The Summer Guest Page 6

  ‘I’d eat anything without a pulse, especially if it’s being handed to me!’ said Kathleen.

  ‘You’re going to fit in nicely around here!’ Sam laughed.

  The food arrived promptly, and although it had been warm in the garden, once the sun had gone down, it became chilly. Lexie lit the two large outdoor heaters, discreetly installed at either side of the veranda roof.

  ‘Can you believe I’ve never sat under one of those?’ Kathleen told them.

  ‘Well, why would you?’ Sam asked. ‘I doubt many are sold in Florida.’

  ‘It doesn’t usually get cool enough. There aren’t as many bugs here, though.’

  ‘We get infestations of midges every now and again,’ Lexie said, ‘but for the most part bugs aren’t an issue.’

  As the couple continued to chat, Kathleen sighed happily. She’d left Orlando International Airport with a heavy heart. It was alien for her to be away from Jackson. For forty-four years, she’d barely left his side.

  ‘You need the time to reminisce,’ he’d said. ‘It’ll do your heart good to surround yourself with familiar places and forgotten memories. You won’t need me there for that, Kathy. I’d only cramp your style.’

  She swallowed hard. She didn’t want to cry in front of her new friends.

  ‘Is everything all right?’ Lexie asked, concerned.

  ‘Oh, yes, dear. Thank you. Don’t mind me. I’m just thinking about Jackson. I’ve wittered on about this return visit for as long as I can recall. Our holidays were precious and Jackson’s business always took precedence before he retired.’

  ‘What did he work at?’ Sam asked.

  ‘He was a vet,’ she said.

  ‘Did you end up with all sorts of stray cats and dogs in your house?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘Not quite,’ Kathleen said. ‘Jackson was in charge of the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. His main speciality was the large cats.’

  ‘I can see why he wouldn’t bring Daddy Tiger home for the weekend,’ Lexie said. They all laughed.

  ‘They look cute but those boys would swallow any of us whole!’ Kathleen said. ‘His job meant we travelled a lot to Africa to exchange cubs with other conservation centres. As a result Europe wasn’t on our horizon.’

  ‘So Jackson’s retirement meant you could come?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘Totally. Jackson got a lump sum when he finished up at work so he bought me the ticket. He insisted I should come before I was too old to enjoy it properly.’

  ‘Well, I’m glad you did,’ Lexie said warmly.

  All three cleared away the foil containers and the plates. Kathleen yawned, suddenly exhausted again. ‘I think I’m going to leave you guys now. You’ve been so sweet to me. I never dreamed I’d meet such warm and welcoming folks.’

  ‘We’re honoured that you came to see us,’ Lexie said.

  ‘Absolutely,’ Sam reiterated. ‘Call over any time you like. We’d be delighted to see you.’

  ‘Neither of us likes to drink and drive,’ Lexie explained, ‘so I’ll call you a cab. We use a local company, so they’ll take care of you.’

  ‘I can walk!’ Kathleen argued.

  ‘Indeed you cannot,’ Sam said. ‘We’d never forgive ourselves if anything happened to you.’

  They sat in the living room to wait for the taxi. Kathleen got up to gaze out across the square. ‘I told my taxi driver earlier on that Mrs Caddy, the lady who used to live over there in number eight, was a dragon! She used to mutter to herself and shoo us away if we came within earshot of her.’

  ‘She sounds awful,’ Lexie said. ‘There’s a family with three children there now. The eldest is Amélie’s age.’

  ‘I’m glad old Mrs Caddy’s bad karma hasn’t tainted the place.’

  As the taxi pulled up outside, Kathleen gulped.

  ‘Are you certain you’re okay?’ Lexie asked, standing up from the sofa and crossing the room.

  ‘Yes, dear. Thank you.’ In spite of all her best efforts, Kathleen felt tell-tale tears seeping down her cheeks. ‘Oh, no! I’m so embarrassed. Forgive me. I don’t know why I’m crying. You must think I’m a crazy old doll.’

  ‘I don’t think anything of the sort,’ Lexie said kindly. ‘You’ve had a long journey all by yourself and walked back into a place you hadn’t seen for donkey’s years. It’s not surprising you’re a bit out there.’

