Page 46 of A Very Irish Christmas
‘Why would you look for a comedian when you have Martin?’ someone shouts, to much amusement.
‘Even that,’ he says. ‘Who knows? But definitely I’ll need musicians, and people to run classes, and drivers, and waiters… we might even end up with too much work! But to start with, we need to ask you this favour – will you help us? I know there’s a lot to think about, and a lot to discuss, and I know Cassie has already started filling a notepad with her wish list. We won’t move forward until we know your views. I think that’s enough for now – I’m going to linger a while longer and have a much-needed drink. Feel free to come and chat.’
I gaze around the room and see people nodding, considering. Charles and Roberts move away from the bar to sit at a table, and I see the older man pat Charles on the shoulder in congratulations. I think he did as well as he could – now we just have to wait and see.
I leave them to it, and join Ryan and Eileen. I realise my hands are shaking, and I’m pathetically grateful when Eileen reaches out to steady them in hers.
‘You did fine, darlin’,’ she says, squeezing my trembling fingers. ‘And I for one think it’s a grand idea. None of us are afraid of a bit of hard work, and maybe it’s time for a change in the way things are done around here.’
I nod, and she goes off to buy me a drink. I’m left alone with Ryan, who is looking at me seriously. I’m desperate to hear what he thinks, but he seems to be making me work for it.
‘So?’ I ask. ‘What are your views? We were really hoping that you’d get involved – I’m told you’re not too bad with a camera…’
He snorts out a laugh, and slowly relents. I didn’t realise how worried I’d been until he smiles.
‘I have been known to take a few snaps in my time, yeah. And okay, I’m in – it does sound like a good idea. As long as His Lordship keeps his distance, I’ll be your photographer. I don’t like being bossed around by anyone, but especially not him.’
‘What about if I boss you around instead?’
He raises one eyebrow, and I want to kick myself for giving him the opening.
‘Whatever floats your boat, Cassie – not my usual style, but I’ll try anything once.’
‘You’re an eejit, did you know that?’
‘I have been told, once or twice.’
EIGHTEEN
The rest of the evening fills out nicely, with a balance of the usual sociable atmosphere, and a buzz about Charles’s plans. He is very much the centre of attention, and his table is rarely without a visitor. Several people come and chat to me as well, and I’m glad I brought a notebook – the suggestions are coming thick and fast.
We assign some tasks, we make some plans, and I take copious notes, running between my table and Charles’s. Everyone seems up for it, and the mood is upbeat.
‘This is great,’ I say to Ryan, as I sketch out a rough outline of how many tables we might need to hire in. ‘Everyone’s so enthusiastic!’
‘Yeah. They’re always up for shenanigans.’
I laugh at the word – another of Nora’s favourites, often applied to me and June. ‘You two look guilty – have there been shenanigans?’ There usually had, to be fair. I actually thought she’d made it up until I came across a pub with the same name in New York.
‘I’ll need to hire some lighting gear, while you’re making your lists,’ he adds, looking thoughtful. ‘I still have my camera, but it’s been a long time since I did anything like this.’
I look up from my notepad and give him my full attention.
‘The pictures on the walls in here are beautiful. You’re clearly very talented. Why did you give it up?’
‘I couldn’t resist the allure of unblocking toilets and clearing out guttering.’
‘Really? That’s all I’m going to get?’
He tilts his head to one side, and seems to be weighing me up.
‘I needed a change,’ he says, shrugging. ‘Life back in Ireland got complicated, and I took some knocks. The kind that it’s hard to get back up from. Moving away seemed like the best option.’
‘I get it,’ I reply. ‘Fresh start. The chance to recreate yourself – I flew thousands of miles to do the same. But it seems a shame, to have given up something you’re so good at…’
‘Ah now, don’t you be worrying about me. I’m good at many things.’
And just like that, he’s back in flirtation mode, eyebrows raised and a twinkle in his eye. I can’t deny that I enjoy Ryan’s casual charm, but I also know that there are layers he keeps hidden. In his own way, he’s more buttoned-up than Charles, even though it’s trickier to spot at first.
