Chapter 4
‘I still can’t believe you left me behind in that dump last night,’ Mel fumed, though she may as well have been talking to the wall. Eva had stopped listening to her the moment they had arrived in Eranmore. Eva's fascination with the place was a complete mystery to her. All she could see was a small, shabby, old-fashioned seaside town that even their Nan would have found quaint. So the thoughts of spending one more day here, let alone a couple of weeks, horrified her.
Not that she would admit the real reason for her irritability, since it was her absence from Marc that was troubling her deeply and more so as time went on. For some reason the physical distance between them was causing that familiar panicky feeling she got whenever they were apart. She couldn’t explain why she felt that way, nor would she admit that her anxiety stemmed from a lack of trust on her part. Whatever the reasons, her stomach was churning more and more as the hours passed. Like a barometer warning of an impending storm, the more it churned, the less she wanted to stay.
‘You were on the phone when I left, and asleep when I got back,’ Eva bit back.
‘You could have told me you were going out.’
‘I only went for a walk.’
‘Some walk, you were gone ages.’
‘I didn’t go far, besides I wasn’t going to wait for you to get off the phone,’ Eva sighed.
‘I wasn’t that long.’
‘Look, Mel, forget about last night. We’re here now, let’s see what’s to do around here, eh?’ Eva rushed.
‘Eat, sleep and die, most probably,’ Mel muttered.
Ignoring her sister's bad mood, Eva’s mind was racing with the enormity of where she was standing. She couldn‘t believe she was finally here, at Mia’s birthplace. The streets, the shops, the church, the schools, everything about it was bringing Mia closer to her and for the first time ever it was making her seem all the more real.
‘Where to now?’ Mel dropped her bag to the ground.
‘In here,’ Eva nodded toward the shop behind them. Without waiting for her to follow, Eva pushed open the door, stepping inside what looked like an old-fashioned newsagents. Doyler, having seen them through the shop window moments earlier, ran his hands through his hair, giving it the once over with his fingers just as they entered.
Over the years, he had welcomed the summer invasion of tourists and day trippers, but every now and then, a girl like the one who just walked in confirmed that there was a much bigger world outside his Nan’s shop and as soon as this summer was over he had every intention of finding out just how big it really was. Until then though, he was quite happy to make do with what came his way.
He saw that she was almost the same height as him, and though they were both blonde, her hair was long and thick, hanging down the length of her back. Nor did he miss the large green eyes brightening up the pretty heart-shaped face. But it was her tiny white cotton t-shirt that caught his full attention in the way it hugged the contours of her breasts and narrow rib-cage, leaving it abundantly clear what lay beneath.
It was moments like this he was glad he continued lifting weights over the winter months, as now his body was firm and thick set, and he was quite proud to show what he had on offer. The girl in front of him wasn’t the only one who could bulge beneath a simple white t- shirt he grinned to himself.
‘Can I help you with something?’ he rounded the counter letting her absorb him in his full glory. Rather than smiling with him, she seemed to be smiling at him, almost bemused. Feeling a little foolish, he retraced his steps quickly, cursing himself for being so obvious. ‘Visitors right?’
‘Yes,’ Eva nodded.
‘You might want to take a look of this,’ he said, pushing a booklet toward her.
Approaching the counter Eva twisted the booklet around reading the blue and yellow banner. ‘What’s this?’ she enquired.
‘You’ll find all there is to do around here, in this,’ he offered lightly.
‘Thanks, how much?’
‘Don’t worry about it?’ he smiled again. ‘So…on holiday?’ he asked.
‘Sort of,’ she nodded.
‘Got relatives here?’ he fished. Eva didn’t answer.
‘Is there a phone around here?’ Mel interrupted unable to hide her frustration.
‘Yeah, hang on, I’ll show you,’ using it as a legitimate excuse to step out from behind the counter, he walked past them to the door and pulled it open.
‘Go down as far as Mulcahy’s and turn left, there’s a chipper just next to it.’
Though Eva thought he was a vain and obvious arse, the type she avoided at all costs, she realised that if they were staying in Eranmore, he may be of some use to her. Who knows who he might know, she wondered. Changing tact, she smiled neutrally. ‘So down there, and left…?’
