' Marina tugged on his hand.

  'Okay.' Dominic swallowed hard. 'Marina, will you marry me?'

  'Yes.'

  'Don't you want time to think about it?'

  'No.'

  'Maybe talk to your mother or even to Josh?'

  'No. I love you, that's all that matters. Mum will be happy for me and Josh will get used to the idea. It's just been the two of us for so long he's bound to be jealous at first. Give him time. I know he'll come to love you as much as I do. I don't need to ask them.'

  'Oh, Marina, I don't know what to say. Damn, I don't even have the ring with me.'

  Marina's eyes widened. 'You've bought me a ring?'

  'Yes, but the jeweller said I could change if you didn't like it. Apparently that happens quite a lot.'

  'I'm sure I'll love it,' Marina told him, hoping fervently that she would.

  'I hope you don't want a long engagement,' he murmured, taking her hand and kissing it.

  'No, I don't think there's any need for that. But I want a very small wedding.'

  He looked surprised. 'I thought you'd want the church, the dress, the works!'

  'Been there, done that,' Marina said sadly. 'Anyway, we must think of the business. That comes first.'

  'Oh, Marina, you're wonderful,' Dominic said, his smile tender. 'I don't deserve you.'

  'Funny, that's what I was thinking,' Marina laughed.

  'I'm not much of a prospect. A failing business and a tiny house. Are you sure you don't want to think about this?'

  'Are you withdrawing your proposal?'

  'No!'

  'Then shut up. You can offer me something that money can't buy. You love me and you've been so good to Josh.'

  'It's easy to love you and Josh is a part of you. But I don't think he'll be happy about having a stepfather.'

  'He'll be fine,' Marina assured him. 'Now, tell me, where's the best place to hold a cheap wedding?'

  Dominic's eyes twinkled. 'Let's go to Las Vegas!'

  Marina clapped her hands. 'What a wonderful idea! We could get married in one of those dinky little wedding chapels.'

  'Your mum will probably think we're mad.'

  'The only problem we'll have with my mum is dragging her away from the slot machines long enough to attend the service!'

  'Richard could be my best man and Celine could be your bridesmaid.'

  Marina's eyes moistened. 'And Joshie will make such an adorable pageboy.'

  Tracy wandered over, a wide smile on her face. 'Can I get anything else for you two?'

  Marina smiled at Dominic. 'No, I think we've got everything we need.'

  Celine gathered up her bag and jacket as the train pulled into Arklow station. Babs, Rose's sister, had offered to pick her up and Celine was amused to see that the woman was a brunette version of her sister. Equally small, curvy and pretty, she was a bit more vocal, chatting non-stop until they pulled up outside a small bungalow on the outskirts of the town. As Celine got out of the car, she was thrilled to see Rose standing unaided in the doorway. 'Look at you!' she exclaimed, rushing over to hug her boss.

  'Hello, Celine, it's lovely to see you.'

  'Now you two go on out to the garden,' Babs told them, 'and I'll make us some tea.'

  Rose led Celine through the house, into a pretty conservatory and out into a garden abundant with flowers.

  'This is definitely the perfect spot for recuperation.' Celine said, helping Rose into her chair before flopping into a comfortable lounger.

  'Isn't it?' Rose agreed.

  'So tell me, how are you feeling?'

  'Not bad at all. Getting in and out of the bath and dressing is still a bit of a struggle but apart from that I'm doing very well. How about you? I hope you're not finding managing the shop too stressful.'

  'On the contrary, I'm enjoying it. It's nice to be doing something that involves my brain. My last job wasn't exactly challenging.' Knowing that Rose would want to know everything, Celine went on to give her a rim down on the stock that had come in, the customers Rose would be interested in, and she finished up with the good news that the takings were up. Babs appeared with a heavy-laden tray and set it down on the table beside them.

  'I think I'll stay here with you, Babs, this girl is running the place better than I did!'

  'I wouldn't say that,' Celine protested. 'I'm not so good with the staff.'

  Rose chuckled. 'Is Sadie driving you mad?'

  Celine put her head on one side. 'Let's say I couldn't see us ever sharing a flat.'

  'Ha!' Rose clapped her hands delightedly. 'I'm glad it's not just me. I mean, the poor woman means well but—''

  'She whines,' Celine supplied. 'Wh
ines, whinges, moans. Constantly.'

  'Oh, my,' said Babs as she poured the tea. 'How do you put up with her?'

  'I've learned to tune her out,' Celine replied.

  'Me too,' Rose admitted, 'It's the only way.'

