CHAPTER 25
‘So how are you feeling today?’ Rachel and Kate were having lunch in the staff room in work.
‘Surprisingly I don’t feel rotten today.’ Kates smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
‘Hey listen that’s not a bad place to start all things considered, is it?
‘Ye I guess you’re right Rach.’
‘What’s been happening in your life? I feel like we haven’t talked properly in so long.’ Kate turned to look at her best friend.
‘And when we do it’s always about either work or me.’
‘Hey you, that’s a slight exaggeration it’s not always about you. Anyway I have some news for you.’
‘You do? Spill.’
‘Well his name is Ryan. He’s a fireman and he’s soo handsome.’
‘Oh my God Rach, when did this all happen?’
‘Christmas.’ Rachel couldn’t hide her satisfied grin.
‘Christmas, and I’m only getting to hear about it now? See this is what I mean. Oh, Rach I’m sorry. Not a great best friend am I?’
‘Oh don’t be silly. I haven’t said much to anyone. We’ve only been on a couple of dates and I didn’t want to jinx it by saying anything too soon. But Kate, he really is adorable. We are getting on so well and if I didn’t tell you I would burst.’
‘Surprisingly I don’t feel rotten today.’ Kates smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
‘Hey listen that’s not a bad place to start all things considered, is it?
‘Ye I guess you’re right Rach.’
‘What’s been happening in your life? I feel like we haven’t talked properly in so long.’ Kate turned to look at her best friend.
‘And when we do it’s always about either work or me.’
‘Hey you, that’s a slight exaggeration it’s not always about you. Anyway I have some news for you.’
‘You do? Spill.’
‘Well his name is Ryan. He’s a fireman and he’s soo handsome.’
‘Oh my God Rach, when did this all happen?’
‘Christmas.’ Rachel couldn’t hide her satisfied grin.
‘Christmas, and I’m only getting to hear about it now? See this is what I mean. Oh, Rach I’m sorry. Not a great best friend am I?’
‘Oh don’t be silly. I haven’t said much to anyone. We’ve only been on a couple of dates and I didn’t want to jinx it by saying anything too soon. But Kate, he really is adorable. We are getting on so well and if I didn’t tell you I would burst.’
Kate stopped and turned to her friend. She couldn’t believe how excited she was it was infectious. Reaching out to hug her Kate said,
‘Oh Rach that’s just fantastic news. Look how happy you are!’
‘I’d love you to meet him sometime?’ She said tentively.
‘Oh Rach, of course I’d love to meet him. I definitely want to meet the guy who has put that smile on your face. It’s well over due.’
‘Ye you’re right about that. I thought that ship had sailed. I was nearly ready to join a nunnery.’ She laughed.
‘It was just that the right one hadn’t crossed your path. Any guy would be lucky to have you, you know that.’
‘Ye I’m a real catch. Thirty three year old, half virgin, more cellulite on my thighs than I care to think about, my belly moves in time with the music when I enter a room and if there’s an embarrassing accident that can happen it usually happens to me!
‘Ah that all just makes you more endearing Rach. You’re funny, intelligent, loving…’
Rachel interrupted.
‘…don’t forget, beautiful, endearing, honest with come to bed eyes…’
‘Oh don’t be like that.’ Kate playfully hit her in the ribs. ‘I mean it Rach. You’re a good catch I’m just happy that someone has finally realized it.’
‘Ye if I was a fish I’d be a lobster.’ Both girls laughed before Kate continued.
‘Well I’m thrilled for you. It’s a nice change to hear about what’s been happening for you and that it’s been so exciting. So when will I get to meet him?’
‘He’s meeting me after work tonight for a drink if you fancy joining us?’
‘Sounds good. Although I’m not really dressed for going out.’
‘It’s only the pub. Nothing fancy. I don’t want to make a big deal of it. It’s been a few dates and I don’t want to scare him off. I like him Kate.’
‘Well then it’s a date, let’s meet this man that has captured my friends heart. I haven’t seen you glowing like that since your last swim in the Irish sea. By the way, are you planning on eating any of your lunch today?’
Rachel proudly explained to Kate.
‘It’s the weirdest thing Kate, I’ve completely lost my appetite since I met Ryan. I swear I’ve done every diet know to mankind in the past six years as you well know and it turns out all I had to do was get myself some hot sexy fireman. I’ve found the secret to successful dieting.’
Joining her friend in the joke Kate added.
‘So in addition to finding the love of your life you are going to make a fortune by writing the anti diet book.’
‘Yes, yes, that’s it, my life’s work will be done and I can move into happy married bliss absolutely loaded.’
‘Oh Rach that’s just fantastic news. Look how happy you are!’
‘I’d love you to meet him sometime?’ She said tentively.
‘Oh Rach, of course I’d love to meet him. I definitely want to meet the guy who has put that smile on your face. It’s well over due.’
‘Ye you’re right about that. I thought that ship had sailed. I was nearly ready to join a nunnery.’ She laughed.
