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  ‘You will be paid like a proper caterer, Molly,’ Ali had explained.

  It was going to be in Ali and Robin’s apartment, and even though the kitchen was small and it was last-minute, Molly was thrilled. It was the first proper job that she was doing alone, where no aunt or café was involved.

  Molly had borrowed some of her aunt’s recipe folders, and as she waited for the bus on her way home, she found it hard to concentrate, she was so excited. It would mean hard work for the next few days, experimenting and testing out food to see if it was right for all their gang of friends – who would be hungry and probably drunk on Saturday. But she didn’t mind the long hours, it was worth it. A man waved to her as she took her seat. Who the hell was he? she wondered. She tried to keep her head low.

  ‘I had another successful meeting, thanks to your sandwiches, Molly.’

  My God, who was this? she thought. Then she remembered it was Mr Boring-Sandwich Williams.

  ‘Great, thanks.’ And with that she delved into a page of recipes for mini-quiches. Mr Williams was nice enough, but still she didn’t want to have to chat to all her customers every night on the way home. He seemed to take the hint, and as she politely waved him goodbye when she got off in Donnybrook, he was engrossed in some business magazine.

  Luke was happy for Molly and her engagement party job, but less pleased that their theatre date the next night would have to be cancelled.

  ‘I just can’t make it, Luke, I’ve so little time before the party, and it’s only fair to Ali that I practise making a few things for the next few nights.’

  ‘Well, she is hardly being fair herself, giving you only a week’s notice,’ Luke argued back.

  ‘Luke, how can you say that! She’s one of my best friends, and she’s giving me a chance to prove myself as a cook.’

  ‘Fine, I’ll rearrange the theatre if I can, but remember to ask your friends to give you more notice next time. We can’t let your cooking obsession take over our lives.’

  ‘It’s my job – my career,’ she reminded him, trying not to feel angry. ‘Luke, you know I’m trying to build up my reputation, build up the business – I thought that’s what we both wanted.’

  Luke at least had the grace to look a bit apologetic. ‘Molly, I didn’t realize that catering and cooking was going to take up so much of your time; if it’s not recipes, it’s testing menus or cooking trays of bloody stuff.’

  ‘Cooking is hard work,’ she said firmly. ‘I always knew that …’ she added, as Luke grabbed his coat and went out to meet the lads for a game of pool. ‘And so did you,’ she continued out loud to herself, gutted at Luke’s behaviour. How can he not understand? she wondered, as she had more and more recently.

  40

  The next day Ali and Robin were in the car on the way down to visit Ali’s family in Kilkenny. She hadn’t seen them yet, and couldn’t wait. She was dying to ask her two sisters to be bridesmaids and to show them the engagement ring and photos of South Africa and Table Mountain, where it had all happened. Robin and Ali were both the first in their families to get married, so it was both exciting and bit daunting for them.

  Ali was so tired with all the engagement excitement that she soon nodded off, much to Robin’s relief, as he couldn’t have stuck one more minute of discussion over what colour the bridesmaids should wear.

  Ali awoke as the car rolled over the cattle-grid entrance at the end of her family’s long driveway. The sound of that always made her feel right at home, and she could barely contain her excitement at the thought of seeing her family. As they drove up the long path her family house came into view. Riverhouse was a large cream, ivy-covered family home. It was set right in the middle of a large courtyard, in front of where the cows were kept, and you could see the family fields for miles in each direction. As Robin was a city boy, he still found it hard to get used to the farmyard smell and occasionally walking in cowpats, but he looked forward to his visits and the warm welcome he always received.

  Ali’s mum ran out to hug her daughter, all emotional at the thought of Ali soon becoming a married woman. She gave Robin a big warm hug, too, and welcomed him officially into the family, and with that ushered them both into the kitchen where she had dinner ready and a bottle of champagne open.

