Changing Places (22 page)

‘I blame Tara Brady, the conniving little cow. What man is going to refuse when it’s handed to him on a plate? Think about it, Anna. He has all this time on his hands, he’s
feeling very low and you are out at work all day. If she’s dropping by from time to time offering a shoulder to cry on, well, he’d be a saint not to be tempted. But I’m sure
he’d never actually do it,’ Jill added hurriedly.

‘But what if he fancies her? If he does, then he can’t really love me any more.’

Jill hugged her. ‘Don’t be silly, Anna, couples have come through worse than this. I’m sure this has nothing to do with Tara and everything to do with how crap Liam is feeling
at the moment.’

‘You think?’ Anna dabbed her eyes as she looked at her cousin.

‘I do. But maybe you need some time apart. You could move in with me for a while or . . .’

‘Or?’

‘You could go and stay with your folks.’

Anna shuddered. ‘I’m not sure that’d be a good idea. Three of us cooped up in that camper van? Mam would know something was wrong and she’s got enough problems at the
moment.’

‘Didn’t you say that they’d rented an apartment in Benalmadena?’

‘Oh yeah, you’re right.’

‘And you could take Rachel along. Your folks would be thrilled to see her. It would cheer them both up.’

‘Oh, I don’t know.’ Anna shook her head wearily.

‘I’m sure you’d like to see for yourself if your dad’s okay,’ Jill continued, ‘and a change of scene would do Rachel the world of good. I was talking to Gary
earlier, and he was saying that she would love to go and see her parents but would be nervous travelling alone.’

‘Then why doesn’t
he
take her?’ Anna retorted.

‘Someone has to look after Alex.’

‘They could both go and take Alex with them.’

‘The point, Anna, is that you and Rachel are the ones that need the break.’

Anna sighed. ‘Mark would go mad. We’re very busy.’

‘I bet if you put in a few extra hours this week he could spare you for one week. Gary says there’s a cheap flight out on Sunday.’

‘Sunday? What – this Sunday?’

‘Do it, Anna,’ Jill urged. ‘It will give you and Liam time to think. It will be good for Rachel and it would make Bridie and Shay very happy.’

Anna thought about it. ‘I’ll talk to Mark.’

‘Excellent!’

‘Don’t you say a word to Rachel until I know for sure,’ Anna warned.

‘My lips are sealed,’ Jill promised. ‘Oh, it’s going to be great. Sun, sea, sangria. I almost wish I was coming with you.’

Anna looked at her. ‘Then why don’t you?’

Jill laughed. ‘Oh, I couldn’t.’

‘Why not?’

Jill thought about it. She was due some time off. She was totally fed up with ADLI, and Vinny and Sue in particular. There was no attentive lover to leave behind and last, but by no means least,
Anna and Rachel would probably need a referee. She smiled slowly. ‘Why not indeed?’

Anna squealed. ‘Oh Jill, that would be fantastic!’

Jill’s face clouded. ‘But would there be enough room?’

‘Sure. There’s the apartment
and
the camper van, remember?’

‘Gosh, I haven’t slept in a caravan since we went on holidays to Tramore when I was twelve.’

‘And it rained and rained and rained,’ Anna reminded her. ‘But you can’t really compare the camper van to the little tin cans we used to stay in.’

‘It is quite luxurious, isn’t it?’

‘Microwave, fridge-freezer, fantastic shower, the works,’ Anna said.

Jill looked at her watch. ‘I need clothes! If I head back to the office now, I can get a bit of shopping in later.’

Anna made a face. ‘I won’t have any time for that. Mark will make me work my butt off this week.’

‘What will Liam say?’ Jill asked, suddenly remembering the reason for the trip.

Anna’s smile disappeared. ‘I don’t know. Maybe he’ll be delighted. He’ll be able to get on with his new romance without interruption.’

‘Anna.’

‘Oh, who knows, Jill. I certainly don’t. But you’re right, I could do with a break from him. I just hope I manage to get through a week with my sister without killing
her.’

‘I’ll make sure you do,’ Jill promised. ‘And you never know, you might even enjoy yourself.’

‘Next week?’ Mark looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

‘I’m sorry for the short notice but it’s just with Dad being sick.’

‘It’s only an ulcer, Anna.’

‘Yes, I know that but, well, Rachel and I would still like to see him and make sure he’s getting the right treatment.’

Mark snorted. ‘And maybe get in a bit of sun-bathing too.’