‘Yeah, one sec...’ Doyler skipped inside the shop and called out to the back. ‘I’ve just got to pop down to Robbie for a sec, Nan.
Back in five,’ he slammed the door shut without waiting for a reply.
Josie O’Callaghan stepped into the empty shop shaking her head at her grandson’s flit. ‘You’re your father’s son alright,’ she sighed, watching him pass the shop-front window with the two blondes.
‘We’ll find it,’ Eva’s lips curved into a smile but her eyes showed irritation.
He saw it too. ‘I have to go this way,’ he added.
Having walked less than twenty yards, they turned left at Mulchay’s, the phone box stood less than a couple of feet from them.
‘Thank you so much, we’d have never found it,’ Eva mocked. ‘Well it's a strange place, and I couldn’t have you getting lost, now could I?’ he threw back.
‘I don't think we'll be needing a map to find our way around, just yet.’
‘And to think, I was told women couldn’t read maps,’ he smirked.
‘Perhaps the women you know are a bit thick,’ Eva hid her contempt behind a cool smile.
‘Most women I’ve met, always ask for directions,’
‘Funny that…?’
‘Why?’ he asked. ‘I never asked.’
‘No, but she did,’ he nodded toward Mel. ‘No I didn’t,’ snapped Mel.
‘Phone box…?’ he said, reminding her.
Mel rushed past them, pulling the phone box door open and lifting the receiver. ‘It works!’ she cried.
‘So how long are you staying?’ he asked Eva. ‘Don’t know yet.’
‘Staying’ local?’
‘No.’
‘Touring then?’
‘Sort of.’
‘You’re sort of visiting…sort of staying…sort of touring…and you don’t know for how long. Not on the run, are you?’ he grinned.
‘Sort of,’ she smiled. ‘What’s your name?’
‘Why do you want to know?’ the smile left her face.
‘So I can call you something,’ he offered, in the hope of keeping the conversation going. This was a girl he definitely wanted to see again.
‘Zoe.’
‘Zoe?’
‘Yeah,’ she replied, absently watching Mel shove several coins into the phone.
‘And what’s her name?’ he added.
‘Miss Whyte,’ her scorn was becoming more obvious. ‘Will you be around this week? There’s a band playing in Mulcahy’s, the place is a bit of a kip but the craic’s always good.’
‘Supposing I can’t find it?’ she mocked.
‘You’ll hear the music.’
‘Quick, I need more money!’ Mel hissed, her face white with urgency.
‘Phone him later, Mel.’
‘Give me some money, will you?’ she snapped ‘Hang on, Marc, I’m getting some change, hang on!’
The desperation in her voice made Eva cringe. She would never show any man that she could be that desperate. Dipping her hand inside her bag she pulled out her purse and handed it to her sister. ‘Here,’ she sighed. Snatching the black leather pouch, Mel tipped the change into her hand, shoving coins furiously into the slot.
‘Boyfriend?’ Doyler enquired. ‘Wanker,’ Eva muttered with irritation.
Doyler laughed. ‘Maybe I'll see you, out and about, later tonight?’ he added.
‘Maybe.’
‘I’d better go. See you later,’ he smiled, winking at her as he turned and walked into Ned’s Chipper.
Arrogant little shit, aren’t you? Eva's scathing thoughts brought a smile to her face as she watched him leave, though the smile evaporated as she turned towards Mel. Listening to her sister pleading into the telephone's mouthpiece, she knew now that regardless of what she promised her mother, Mel would have to go back. She just couldn’t be dealing with the, Marc and Mel, drama anymore. She had far more important things to be dealing with. And with Mum on her way to America, she wouldn’t know about Mel's return 'till she was back in London. Mind made up, she smiled. She was actually looking forward to the next few weeks now even if muscle boy looked like he might be a pain in the arse.
***
‘What are you doing here?’ Robbie snatched a glance at the overhead clock as the door swung open.
‘Checking out the tourists,’ Doyler laughed, peering out the window.
‘What are you like? What poor girl’s gonna get her dreams pissed on now?’
‘It’s not her dreams I’m after,’ he laughed. ‘Can you see her?’
‘Where…?’