  Robin’s head was in a spin with all the screaming, hugging and crying that came once Ali’s two younger sisters and dad came into the house. The family were all very alike: each small, and pale-skinned. But while Ali and her sister Kate had short blonde hair, her other sister Jill was slightly taller and very dark. Before Robin knew it they were taking pictures of the newly engaged couple, and then discussing which priest would be the best to marry them. He knew he and Ali were lucky both to have families who were so happy for them, and so excited by the wedding details and discussions, but still – could he last months of this wedding talk?

  The rest of the weekend went well, with Ali being reminded how much she did miss the farm and long walks around the river and herds of cows. It was so peaceful here, unlike the busy city buzz. Her mum had written down a list of things Ali had to start researching and booking, and had said that she would talk to the local church and priest for them. After many home-cooked meals and wine, and plenty of late-night chats, Ali and Robin eventually got back in to the car on Sunday night and headed back to Dublin.

  41

  On Saturday night at the engagement party, Molly was serving crab spring rolls, homemade fresh sushi, layered focaccia with cheese and rocket, chicken satay, prawns with chilli, parsley, ginger and garlic on toast, followed by profiteroles. The food was a hit, and Molly felt like she was floating as she was congratulated time and time again as the night went on. Luke had been in a bad mood all week, but by Saturday afternoon had come around and helped her deliver the dishes to the party. After a few beers he relaxed and praised her culinary skills.

  Ali looked stunning in her new dress, and surrounded by herself and Robin’s families and all their friends she felt herself glowing. Although her head was also in a spin from all the questions everyone wanted answered. Which church? Which band? What colour for the bridesmaids’ dresses? Which flowers? What menu? What invite? It was like her guests were running an engagement quiz show with herself and Robin as the only contestants. Ali didn’t have many of the answers, and after being asked about how her hair would be styled, for about the fortieth time, had to pull Robin aside and laugh.

  ‘No one cares that we are madly in love, and happy to commit to each other, they just want to know if I’m going on the Atkins diet or not, or some other ridiculous question like that. Help!’

  ‘Don’t worry, fiancée, they are just excited, and maybe even a little jealous, but it will be fine. Just say that you intend to put on plenty of weight for the big day, and that you are getting your hair permed, that should shake them all off!’ Robin laughed as he hugged and kissed her.

  Wow, Sarah thought, how happy and in love Robin and Ali looked! They were so tanned, healthy and perfect; it was great to see her friends like that. She had not had time to hear all about the holiday from Ali yet as Sarah herself had been busy, very busy with her new niece, baby Fiona. She was a dote and had everyone fighting for a chance to hold her. But, as godmother, Sarah got special privileges, and holding was one of them! As she turned to tell Molly what Fiona had done today, Robin was by her side introducing her to Ben. She had met him once or twice over the years with Robin, but she could see from the way Robin was pushing Ben practically on top of her, that not only was Robin a little too drunk on beer and wedding love-talk, but that he thought Sarah might fancy Ben. Did she look that desperate? Sarah worried. The minute Robin left, Ben apologized.

  ‘Sorry about that, Robin obviously wants us all married now! But I’m actually kind of seeing someone. It has all kind of happened since Robin’s been away, so I had better let you go back to Robin’s matchmaking.’

  And with that he was gone, and Sarah returned to telling anyone who would listen how important godmothe
rs were.

  Ben and Laura were having a perfect night, too. They hadn’t seen much of each other that week, so it was good fun to relax and unwind with some wine and fine food. It was a great party, and the apartment was packed with friends and family. After a few drunken dances Ben knew Laura needed to go home. As he helped her into a taxi, she told him she had to go away with work for a week, but that she hoped when she got back they might start seeing each other more.

  ‘I hope so, too,’ he whispered to her, as they kissed the whole way home. And this time he actually meant it. Laura had looked gorgeous that night, and Ben had started to realize that if he didn’t cop on he could lose her. It wouldn’t be long before she was snapped up. Ben thought back to when he had first met Laura and wondered how he could have missed her beauty.

  The engagement party had been a success, and afterwards, as Ali tidied up some of the glasses before heading to bed, she realized how great her friends were. They’d all been so happy and pleased for her. The air was electric with people hugging, kissing, and congratulating herself and Robin. Such positive energy. If the engagement was like this, she thought, what would a full-blown wedding be like!

