Page 46 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

‘Bloody good idea, we should all fuel up for the journey.’ Audrey tucked her arm through Melissa’s and with instructions for her gals to follow, led the way.

* * *

Bill stoodin his bedroom and looked around. His cases sat by the door, packed with all the belongings he’d bought with him to Hotel Boomerville and now he wondered if he would ever see this room again.

You’re a damn fool, Bill Bradbury! Get yourself off home and take care of the house; it’ll go to wrack and ruin if you keep away any longer.

He shook his head to clear his mother’s venomous words. Bill had tossed and turned all night as her petulant whine disturbed his sleep and there were times, as the darkened hours dragged, when he’d contemplated heading straight back home when dawn broke. Throughout his life, his mother had been full of malice but recently, her ghostly ranting had stepped up, coinciding with Bill’s taste for new experiences, and he felt as though her spirit was with him wherever he went. It was an uncomfortable condition and he wished he could be rid of it.

Deprived of sleep and grumpy, Bill had risen early. He’d soaked in a bath and taken his time as he washed, shaved and readied himself for the day ahead. Dressed in comfortable cords and a short-sleeved shirt, Bill slipped his feet into a pair of trainers and chose a lightweight jacket.

This is your last chance! If you follow your stupid plan you’ll soon be broke and homeless!

‘Bugger off!’ Bill yelled. ‘Bugger off, you old crone, I’m going.’ His words bounced off the walls and Bill felt a sudden calmness. No voice rang in his ears and no image of his mother’s contemptuous face haunted him.

He opened the curtains and looked out.

It was a lovely day, a perfect day for a new adventure. Bill had never had any experiences that he could call an adventure and coming to Boomerville had been an undertaking he’d thought would be short-lived.

But here he was, packed and ready to head off to Ireland!

Bill’s decision had been impetuous. When he’d heard that Melissa was leaving and having seen the expression of pity on Alf’s face, Bill suddenly found a desire to break out of his crusty old shell. Possibly born out of anger, and fear of missing an opportunity, he’d raced into the hotel and put a call through to Hattie. To his surprise, she’d agreed to his request.

‘You’ll have to rough it a bit,’ she’d said, ‘but if you’re prepared to muck in, I can sort out a bed.’

Hattie had explained the travelling arrangements and to his delight, Bill realised that the trip wouldn’t be as expensive as he’d anticipated. She’d also told him that his car could be safely parked at the back of the hotel, alongside Melissa’s, while he was away.

Although the trip to Ireland was a spur of the moment decision, Bill felt guilt at being away from the house where he’d grown up for so long. Determined to make arrangements, he’d put a call through to his mother’s solicitor, who had a set of keys to the house, and asked if they could send someone round to make sure that the place hadn’t been broken in to. After a lengthy conversation, the solicitor had agreed to Bill’s various requests and assured him that everything would be taken care of.

Now, dressed for the journey and ready to depart, Bill found that he was ravenous. He’d settled his account the previous evening and knew that an early breakfast had been arranged. As he stood by his cases and prepared to leave, he closed his eyes, made a crude gesture with his finger and thought of his mother.

‘Ireland here I come!’

With a smile, Bill gathered his luggage and set off in search of his breakfast.

* * *

Sittingat a table beside the buffet table, Audrey and the Babes were tucking in. Melissa sat with them. She’d chosen a bowl of fresh fruit, natural yogurt and a croissant and when Bill came into the room, she looked up. The man seemed self-assured today, as he took a plate and piled it high with bacon, two eggs and a juicy Cumberland sausage.

‘Stock up for the journey if you’re joining us,’ Audrey called out. Her mouth was full of muesli and she flicked stray oats from her lips. ‘Room for another one, over here.’ She indicated to a place at her table.

Melissa smiled as Bill sat down. ‘Are you coming to Ireland too?’ she asked.

‘Yes, I thought it might make a pleasant change.’

‘I’m so excited,’ Melissa said as she licked thick creamy yogurt from her spoon. ‘I can hardly wait, I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. Have you been there?’

Bill found it difficult to concentrate as he watched Melissa. Her tongue was pink and wet as she licked her spoon, savouring each mouthful. Her actions fascinated him.

‘No, I haven’t. Hattie seems to need a hand for some sort of fete she’s organising, so I thought I’d step in and help out.’

‘That’s very kind of you.’

Melissa touched Bill’s hand. An electric shock charged his skin and he felt his face burn. Unable to speak, he kept his head down and chewed robotically.

‘Don’t forget to pack a snack for the journey, you might need a stomach settler on the crossing.’ Audrey spread butter on layers of bread, sandwiching slices of bacon. ‘It might be choppy.’

‘I need to get my things.’ Melissa wiped at her mouth with a napkin, folded it neatly then stood. ‘See you shortly.’

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