‘By the phone box. Hey, Rob, don’t make it obvious,’ Doyler flustered. Leaning across the counter Robbie caught sight of the blonde hair whipping up around Eva's shoulders. And watching her closely as she turned, saw the most beautiful face he had ever seen. If the moments that passed were long he wasn’t aware of it.
Absorbing every intricate detail of her, his throat dried as he watched how she brushed some hair away from her mouth, tugging at the strands that ensnared themselves in the fullness of her lips. Stepping forward toward the window, in that moment time seemed to slow down as he watched her folding her arms tightly against her chest, protecting herself against the morning breeze. Suddenly, and without warning, their eyes met.
‘Stop, bleeding, staring, she’s seen you!’ Doyler tugged violently at his arm, but Robbie couldn’t move. She blinked again focusing through the red lettering of Ned’s Chipper letting a small smile curve up her wide mouth. Startled, Robbie turned away from the window.
‘It’s too bleeding late now, did she see you?’ Doyler hissed hiding behind the main wall.
‘I-I don’t think so,’ Robbie stammered. ‘What do you think?’ Doyler grinned. ‘Yeah, she’s nice,’ he flushed.
‘You mean, hot, Rob, hot!’
Retracing his steps behind the counter, Robbie dipped his hands into the hot sudsy water, scrubbing blindly around the surfaces and counter tops, wiping absently as a wave of crushing familiarity swept over him. Doyler, Gallagher, Whelan, they were all capable of getting women like the girl outside, but he always had to make do with the ones who were ‘great craic‘ or ‘the other one,’ and even though he reproached himself for thinking like that, just once, it would have been nice to meet an amazing girl. A girl like her.
Knowing the chances of that actually happening were non-existent, he sighed heavily. That old familiar feeling returned, he was not in her league. He, knew it. Doyler, knew it. Even that bollocks Pat Dalton, knew it.
‘She'll be in Mulcahy’s tonight, you coming?’
‘I dunno,’ Robbie scrubbed harder.
‘Ah go on, Rob. Breen’s playing tonight, supposed to be excellent.’
‘Aren’t you meeting Orla?’
‘Doyler will be unable to make that date tonight, I'm afraid, or any other night. Besides, getting the leg over is costing me a fortune, it better be made of gold when I get it,’ he laughed
‘If she only knew.’
‘I’ve barely touched first base…besides…now there's Zoe…’
‘Who?’
‘Her,’ Doyler jerked his head toward the window. ‘She’s well worth a quid or two,’ Doyler slapped his hands together rubbing them with anticipation.
‘You know her name already,’ Robbie shook his head. ‘Got to move fast, Rob. So you coming tonight?’
‘Dunno.’
‘Ah go on, besides she’s got a mate with her.’
Robbie rolled his eyes. Once again the offer of the friend, was being extended. Well maybe he didn’t want the friend, maybe he wanted what Doyler wanted. Though Robbie knew he would never say as much, but wished Doyler wouldn’t always try to sweeten the deal by offering the scraps from the table.
‘Ah do,’ Doyler pressed. ‘I’ll see.’
‘I’ll buy the drinks,’ Doyler added.
Robbie flinched, for such close friends, it was the one thing that still irked him. He had his pride, and though he knew Doyler meant to be kind, he wouldn't take charity from anyone.
‘I have money, Doyle’s.’
‘That’s for college, Rob...ah go on,’ he pleaded.
Robbie knew Doyler would badger him relentlessly if he didn’t go. ‘Okay,’ he said, surrendering.
‘Great!’
‘But you owe me,’ Robbie called out as Doyler turned to leave. ‘I will, but only if I score,’ Doyler laughed slamming the door behind him as he left. Grabbing a tea-towel Robbie dried his hands and walked slowly toward the window. Using the towel as a pretence for wiping down an already clean table, he peered out toward the telephone box and was disappointed to see that she had gone.
Shrugging, he turned around and walked back toward the counter, but just as he reached the till the main door creaked open startling him. It was her, and the other girl. He swallowed so hard he swore she heard him.
‘Hello,’ Eva smiled.
‘Hi,’ Robbie returned the greeting softly, his eyes downcast. ‘You open?’
