Evelyn smiled. ‘Ah, it only feels like that from where you’re standing. Most things aren’t so bad when you take a step backwards. So, what about .?.?.’ She jerked her head towards the storeroom. ‘You still like him?’
‘Evelyn, it’s such a mess. I don’t even know how he feels about me. Sometimes I really think he does like me, but then again, he still seems so tied up in his past that he’s literally back there. And I feel so self-indulgent even saying it when so much awful stuffhas happened to him.’
‘Well, maybe all of those things are true. Most of it for reasons outside both of your control.’
‘OK, my wishes are .?.?. that I can afford to keep paying my mortgage for the moment, that my fish will be fine .?.?. that all of this business stuff is resolved for Pete .?.?.’ Something struck her then and she took a deep breath. ‘With or without me.’
‘Very wise .?.?. Sometimes we don’t know what’s best – all we can do is trust.’
Just then two customers made their way to the cash desk to pay, so Ally jumped up to deal with them, and when she turned around, Evelyn had gone.
* * *
It was four thirty and the place was empty apart from a couple of stragglers, thank God, so she locked the door and began clearing up. Dave had left early so she was working alone when Pete appeared from the back; he made himself a mug of tea and, without asking, one for her.
‘Thought it was about time for this.’ He smiled.
She appreciated the gentle gesture, but how did she even feel towards him? Her feet were sore from eight hours of serving, and frankly she didn’t have the energy to hold on to a mood, so she gratefully accepted the tea, acutely aware of the spark as their hands lightly brushed. She plonked herself down on the chair opposite with a sigh – totally without expectations, of course.
He seemed noticeably happier – clearly, having a new project was energising him. He disappeared for a moment then reappeared with a MacBook Pro which she knew cost a fortune.
‘Ally, would you mind casting your eye over a few ideas I’vehad?’
‘I’m no expert but .?.?. sure.’
In truth she was excited to see his plans for the top two floors. It seemed almost unimaginable that the dank, derelict spaces could be turned into anything liveable, but clearly Pete could see beyond that.
‘It’s not a renovation, exactly .?.?. Well, it is .?.?. but it’s also a restoration. See this row of shops? We’re in Class 2 listed Victorian buildings, so the aim is to keep as many of the existing features as possible. We’re going to have to lift floorboards to re-wire, but the idea is to save them. Same with the windows – we can’t change the shape but we can replace them with new timber sash frames. We can put up an RSJ and take down the wall, opening up the two front rooms.’
All of this was coming out so fluently, without hesitation, that Ally felt she was witnessing a completely different Pete. Powerful, confident, knowledgeable.
‘We’re going to leave one brick wall exposed, as a feature, keep the original plaster mouldings on ceilings and walls .?.?.’
Ally was wondering, given his expertise, why on earth he even wanted to run it by her.
‘The thing is, Ally .?.?. I’m in a dilemma. Dave is a great guy and a great friend, but this place is seriously underperforming.’ Ally nodded silently – she’d often thought that too.
‘Given the location and the goodwill The Owl’s Nest has as a business .?.?. Damn, Ally, this should be a well-known landmark. He needs to open this as a wine bar and restaurant until ten on weeknights, twelve at weekends. Dave has an artist’s sensibility, and I respect that .?.?. However, he’s putting far too much expertise into far too little return. I’m a businessman. The way to make this place pay is—’
‘Gourmet pizza/pasta menu at night .?.?. so popular and there’s nothing like that around here. And a fancy bar upstairs.’
‘My thoughts exactly, Ally. Dave can keep his chef’s special dishes on the menu for his loyal customers .?.?. fine. But he’s got to sell in volume and at a profit. Supplement that with takeaway, and you’re making money, then grow the brand, otherwise he’ll be barely scraping by forever.’
‘You’re so right. I’ve dreamed about exactly that while going home on the Luas,’ she burst out, without adding that most of her fantasies included him.
‘Or .?.?.’ He changed the image. ‘An open-plan restaurant with glass staircase linking the floors. Complete remodelling of upstairs, trad/modern, while keeping the cottagey feel of downstairs.’
‘Honestly, Pete, your plans .?.?. They’re fabulous. I did business and marketing in college, but the way you see things .?.?. You’re just a natural,’ she breathed at last.
He smiled sheepishly but she could tell he was chuffed by the spontaneity of her compliments.
‘Ah, I’ve been doing it a long time, Ally. You get the knack of it.’
‘No, Pete, some people just have it, and most don’t. You do. How can you even doubt that?’
He rubbed the side of his face thoughtfully with that powerful hand. ‘I didn’t use to doubt it, but then, with everything .?.?. you start to wonder .?.?. was I just fooling myself?’
She pointed her finger at him in mock severity. ‘I’m not listening to any of that.’