  ‘Lexie’s right,’ Sam said. ‘You’ve been on an emotional marathon in the last twelve hours.’ He glanced at Lexie and hesitated. Then he went on, ‘Listen, why don’t you stay with us for a few days? Just until you find somewhere suitable to rent. What do you think, Lexie?’

  ‘It’s a brilliant idea. I hate the thought of you being in a hotel with nobody to talk to.’

  ‘Oh, I couldn’t impose. I’ve already pushed myself on you enough. You’re a darling couple but I need to venture back to the hotel and try to get some sleep, if it’s all the same to you.’

  ‘How about we compromise?’ Lexie said. ‘Would you meet me for breakfast in the morning? There’s a gorgeous café just beside the gallery. They don’t do greasy-spoon stuff, it’s more along the lines of smoothies and porridge with yummy toppings like fruit compôtes and lavender honey.’

  ‘And their home-baked breads are to die for,’ Sam added. ‘Lexie and I go there most Sundays for brunch. We munch our way through eggs Benedict or scrambled eggs topped with smoked salmon.’

  ‘Okay, okay!’ Kathleen said, cheering up. ‘I’m sold!’

  ‘I’ve to open the gallery and I’ve a client booked in to view a painting at nine thirty. Why don’t you call at the gallery any time after ten and we can have brunch?’ Lexie suggested.

  ‘If you’re sure I won’t be muscling in on your day,’ Kathleen said.

  ‘I’d be delighted,’ Lexie said, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.

  ‘I’ll be chained to my desk, sadly, so it’ll be a girls’ only affair,’ said Sam. ‘But I’ve no doubt we’ll be seeing a bit of one another over the next few weeks. In other words, don’t be a stranger.’

  ‘Don’t be a stranger,’ Kathleen repeated. ‘I haven’t heard that phrase for quite some time.’

  Even though they’d only just met, it didn’t seem odd for them to hug as Kathleen departed.

  The taxi driver wasn’t overly friendly, which suited Kathleen perfectly. She was utterly shattered. As she paid and made her way into the hotel, she was looking forward to slipping into her nightdress and climbing into bed.

  A few minutes later she lay back on the pillows. She welcomed the background noise of other guests and the lurching of elevator as it shunted up and down. She wasn’t used to being on her own. She turned off the bedside light, lay back and tried to relax. The darkness was too much, so she flicked the light back on and padded to the bathroom. She’d leave the light on in there with the door open a crack.

  Scolding herself for being so childish, she picked up the information pack from the coffee table and pulled out a postcard.

  My darling Jackson

  As usual you’re right. It’s wonderful to be back in Ireland. I cannot express how awesome it was to walk into my old home once more.

  The owners are the most gorgeous couple called Lexie and Sam. They’ve turned number three into a modern and stylish home. They’ve proved that Irish people are indeed the most welcoming in the world. I spent the evening with them and already I feel as if I’ve known them for ever.

  Thank you for insisting I come here. Maybe now I’ll finally stop ‘wittering on about it’, as you delicately put it!

  I love you and miss you, but I won’t waste this precious time. I can almost see you wagging a finger in my direction!

  Your loving wife,

  Kathy x x

  Taking a deep breath, Kathleen climbed back into bed, closed her eyes and went over every detail of number three Cashel Square, Lexie and Sam. They seemed so content and together. She couldn’t imagine a better family living in her former home. The work and love
they’d poured into the renovations were astounding.

  Yawning, Kathleen found herself looking forward to the next day. She was longing to see the gallery and explore her childhood haunts.

  Chapter 7

  ‘I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised by Kathleen,’ Sam said, as he and Lexie lay in bed. ‘I wasn’t too happy about you inviting a total stranger into our home, if I’m honest.’

  ‘I had a good feeling about her,’ Lexie said. ‘In my defence I don’t make a habit of it.’

  ‘I know that.’ He swatted her arm. ‘It could’ve been dodgy all the same. She might’ve been a lunatic or just plain awful.’

  ‘Well, she was neither,’ Lexie yawned, ‘so no harm done. In fact, I think she’s going to be a lovely addition to our lives this summer. We could see her as a grown-up version of a foreign-exchange student.’

  ‘That’s one way of looking at it, I guess.’ Sam seemed pensive.

  ‘What?’ Lexie asked, resting her head on her arm and staring at him.

