Page 117 of The Rebound
We’ve never celebrated the solstice before. Another one of Andrew’s grand plans for the village. But as money-grabbing schemes go, this one has a nice aesthetic at least.
“Guess what I got!” Sinead returns from her trip to the food stalls, balancing three mugs in her hands.
“If it’s poitín, I can’t drink it before eleven or I’ll need a nap,” Rory warns, taking one from her.
“It’smead,” she says as if she’s never heard of anything more wonderous. “They said they make it with local honey.”
Rory gives his a sniff. “And who is they exactly?”
“The man in the car.”
“The man in the… great.” He turns to me. “She’s going to make a wonderful mother one day.”
Sinead whacks him in the arm.
“I’m good,” I say as she offers me the third mug. “Thank you though.”
“Don’t worry,” Rory says. “I’m sure it was a very clean car.”
“He had a permit!” Sinead says loudly.
“You want to go to Pete’s after this?” Rory asks me. “Sean and Harry are coming. We’ll get the gang back together.”
“The gang?”
“I made us jackets. I texted Luke but he didn’t answer.”
“I think he’s studying,” I say casually. “He’s got those final exams coming up.”
Rory shakes his head as Sinead takes a long sip from her mug. “I couldn’t do it. I get tired just thinking about all the work he’s doing.”
“I think it’s brilliant,” Sinead says. “We should throw him a party when he’s done. He needs a break.”
“He does,” Rory says, his attention elsewhere. “Abby, why is your sister berating that child?”
I follow his gaze to where Louise is indeed scolding what looks to be two teenagers over the plastic ring around their cans. “She’s working.”
“She better not let Andrew see her. He’s making everyone… shite, we made eye contact.” He turns abruptly to Sinead. “Pretend we’re having a really interesting conversation.”
“With you?”
I snort as Rory just blinks at her. “Mead makes you cruel. I want you to know that.”
“Rory. Sinead.” Louise stands before us. “Abby.”
“Sister.”
“Happy solstice. Would you like to buy a ticket to the Irish Oceans Charity Raffle?”
“What’s the prize?” Sinead asks as Rory shakes his head.
“The continued protection of our marine life.”
“And is there like a restaurant voucher with that or—”
“No,” Rory says. “We’re not entering. I am already somehow both a monthly and an annual donor. You’re not getting me tonight.”
“But I love raffles.” Sinead pouts.
