Page 105 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

‘Pete has just called in, to hear Jo say that she wishes he’d hurry off back to Cumbria,’ Hattie continued. ‘She wants him to know that in her opinion, he is an arrogant shite, who thinks of no one but himself and if he is under the illusion that she would ever get back with him, he is very much mistaken.’ Hattie took a bow. ‘Am I right?’ She looked at Jo.

‘Yes, I couldn’t have said it better myself.’

‘But…’ Pete stepped forward.

Jo put up her hand to stop him. Hattie, true to form, had said everything that needed to be said.

‘While Pete checks his return flight, why don’t we all have a drink?’ Hattie linked her arm through Jo’s and led her into the music room.

‘I think you’ve started already,’ Jo whispered. ‘Is Finbar sozzled too?’

‘He’s just lost his mammy, have a heart.’

As Hattie mixed drinks, Jo spoke to Finbar and discussed how the funeral plans were shaping up. Pete took a seat and looked miserable as Hattie handed him a glass.

In the hallway, a bell rang.

‘Someone at the front door,’ Hattie said, slipping her feet into her trainers. ‘I’ll get it.’

‘Ah, here’s Melissa and James.’ Jo looked out at the garden, where the pair of painters were walking across the lawn, heading for the kitchen door as Teddy ran ahead. Jo knocked on the glass and indicated that they should join her.

‘We’ve an unexpected visitor,’ Hattie said as she came back into the room.

‘Who is it?’ Jo asked, turning away from the window.

‘I’ll let him introduce himself; he’s gone to freshen up.’

James followed Melissa into the music room and as Melissa settled Teddy, Jo introduced Pete, then asked James how the decorating was progressing.

Hattie pulled Melissa to one side.

‘I’ve got news.’

‘What sort of news?’ Melissa, hot and covered in paint, was tired and still anxious.

‘It’s Malcolm.’

‘What?’ Melissa eyed the doorway. ‘Is he here?’

‘No, nothing like that.’ Hattie stared directly into Melissa’s eyes. ‘Do you trust me?’

‘Yes, of course, you’re my friend.’

‘Then I want you to believe me when I tell you that Malcolm will never trouble you again.’

‘I don’t understand?’

‘Don’t ask me any questions; I can’t and won’t answer them, but you have my word that Malcolm will never, ever come near you again.’

‘I don’t know what to say.’ Melissa shrank back. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Certain.’

‘But that’s the most wonderful piece of news!’

‘You can celebrate.’ Hattie turned and led Melissa to the window.

Jo, aware that Hattie had told Melissa about Malcolm, needed no explanation when she saw the look of joy on Melissa’s face. She held out a drink. ‘Congratulations, here’s to your future.’