  ‘Let’s play it by ear for a little while, but how would you feel about offering Kathleen the basement for the summer?’

  ‘Perfect!’ Lexie said immediately. ‘It would be right somehow, wouldn’t it?’

  ‘Well, we did all the work, putting the kitchenette and bathroom in and it’s never been used.’

  ‘She’d need some basic furniture,’ Lexie mused.

  ‘We could take the bed from the spare-spare room, as opposed to Amélie’s room,’ he quipped, ‘so all she’d need is a sofa and a small table and chairs.’

  ‘We could pick those up easily enough.’

  ‘See how you get on with her tomorrow,’ said Sam. ‘You could always suggest it, if it seems fitting.’

  Lexie felt oddly excited as she drifted off to sleep. She’d warmed to Kathleen instantly. She had such an easy nature in contrast to her own mother, who was at the other end of the spectrum, constantly fussing and consumed by what everyone else might be thinking. Kathleen had a relaxed elegance to her style and seemed happy in her own skin. She was so independent and open to adventure too. Clearly she had a very close relationship with her husband, Jackson, yet she’d come all this way alone. Penelope barely went to the supermarket without Reggie and even then she’d have to nag him and give out.

  Lexie was going to take Sam’s advice and see how tomorrow panned out, but she hoped Kathleen would be open to the idea of staying in the basement flat. The other woman seemed more than capable of looking after herself, but Lexie felt slightly protective of her all the same. She could just see the two of them sharing glasses of wine and chatting.

  They jumped at the sound of hammering on the front door.

  ‘I’ll go,’ Sam said groggily, and looked at his watch. ‘It’s half eleven. Who on earth would call at this time?’

  ‘It’s not that late,’ Lexie riposted. She and Sam really were very set in their ways.

  Maia had been telling her for years what fuddy-duddies they were. ‘Try having a colicky baby bawling in your ear for a year and tell me you’re tired.’

  ‘Why do you think we haven’t gone there?’ Lexie said. ‘Sam and I like suiting ourselves and doing what we want, when we want.’

  Lexie grabbed her dressing gown and shot downstairs after him. The flashing blue light was visible through the glass panel to the side of the door.

  ‘Hello!’ Sam sounded astonished.

  ‘I presume this young lady belongs to you,’ the police officer said.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Lexie asked, joining Sam at the door.

  ‘There was a complaint from a local resident,’ the police officer continued. ‘A group of youths, your young lady included, were playing loud music in Hawthorn Park and drinking.’

  ‘I see,’ Sam said.

  ‘Now your daughter insists she wasn’t drinking and we didn’t find any alcohol on her person, so we’ve given her a talking-to and thought it best to deliver her home. Some of the lads she was with were very abusive and brandishing bottles, so they’ve been taken to the station.’

  ‘I see,’ Sam said again. ‘That’s appalling behaviour, and I can tell you, it’s not what we expect from our daughter,’ he said, narrowing his eyes at Amélie.

  ‘We had no idea you were in the park,’ Lexie said, glowering at her. ‘We’re not in the habit of allowing our daughter to hang about in public places at night, I can assure you.’

  ‘I’m sorry I went without asking you, Mum,’ Amélie said.

  ‘Let this be a warning to you, Margaret,’ the police officer said.

  Lexie and Sam shot her a look of puzzlement. Amélie raised her eyebrows and willed them not to dob her in.

  ‘We’re very grateful to you for bringing her home safely,’ Sam said. ‘I can assure you this won’t happen again. We’ll make sure she realises the error of her ways.’

  ‘See that you do,’ he said. ‘And I’d advise her to give that gang she’s hanging around with a wide berth. Some of those lads are known to the police and not the type you want a girl like Margaret being associated with.’

  ‘You’re very good to let us know,’ Sam reiterated. ‘There’ll be stern talks in this house.’

  ‘Thanks again, Officer,’ Lexie said, and shut the door.

  Amélie ran into the living room ahead of them.

  ‘So, Margaret,’ Sam said, with his hands on his hips. ‘What was going on?’

  ‘I had to give a false name,’ Amélie said. ‘We weren’t doing anything wrong. Some nosy old bag with no life rang and gave out because we were having fun.’ She pouted.

  ‘Do your parents know where you are?’ Lexie asked. ‘Your mum rang me this afternoon and said she couldn’t find you.’