  42

  Ben and Joe O’Connor were out playing a round of golf. Ben hadn’t played in a while, but there was an office competition coming up soon, and there was no better person to ask for tips than his dad. Joe had been president of their local golf club for years, and still spent almost every day there, meeting friends, having drinks with Mum, and getting in as many rounds as he could. It was a great social scene to be involved in, and Joe would have been lost without it. Walking through the clubhouse, Ben was constantly reminded how popular his dad was. Everyone wanted to stop and chat, find out how Maura was, ask Joe’s advice on a club, or competition, or just say hi. I wonder if I’ll be this loved when I get to his age? Ben thought.

  ‘Nothing makes me happier than playing a round of golf, surrounded by nature and crisp air – followed by a drink in the bar. It’s a great sport, Ben, you shouldn’t have given up on it so easily. You’re a good player.’

  ‘Thanks, Dad, I must play more. It’s just rugby takes most of my time now, and I had forgotten how good it feels to walk around and get some fresh air, unlike rugby where you are being attacked every five minutes!’

  As the afternoon rolled on Joe started asking Ben about work, and as usual attempted to broach the subject of Ben coming to work for him.

  ‘You would have your own business, son. How can you say no?’

  ‘Dad, can we not just enjoy today and talk about work another time?’

  Joe O’Connor never said another word about it, but as they approached the eighth hole he dropped his club, and started to bend over.

  ‘Dad, are you OK?’ Ben was shocked to see the colour drain from his dad’s face.

  ‘I’m fine, I just got that pain again in my arm, and I’m a little short of breath, but I’m fine. Pass me some of your water.’

  ‘Let’s go back inside, Dad, take it easy.’

  Ben expected his dad to argue, but he didn’t, so they walked back inside the club. By the time their lunch of fish and chips had arrived, Joe was feeling and looking better, and chatting about the new club president. Ben was relieved, but still a little worried. Then, as they left the club, Joe turned and said: ‘Ben, let’s not tell your mother, you know how she worries, and I’m fine, never felt better. I probably just overdid it this week, too much golf and gardening.’

  ‘OK, Dad.’ And with that Ben felt reassured, and started worrying about his work golf outing.

  * * *

  Ben was at home trying to clean Mango’s birdcage out when Laura rang.

  ‘Hi, bad news, I can’t meet you this weekend, the project in London is taking longer than I thought. I’m going to stay here this weekend with friends, and carry on all next week, but what about the following weekend? If you can still remember what I look like by then!’

  ‘Oh, I won’t forget that smile and those tight jeans,’ Ben joked. And after catching up for a few more minutes, he promised to take her out for dinner the following Saturday night.

  When he’d put the phone down he turned to his parrot. ‘So, we are free and single this weekend Mango, both bird-less.’

  43

  Sarah had just arrived home from work and was sitting watching Sky News when her mum came in and handed her a piece of paper. Sarah looked at it and saw it was a shopping list.

  ‘What’s this, Mum? I thought you only went grocery shopping yesterday?’

  ‘I did, but we are short a few things and I was thinking you could head to Superquinn in Blackrock and pick up what we need.’

  ‘Oh Mum, I’m wrecked from work. Can we not just survive with what we have in the fridge for tonight, and I promise I’ll go shopping tomorrow evening?’

  Her mum looked put out.

  ‘Sarah, please go. You never know what could happen there. It could be fun!’

  ‘Fun?’ Sarah said, suddenly sitting up and looking suspiciously at her mum. ‘Since when has grocery shopping been fun? What’s this really about, Mum?’

  Catherine Doyle sat down and turned off the TV.

  ‘Sarah, I was having lunch with a few of the girls today and Joyce was telling me about these Superquinn Singles Shopping Nights. Apparently, her niece went once and met a man by the frozen pizza section! I think it could be perfect for you. You don’t seem to meet the right men when you are out with your friends, and then after the Ross fiasco, meeting a nice man at one of these Superquinn nights could be just what you need.’

