Page 57 of The Last Saturday In July
‘Absolutely fine. I’ve organised someone to drop in every day, and the local health nurse will keep an eye on her too. And we’re only a phone call away.’
Jess ran her hand through her hair, trying to untangle some knots. ‘I’m just worried that she’ll get a bit down, if she can’t get out to all her classes and her bridge games.’
Her mother patted her arm. ‘I’ve already rung a few of her bridge friends and they’ve promised to come over to her one night a week for a game. But I might see if the carer can bring her to one of herclasses.’
Zoe glanced up from her phone. ‘Pity she doesn’t have an iPad. Look at all the stuff she could do online, and she could video chat with anyone she wanted.’
Carmel raised her eyebrows. ‘Your nana doesn’t even have a smart phone, love. I don’t think she’d manage an iPad.’
Zoe stretched out her legs and crossed her ankles. ‘Finn and I are going down to see her at the weekend. I’ll take my old iPad and see if I can teach her.’
‘Is Nana not coming to the bridal shower tomorrow?’ Jess chewed on a nail.
‘She is. Your dad’s collecting her – she said she wouldn’t miss it for the world. Jess, don’t chew your nails.’ Carmel smiled at her. ‘Nana told me she knows all about bridal showers.’
Jess wondered if Moira had been watching the same movies as her mother. Since the moment she and Simon had got engaged, Carmel had dedicated herself to watching every wedding movie she could find:Father of the Bride: the original and the remake,Bride Wars,27 Dresses, Bridesmaids, The Other Bride, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Apparently, she even made notes. According to Zoe, who was allergic to romantic comedies, it was their mother’s perfect excuse to indulge her love of ridiculous movies, while simultaneously bonding with her daughters. Jess also knew her mother was determined that Úna McCardle-Donohue would not find any fault on the big day.
One of the hairdressers called them over to the basins.
‘Hang on.’ Zoe scooted over to Carmel and held her phone at arms’ length. ‘Pre-transformation selfie!’
‘Oh dear God, do we have to, Zoe?’ Carmel gave an anxious smile. ‘I’m not wearing any make-up.’
Zoe put her phone away. ‘Chill, Mam –I can do some touch-ups.’
Jess leaned back into the curved basin, and tried to relax as she closed her eyes.
Hair washed, she was led to a free station between Carmel and Zoe, in front of the mirrors.
‘You’re the bride, right?’ The hair stylist ran a comb through Jess’s hair. ‘Will you be having an up-style?’
Jess tried to remember what Kate had suggested, but Carmel spoke before Jess had a chance to answer.
‘I see all these brides, Jess. You’ll be getting your hair done at the hotel, and it’s an up-style you need with that dress.’
The hairdresser held up the bottom inch of Jess’s hair between her fingers. ‘I’ll take about that much off – you’ll need enough hair to work with.’
Carmel settled back into the swivel chair. ‘So, how’s Simon? Isn’t that business dinner next week some time?’
‘Actually, it was last night, but I couldn’t make it. So, I left a message, but he didn’t get it on time.’ Jess braced herself.
‘Because you were with Nana?’ Carmel looked horrified as she met Jess’s eyes in the mirror. ‘Mother of God, you should have asked one of us to step in! What did poor Simon do?’
Jess decided to stick to the short version. ‘They went out for dinner, but I don’t think it went well.’
‘Oh, Jess!’
‘Mam, please don’t start. I’ve heard enough from Simon.’
Zoe snorted. ‘Simon’s a grown man. He needs to get over himself.’
Jess shot Zoe a grateful look. ‘Normally I’d agree with you, but he’s probably lost his promotion.’
‘Poor Simon!’ Carmel shook her head.
Jess fisted her hands in her lap and wished she’d said nothing.