  ‘Yeah, I know. I got your text,’ said Amélie. ‘I told her I was studying at Sarah’s, then coming here to stay with you.’

  ‘What?’ Lexie said. ‘Jeez, Amélie, are you trying to get us all into trouble?’

  ‘No!’ she said. ‘Please don’t get all aggro with me. I know it was really stupid but I’ve just started dating this guy Elton and he’s really cool …’ Her eyes lit up. ‘He’s a musician and he’s really into saving the planet.’

  ‘That’s super-cool, marvellous and totes amazing,’ Sam said sarcastically. ‘But Auntie Lexie and I are old and decrepit. Funnily enough, we hate being woken by the police to tell us that our non-existent daughter Margaret is acting the maggot in a public place.’ He stood closer and sniffed her breath. ‘And you were drinking. Not cool, little lady. Not cool. Much as you mightn’t like to face it, you’re under age. You could get into serious trouble. If Elton’s so keen on saving things, he should start with his girlfriend. I’m sure you think he’s the most amazing person ever created, but so far he’s not impressing me.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Sam. I messed up.’ She swayed from side to side with her hands clasped at her chest.

  ‘You’ll end up in trouble, Amélie,’ he warned again, softening. ‘I’m going back to bed because, as I already said, I’m old and boring, and guess what? I like sleeping during the night.’

  Amélie plonked herself on the sofa as Sam began to leave the room. ‘Elton?’ he said. ‘What kind of a name is that?’ He left Lexie to do the rest of the lecturing.

  ‘What are you going to do?’ Amélie asked, looking up at Lexie.

  ‘I’m not going to beat you with the fireside poker or anything,’ Lexie said, sighing deeply. ‘But you’ve really dumped me in it now, haven’t you?’

  ‘I’m more sorry than you’ll ever know, like E-V-E-R,’ Amélie said dramatically.

  ‘Did you buy booze with the money I gave you for ice-cream?’ Lexie asked.

  Amélie nodded. ‘Sort of. That stupid old goat in the off-licence wouldn’t serve me earlier. Said I had to have proper ID. I have this fake one but he said it didn’t look authentic so one of the lads bought it for me.’

  Lexie rubbed her temples. ‘If your parents hear about this you’ll never be allowed out again.’


  ‘I know, and they’re already on my case.’

  ‘Your mum says you haven’t done any work for your exams,’ Lexie said. ‘And apparently you disappeared while she went shopping today.’

  ‘She wouldn’t let me out!’ Amélie yelled. ‘It’s like being in a bloody concentration camp at our house.’

  ‘Hey!’ Lexie shouted back. Then she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. ‘You just landed in on me and Sam, used us as an alibi while lying to the police. Don’t raise your voice at me! I’m on your side here. Don’t blow it, Amélie.’

  ‘Sorry.’ She looked at the floor. ‘I’m just trying to live my life. I didn’t go out intending to cause you loads of hassle, I swear.’

  ‘Let’s just go to bed. You need to cop on, Amélie. The police were very nice to you this time, but take this as one strike too many,’ Lexie said. ‘You only get away with this kind of messing once. After that it’s serious.’

  ‘Are you telling Mum and Dad?’ she asked.

  ‘I’ll talk to Sam and decide in the morning,’ she said.

  ‘If you don’t tell them, I promise you nothing like this will happen again. I’ll go home tomorrow and study for fourteen hours. Straight up.’

  ‘How about you go home and even do an hour of work? That would be a vast improvement.’

  Amélie hugged her and Lexie tried not to wince at the smell. ‘Don’t drink that vile cider any more either. It’ll pickle your insides and your brain. It stinks.’

  ‘It’s cheap.’ Amélie shrugged.

  Lexie took a deep breath. ‘The other thing I’d like you to think about is this new guy Elton.’

  ‘Oh, you’d love him! He’s totally mint.’

  ‘So far he doesn’t sound it. Hanging out in parks and drinking cheap booze paid for by your under-age girlfriend? You can do better, honey.’

  ‘We only went to the park because it was a nice evening. And there were too many of us to fit in the bedsit …’

  ‘Amélie. When you’re in a hole, learn when to stop digging.’

  Amélie looked like she wanted to argue, but didn’t dare. They switched off the lights and went upstairs to their rooms.