I can feel the huge grin on my face as I pick my way back over the rocks and along the path to the cottage and quietly slide back into my bed, the camera tucked safely into my wardrobe.
The following evening on my way back from Galway I stop off at the pub for a drink. Dan is there, propping up the bar and tapping on his laptop.
‘Hey, let me get you a drink,’ he says as soon as he sees me. He stands and goes to hug me but then takes a step back and pats my shoulder.
‘Eau de oyster seller no doubt,’ I laugh, pulling up a bar stool. I spot Padraig and Seamus straightaway, trying not to look in my direction. Padraig is actually pulling his hat down over his face with his finger.
‘How did you do today?’ Margaret asks.
‘Great. Loads of customers and I got my pitch back.’ I take the glass of wine she pours for me.
‘And Sean?’
‘Getting better every day. Up and about.’ I take a sip of the wine. ‘In fact he’s nearly ready to be out and about and then I can really bring him up to speed with everything that’s been going on while he’s been ill,’ I say loudly and take another sip. I can’t swerve what needs to be said any more. I’ve spent my life taking the path of least resistance and look where it got me. I take a deep breath and plaster on a smile.
‘Oh, just need to get your camera, it’s in the van. Took some lovely shots of the bay last night. Maybe you could use them on the website,’ I tell Margaret. I slide off the stool and walk close to Padraig and Seamus and say in a low whisper, ‘And if you ever come near his oysters again, I’ll show him the photos I took of you last night. And let’s be honest, we’ve all heard about Sean Thornton’s reputation …’
I bring back the camera and put it on the bar.
‘Did you save any you wanted?’ Margaret reaches over and takes the camera.
‘I did.’ I give the pair another look, but inside I’m shaking like a leaf. Then they nod back, which I take to mean we understand each other and the whole business is over and done with. I take another really big swig of wine and inside I’m doing a happy dance.
‘All ready for the Pearl Queen party on Friday?’Margaret squeals and claps her hands together.
‘Yes. Can’t wait. Many entrants?’ I start to relax.
‘Uh huh,’ she says. ‘Ten so far, including me.’
‘Are you allowed to enter?’ I think out loud.
‘Yes, of course. As long as I’m not judging it as well,’ she assures me. ‘Dan’s a judge, so’s Patsy, and the editor from theGalway Gazette.’
‘You entering?’ Dan shuts down his computer and turns to me.
‘Oh yes, do!’ Margaret says, putting glasses back on the shelf. ‘It’ll be great craic! I could do your make-up again!’ She starts to get even more excited.
I hold up my hand. ‘No, I won’t be entering. But I’m happy to help out with anything that needs doing on the night,’ I say, and wonder what on earth I’m going to wear. Not one of Margaret’s creations again. They look great on Margaret, but not on me.
Evelyn, John Joe and Maire come into the pub. Seeing Maire gives me an idea. Maybe I do know what to wear after all.
‘OK, well maybe I’ll get you to mop my brow or something like that,’ Dan jokes. ‘Say, how’s Sean getting on up there?’ he asks with genuine concern, which is good of him considering how I stood him up on that day I went to market and turned down his job offer.
‘Good, thanks. On the mend. Maybe I could persuade him out next weekend.’ I sip my drink.
‘Yes,’ he nods. ‘And you’re managing everything at the farm? No other oyster problems?’ I presume he’s talking about how I ran them over in those first few weeks; unless he means Seamus and Padraig.
‘No, no problems at all,’ I beam proudly.
‘Good, good. Y’know, we’d still make a good team, you and me. I still haven’t given up on us working together. But maybe there’s a better way …’ He gives mea smile and tips up his pint. His eyes are glinting.
‘What do you mean?’ I’m intrigued.
‘Just saying that I’m working on a business plan and you might be just the person to help me with it. In fact it was you that gave me the idea.’
‘Really?’ I can’t think that I could’ve come up with anything useful.
‘I’ll know by the festival. Could be just right for both of us,’ he says, and I can’t help feeling curious.
