* * *
It’s busy in the lobby of the castle with guests and the locals trickling in. I shake the heavy snow from my coat once more andmove through the throngs gathered by the heat of the crackling fire. Everyone is chatting, all dressed up beautifully for the night’s merriments. It’s far fancier than I’d imagined. Full black tie event. As Mary moves around handing out eggnog on a silver tray, I just wave and head for the Heart Ballroom. Outside, the young guy who was on reception slumps behind a desk.
‘Are you checking tickets?’ I ask him, removing my coat now.
‘Yup,’ he drawls with a bored expression.
‘I’m Maggie, what’s your name?’
‘Donal,’ he drawls, blows a bubble with the gum in his mouth, and it pops.
Now I recognise him as the young man who asked me to dance at the wedding.
‘Okay, Donal, well let’s sit up straight, can we? And will you put a big smile on your face for me? You take the tickets and say, “Have a great night, come back soon!”, and I’ll drop you over a toasted sandwich, fries and a Coke later? Deal?’
His eyes light up.
‘Throw in a KitKat for afters and you have yourself a deal.’ He chews rapidly.
‘And the gum? Can we bin the gum?’ I nod to the wastepaper basket beside him as he removes it, wraps it in a piece of paper and throws it in.
‘Thank you, Donal!’ I laugh as does he.
Inside, the candles are helping and the chill is lifting somewhat. The burning glow makes the room look beautiful as the light reflects on the windows and the falling snow. I see Mary has added tall glass vases with overflowing snowdrops and the scent lingers.
‘All set, Seán, do you guys need anything before you start?’ I ask the trad band.
‘All good here, Maggie, thanks, I hope you’ll be part of the craic later?’ Seán waves a tin whistle at me, taking in my casualattire.
‘I don’t think so unfortunately, but I’m upstairs if I’m needed to help out.’
Happy with how things are going, I know I need to slip away. I head to the staircase and run up, leaping over the last step. Inside the room, I throw my coat over the chair and pick up my phone. Hurriedly, I FaceTime Jill. The series of ascending and descending notes as we wait to connect seems to go on and on. I pace. Finally, she answers.
‘Maggie!’ Jill’s in her bed, with what looks like a dozen pillows propping her up.
‘Oh great, you’re there! Sorry! Were you asleep, did I wake you?’ I ask worriedly.
‘No, I’m wide awake. Max is being so overprotective already, he put me straight to bed likeI’mthe baby!’ Jill laughs, pulls back the blanket and I see she’s fully dressed in dark denim jeans and a cream hoody paired with novelty Christmas socks.
‘What did the doctor say?’ First things first.
She beams. ‘That I’m pregnant,’ Jill whoops in delight.
‘So am I!’ Max’s face peeps in.
I’m beaming back. ‘Oh, hi Max.’ I wave at Jill’s hubby. ‘Congratulations! I’m so happy for you guys. It’s just the best news!’
‘And the doctor said I’ve to go about my life as normal and not be wrapping myself up in cotton wool, overthinking. It’s not healthy, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Serena Williams won the US Open at twenty weeks pregnant, for crying out loud,’ Jill says pointedly, turning the phone on Max.
‘Jill, I know my timing sucks but I need your help. But also .?.?. I’ve met someone and there are sparks. There are so many sparks I’m afraid I’m going to burst into flames! I really like him!’ Flopping back on my bed as the words flow out, I squeeze my eyes shut.
‘How? Who?’ Jill yells.
‘I’ll go put the kettle on.’ Max’s body tiptoes past the screen.
‘Who are you and what have you done with my friend Maggie?’ Jill leans into the screen.
‘I know! Can you believe this? His name is Dan!’ I sit up, my head shaking wildly, my curls flying. ‘He’s just .?.?. well he’s exceptional.’
