Changing into a pair of navy slacks and a pastel pink shirt, I take the elevator to the ground floor and head to the bar. I get a few glances but most people that book this hotel know it’s our training ground. It’s not a massive shock when they see us walking around. This is one of the few places we don’t tend to get hounded as a team.
The bar is dimly lit with purple rope lighting. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling but don’t provide any substantial illumination. It’s easy to distinguish the outline of my father’s broad shoulders next to my mother’s petite frame. The two of them prop up the bar with a glass of wine in hand. They both turn as I approach and my mother’s eyes scrutinise me from head to toe.
‘Ollie, I was beginning to worry I’d never lay eyes on you again.’ Her words are too firm to pass as a joke, though I think that’s what she intended.
‘Ah, Mam, I’m sorry. It’s been a busy couple of months.’ I kiss each of her cheeks, then move round to my father to shake his hand. He pulls me in for an awkward man-hug and slaps my back.
The barman homes in on me, another perk of being here regularly. We get treated like royalty. Ordering a pint of Heineken, I take the stool next to my father and make small talk about the weather, the hotel and the team’s upcoming matches. So far, they haven’t mentioned Luke, Anita or the whole weird subject and my knotted muscles begin to relax.
Just before seven, I follow them to the restaurant. My heart drops to my stomach when I see Luke and Anita sitting at a table set for five. The knots retie themselves in my muscles tenfold, but there’s no way to escape, not this time.
Luke stands as we approach. ‘If Mohammed won’t come to the mountain… the mountain will come to Mohammed.’ While he cackles at his own joke, I turn to Anita and offer a curt smile and a simple hello.
‘We thought it would be a lovely surprise.’ Mam takes the seat next to Luke and motions for me to sit the other side of her.
Luke eyes my shirt with a dubious smirk. ‘I see you’re still in touch with your sensitive side, brother dear.’
It’s going to be a long night. At least with the menu to examine, I don’t have to look at him. Them. Surprisingly, the ‘them’ doesn’t bother me nearly as much as I thought it would, not now the shock’s worn off. A sly glance at Anita reveals she’s put on a little weight. It suits her; she was too skinny before. She used to have issues with food, but I can only assume she must have finally overcome them. If she’s eating, she must be happy – I suppose that’s something at least.
Dad works hard to keep the conversation going, even if it’s stilted at times. Luke manages to keep redirecting it towards himself and his own recent achievements, ensuring not only our family, but the entire restaurant can hear how important his position on the town council is.
I drink three glasses of wine with dinner. On top of the three pints of Heineken, my head’s spinning. It feels like midnight, but a sly look at my watch reveals its only ten-thirty. Still, I’ve had enough.
When I stand to leave, Luke says, ‘You’re not leaving already?’
‘I am. I have to head back to Dublin in the morning. I have a thing tomorrow night with the team.’ It’s not a lie but I pass it off as more official than it is, in the hope they won’t try to convince me to stay another night.
‘But I didn’t even get to tell you the news yet…’ He glances down at Anita who forces a small smile back at him. I know her well enough to realise she’s not entirely comfortable with whatever it is he’s about to announce.
‘I’m going to be a dad. Anita is pregnant.’ His voice increases to a boom loud enough to be heard throughout the entire hotel. Strangers on neighbouring tables applaud at his outburst and he stands and makes a show of taking a bow, like he’s the first man ever to impregnate a woman. A hero amongst mere minions.
I’m not hurt. That ship has long since sailed. I’m simply embarrassed by his inappropriately loud and proud demeanour.
‘Congratulations.’ I shake his hand vigorously to emphasise my sincerity.
Mam gushes and squeals like a teenage girl. ‘You can’t go now.’ Her voice is clipped with a warning.
‘I’m afraid I have to, but I’m genuinely delighted for you. All of you.’ My eyes land on Anita last. The truth of the matter is, I mean it. I am happy for them. She wanted to get married and have a family. The time wasn’t right for me. Or perhaps deep down I knew she wasn’t right for me.
Seeing them again has been a gift. It’s made me realise I feel nothing for her anymore. Whether it was all the meaningless sex following her first revelation, or maybe it’s the massive crush I’m harbouring for my friend’s little sister, I have no idea. But either way, in this moment, I’m so grateful for it.
I pay for my family’s dinner on my way out and a bottle of champagne for them to celebrate with, all the while thinking about Eddie Harrington’s family – one member in particular.
ChapterNine
AMY
In keeping with Saturday morning tradition, I call to Geri’s house. The weather’s horrific and this morning’s triathlon in Lucan was cancelled last minute. Letting myself into her hallway, I call her name loudly, announcing my arrival.
‘Amy, I didn’t think you were coming today!’ She seems pleased, nonetheless. A pink tinge taints her full cheeks as she fills the kettle and removes our usual mugs from the cupboard.
‘I wasn’t even sure I was coming until about an hour ago. You know Emma has this big product launch tonight and I was so sure she’d rope me into helping set up the spa or something, but apparently she hired a company to do everything for her, so now I’m free. Until six o’clock, at least.’
‘I wish my sister-in-law was some hot-shot beauty queen and I got to go to cool, exclusive launches with goody bags filled with expensive freebies. The closest I get to a spa these days is when I open up the oven and the heat smacks me straight between my eyeballs.’ A indignant snort gushes from her chest but I know she wouldn’t swap with me for all the tea in china.
Accepting the mug she hands over, I blow on it before answering her. ‘Your life might not be massively glamorous at the moment, but at least it’s filled with love.’ The envy in my tone is obvious to both of us.
‘Speaking of which…’ Her eyebrows wiggle suggestively at me and a groan escapes my mouth.