‘Er...’ his eyes remained focused on the ground. He stood absolutely still silently cursing himself for being so unresponsive and stupidly mute.
‘The sign said closed, Eva, what do you think?’ the other girl snapped.
Robbie was puzzled. He could have sworn Doyler said her name was Zoe.
‘I know, but…’
‘Well are you?’ Mel snapped. ‘Er…’
‘See!’ she said, looking at Eva before Robbie could say any more. ‘Okay…sorry to bother you,’ Eva turned on her heel.
His body jerked involuntarily as every fibre in his body was filled with an overpowering desire to call her back. ‘Er…’ he muttered.
She stopped and looked over her shoulder.
‘The ovens are off, but I can make you tea or coffee,’ he finally managed apologetically.
‘Thanks,’ she smiled. ‘Told you,’ Eva added.
Standing a good distance from them as they sat down, Robbie watched as Mel slumped heavily into her seat and stared solemnly out the shop-front window, her eyes watering and blinking rapidly.
‘Er…tea....coffee?’
‘Two coffee’s would be great,’ Eva smiled. As he stepped away from their table and disappeared behind the counter, Eva found herself watching him. Though, tall and thin with a loose fitted t-shirt that did little to mask his gaunt demeanour, there was something curious about him, what exactly she couldn’t quite put her finger on. But it was something that made her want to keep looking at him. She decided to indulge herself. She had had enough of the pretty boys, with their tanned torso’s and waxed chests, who, without fail, always turned out to be vacuous and vain.
She couldn’t blame Mel for suspecting she'd taken a vow of celibacy in recent months, but she would rather go without, than waste any more of her time with arses like the guy she'd spoken with earlier. Again her thoughts were interrupted by the constant sniffling sounds coming from across the table. Irritated but saddened too by the emotional mess sitting opposite, she reached down into her bag and took out a pack of cigarettes.
‘Since when do you smoke?’ Mel forgot her troubles momentarily.
‘Emergency stash,’ Eva lit up the cigarette without the awkwardness of a non smoker.
‘Marc and I had a fight,’ Mel sniffed.
‘What about?’
‘Holidays…and do you know what he said?’
Eva didn’t respond, pulling gratefully on the cigarette instead. ‘He said that seeing as I’m over here on holiday, he’s going away to Corfu with the crowd from `Shakes`. ‘What’s the problem?’
‘He was supposed to be going to Ibiza with me next month. We’d talked about it for months. And guess what? That bitch Sandra’s going, and if she’s going, so are the others.’
‘You can still go away with him,’ Eva exhaled, blowing smoke away from Mel’s face.
‘How can I, he’s going on Wednesday?’ she cried.
‘Which Wednesday…this Wednesday?’ Eva raised her brows. ‘Yes, this bloody Wednesday!’
‘And he never said a thing to you about it before?’
‘D'you think I’d be here if he had?’
Eva lowered her eyes. Trying to mask what she really thought about her sister’s boyfriend. She'd hated him from the moment they'd met in Shakes, their local pub. He was a devious git then and nothing had changed, but Mel had the misfortune to fall in love with him.
What she saw in him, Eva could not fathom. He wasn't even particularly good-looking.
As far as Eva was concerned he looked like a dodgy car sales rep, with his yellowed highlighted hair, bottle-tan glow and teeth that were whiter than an Ariel advert. His hair alone had its own daily regime, one that was so styled and quaffed, it qualified for its own passport, but sadly her sister Mel saw none of it. All she saw were clothes that screamed Designer, cologne that reeked of money, and eyes constantly shaded by Paco Rabanne’s, even when he was indoors. And knowing the tosser that he was, Eva suspected, they were probably worn in bed as well.
The only thing that shone brighter than his Pearly Whites though, was his black, pride and joy, his seven year old BMW coupe. Eva did concede however, that if he was as attentive in bed as he was with the coupe, then perhaps he wasn’t quite the limp-dicked ponce that she truly believed he was. In all however,, he had the class and charisma of a builder's crotch on a hot day, and treated her sister accordingly. What turned her stomach the most though was the way he would come onto her, like some antibiotic-resistant STD, regardless of whether Mel was there or not. And Mel being Mel, choose not to see anything wrong with his actions. Even their father, who passed little comment on the guys they brought home, said he was too smooth to be true. However, it was Eva who got the blame for any criticism directed at Marc. Mel had convinced herself that it was nothing but pure jealousy. Eva was tempted to prove his true character by accepting an offer of a snogging session, just to prove that she was right.
