The Gift of Friends Page 7

  She made her way around to the front garden, checking on the progress of new plantings and the effects of autumn on the flowers. There was quite a bit of work to be done, she mused. She should get into her gardening gear now and get going on it. As she turned to head back to the house, she saw a van outside number ten. It was a large removal van, and six men were fetching and carrying out of the back of it. Nancy watched with interest, wondering if one of the men was the new owner. It was such a crucial moment when they met a new neighbour, and she felt nervously excited at the prospect of it.

  Back inside the kitchen, she cut some bread and popped it in the toaster, then opened a tin of food for Nelly. At the same moment, the toast pinged up and her phone beeped loudly. It was a message from Betsy: Come for coffee. We have the new neighbour!

  Chapter 5

  DANIELLE FELT AS IF SHE WERE HAVING SOME SORT of a weird out-of-body experience. One minute she was helping Justin to move things into their new home, and the next she’d been catapulted into a neighbour’s kitchen that suddenly seemed full of people all looking at her expectantly. The introductions were swift and she hadn’t really taken in any of the names. She was confused as to who even lived here. Two of the women seemed to be in charge and she was trying to work out if they both lived in this house.

  They were all being friendly to her, but they were a bit scary. They were very posh and kept staring at her as if they were waiting for her to entertain them. She didn’t know whether she should tell them a bit about her and Justin or not. Was that considered bad manners or good manners? She wished her mam had taught her about this kind of situation. But then, she could just imagine what her mam would say about this group. ‘I’d rather eat my own leg off than walk into a room full of poshies like them.’

  She silently cursed Justin for dumping her right in it. One of the women, the small older lady who was dressed in a skirt and blouse and a navy blazer with a perfectly tied silk scarf, had come over with a big smile and a hamper of stuff and basically insisted she go with her. Danielle had surveyed the chaos of her life that was being dumped from the van and said ‘No, thank you’ about fifty times, but the woman was stubbornly insistent.

  ‘Just pop in and say hello for five minutes, that’s all. The other women are dying to meet you. It would be so lovely. You’ll come, won’t you?’ Danielle had begun shaking her head yet again, so the woman had switched her attention to Justin.

  ‘Can you spare her for a few minutes, do you think?’

  Justin grinned and reached over to take the hamper from the woman’s hands. ‘Oh of course! Take her. She’d love to go and meet everyone, wouldn’t you, darling?’

  She’d glowered at him, but it was too late. The lady had taken her by the arm and frog-marched her into house opposite Danielle’s. There were two other women there, too, sitting in the perfectly spotless kitchen. It was so clean, Danielle even tried to breathe minimally. She’d accepted a cup of tea and a small home-baked biscuit and tried to focus on the conversation. They all seemed to know one another very well and she hadn’t the first clue what to do or how to be. All the talk was about some party that was clearly happening soon.

  ‘Of course, you two will have to come along,’ said the most glamorous one of the bunch. She was exactly the type of woman Danielle would normally avoid – red lippy, a tonne of mascara, fake tan and cleavage all pushed up so that it was straining out of her shirt in a way that was far too eye-catching. All glam and no shame, as her mother would have said. ‘Freddie and I are celebrating twenty years of marriage, God help us all. I’m having a major blow-out in the garden. Well, in a tent in the garden.’

  ‘A marquee, Maia,’ said the one who’d dragged her here.

  ‘Oh yeah, sorry, in a marquee,’ she said in a put-on posh voice. She cackled laughing and Danielle forced a laugh. This was torture. She’d be making damn sure Justin didn’t throw her to these lions ever again.

  ‘Stop talking about me, I’ve arrived,’ a voice called from the hallway, then the door to the kitchen pushed open and an even older lady walked in, smiling widely.

  ‘We weren’t talking about you,’ said the glam one, going over to hug her. ‘And if we were, it would be about how adorable you are.’

  ‘Adorable, my ass!’

  ‘Nancy, for goodness sake,’ said the lady in the blazer and she looked shocked. ‘Language, please.’

  ‘Lighten up, Betsy,’ the woman said, grinning at her. ‘My ass is entirely inoffensive, I can assure you.’