  Babs handed Celine a cup of tea and pushed the tempting plate of cakes towards her. 'Then I'm glad you're not planning to return to work for a while, Rose, because that kind of thing wouldn't be good for you.'

  'She's a terrible fusspot,' Rose told Celine, but she patted Babs' hand affectionately. 'But I was thinking of staying on here for a while longer, Celine — would that be okay with you?'

  'Of course it's okay. Take as long as you like.'

  'Bless you, love. So tell me, is there any news? How are Dominic and Richard?'

  'Fine. Dominic's in an especially good mood. In fact, I'd go so far as to say he's in love.'

  Rose's eyes lit up. 'Really? Not with one of those women from the musical society, I hope?'

  Celine shook her head and laughed. 'No, with Marina.'

  'Your friend?'

  'That's right.'

  'My goodness, how amazing.'

  'I know. I introduced them one day, didn't think any more about it, and the next thing I know they're dating.'

  'She must be something special,' Rose murmured. 'Dominic hasn't been out with a woman since he moved to Dublin.'

  'Is that the nice Englishman who was jilted on his wedding day?' Babs asked.

  Rose nodded. 'When I first met him he was a broken man. The shop and buying that dilapidated house is what got him through that terrible time. But, though he got plenty of invitations, Dominic never looked at another woman. He threw himself into the musical society, worked out in the gym and played squash with Richard, but any time a woman came on to him he ran a mile.'

  Celine smiled. 'I'd have thought Marina was the last person he'd end up with. You met her, Rose, you know what she's like.'

  Rose nodded at her sister. 'A real beauty, she's a model, you know, and very outgoing. She's a lot younger too, isn't she, Celine?'

  'Thirty-five, but don't tell her I told you.'

  'Well, I'm flabbergasted,' Rose admitted. 'No offence, Celine, I know she's your friend, but she won't hurt him, will she?'

  'I don't think so, Rose, she seems mad about the man. They make a lovely couple.'

  'I'm so glad. Now if I could just find someone for Richard.' She shot Celine a sly glance.

  Celine rolled her eyes at Babs. 'Has she always been such a matchmaker?'

  Babs nodded. 'She has poor Fergus driven mad. I keep telling her he's still young but she won't be happy until she sees him march down the aisle. What?' She stopped when she saw the grim look on Rose's face. 'Oh, sorry, I've put my foot in it, haven't I?'

  'It's okay, Babs.' Celine looked her boss in the eye. 'You are allowed to talk about your son in front of me, Rose, I won't fall to pieces. Now, after all that tea, I really must use your loo.'

  When she returned the sisters were careful to keep the conversation innocuous until it was time for Celine to leave.

  'It's a pity you couldn't take the later train,' Rose said with a sigh.

  'I have a business to run,' Celine reminded her. 'Anyway, I think I've tired you out.'

  Babs nodded. 'Yes, it's time you had a nap, Rose. I'll get her settled and then I'll take you to the station, Celine.'

  'Stop fussing, Babs,' Rose complained, but she allowed her sister to lead her back into the house and Celine noticed she was leaning rather more heavily on her sister's arm.

  'Is she okay?' Celine asked Babs when they were on the way back to the station.

  'She tires easily but the nurse says she's making a very good recovery.'

  'I'm so glad. She was in such pain before the operation.'

  'She's had a tough time but at least she can relax knowing the shop is in good hands.' Babs pulled into a parking spot outside the train station. 'Now, my dear, you had better hurry or you'll miss your train. It was lovely to meet you.'

  Chapter 32

  The following Thursday, Celine was in the parish hall an hour earlier than everyone else. The altered dresses were hanging up on one rack, clearly labelled. The remainder of the clothes she had sorted into size. She had wanted to sort them per scene but it transpired that most of the cast would be in the same outfits for much of the show so that wasn't possible. The only clothes she had for the men were the morning suits for the Ascot scene, suits for the wedding scene and suits for Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering. They would bring in old clothes for the other scenes.

  'You look busy.'

  She looked up to see Dominic smiling down at her. 'Well, well, well, if it isn't the bridegroom!'

  He smiled shyly. 'You've heard then.'

  Celine hugged him. 'I think all of Dublin has heard! I'm delighted for you both. It's wonderful news.'

  'I can't quite believe it,' Dominic admitted. 'I never expected to find someone, never mind a ready-made family.'

  'And Marina tells me you're opening a deli too. It's guaranteed to be a success with me living next door.'

  He laughed. 'Let's hope there are plenty more like you.'

  'When do you plan to start trading?'