  Sarah looked in shock at her mum and felt herself getting flushed and annoyed.

  ‘Have you gone mad, Mum? I am not going to a singles shopping night. No way. My God, what do you take me for?’

  Sarah looked at the shopping list that included food she’d never seen her mum eat.

  ‘I mean, do we even need these random groceries, or are they just a ploy to get me running after some man and his trolley? Like when was the last time we ate Vienetta or ice-cream wafers? My eighth birthday party, probably. God, you are so obvious, Mum.’

  Catherine looked taken aback and after a few minutes took the shopping list from her daughter and crossed out the majority of it, leaving only wine, crackers, cheese and grapes.

  ‘OK, Sarah, maybe I was being too pushy, but I do really need a few things as it’s my turn to bring snacks to bridge later tonight, so while I make dinner for the two of us can you please go and get these for me? Thanks, love.’

  Sarah was about to complain but thought it better not to fight with her mum or raise her own blood pressure even more, and so instead grabbed her coat and made her way to the door. Just as she did so she heard her mum shout at her from the kitchen.

  ‘And don’t forget, Sarah, not only would it be great to meet a nice man tonight, but you know that any man who can do his own grocery shopping must be domesticated and that’s a great quality in a husband!’

  She didn’t answer back but just slammed the door and made her way to Superquinn.

  Sarah vowed to be as quick as she could in the supermarket, she didn’t want anyone thinking she was desperate enough to attend a dating event at her local shopping centre. Just as she’d made her way to the cheese counter she ran right into two old school friends, Val and Jessica.

  ‘Hi, Sarah! God, we haven’t seen you in ages. How are you? You look well, although I didn’t know you were still single,’ Jessica said to a stunned Sarah.

  ‘Single? What makes you think I’m unattached?’ Sarah replied.

  ‘Oh, Sarah, don’t play innocent with us,’ Val laughed. ‘We single girls know all the tricks, and these Superquinn Singles Shopping Nights are something we’d heard about, too. Jess and I have come the last three weeks and although we have yet to meet Mr Right, we have seen some cuties! I mean, it’s easy to spot who’s here for a potential partner rather than a box of cereal and some milk!’

  ‘Yes,’ Jessica agreed, ‘when you see s
omeone at the last aisle with an empty trolley you know they are here to check all the singletons out!’

  Sarah looked at the girls in horror. ‘You two honestly believe you can meet a husband here alongside potatoes, orange juice and mince?’

  ‘Well, Sarah, we can only hope. Of course we don’t want to close off other options in case these shopping trips don’t work out, so at the moment we are doing a blitz on speed dating, blind dating and, of course, online dating,’ Val said matter-of-factly.

  ‘Dating is a serious game, Sarah,’ Jessica added.

  Sarah looked at her two old friends, girls who were intelligent and very popular in school. What had happened to the world, she wondered, that made girls like them have to resort to fake shopping trips in the name of meeting a partner?

  Sarah wished the girls luck, bought the goods she needed and drove home as quickly as she could. As she watched TV alone that night, with not even her mum for company, she wondered would she become as desperate as Val and Jessica? Would she soon be resorting to looking in a shopping aisle or online for a man?

  44

  The Stone Studio had been quiet enough all day, so Sarah was on the phone with her sister Mel, filling her in on the previous night’s awful experience in Superquinn, when Hugh Hyland walked in.

  ‘I have to go, Mel, but don’t even tell Mum about Val and Jessica’s ideas of meeting men online, or she’ll have me signed up to those websites by the time I get home.’

  ‘Mr Hyland, I’m sorry for rushing off the last time you were in,’ Sarah apologized.

  ‘No problem, Sarah. I was actually in Monkstown for a meeting today, so I thought I would drop by to find out how your sister got on.’

  He is so kind, remembering about Mel, Sarah thought. Although he must think me and my mum are mental cases, and that I’m not the sophisticated gallery manager I’d hoped he’d think I was.