But she would never hurt Mel like that. Instead, she hoped Mel would see the slimy bastard for what he truly was, that and get a good dose of self esteem along the way. But now, she hated to think that, indirectly, she had afforded the creep an excuse to dump her sister, and dump her he had, like a hot potato. Eva always knew it would be Marc who would ultimately end it, and not the other way round and she seemingly she had been proved right.
‘Why don’t you go with him?’ the words slipped out from Eva’s mouth quietly.
‘What, hop on a plane and arrive on his doorstep?’
‘Why not?’
‘I couldn’t do that, he’d think I was running after him.’
You would be. Eva thought. ‘Ring him, see what he says?’ she shrugged casually.
‘I just did,’ Mel groaned.
Robbie appeared beside them placing the two cups of coffee, along with milk, sugar on the table.
‘Thank you,’ Eva smiled up at his hidden eyes. She heard him mumble something but couldn’t decipher the words.
‘Er, do you want some biscuits, or anything…? I can run out and…’
‘Sorry…?’
She saw him swallow hard and repeat the question.
‘If you’d like some biscuits, I can run out and get some.’
‘No, but thanks.’
As he moved away from the table, Eva found herself watching him again.
‘Perhaps you're right, maybe if I ring him again,’ Mel added, her voice more hopeful this time.
Inwardly Eva groaned. She wouldn’t have phoned him, if her life depended on it, but she knew no matter what she said, Mel would just ring him eventually.
‘Got any more change, Eva?’
Without thought, Eva handed over her purse.
The scrape of Mel’s chair sounded her exit from the Chipper. As she opened the door, a blast of sea air gushed, blowing strands of hair across her face.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eva saw Robbie startle at Mel’s departure.
‘Don’t worry she’s not doing a runner, she’ll be back in a sec,’ she called across to him.
He nodded, face half hidden behind his long fringe, but the smile curving on his lips gave her the go ahead to continue.
‘You start early…’ she stated.
He nodded again with another smile.
‘Is there much call for chips at…’ she glanced at her watch, ‘...ten in the morning?’
‘Just coffee,’ he replied.
‘Lucky I got a seat then?’ she laughed looking around the empty room. She was rewarded with a full blown smile. Though her flirting was obvious, his muted response peaked her curiosity encouraging her continue. Turning around in her seat, she faced him at the same time his head dropped further toward the counter.
‘Do you live here…in the town, I mean?’ He nodded.
‘How long?’
‘I was born here.’
‘Working here long?’
‘Just the summer.’
‘What then…?’ she smiled at her own pushiness to which he lifted his head. Two of the deepest brown eyes peered out through a thick layer of black hair and a smile that exposed a perfect full mouth. Something deep and erotic stirred within Eva, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was pure sweet lust.
‘Art college hopefully,’ he said, his answer was barely audible. ‘Really?’
‘If I get in.’
‘Why wouldn’t you?’ she asked but before he could answer another gust of wind engulfed the small café. Mel was back, her face said it all.
‘No luck?’ Eva asked to break the silence. Mel was silent, but the look on her face spoke volumes, as did the tears sliding down her face. Eva guessed what had been said on the phone. He had finally dumped her. ‘Mel…?’
‘I can’t believe what he said to me,’ she hiccupped, stifling a sob.
‘I’m sorry, Mel. I really am.’ And she was. She hated seeing the pain caused to her sister by her useless ponce of a boyfriend.
‘It’s all your fault,’ Mel sniffed.
‘My fault, how did you figure that one out?’ Eva’s eyes narrowed.
‘You and this stupid holiday,’ she snarled, sweeping her arm around her.
‘Just go home, Mel,’ Eva muttered. ‘What’s the point, it’s too late now.’
Without saying any more Eva lit another cigarette. ‘I can’t believe he’s done this to me.’
Eva remained silent.
‘Two years and all for nothing, all because of you and this crappy holiday.’
‘Go home, Mel,’ Eva’s voice lowered.