‘It was just that the right one hadn’t crossed your path. Any guy would be lucky to have you, you know that.’
‘Ye I’m a real catch. Thirty three year old, half virgin, more cellulite on my thighs than I care to think about, my belly moves in time with the music when I enter a room and if there’s an embarrassing accident that can happen it usually happens to me!
‘Ah that all just makes you more endearing Rach. You’re funny, intelligent, loving…’
Rachel interrupted.
‘…don’t forget, beautiful, endearing, honest with come to bed eyes…’
‘Oh don’t be like that.’ Kate playfully hit her in the ribs. ‘I mean it Rach. You’re a good catch I’m just happy that someone has finally realized it.’
‘Ye if I was a fish I’d be a lobster.’ Both girls laughed before Kate continued.
‘Well I’m thrilled for you. It’s a nice change to hear about what’s been happening for you and that it’s been so exciting. So when will I get to meet him?’
‘He’s meeting me after work tonight for a drink if you fancy joining us?’
‘Sounds good. Although I’m not really dressed for going out.’
‘It’s only the pub. Nothing fancy. I don’t want to make a big deal of it. It’s been a few dates and I don’t want to scare him off. I like him Kate.’
‘Well then it’s a date, let’s meet this man that has captured my friends heart. I haven’t seen you glowing like that since your last swim in the Irish sea. By the way, are you planning on eating any of your lunch today?’
Rachel proudly explained to Kate.
‘It’s the weirdest thing Kate, I’ve completely lost my appetite since I met Ryan. I swear I’ve done every diet know to mankind in the past six years as you well know and it turns out all I had to do was get myself some hot sexy fireman. I’ve found the secret to successful dieting.’
Joining her friend in the joke Kate added.
‘So in addition to finding the love of your life you are going to make a fortune by writing the anti diet book.’
‘Yes, yes, that’s it, my life’s work will be done and I can move into happy married bliss absolutely loaded.’
***
That evening Kate was trying to coax Rachel into having a third glass of wine before Ryan arrived on the scene.
‘Come on you’ll have one anyway when he comes.’
‘Ye but I want to be able to remember my own name when he does show up. And I’d like you to be able to stand to say hi.’
‘I don’t think it will bother him whether I can stand or not. Sounds like he only has eyes for you my sweet friend.’
‘See? there, that’s what I’m talking about. You’re already spouting lovey dovey crap. If you start talking like that in front of Ryan he’ll run a mile. We’re only in the very early stages of the dating game and I certainly don’t want my life story inadvertently blurted out because you can’t handle your drink.’
‘Whoa, getting a little testy aren’t we missy. Are we a little anxious by any chance?’
‘Oh Kate, please don’t tease me. I am nervous, yes. I told you I really like him and I’m hoping to get further than second base with him tonight, because if I don’t get it soon I’ll spontaneously combust!’
‘What!? You haven’t slept with him? How do you know he has a killer body so?’
‘I’m not a complete fool. I’ve seen him naked, I just haven’t…well, you know..’
‘..let the badger in the hole!?’
‘KATE! That’s horrible. We haven’t made love yet no. I was trying to wait a decent amount of time so he wouldn’t think I was a slapper.’
‘You? A slapper? Does he know you at all? Does he know you haven’t had sex with a man in….what is it? Two years now?’
‘Two years, eight months, fourteen days and …’ Rachel looked at her watch.. ‘I’m guessing about twelve hours..’
‘Wow, you really do need to get laid.’ Kate lay against Rachel’s shoulder, ‘even I’ve done better than that and I’m the grieving widow.’ Her harsh laugh gave away her sadness and Rachel stroked her hair.
‘Well anyone in their right mind just takes one look at you and wants you. It’s a little more difficult for me. Guys don’t drop at my feet.’
‘They don’t drop at mine either.’
‘Ye right. A guy gets a flat tyre outside your house and you end up having wild sex with him anywhere you possibly can. Sure it’s real difficult for you to find a guy.’ Rachel’s sarcastic tone covered her case of envy enough so that Kate didn’t notice. She laughed it off. ‘Ok, ok.’ She held up her hands as she tried to sit back straight to stop the room spinning. ‘You made your point. But all I’m saying is, it may be a little easier for me but once they give you a chance they realize what they’ve been missing.’
‘See that’s why we’re friends.’ Rachel smiled as she placed her hand over Kates. ‘You know just what to say Katie to bolster me up.’ Rachel looked up and saw Ryan approaching the table. His wide grin and friendly wave made her heart leap.
‘My god he really is gorgeous.’ She thought. ‘Kate, quick, buck up Ryans coming.’
‘Ok, ok, where is this man…’ She lifted her head as he reached the table. Rachel stood up and planted a kiss on his lips and stretched out her hand.
‘Ryan this is the effortlessly charming Kate MaGuire.’ Rachel smiled proudly at Ryan as she turned to do the introductions. ‘And Kate this is Ryan.’