‘I haven’t had any time off since March,’ Anna said firmly. ‘I’ll work late every night this week. And Val said she’d do some viewings for you while I’m
away.’

‘Oh, okay, go if you must,’ he capitulated. ‘Only a week, mind.’

‘Only a week,’ Anna promised with a smile.

‘What does your husband think of you sodding off to Spain without him?’ he called after her as she went back out to her desk.

‘I don’t know and I don’t care,’ Anna retorted, earning herself a worried look from Val.

‘And Jill’s going too?’ Mark followed her out. ‘Maybe I should come along to look after you girls.’

‘We’re going to see my folks,’ Anna reminded him.

‘And if
you
were with them, they’d really need looking after,’ Val said in an uncharacteristic outburst.

Mark looked at her, amazed. ‘Val, I don’t know what you mean!’

The older woman reddened and turned her attention back to her work. ‘I’m sure.’

‘I just hope Rachel doesn’t go into labour while we’re away,’ Anna said.

‘How far is she gone?’ Val asked.

‘Thirty-four weeks, I think.’

‘Another six to go, then. I’m sure she’ll be fine.’

Anna shuddered. ‘She’d better be. I don’t see myself as a midwife.’

‘Just tell her to keep her legs crossed. In fact, same advice to you and Jill!’ Mark went back into his office, laughing uproariously.

‘One of these days I’m going to wash that man’s mouth out with carbolic soap.’ Val tutted.

‘He’s a lost cause,’ Anna told her. ‘I don’t know how Jan puts up with him.’

‘Oh, it’s all front,’ Val assured her. ‘He’s actually a very good husband.’

Anna shot her a look of pure disbelief. ‘He hides it well. Anyway, I’d better get going. I’ve got four houses to visit before lunch.’

‘And another five this afternoon.’

‘And a viewing at six-thirty.’ Anna groaned. ‘By the end of this week I’m going to need a holiday.’

‘I’m going to Spain.’ Rachel put down the phone and stared at herself in the hall mirror. ‘What clothes do I bring? God, what about Alex? I’ll
need to fill the freezer or Gary will just take him to McDonald’s every night. And then there’s his lunch – I wonder is it okay to freeze ham sandwiches? Maybe I’ll post the
question on
MumSpeak
.’

Rachel continued to mutter to herself as she went through her wardrobe and gazed at the awful baggy clothes that hung there. Given the lousy weather this summer all the tops were long-sleeved
and way too warm for the hot weather her parents were enjoying in Spain. She’d have to find time to drop into Mothercare and see if she could pick up something more suitable.

She closed the wardrobe, went down to her desk and flicked on the computer. As she waited for it to come on, she started a ‘to-do’ list. It would be the first of several if Gary was
to survive without her for a full week. She couldn’t believe that not only was Gary encouraging her to go, but he was taking a week off work to mind Alex. She wondered what he’d do if
Alex woke during the night. Gary loved his sleep and was very grumpy when he didn’t get it. She chuckled as she signed on to
MumSpeak
. Maybe a week without her was exactly what he
needed. As she entered the chatroom, she scanned the latest messages, coming up short when she saw
Message for Al’sMum
.

Quickly she tabbed down to the message and pressed Enter. She groaned at the question and began to wish she’d never opened her heart to these people.

Hey, Al’sMum. Haven’t heard from you for a while. Is everything okay? Have you talked to your husband? How do you feel now about the baby? You’re in my thoughts and just
wondered if you’re okay. Galway Gal

‘Oh no.’ Rachel hadn’t tackled Gary, of course she hadn’t. The last thing she needed was to hear her worst fears confirmed. Rachel winced as the baby gave a particularly
violent kick. ‘Hey, you, stop that.’ She caressed her bump. ‘Mummy does love you, you know that.’

Forgetting about her questions for the other mothers, Rachel closed the
MumSpeak
window and switched off the machine. She’d have to cope on her own from now on. The last thing she
needed was well-meaning strangers telling her what she should do. With a bit of luck, she might get to spend some time alone with her mother during this holiday. If anyone would understand what she
was going through, it would be Bridie.

‘Oh, look. They have that wonderful concealer, Touche Éclat. I think I’ll get that.’ Jill eagerly checked out the duty-free magazine as the last of the
passengers finished boarding.

‘I can’t get this bloody belt around me,’ Rachel complained, pulling in her tummy and trying unsuccessfully to close it.

‘They have extensions for fat people,’ Anna told her. ‘Ring for an air hostess.’

