Page 29 of For Love or Money
The following Saturday morning, Stella sat in the plush lounge of the Hotel Meyrick on Eyre Square, watching the door anxiously as she waited for Dan to join her. She’d been up early to catch the first train to Galway and had spent a long time getting ready, choosing her outfit with care, and fussing over her make-up and hair. She wanted to look good for Dan – grown-up and in control. It was important to show him she’d got her act together. She didn’t want him to worry about her. She was wearing a red polka-dot tea dress with low-heeled nude pumps, and her hair was tied up in an elegant chignon. The overall effect was sophisticated, demure and a little retro, perfect for afternoon tea in an upmarket hotel.
She fidgeted nervously, smoothing the skirts of her dress and sipping her coffee too quickly, jittery and excited about seeing him again after so long. Then he was there, being waved over to her table by a waiter. He was a little stockier than when she’d last seen him, his face doughier than she remembered. His thick, straw-coloured hair was still long, pulled back into a stubby ponytail. She could hardly believe he was really here, and tears pricked her eyes as he approached, his lovely warm face breaking into a broad grin. Stella stood and he pulled her into a hug.
‘It’s so good to see you,’ she said, squeezing him tight.
‘You too. You look amazing!’ he said, as they sat side by side on the banquette.
They ordered coffee, and the waiter brought a cafetière on a silver tray, with fine china cups. Stella poured, and smiled fondly as Dan spooned two cubes of sugar into his.
‘Why don’t you just have done with it and order cake?’ she asked as he reached for another.
Dan grinned and stirred his coffee vigorously. ‘I’m watching my figure.’
‘And calories consumed as liquid don’t count?’
‘Exactly. You taught me that.’
She laughed. ‘So I did.’
He took a sip of coffee and sank back against the sofa cushion, digging the heels of his hands into his eyes.
‘Tired?’
‘Yeah,’ he yawned. ‘It’s been kind of a long week.’
‘Sorry for making you get up early on a Saturday.’
‘That’s okay.’ He looked around the plush lounge. ‘I’ve had worse gigs.’
‘Where are you supposed to be today anyway?’
‘I told Annie I had a job in Galway.’
‘Devious.’
‘Yeah.’ Dan’s smile faded and he looked uncomfortable.
‘Sorry.’ She knew he hated lying to his wife. She felt bad that he was doing it for her.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’m building you a new set of wardrobes, just so you know.’
‘Yes, best to get our stories straight.’ She laughed. ‘In case this ever goes to trial.’
‘What about you?’ he asked. ‘Where are you supposed to be today?’
‘Peter knows where I am. I told him about you.’ She knew it wasn’t fair, when he couldn’t tell Annie about her. ‘We’re getting married. I had to tell him everything. But he’s the only one who knows.’
‘It’s okay. I get it.’
‘So, what’s up with you?’ she asked, eager to shift the focus from herself. ‘Tell me everything.’
‘Actually, I’ve got news,’ he said, his mouth widening in a grin. ‘Big news.’
‘Oh?’
‘I was waiting until today, so I could tell you in person. Annie’s pregnant.’
‘Oh, my God!’ Stella gasped. ‘That’s fantastic.’ Her eyes welled up and she reached for his hand, too overcome with emotion to speak for a moment. Dan looked so happy he might burst. ‘Congratulations!’