‘Well, hello.’ Kate smiled coyly as she stood to shake his hand. She nodded her approval to Rachel.
‘Great to meet you Kate, I’ve heard a lot about you.’
‘All bad I hope?’ Kate smiled sheepishly as she sat back down at the table.
‘No, not at all. On the contrary Rachel only had good things to say about you.’ He held her gaze as he said it and the corner of his mouth turned up in a suggestive grin.
‘Oh, that’s a shame, we’ll have to change that perception you have of me so.’ Kate didn’t let him out of her gaze as her green eyes turned cat like and inviting. She was conscious of trying desperately not to slur her words.
‘So tell me Ryan, how long have you been trying to get into Rachels knickers…’
‘KATE…’
‘Oh chill Rach. We’re all friends here. Ryan is a big boy he knows when he’s been rumbled.’ She lazily pointed her finger at his chest and realized with satisfaction that she was met by a wall of muscle.
‘ My, my Mr Fireman what a big chest you have.’
‘All the better to ..’
‘Whoa, whoa, you two should really stop this. Ryan can I get you a drink?’
‘Nah, I’m good babe. I’ll get them in. Would either of you lovely ladies like another?’
‘Yes please.’
‘Don’t you think you’ve had enough Kate?’
‘What are you now my Mum? I’d like another drink and as Ryan so kindly offered to buy me one I am going to take him up on that offer. If you have a problem with that Rach maybe you shouldn’t have another one.’
Rachel couldn’t believe what was happening. She had known Kate since they were babies and never before had she seen her act like this.
‘What the hell is going on?’ she thought to herself.
Ignoring whatever was going on between these two women Ryan figured he better get the round in quick.
‘So Rach, you having the same again?’
Distracted Rachel took a minute to realize Ryan was standing waiting to go to the bar.
‘What?, em…yes. Sorry. Yes please Ryan same again. It’s a Sav blanc. Thanks.’
‘Here let me help you.’ Kate stumbled from her seat.
‘Watch yourself there Kate.’ Ryan grabbed hold of her before she fell into a couple walking by with their cocktails.
‘My knight in shining armour.’ She smiled up at him and placed her hands around his waist as she practically congaed to the bar.
Furious, Rachel watched in horror at the exchange between the two of them and realized with a thud of her heart that not only was Kate flirting with Ryan but he was responding. She was in the dating game long enough to recognize the subtle but obvious body language taking place right in front of her. Before she knew what was happening she raced to the bathroom and was violently ill.
‘This is nothing to do with the wine.’ She thought to herself.
‘This has everything to do with the fact that my best friend is outside flirting outrageously with my potential boyfriend.’ After a moment she wiped her mouth and tried to gargle with the water from the tap at the sink.
‘Think Rachel, think. Was it really that bad? Maybe it was the wine after all. You’ve had..’ she tried to remember…..’two very large glasses of wine and no food. Maybe you’re just anxious and you’re blowing things out of proportion. It’s Kate for Christ sake. You’ve been friends since kindergarten. She would never do anything like that to you. Ok, girl, pull yourself together.’ She felt decidedly better after getting sick and spent a few more minutes in the bathroom reapplying her makeup and fixing her hair before she felt ready to go back outside.
‘Now remember, don’t over react. It’s probably nothing. It’s your old insecurities about guys coming back up. Ryan fancies you. He came here to be with you tonight. You’ve had your spray tan done, you’re waxed, hair is done, nails manicured, you look great. Ryan is just being polite. Ok lets go.’ Her pep talk over Rachel headed back upstairs to the bar. She made her way to the table but there was no sign of Kate or Ryan in the vicinity.
‘Where the hell are they?’ she thought. There were no new drinks on the table but she sat back down and finishing the last of her previous drink waited patiently for them. ‘This is strange, they must of gone around to the bar at the other side.’ After another five minutes she texted both Ryan and Kate and when she got no replies Rachel started to get a sinking feeling. She was unable to shake it off so she made her way to the bar. ‘
Excuse me, but the two people I was with seem to have disappeared, they didn’t mention where they were going did they?’
The barman looked at her and raised his eyebrows.
‘Those two love boirds?’ Ouch that stung. ‘They were gettin so hot and heavy at the bar meself and Anto started slaggin them an sayin git a room why don’t ya. And just like that they looked at each other and started laughing and legged it. Left their drinks just sittin on the bar and everthing. Bleedy lucky bastard. That’s a hot babe he roped there. She a friend of yours love? Can I get her number?’
‘FUCK OFF.’
‘Jasus, no need to be loike da. I was only askin a bleedin question. Wemin, wha.’
Rachel barely made it outside before the tears came.
‘Come on you’ll have one anyway when he comes.’
‘Ye but I want to be able to remember my own name when he does show up. And I’d like you to be able to stand to say hi.’
‘I don’t think it will bother him whether I can stand or not. Sounds like he only has eyes for you my sweet friend.’
