Page 12 of The Widow's Irish Secret
‘You’ll be one of those impatient clients,’ Dominic joked. ‘But I’ll do my best to have it done sooner rather than later. I’ve put a few jobs on hold so I can concentrate on your house.’
‘You’re a star, Dominic Doyle,’ Tricia exclaimed. ‘A real mother-in-law’s dream.’
Dominic laughed. ‘Ah sure, it’s all Lily’s doing. She’s a Fleury girl. When they say “jump” we men say “how high?” We should warn Jack before it’s too late.’
‘I’m sure he already knows,’ Tricia replied with a laugh.
Tricia took a long time getting ready for her girls’ evening out. Having spent a while picking an outfit, she finally decided to go casual. After all, it was only a pub evening and not some glitzy party. She told herself sternly to act her age and picked her best jeans and a light blue linen shirt with a navy sweater thrown over her shoulders. Mascara and a little lipstick completed her look, and she was ready to go. Martin’s car pulled up outside the gatehouse and Tricia quickly kissed Vi goodbye and ran down the steps, looking forward – with just a little trepidation – to the evening ahead. It felt a little like a school reunion as she hadn’t met her old friends for a very long time.
Martin got out to give Tricia a hug. ‘Welcome home, Tricia,’ he said. ‘I hear you’re going to be a neighbour.’
‘Thanks, Martin.’ Tricia hugged him back. ‘I’m really looking forward to the next chapter in my life.’
‘You look great,’ Nora told her as she got into the back seat. ‘Rested and glowing already after just a day here.’
‘I’m so happy to be here,’ Tricia said. ‘And excited to start my new life. I’ve ordered a few things from IKEA and once they arrive, I’ll move into the cottage.’
‘You’re very brave,’ Martin said as he drove out through the gates. ‘I don’t think Nora would be prepared to live without aproper bathroom or kitchen. She wouldn’t even let me buy a campervan.’
‘Nah, that’s a very male dream,’ Nora said. ‘The idea of sleeping in a van doesn’t appeal to me at all.’
‘Nor me,’ Tricia agreed. ‘I prefer sleeping in a house, even if it’s rundown. I know it’ll be a little bit rough at the start, but sure it’s summer and warm and I’ll be in my own house. I’ll be working hard on whatever I can do myself, so I’ll probably fall into bed completely exhausted every evening.’
‘Let me know if you need a hand,’ Nora said.
‘Thanks, Nora, I’ll probably give you a shout. It’d be fun to work together.’ Tricia glanced out the window and saw they were nearly at their destination. It was a pub called Mulligan’s and she had often been there years ago with friends and later with Fred. ‘Here we are,’ she said as Martin pulled up outside. ‘Thanks for driving us, Martin.’
‘No bother,’ Martin said as Nora gave him a quick peck on the cheek. ‘Have fun, girls. Let me know when you want me to pick you up.’
Tricia laughed as she followed Nora into the pub. ‘Girls? I haven’t been called a girl since I was seventeen.’
Nora shot Tricia a smile over her shoulder. ‘About time someone did, then.’
‘Maybe you’re right,’ Tricia said, laughing as they entered the pub. She was suddenly shaking with nerves, feeling as if everyone was looking at her. But then she realised she was wrong and that despite a glance here and there, people were generally more interested in their friends and ordering drinks. As she pushed through the crowd following Nora, she regained her confidence and started to look forward to the evening. This was the first night of her new life as a single woman, although a little long in the tooth. Coming out like this, meeting new people was the best way to forget the troubles she had left behind. Sheonly hoped the rumours about her would never spread this far south.
8
‘Hey, I see our friends over there,’ Nora said. They walked towards the table where a group of three women, around the same age as Tricia, were waiting. They all got up to greet the new arrivals.
‘Hi, Tricia.’ A woman with greying dark hair grabbed her hand. ‘Remember me?’
‘Of course I do, Mary,’ Tricia said. ‘We used to meet up with our kids at the beach and the playgroup. How lovely to see you again.’
‘And you,’ Mary said. ‘You know Nora, of course, but you might not have met Maggie and Colette.’
A tall redhead held out her hand. ‘Hi, Tricia. I’m Maggie. I moved here after you left. But I heard so much about you.’
‘Me too.’ Colette, who had a headful of white curls and deep brown eyes, shook Tricia’s hand. ‘I’m from Cork. Been here over twenty years but I’m still a blow-in.’
‘So am I,’ Tricia said with a grin. ‘I blew out and now I’ve blown in again.’
‘Fabulous to see you back,’ Mary said. ‘I remember the fun we had way back then.’
‘Oh, yes,’ Tricia said as the memories of her friendship with Mary came flooding back. ‘We used to leave the kids with Sylvia and take off for lunch and shopping in Killarney. And Kildare Village later on as well.’
‘Those were the days,’ Mary said. ‘But hey, let’s sit down and have a drink before the music starts. What will you have, Tricia?’
‘A glass of Guinness, please,’ Tricia replied. ‘And I’ll get the next round.’