  They all started giggling at that, even blazer Betsy, even Danielle. She felt like this woman was different from the others. She was older, for starters, but she was funny and didn’t seem to give a toss what the rest thought. Dressed in an ankle-grazing dress covered in a daisy motif that looked as if it were genuinely vintage, she had a warm and inviting smile. When she sat on a high stool beside Danielle, they were all treated to a view of her bright Kelly-green patent Mary-Jane shoes. The look was finished off with a headband of yellow artificial flowers.

  ‘Hi, I’m Nancy,’ she said, extending her hand.

  Danielle shook it awkwardly. ‘I’m Danielle. I just moved in to the road.’

  ‘Did you now? I passed the removal vans and was wondering who was joining us on Kingfisher Road. Well, I hope you’ll be very happy here. We’re all great friends and I’m sure you’ll fit right in too. I live in number five, at the bottom of the road, and you’re welcome any time.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Danielle said, sure she’d never have the guts to knock on any of their doors, and hopefully never the need to either.

  ‘Have you been introduced to the rest?’ Nancy said, looking around.

  ‘Of course she’s been introduced,’ Betsy said, sounding offended again. ‘What kind of a home do you think I run?’

  Nancy winked at Danielle. ‘What’s her name?’ she said, pointing to the woman who was the quietest one.

  Danielle blushed. ‘Em . . . I’m not . . .’

  ‘Hah, you see,’ Nancy said triumphantly. ‘You overwhelmed her and she’s not taken anything in. I knew it from the look of her, like a frightened cat.’ She turned to Danielle and smiled. ‘That woman is Pearl,’ she said, and the quiet woman waved at her. ‘She’s in number two, next door. This is number one, Betsy’s house. Utter perfection, I think you’ll agree. And that looper over there is Maia, our resident hot chick. She’s in number three.’

  ‘What about the other five houses?’ Danielle asked, looking towards the door and fearing another stampede of people and names to remember.

  Nancy ticked off five fingers. ‘Unfriendly widower who won’t even look at you if you’re not his grandkid; high-flying couple who spend only about one month here a year; another high-flying couple, retired but still on aeroplanes most of the time; a businessman who seems to treat it as a pad to shag his mistress; and finally an opera singer who we suspect has it only for tax purposes.’

  Danielle’s head was reeling from this rapid-fire delivery of strange information about her unseen neighbours. ‘Oh right,’ was all she could manage.

  ‘Nobodies, basically,’ Nancy said with a shrug. ‘And then there’s us, who look out for each other and have a bit of fun together and it suits us. You’ll have to find your side of the fence, I suppose, but I hope it’s here with us.’

  She smiled again, and Danielle liked her even more. She was a straight talker, that much was obvious.

  ‘So, how is everyone feeling this morning?’ Nancy asked, looking around at the others. ‘Because I’m pretty whacked.’

  ‘At least you could have a lie on,’ said Maia. ‘I had to bring the twins to swimming early this morning. Honestly, I can’t drink the way I used to and get away with it. Ugh, I just die if I go hell for leather.’

  Danielle tried not to stare at Maia. She was a typical yummy-mummy, with a loud, booming voice with a slight whine added in for good measure. Her accent seemed to be a mish-mash of at least two and much as she was trying to be open-minded, Danielle wa
sn’t drawn to her. She guessed she drove a massive jeep and let the nanny raise the kids most of the time. She seemed to be looking for a medal for turning up at the swimming pool this morning.

  ‘Well, let me tell you,’ Nancy continued as she elbowed Danielle to get her attention, ‘I had a lesson on how the young ones do it these days. It’s all shots and slammers. We were at a wedding in Pearl’s house,’ she said leaning across her to pat Pearl on the leg. ‘They put on some spread.’

  ‘Was it your son or daughter’s wedding?’ Danielle asked politely.

  ‘My niece’s,’ said Pearl. ‘Lily-Rose. She’s a dote and we were delighted to host it because we have the space after all. She lives in Westwood and their house doesn’t lend itself to large weddings.’

  ‘I’m from Westwood,’ said Danielle.