‘See? there, that’s what I’m talking about. You’re already spouting lovey dovey crap. If you start talking like that in front of Ryan he’ll run a mile. We’re only in the very early stages of the dating game and I certainly don’t want my life story inadvertently blurted out because you can’t handle your drink.’
‘Whoa, getting a little testy aren’t we missy. Are we a little anxious by any chance?’
‘Oh Kate, please don’t tease me. I am nervous, yes. I told you I really like him and I’m hoping to get further than second base with him tonight, because if I don’t get it soon I’ll spontaneously combust!’
‘What!? You haven’t slept with him? How do you know he has a killer body so?’
‘I’m not a complete fool. I’ve seen him naked, I just haven’t…well, you know..’
‘..let the badger in the hole!?’
‘KATE! That’s horrible. We haven’t made love yet no. I was trying to wait a decent amount of time so he wouldn’t think I was a slapper.’
‘You? A slapper? Does he know you at all? Does he know you haven’t had sex with a man in….what is it? Two years now?’
‘Two years, eight months, fourteen days and …’ Rachel looked at her watch.. ‘I’m guessing about twelve hours..’
‘Wow, you really do need to get laid.’ Kate lay against Rachel’s shoulder, ‘even I’ve done better than that and I’m the grieving widow.’ Her harsh laugh gave away her sadness and Rachel stroked her hair.
‘Well anyone in their right mind just takes one look at you and wants you. It’s a little more difficult for me. Guys don’t drop at my feet.’
‘They don’t drop at mine either.’
‘Ye right. A guy gets a flat tyre outside your house and you end up having wild sex with him anywhere you possibly can. Sure it’s real difficult for you to find a guy.’ Rachel’s sarcastic tone covered her case of envy enough so that Kate didn’t notice. She laughed it off. ‘Ok, ok.’ She held up her hands as she tried to sit back straight to stop the room spinning. ‘You made your point. But all I’m saying is, it may be a little easier for me but once they give you a chance they realize what they’ve been missing.’
‘See that’s why we’re friends.’ Rachel smiled as she placed her hand over Kates. ‘You know just what to say Katie to bolster me up.’ Rachel looked up and saw Ryan approaching the table. His wide grin and friendly wave made her heart leap.
‘My god he really is gorgeous.’ She thought. ‘Kate, quick, buck up Ryans coming.’
‘Ok, ok, where is this man…’ She lifted her head as he reached the table. Rachel stood up and planted a kiss on his lips and stretched out her hand.
‘Ryan this is the effortlessly charming Kate MaGuire.’ Rachel smiled proudly at Ryan as she turned to do the introductions. ‘And Kate this is Ryan.’
‘Well, hello.’ Kate smiled coyly as she stood to shake his hand. She nodded her approval to Rachel.
‘Great to meet you Kate, I’ve heard a lot about you.’
‘All bad I hope?’ Kate smiled sheepishly as she sat back down at the table.
‘No, not at all. On the contrary Rachel only had good things to say about you.’ He held her gaze as he said it and the corner of his mouth turned up in a suggestive grin.
‘Oh, that’s a shame, we’ll have to change that perception you have of me so.’ Kate didn’t let him out of her gaze as her green eyes turned cat like and inviting. She was conscious of trying desperately not to slur her words.
‘So tell me Ryan, how long have you been trying to get into Rachels knickers…’
‘KATE…’
‘Oh chill Rach. We’re all friends here. Ryan is a big boy he knows when he’s been rumbled.’ She lazily pointed her finger at his chest and realized with satisfaction that she was met by a wall of muscle.
‘ My, my Mr Fireman what a big chest you have.’
‘All the better to ..’
‘Whoa, whoa, you two should really stop this. Ryan can I get you a drink?’
‘Nah, I’m good babe. I’ll get them in. Would either of you lovely ladies like another?’
‘Yes please.’
‘Don’t you think you’ve had enough Kate?’
‘What are you now my Mum? I’d like another drink and as Ryan so kindly offered to buy me one I am going to take him up on that offer. If you have a problem with that Rach maybe you shouldn’t have another one.’
Rachel couldn’t believe what was happening. She had known Kate since they were babies and never before had she seen her act like this.
‘What the hell is going on?’ she thought to herself.
Ignoring whatever was going on between these two women Ryan figured he better get the round in quick.
‘So Rach, you having the same again?’
Distracted Rachel took a minute to realize Ryan was standing waiting to go to the bar.
‘What?, em…yes. Sorry. Yes please Ryan same again. It’s a Sav blanc. Thanks.’
‘Here let me help you.’ Kate stumbled from her seat.
‘Watch yourself there Kate.’ Ryan grabbed hold of her before she fell into a couple walking by with their cocktails.
‘My knight in shining armour.’ She smiled up at him and placed her hands around his waist as she practically congaed to the bar.
Furious, Rachel watched in horror at the exchange between the two of them and realized with a thud of her heart that not only was Kate flirting with Ryan but he was responding. She was in the dating game long enough to recognize the subtle but obvious body language taking place right in front of her. Before she knew what was happening she raced to the bathroom and was violently ill.