‘Flight attendant,’ Jill corrected, leaning across Rachel and loosening the belt. ‘You don’t need an extension. There.’

‘Thanks, Jill.’ Rachel looked across her cousin and scowled at her sister. ‘And thanks for your sensitivity, Anna.’

‘Oh, for heaven’s sake!’ Anna turned away and looked out of the window. It was only half six on a cold Sunday morning and Liam was probably still snoring his brains out.

She’d said goodbye to him last night and even put their differences to one side to wish him well in the interview he had later that week. The job would be perfect for him and Anna knew he
was excited about it. ‘The taxi’s picking me up at four so I don’t suppose you’ll want me to wake you,’ she’d joked feebly as she was going to bed, but
she’d been very hurt when Liam had just shrugged and wished her a pleasant holiday. God, he was like a stranger. He hadn’t even attempted to kiss her. Anna’s eyes filled as she
watched the baggage handlers dumping cases into the hold. He was probably glad she was going. Maybe he wouldn’t be there when she got back. He could easily move into Tara’s place, there
was plenty of room and then he’d have his beloved mother next door. What more could he want? He’d never have to work again with those two clucking over him.

‘Here we go,’ Jill said as the plane pushed back and the flight attendants started their spiel on safety.

Rachel fiddled nervously with her belt as she watched the lifebelt demonstration. This was the first time she’d been away without Alex and she had found it very hard to leave him. She had
wanted to hug him before she left but Gary had nearly had a fit. ‘It’s the middle of the night, Rachel, would you leave the kid alone. You said goodbye to him already.’

‘Do you think he’ll be okay without me, Gary?’

‘He’ll be fine as long as you bring back lots of presents,’ Gary had assured her.

But Rachel knew that Alex would miss her; it was his father she wasn’t so sure about. Gary had been very enthusiastic about this trip – too enthusiastic. Still, he wouldn’t be
able to get up to much while she was away, what with Alex to look after. And maybe, just maybe, he’d appreciate her more when she got back.

Jill’s mind was also wandering as the attendants moved down the aisle, checking seatbelts were fastened and tables were up. As soon as she’d returned from her lunch with Anna, Jill
had gone straight in to see her boss. Sue hadn’t been too pleased about her taking time off at such short notice but, as Jill hadn’t had a summer holiday, she reluctantly agreed. Jill
got no more work done that day, spending her time on the internet and the phone arranging flights and checking with Gary that Rachel’s passport was current. After work she’d headed down
to Grafton Street. The shops were already full of the new styles for autumn but luckily, skimpy tops were all the fashion and you could always rely on Brown Thomas when it came to swimwear.
She’d gone home that evening exhausted, with a boot full of bags, including a large box of shortbread for Bridie. She had ended up buying Shay an opera CD. She usually bought him chocolate,
booze or fags, but her life wouldn’t be worth living if she brought him anything remotely unhealthy.

‘I think I need a drink,’ Rachel said, her hands digging into Jill’s arm as the plane turned on to the runway.

‘You’ll be fine.’ Jill patted her hand. ‘It’s a very short journey; it will be over before you know it.’

Rachel squeezed her eyes shut and offered up a silent prayer. ‘
I know I don’t talk to You as often as I should but please, please, please keep me and my baby safe and bring us
back in one piece. And keep Alex safe too. And I promise I’ll take him to Mass more often
.’ Surreptitiously she crossed herself and clung on to Jill’s arm. Once they were up
she’d be fine. It was just that horrible feeling when the plane first took off that got her. And the turbulence, of course. And she wasn’t so keen on the landing. ‘I definitely
think I’ll have a drink. One won’t do any harm. What do you think, Jill?’

‘Oh for God’s sake, will you shut up?’ Anna snapped at her sister. ‘A plane crash will be the least of your worries if you keep rabbiting on like this!’

‘She’s nervous,’ Jill hissed in her ear. ‘Give her a break.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Anna turned mournful eyes on her cousin. ‘I’m just a bit down.’

Jill patted Anna’s arm with her free hand. ‘We’ll talk about it when Rachel falls asleep,’ she whispered.

‘How do you know she’s going to fall asleep?’

‘Take a look.’

Anna leaned forward to get a better look at her sister and suppressed a giggle as she saw that Rachel’s head was already lolling on Jill’s shoulder.

‘Gary told me she didn’t go to bed at all last night so she’s knackered. Five minutes tops and she’ll be gone.’