  ‘That’s where me and Seth came from originally,’ said Pearl. ‘I thought I recognised the accent. What are your parents’ names? Maybe I know them.’

  ‘My mam is Rachel O’Brien.’

  Pearl shook her head. ‘No, the name doesn’t ring a bell. But you must introduce us if she’s ever over visiting you.’

  ‘My husband is from County Meath,’ Danielle said, changing the subject. ‘His family are all into horses, but I prefer this type of place. I’m not a country girl.’

  ‘Oh I don’t blame you,’ said Pearl. ‘Given the choice between Kingfisher Road and a mucky horse yard, I’d pick here without a contest.’

  ‘A horsey family sounds very la-di-dah, though,’ Maia said, studying her. ‘What did you say Justin’s surname was?’

  ‘I didn’t,’ Danielle said, staring right back at her.

  There was an awkward pause, then Maia started laughing. ‘We’re doing the nosy neighbours things, aren’t we?’ she said. ‘But there’s no use pretending we don’t want to know about you, is there?’

  Even though she was annoying, Danielle couldn’t help admiring her honesty.

  ‘He’s Justin Johnston,’ she said. ‘Although we’re not married, so I’m just plain old Danielle O’Brien.’

  Maia’s mouth fell open and she stared. ‘What, as in the Johnstons from Meath? The filthy rich lot?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Danielle. ‘Those Johnstons.’ She didn’t look away, but she hated having to admit who Justin was because it made her feel like people were looking at her and wondering how the hell she had managed to land a catch like him. She was afraid someone would actually ask some day because she couldn’t answer it herself. She had no idea why Justin had fallen for her like he did. She wasn’t from his circles at all, and yet he was mad about her. She wasn’t a Maia, all dickied up and sexy, she was completely ordinary. She was sure that’s what they were all thinking as they stared at her in silence now.

  ‘That’s a wonderful family,’ Betsy said, beaming at her.

  ‘Maybe you’ll end up in the family business,’ Pearl said.

  Not on your nelly, Danielle thought to herself. If this lot had actually met the Johnstons, they’d soon realise money couldn’t buy you intelligence, or manners for that matter.

  ‘Jesus Christ,’ Maia said, her eyes still wide. ‘The bloody Johnstons. You are a dark horse, Danielle, if you’ll excuse the pun.’ She looked delighted with her little joke.

  Just then, there was a loud beeping sound and they all saw the truck reverse by the window and then pull out onto the main road.

  ‘Looks like we’re all moved in,’ said Danielle, standing up. ‘It’s been lovely to meet you all, but I’d better get back to Justin.’

  ‘You’re moved in already?’ asked Maia. ‘When we moved here it took ages to empty the trucks. You must have hardly anything if they’re finished. I would have thought you’d have oodles of fancy stuff with money like that.’

  Danielle was trying not to take an instant dislike to this Maia one, but it was challenging.

  ‘That’s because most of the trucks were probably full of your shoes and handbags, Maia!’ said Nancy.

  ‘You’re not wrong,’ said Maia as they all laughed. ‘Then I had to try and put things away before Freddie saw them. The stress was something else. If you haven’t already worked it out, I’m a shopaholic,’ Maia said proudly. ‘If you need help with shopping of any sort, I’d be delighted to help you, love. I know where everything is in Vayhill shopping centre.’

  Danielle almost said something sarcastic but held her tongue. Instead she smiled and nodded, hoping she looked appreciative.

  ‘I’m the opposite,’ said Nancy. ‘I don’t like shopping, but I reckon I’m a pretty good listener and I can make a mean cuppa. Call on me any time.’

  ‘Thanks, Nancy,’ Danielle said. She knew there was more likelihood of her dropping into the old lady than brash and loud Maia.

  ‘I’d be happy to help any time too,’ said Betsy. ‘My son is coming home from Australia soon with his wife and baby, but apart from that, I’m usually free, so don’t be shy.’

  ‘Does he have a firm date yet?’ Maia asked Betsy.

  The conversation was obviously about to take off again, so Danielle made her move before she got stuck there for another hour. She felt shy and out of place with these women. She could feel sweat trickling down her spine from the stress of trying to do and say the right thing, and she desperately wanted to be with Justin in their house.