‘This is nothing to do with the wine.’ She thought to herself.
‘This has everything to do with the fact that my best friend is outside flirting outrageously with my potential boyfriend.’ After a moment she wiped her mouth and tried to gargle with the water from the tap at the sink.
‘Think Rachel, think. Was it really that bad? Maybe it was the wine after all. You’ve had..’ she tried to remember…..’two very large glasses of wine and no food. Maybe you’re just anxious and you’re blowing things out of proportion. It’s Kate for Christ sake. You’ve been friends since kindergarten. She would never do anything like that to you. Ok, girl, pull yourself together.’ She felt decidedly better after getting sick and spent a few more minutes in the bathroom reapplying her makeup and fixing her hair before she felt ready to go back outside.
‘Now remember, don’t over react. It’s probably nothing. It’s your old insecurities about guys coming back up. Ryan fancies you. He came here to be with you tonight. You’ve had your spray tan done, you’re waxed, hair is done, nails manicured, you look great. Ryan is just being polite. Ok lets go.’ Her pep talk over Rachel headed back upstairs to the bar. She made her way to the table but there was no sign of Kate or Ryan in the vicinity.
‘Where the hell are they?’ she thought. There were no new drinks on the table but she sat back down and finishing the last of her previous drink waited patiently for them. ‘This is strange, they must of gone around to the bar at the other side.’ After another five minutes she texted both Ryan and Kate and when she got no replies Rachel started to get a sinking feeling. She was unable to shake it off so she made her way to the bar. ‘
Excuse me, but the two people I was with seem to have disappeared, they didn’t mention where they were going did they?’
The barman looked at her and raised his eyebrows.
‘Those two love boirds?’ Ouch that stung. ‘They were gettin so hot and heavy at the bar meself and Anto started slaggin them an sayin git a room why don’t ya. And just like that they looked at each other and started laughing and legged it. Left their drinks just sittin on the bar and everthing. Bleedy lucky bastard. That’s a hot babe he roped there. She a friend of yours love? Can I get her number?’
‘FUCK OFF.’
‘Jasus, no need to be loike da. I was only askin a bleedin question. Wemin, wha.’
Rachel barely made it outside before the tears came.
***
‘I don’t care what she has to say for herself Susan. How can I forgive her? It’s the ultimate betrayal.’
‘Rach, she really didn’t know what she was doing. When she realised she called me straight away.’
‘Why the hell didn’t she call me?’
‘Because she knew you wouldn’t talk to her.’
‘Damn right I wouldn’t. Who the fuck does she think she is anyway? I get the grieving widow bit Sue, really I do but you know she’s been shagging James since before Christmas so she can’t play that card anymore. Damn it, fuck her, why did she have to do this.’ Rachel broke down.
‘I really liked him Sue. I thought he was a keeper.’
Susan’s heart went out to her friend. ‘I’ll come over. We can talk properly about this.’
‘No, don’t be silly. You have Justin and the kids to deal with it….see everyone has someone..even Kate…she now has two somebodies…and one of them was meant to be mine…’ Rachel started balling again.
‘Ok, that’s it. I’m on my way. Justin needs some quality bonding time with his kids anyway. And we haven’t had a slumber party since college. I’ll call Kelly and we’ll be with you in an hour. Under no circumstances are you to call Kate but do open the wine. Chin up Rach. The man is obviously an idiot. He’s not worth your tears.’
She sniffled down the phone as she reached for the wine glasses.
‘Thanks Sue, see you shortly.’
‘Rach, she really didn’t know what she was doing. When she realised she called me straight away.’
‘Why the hell didn’t she call me?’
‘Because she knew you wouldn’t talk to her.’
‘Damn right I wouldn’t. Who the fuck does she think she is anyway? I get the grieving widow bit Sue, really I do but you know she’s been shagging James since before Christmas so she can’t play that card anymore. Damn it, fuck her, why did she have to do this.’ Rachel broke down.
‘I really liked him Sue. I thought he was a keeper.’
Susan’s heart went out to her friend. ‘I’ll come over. We can talk properly about this.’
‘No, don’t be silly. You have Justin and the kids to deal with it….see everyone has someone..even Kate…she now has two somebodies…and one of them was meant to be mine…’ Rachel started balling again.
‘Ok, that’s it. I’m on my way. Justin needs some quality bonding time with his kids anyway. And we haven’t had a slumber party since college. I’ll call Kelly and we’ll be with you in an hour. Under no circumstances are you to call Kate but do open the wine. Chin up Rach. The man is obviously an idiot. He’s not worth your tears.’
She sniffled down the phone as she reached for the wine glasses.
‘Thanks Sue, see you shortly.’
***
‘I’m in shock, what the hell was she thinking?’