  'Hopefully September. I had a meeting with the builder today and he says the work should take about six weeks. Now I should let you get on with your sewing. You know, you're doing a wonderful job, Celine, we really appreciate it.'

  Celine chuckled. 'I don't think all the ladies would agree with you. Between you and me, there's some fierce rivalry among them.'

  Dominic groaned. 'Don't I know it, but I hope it hasn't frightened you off. You're a great addition to the society.'

  Celine frowned. 'You may not think so once Mary Boyle tells everyone what I'm really like.'

  'Sorry?'

  'It's a bit embarrassing but—'

  'Hello, you two.' Cathy Donlon marched in, laden down with scripts, scores and what looked like a box of wigs. 'Give me a hand, would you, Dominic?'

  'Where did you get these?' Celine asked as she peered into the box that Dominic had set down on the floor. She pulled out a blonde wig and a feather boa.

  'Had them for years,' Cathy told her. 'Some of them are falling apart but that's showbusiness.'

  Celine blew dust off the wig, coughed and put it on.

  'Ooh, Mae West, as I live and breathe!' Dominic laughed.

  'Come up and see me sometime,' Celine replied sticking her chest out.

  'It's a pity you insist on being behind the scenes,' Cathy complained. 'You'd be such an asset to our production.'

  Celine removed the wig, laughing. 'Thank you but no thank you.'

  'What was it you were going to tell me about Mary Boyle?' Dominic murmured as Cathy went to set out the chairs.

  Celine dragged a hand through her hair. 'She was in the shop one day when I had a visit from—' She paused, wondering how to describe Eileen. 'From the wife of a friend of mine. We had words and it got rather heated. Good old Mary enjoyed every minute of it.'

  'Sounds like our nosey neighbour.'

  'I'm sure she's spent her week telling her cronies all about it.'

  'I wouldn't worry.' Dominic patted her shoulder. 'Mary is always bad-mouthing someone. She'll probably have forgotten all about it by now.'

  'I doubt that very much,' Celine murmured but Dominic was already crossing the room to help Cathy.

  It wasn't long before Celine's worst fears were realised.

  'I can't believe she has the nerve to show her face in here tonight,' Mary said in a stage whisper to the ladies nearest her. 'I'm sure poor Rose Lynch would be shocked if she knew what kind of person she had working for her.'

  Celine pretended not to have heard the woman's vicious tongue but every time she looked up from her sewing, Mary was whispering in yet another ear and pointing in her direction. Dominic seemed unaware of the growing tension. He, Cathy and Tom Callen — Colonel Pickering — were working on a scene at the far end of the room. The ladies w
ere supposed to be practising their songs but there was more talking than singing going on. Celine kept her head down but when she heard the word 'slut', she flipped. Standing up she clapped her hands. 'Can I have your attention, please? Sorry to interrupt,' she added as Cathy looked around in surprise. 'I just need to put the ladies straight on something. Mary Boyle has been telling you all about a visitor I had in my shop last week.' She paused and you could have heard a pin drop. 'She heard only one side of a very complicated story and I think you should remember that.'

  'Then tell us the other half,' retorted one of Mary's closest friends.

  I, well, it's not true.'

  'So you're not sleeping with the woman's husband?' Mary piped up.

  'No I'm not!' Celine reddened, her eyes flickering over the accusing faces and coming to rest on Dominic's bemused one.

  'You heard her.' Cathy had moved silently up the room and was now standing at Celine's side. 'Not that I think it's any of our business one way or another,' she added, looking at Mary Boyle. 'Now can we get back to work, please? There's still a lot of work to do.'

  'Thanks,' Celine murmured when the ladies had resumed their rehearsal.

  'Mary can be a nosey old biddy, don't mind her,' Cathy advised.

  'I wouldn't have wanted any customer to have overheard that — exchange — but Mary Boyle.' Celine sighed. 'I wouldn't mind so much if the woman ever bought anything.'

  Cathy laughed. 'Look on the bright side. You'll be off her list of eligible brides for Gerry.'

  Celine's smile was shaky. 'Do you mind if I head home, Cathy?'

  'Not at all, love, you go on.'

  'Thanks.' Celine packed up some costumes to take with her and headed for the door, aware that all eyes in the room were on her back.

  'Are you all right?' Dominic had followed her outside.

  Celine nodded. 'She's got it wrong, Dominic—' She stopped as he put his finger to her lips.

  'You don't have say another word, Celine. I know you would never behave like that.'

  Celine closed her eyes briefly. 'Oh, Dominic.'

  'What?'

  'You're a lovely man, Marina's lucky to have found you.'