‘Yeah right, I’ll just jump on the next plane and…’
Eva stared ahead letting her thoughts begin to drown out her sister’s voice. So effective had she become at doing this, she only knew Mel was still talking by the movement of her lips.
Wonder does the guy over there know of Mia, he’s lived here his whole life, after all.
Glancing back, she caught sight of him behind the counter, suddenly her thoughts gathered momentum. Wouldn’t mind getting to know him either…two birds...one stone...
‘And then he said that we should take a break and see what we should do after the holidays and I said...’
If he was born here he'd have to know who she is... Or was. What could I say? I'm a long lost cousin? No. If she’s still here it could get back to her, in a place like this. I’ve seen Last of the Summer Wine, nosy sods, country people.
‘He had the nerve to ask me to collect him from the airport, I told him to...’
I’ll just hang around a bit, who knows, I might find out something. Though I just can’t help feeling, she’s here.
‘He said he needed time to think about us. He’s had two bloody years. So I said...’
Wonder would she recognise me, if she saw me?
‘It's not like I wanted to get engaged or anything…well not yet anyway, and definitely not now.’
She’d be what…37, 38, now…
‘Anyway, even if I did go back what excuse could I give?’
Wonder if she’ll tell me about my father?
‘I could say that Mum wanted me back to mind the house.
Tuh...it's a bit lame. I’ve only two days left before he goes. Sandra’s face will be a sight if she sees me back in Shake’s, Tuesday night, let me tell you.’
Must get my blonde hair from my father.
‘He’d better say sorry.’
I wouldn’t hug her. I wouldn’t shake her hand. I wouldn’t--
‘Are you listening? Sorry, Eva, but I’ve got to do this. I know you’re going to go ape, but I’ve made my mind up. I want to see what he says about us and all that crap, he said.’
‘Eh?’
‘Marc. He can apologise first. Can I take some of your stuff, shorts and things, only I’ve nothing at home, nothing that fits anyhow.’
‘What…?’
‘Earth to Eva, I’m going to Corfu.’
‘When?’
‘Now...well...Wednesday, I mean...with Marc.’
‘But I thought you said it was over?’ Eva frowned. ‘I didn’t.’
‘But he did.’
‘No he didn’t,’ Mel protested. ‘But I thought you said that--’
‘For God's sake, I said, he wanted some space, that doesn’t mean it’s over, Eva!’
Eva sighed.
Did Mia get a prick like Marc and end up pregnant and dumped?
‘You don’t really mind, Eva, do you? I mean, you’re not going to hate me for the next twenty odd years and not tell me until I’m nearly dead, or something?’ Mel smiled, her first since arriving.
‘No,’ Eva replied truthfully. ‘Just promise me one thing, Mel.’
‘What?’
‘Don’t let mum know you’re back, I swear I’ll kill you if she cuts her trip short over that prick.’
‘I won’t,’ she snapped impatiently. Without waiting for Eva to respond Mel stood up.
‘Right, I’m going back to the B&B. At least I haven’t unpacked, you coming?’
‘No.’
‘What?’
‘No, Mel, I’m not. If you want to go back to London, then off you go, but you’re not screwing up my holiday,’ Eva grabbed her purse and threw it into her bag.
‘How am I going to get to the B&B, and the airport?’
‘Duh, the same way we got down here?’
‘Don’t be sarky.’
‘I’m not, it’s just that I’m here for a holiday, and I have no intention of spending it travelling back to Cork Airport. If you want to go then do, just don’t expect me to be dragged along.’
‘But I don‘t know the way,’ she whined. ‘Sorry...excuse me!’ Eva called out to Robbie.
‘Yes,’ Robbie was intrigued by the conversation taking place a couple of feet away.
‘Is there a bus from here into Cork City anytime today?’
‘There’s one at 1.30pm, I think…and another at six…outside Boyd’s.’
Eva swivelled around in her seat and placed her outstretched hands on the table. ‘There you go, a bus to Cork.’
‘Oh, er…right,’ Mel hesitated. ‘Well?’
‘What’ll I do when I get to Cork?’ Mel frowned. ‘Get a cab,’ Eva snapped.
‘S’pose.’
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