‘That’s the problem Kelly. You know Katie. This isn’t the way she acts. She never even considered hooking up with any of our fellas when we were in school. And once she met Dan she was taken. That was it.’
‘True.’
‘Remember the torment I went through at the thought of spending the rest of my life with the one man before I married Justin?’
‘Do I what?’
‘Exactly. Kate never had any of that. She was a one man woman. Totally faithful, monogamy highway all the way. There’s more to this than the fact that she’s hooked up with Rachel’s guy, much more. It’s just not her. I’m seriously worried that she’s going off the rails. Maybe gone already. We’re going to have to talk to Mr & Mrs B.’
‘Jesus, we can’t tell them what she’s done. They’d be mortified.’
‘Well maybe not Mrs B but we have to talk to Jack. We’ll get him on his own and see what his take is on her. We won’t mention the guy thing unless he brings it up.’
‘What ? do you think he knows?’
‘I’ve no idea, but maybe. Dublin’s a small town when it comes to gossip. Maybe somebody has already had a quite word in his ear.’
Susan looked at Kelly as they pulled into the apartment block where Rachel lived.
‘Tonight, lets focus on Rachel. She was planning on sleeping with him last night. Got her tan done and everything.’
‘Oh shit.’
‘That’s the problem Kelly. You know Katie. This isn’t the way she acts. She never even considered hooking up with any of our fellas when we were in school. And once she met Dan she was taken. That was it.’
‘True.’
‘Remember the torment I went through at the thought of spending the rest of my life with the one man before I married Justin?’
‘Do I what?’
‘Exactly. Kate never had any of that. She was a one man woman. Totally faithful, monogamy highway all the way. There’s more to this than the fact that she’s hooked up with Rachel’s guy, much more. It’s just not her. I’m seriously worried that she’s going off the rails. Maybe gone already. We’re going to have to talk to Mr & Mrs B.’
‘Jesus, we can’t tell them what she’s done. They’d be mortified.’
‘Well maybe not Mrs B but we have to talk to Jack. We’ll get him on his own and see what his take is on her. We won’t mention the guy thing unless he brings it up.’
‘What ? do you think he knows?’
‘I’ve no idea, but maybe. Dublin’s a small town when it comes to gossip. Maybe somebody has already had a quite word in his ear.’
Susan looked at Kelly as they pulled into the apartment block where Rachel lived.
‘Tonight, lets focus on Rachel. She was planning on sleeping with him last night. Got her tan done and everything.’
‘Oh shit.’
***
‘I brought Phish Food.’ Kelly held out the calorie laden ice cream as Rachel embraced her.
‘I appreciate it Kelly, really I do, but if anything good has come out of this it’s that I’m down a dress size and I’ve no intention of putting it all back on again in one night.’
‘Good for you sweetheart,’ said Susan as she embraced her before closing the door. ‘You will have wine though? Right?’
‘My best friend may have stolen my boyfriend but she didn’t steal my sanity… Of course I’m having wine. I’ve already started. The bottle’s on the counter.’ She pointed to the breakfast bar separating the kitchen from the living room.
‘I can’t believe we’re dealing with this at our age.’
‘Ye, me neither.’ Susan poured a generous glass for herself and Kelly. ‘Do you need a refill over there?’
‘No, I’m good for now. Thanks. And thanks you two for coming over. I really do appreciate it.’
‘It’s the least we could do. Right?’ Susan looked at Kelly as they sat down in Rachel’s cosy living room.
‘Absolutley. We’re here for you Rach. Let it out.’
Rachel hesitated and took a gulp of her wine before responding.
‘Actually I’ve had some time to calm down and if I’m honest I realize that this is totally out of character for Kate. The person I saw in action last night wasn’t our friend. She was like somebody possessed…’
‘…what do you mean, possessed?’ Kelly was struggling to understand.
‘I mean, I know Kate as well as I know myself and in all that time she has never acted like she did. She was all over Ryan. I’m not just saying that because of what happened…’
‘..no, no of course not..’
‘..but she was acting like this sexy vixen, all ‘Oh Ryan you big strong man you’. It just wasn’t her.’ Rachel swirled the wine around as she looked for answers at the bottom of the glass. ‘It was quite pathetic really.’
The girls sat in silence listening to the haunting voice of Eva Cassidy sing Bluebird. Kelly was the first to speak.
‘Have you spoken to her today?’
‘No, I was too mad earlier and it’s only since I calmed down that I have started to think rationally about it. I was feeling too sick earlier when I thought about it to be able to do anything.’ Rachel held Kelly’s concerned look with her forlorn eyes.
‘It’s just I really liked him Kelly and it hurts that they would both do it to me. I thought at this age I would be better at picking out the nice guys in the pack and I never thought in a million years I’d be sitting here saying that Kate had gone behind my back and stolen a man from me.’
Susan heard the sadness in her voice and placing her wine on the table she reached across the couch and embraced Rachel.
‘You know maybe Kate did you a favour…’ Before Susan had the words out of her mouth Rachel opened hers to respond.
