Page 78 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

‘Also, all in hand,’ James replied. ‘House guests will checkout and leave after breakfast.’

‘And then you’ll have breathing space for a week or so, until you open full-time.’ Hattie watched James as he headed to the restaurant to arrange the seating plan for the evening. ‘He’s a star. I hope you’re keeping him on.’

‘I would if I could but soon he’ll be heading back to a more glamorous lifestyle.’

‘What? Waiting on an old rock star hand and foot? I doubt it.’

‘Life in Los Angeles or Ballymegille?’ Jo raised her eyebrows.

‘Aye, I take your point.’ Hattie turned. ‘Now go and get your feet up and I’ll see you later.’

* * *

Finbar wascheerful as he left his singing class. The group had been on top form and although they were only temporary members of his choir, he was going to miss them when they left Boomerville and their holiday at this beautiful place was over. He’d no doubt that many would return and if Jo was kind enough to keep him on, he hoped that he’d meet them again in the years to come.

He loved everything about the experience Jo had created in the tiny hamlet of Ballymegille and as he headed to the carpark be thought about business at Boomerville Manor. It was going to be a success and he was proud to be a part of it. The staged event had been a blast and reminded Finbar that there was nothing he liked more than standing in front of an audience, entertaining the crowd. Some of his best memories were from the times he’d been on the cruise ships, seeing the world. With a frequently changing passenger and crew list, there had always been women to flirt with too, both on and off stage. He’d seen the world, and he’d loved every single moment.

But life was quieter now. He had a successful taxi business and in between journeys around the county, filled his time with any gigs he could pick up. Working at the manor would boost his income too.

Finbar started the engine and reversed. As he turned the car around, his phone buzzed. It was a text from his mother’s carers with a shopping list to be done that day. Finbar sighed. The old girl’s care was costing him a bomb. His sister was in England, married with a large family and unable to help and his only other sibling, an older brother who lived in Dublin, said that Finbar should put their mam in a home and let the state contribute. But Finbar had seen the inside of some of the old folks’ homes and anyway, he’d made a promise that he’d never do that.

Not that she’d know, he thought, as his foot hit the accelerator and he sped off the drive onto the main road. She was away with the fairies these days and didn’t even recognise her own son. But as long as she was happy in her own way and safe and comfortable, Finbar would keep his promise, whatever the cost.

It was another hot day and as he raced inland to join the N71, which would take him to Cork University Hospital, Finbar turned up the air conditioning. He wanted his vehicle to be as comfortable as possible for his passenger, who would no doubt be weary after her bedside duties. He’d heard that one of the guests, the strange little guy who’d sprinkled water on Finbar’s trousers, had taken a nasty fall and was receiving treatment. Finbar felt sad for the bloke and hoped that he’d make a full recovery and be back at the manor soon. But one man’s bad luck was another’s good fortune and it was an eager Finbar that went to collect his ride.

Melissa Mercer was the name of the passenger that Jo had instructed Finbar to collect and bring back to the manor.

The illusive lady in lemon.

He checked his watch as he pulled into the hospital waiting area. Bang on time. He’d been told that she’d come out of the main hospital entrance to find her lift. The doors to the hospital swished open and Finbar searched the faces of the folk who stepped out. Melissa was nowhere to be seen. Pulling into a parking bay and flicking the lock, Finbar walked towards the doors.

Perhaps she was waiting inside.

* * *

Melissa stoodin the foyer of the hospital and looked out of the huge glass doors. Jo had called to say that she’d sent a taxi to collect Melissa and Hattie was also on her way to sit with Bill. She’d met Hattie outside the ward and given her an update. There was no change in Bill’s condition and the doctors were considering surgery to remove a hematoma. Hattie had presented her with a sandwich and a slice of cake and now, as Melissa stared out at people coming and going, the foil-wrapped package felt heavy in her hand.

The last thing on her mind was food.

Her major concern was that Finbar, who she could see on the other side of the doors, was heading towards her. What was she to do? Melissa looked from side-to-side but there was nowhere to escape and even if she did, how could she possibly explain?

The doors opened and Finbar stepped in. He had no difficulty in locating Melissa and with a cheery wave, he called out,

‘Hi there, Melissa, I’m your lift back to Ballymegille; Jo at Boomerville Manor sent me.’

‘Oh hi,’ Melissa said and, keeping her head low, moved towards him.

‘The car is right outside,’ Finbar said. ‘Can I carry anything for you?’ He looked at the package in her hand.

‘No, I’m fine, thank you, go ahead and I’ll follow.’

Finbar rushed forward to guide her through the door. ‘I’m right here,’ he said and as they reached the vehicle, he held open the passenger door. ‘You jump in, I’ll pay for the parking.’

‘I’ll sit in the back.’ Melissa was curt.

‘Just as you like, make yourself comfortable, there’s a bottle of cold mineral water in the seat back.’

Melissa watched Finbar queue at the pay station, then return to the car.

---