  ‘I don’t mean to be rude, ladies, but I’m going to have to run. I’m anxious to get the house done and I’ve abandoned poor Justin.’

  ‘You run along, love,’ said Nancy. ‘I think you were great to come in and sit with us lot when you don’t know us from Adam and you’re trying to move in. But I guess what we all want you to know is that we are here for you. We’re a tight-knit bunch and we’re here if needed.’

  ‘That’s so kind of you to say,’ Danielle said. She was genuinely smiling now, but mostly because she was moving swiftly towards the door. ‘Once we get our furniture sorted I’ll have you over. Well, it’s been great to meet you all. Take care now.’

  Danielle walked quickly down the hall and let herself out of the front door. The fresh air was blissful and she breathed deep. Freedom. She knew they were probably discussing her the second she left. But at least it was out in the open who they were, so at least that box was ticked. She could understand that they all wanted to see who the new people were. Her own mam would be exactly the same if someone new moved in on their road at home. She’d be straight over to the front door with a lasagne or an apple tart, just so she could have a bit of a nose!

  They were clearly good friends and wanted her to join in with that. She genuinely liked them all, except for Maia. Danielle decided to stay well away from her. As for joining the housewives’ gang, she really wasn’t ready for any of that. She was way too young to be spending too much time with that lot.

  Her phone began to vibrate in her back pocket and she pulled it out. A text from Hazel. Hey you, first day back and I miss u! it’s all so mad. Feel lost without u. hope u ok. Xx

  Danielle stared at the screen and felt tears gather behind her eyes. Her dream, her big moment was happening without her. How the hell had she let this happen?

  She jumped as Justin grabbed her in a hug.

  ‘Hey,’ he said, looking into her face with concern, ‘what’s up? You look like you just saw a ghost.’

  She held up her phone and he read the words.

  ‘Oh,’ he said, nodding. He held her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. ‘It’s just postponed, that’s all.’

  ‘I know,’ she said quietly. ‘I just worked so hard for it, you know.’

  ‘And that work wasn’t wasted,’ he said, putting his arm around her and walking her towards their house. ‘We just need time to sort ourselves out and settle, and then you’ll take up that law degree again and you’ll be brilliant, I’ve no doubt about it.’

  Danielle tried to smile at him, but she knew it was a weak effort. Hazel was immersed in books and cases and continuing her law course, and here she was, hanging out with a gang of o
ld women who probably swapped knitting patterns and recipes. She knew she was right to stick with Justin, but at what price?

  Justin passed her a Coke from their newly installed fridge and they went and sat on a couple of boxes.

  ‘So how did the coffee go?’ he asked. ‘Don’t hate me for pushing you in there. I know how shy you can be and I thought it might help you to break the ice. Were they okay?’

  ‘Yeah, mostly,’ she said. ‘But please don’t do anything like that again, yeah? I could’ve done without anything else zooming around in my head today. Next time I’d prefer to make my own decisions about where I go and with whom.’

  ‘Aye-aye, Captain!’ he said, saluting her.

  Danielle stared around the empty front room. With a beautiful bay window that overlooked the gate and part of the front garden, it was really gorgeous. The carpets had all been laid and they were waiting for the curtains. They’d chosen a duck-egg blue shade for the carpet and it looked stunning. But as Danielle scanned the room, she couldn’t help thinking that they could probably fit the entire downstairs of her mam’s house in here and yet this was the smaller, cosy room! She’d never get used to having so much space.

  ‘It seems like a massive job to take on, now we’re here,’ said Danielle. ‘I hope I can do it.’

  ‘We will do it together,’ said Justin. ‘Don’t forget, I’m with you all the way. I’ll support you in everything you do. If you can be there to do the same for me, I think we’ll be very happy.’ He put his arms around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. She needed to stop obsessing about not being in university. This was her life now and her studies would resume later. Next year to be exact. She’d arranged to take a year out. The time would fly and she’d be well settled here and even more ready than she had been.

  ‘It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, hasn’t it?’ Justin said, kissing her hair. ‘I’ve fairly swept you off your feet. You don’t regret it, do you?’