‘……No, wait. I mean. Imagine if you had slept with him and then he cheated on you with somebody, because he’s obviously that sort of guy and it would probably have only been a matter of time. You would feel ten times worse than you do now. And maybe, this is Kate’s cry for help. We knew she was having a tough time. She won’t talk to anyone and keeps putting on this front. Maybe this is her way of saying help me I’m falling apart.’
Rachel said nothing as Susan retrieved her glass and took a sip of her cabernet. She turned slowly.
‘I understand what you’re saying Sue I really do and you may have a point. I just wish she had used a different way of crying for help. Something that didn’t hurt me so much.’
‘Ye I know love. It’s shit.’
Kelly had sat silently watching the exchange.
‘So what do we do now?’
‘I say we finish this bottle of wine, watch this rom com my dear husband so kindly downloaded for me and cry our little hearts out.’ She reached over and placed her hand on Rachels arm. ‘Because, there ain’t no point keeping it all inside. Kelly, you’re on popcorn duty. I’ll open the other bottle and let it breath. Rachel you lie back and enjoy being waited on it’s the least we can do.’
‘Well that’s all well and good but we still have to deal with the Kate issue.’
‘Kelly how about we let Rachel forget about it all for just a few hours and we will sort it out with clear, well nearly clear, heads in the morning?’
‘Sure, as always you make perfect sense head girl.’ Kelly mocked her and barely ducked in time to avoid being hit by the cushion Susan threw at her.
The next morning Susan decided a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and fresh fruit would be just what they needed to sort through this mess. She had coffee brewing and the bacon grilling by the time Rachel and Kelly made their way into the kitchen.
‘I must have an emotional crisis every weekend if this is the sort of treatment I get.’ Rachel kissed Susan on the cheek before she poured herself a coffee from the fresh pot. ‘Thanks.’
‘Pleasure is all mine. I’ll tell you something that guy has no idea what he’s missing if this is all it takes for you to be happy.’
‘Ha, ha, very funny. You would have to bring that up already.’
‘Well I figure there’s no point pretending it’s not happening. We can park it in the corner and you can deal with it when we’re gone but I have a feeling it might be better to get it out while you have us to use as sounding boards.’
‘God was she always this practical or is this what happens when you have kids?’ Rachel looked to Kelly for sympathy.
‘Yep she was always like this. Don’t you remember she won the title of ‘Peacemaker’ in sixth year from the teaching staff?’
‘Oh gosh how could I forget?’ Rachel’s smile was warmer this morning Susan noted.
‘I’m glad you two can sit there and laugh at my expense but I must remind you we do still have a crisis on our hands.’
‘Must you? Really? We could just let it sit over there in the corner as you suggested, much on some leaves. I could feed it every few days and let it fester. See what happen.’
‘Ye you could,’ Kelly joined in, ‘and then maybe throw it some biscuits every hour or so and see the reaction…’
Rachel and Susan looked at each other and before Kelly could say another word they were doubled over laughing.
‘What? What did I say? It was like a metaphor you know. I didn’t really mean to feed it. It’s not actually real…’
This set them off again and to Kelly’s dismay they had tears running down their cheeks from laughing. ‘Well I suppose I better take over the breakfast because you two are just acting like school girls now.’ Kelly gave a half smile before turning the bacon on the grill. ‘A girl could get paranoid you know.’
Sniffling back another laughter attack Susan held her hand up in defeat.
‘Sorry, sorry, you’re right. I don’t know what came over me. ‘
‘Well it better not have been my boyfriend.’
‘RACHEL!.’ Susans coffee flew from her mouth as she slapped her hand to the table. ‘You are outrageous.’
This time Kelly joined in the laughter and all three sat companionably around the table as she served them up breakfast.
‘I appreciate it Kelly, really I do, but if anything good has come out of this it’s that I’m down a dress size and I’ve no intention of putting it all back on again in one night.’
‘Good for you sweetheart,’ said Susan as she embraced her before closing the door. ‘You will have wine though? Right?’
‘My best friend may have stolen my boyfriend but she didn’t steal my sanity… Of course I’m having wine. I’ve already started. The bottle’s on the counter.’ She pointed to the breakfast bar separating the kitchen from the living room.
‘I can’t believe we’re dealing with this at our age.’
‘Ye, me neither.’ Susan poured a generous glass for herself and Kelly. ‘Do you need a refill over there?’
‘No, I’m good for now. Thanks. And thanks you two for coming over. I really do appreciate it.’
‘It’s the least we could do. Right?’ Susan looked at Kelly as they sat down in Rachel’s cosy living room.
‘Absolutley. We’re here for you Rach. Let it out.’
Rachel hesitated and took a gulp of her wine before responding.
‘Actually I’ve had some time to calm down and if I’m honest I realize that this is totally out of character for Kate. The person I saw in action last night wasn’t our friend. She was like somebody possessed…’
‘…what do you mean, possessed?’ Kelly was struggling to understand.
‘I mean, I know Kate as well as I know myself and in all that time she has never acted like she did. She was all over Ryan. I’m not just saying that because of what happened…’
‘..no, no of course not..’
‘..but she was acting like this sexy vixen, all ‘Oh Ryan you big strong man you’. It just wasn’t her.’ Rachel swirled the wine around as she looked for answers at the bottom of the glass. ‘It was quite pathetic really.’
The girls sat in silence listening to the haunting voice of Eva Cassidy sing Bluebird. Kelly was the first to speak.
‘Have you spoken to her today?’
‘No, I was too mad earlier and it’s only since I calmed down that I have started to think rationally about it. I was feeling too sick earlier when I thought about it to be able to do anything.’ Rachel held Kelly’s concerned look with her forlorn eyes.
‘It’s just I really liked him Kelly and it hurts that they would both do it to me. I thought at this age I would be better at picking out the nice guys in the pack and I never thought in a million years I’d be sitting here saying that Kate had gone behind my back and stolen a man from me.’
Susan heard the sadness in her voice and placing her wine on the table she reached across the couch and embraced Rachel.
‘You know maybe Kate did you a favour…’ Before Susan had the words out of her mouth Rachel opened hers to respond.
‘……No, wait. I mean. Imagine if you had slept with him and then he cheated on you with somebody, because he’s obviously that sort of guy and it would probably have only been a matter of time. You would feel ten times worse than you do now. And maybe, this is Kate’s cry for help. We knew she was having a tough time. She won’t talk to anyone and keeps putting on this front. Maybe this is her way of saying help me I’m falling apart.’
Rachel said nothing as Susan retrieved her glass and took a sip of her cabernet. She turned slowly.
‘I understand what you’re saying Sue I really do and you may have a point. I just wish she had used a different way of crying for help. Something that didn’t hurt me so much.’
‘Ye I know love. It’s shit.’
Kelly had sat silently watching the exchange.
‘So what do we do now?’
‘I say we finish this bottle of wine, watch this rom com my dear husband so kindly downloaded for me and cry our little hearts out.’ She reached over and placed her hand on Rachels arm. ‘Because, there ain’t no point keeping it all inside. Kelly, you’re on popcorn duty. I’ll open the other bottle and let it breath. Rachel you lie back and enjoy being waited on it’s the least we can do.’
‘Well that’s all well and good but we still have to deal with the Kate issue.’
‘Kelly how about we let Rachel forget about it all for just a few hours and we will sort it out with clear, well nearly clear, heads in the morning?’
‘Sure, as always you make perfect sense head girl.’ Kelly mocked her and barely ducked in time to avoid being hit by the cushion Susan threw at her.
The next morning Susan decided a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and fresh fruit would be just what they needed to sort through this mess. She had coffee brewing and the bacon grilling by the time Rachel and Kelly made their way into the kitchen.
‘I must have an emotional crisis every weekend if this is the sort of treatment I get.’ Rachel kissed Susan on the cheek before she poured herself a coffee from the fresh pot. ‘Thanks.’
‘Pleasure is all mine. I’ll tell you something that guy has no idea what he’s missing if this is all it takes for you to be happy.’
‘Ha, ha, very funny. You would have to bring that up already.’
‘Well I figure there’s no point pretending it’s not happening. We can park it in the corner and you can deal with it when we’re gone but I have a feeling it might be better to get it out while you have us to use as sounding boards.’
‘God was she always this practical or is this what happens when you have kids?’ Rachel looked to Kelly for sympathy.
‘Yep she was always like this. Don’t you remember she won the title of ‘Peacemaker’ in sixth year from the teaching staff?’
‘Oh gosh how could I forget?’ Rachel’s smile was warmer this morning Susan noted.
‘I’m glad you two can sit there and laugh at my expense but I must remind you we do still have a crisis on our hands.’
‘Must you? Really? We could just let it sit over there in the corner as you suggested, much on some leaves. I could feed it every few days and let it fester. See what happen.’
‘Ye you could,’ Kelly joined in, ‘and then maybe throw it some biscuits every hour or so and see the reaction…’
Rachel and Susan looked at each other and before Kelly could say another word they were doubled over laughing.
‘What? What did I say? It was like a metaphor you know. I didn’t really mean to feed it. It’s not actually real…’
This set them off again and to Kelly’s dismay they had tears running down their cheeks from laughing. ‘Well I suppose I better take over the breakfast because you two are just acting like school girls now.’ Kelly gave a half smile before turning the bacon on the grill. ‘A girl could get paranoid you know.’
Sniffling back another laughter attack Susan held her hand up in defeat.
‘Sorry, sorry, you’re right. I don’t know what came over me. ‘
‘Well it better not have been my boyfriend.’
‘RACHEL!.’ Susans coffee flew from her mouth as she slapped her hand to the table. ‘You are outrageous.’
This time Kelly joined in the laughter and all three sat companionably around the table as she served them up breakfast.
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