Page 40 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

‘Bloody hell,’ Hattie said as she strapped herself in.

‘It’s only just begun.’ Jo gripped the side of her seat. ‘But I’m so glad you’re here, it wouldn’t have been the same without you.’

‘Me too,’ Hattie said as she braced herself into a bend. ‘This is going to be a very special opening.’

* * *

Bill saton his usual bench in the garden at Hotel Boomerville and flicked a stone into the pond. He looked up to see Audrey, who was making her way to the pool, and called out a greeting.

‘Why don’t you join us?’ she asked. ‘We could do with a man on the team to assist with the lifts, and the ladies would love it.’

Bill ignored the remark and turned away. The thought of getting into the water with a gaggle of farmers’ wives was Bill’s idea of hell and he’d no intention of getting involved. If Melissa was a team member, he might reconsider. He’d seen her go to the pool earlier and knew that she’d be doing her daily laps. As Audrey disappeared, Bill stuffed his hands in his pockets and scuffed at the gravel underfoot. He’d heard from the other residents that Melissa was due to check out soon. She was travelling to Ireland to book into the new Boomerville and the thought of never seeing her again dismayed him more than he cared to admit.

A woman like that would never look at you, Bill Bradbury; you’ll never have a woman, you’re boring and brainless!

With a sigh, he shrugged and looked around to see Alf pottering about on the lawn. He’d laid out a croquet set and now, bent double, carefully placed the hoops in position.

‘No classes today?’ Alf called out. He straightened up and, reaching for a cigarette from behind his ear, lit up.

‘No. I was due to be in metalwork but Lucinda cancelled.’

‘Aye, she’s taken a few days off.’ Alf puffed and blew smoke rings. ‘She’s in with the Shaman, I hear.’ He nodded towards the tepee in the meadow and gave Bill a wink.

‘That woman is mad.’

‘Oh, aye, barking, there’s no doubt of that; she scares the living daylights out of me.’

Ness lay at Alf’s feet, her tail thumping on the soft grass. The dog rolled over and he reached down to scratch her belly.

‘Are you staying much longer?’ Alf asked. ‘You’re one of the long-term residents, they should give you a badge.’ He chuckled. ‘I Survived Boomerville!’

Bill stood up. He wasn’t going to sit around here all day and have this damned handyman make fun. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I shall be moving on.’

The conservatory door opened and Bunty and Teddy ran into the garden. The dogs shot across the lawn, tumbling over Ness and making circles around Bill’s ankles.

‘Bloody animals,’ Bill grumbled as Teddy jumped up, but the dogs’ attention was diverted and they ran past Bill.

He turned to follow their path and saw that Melissa had appeared and the dogs hurtled towards her. Bill was motionless as he stared. Sunlight kissed her wet hair and she laughed as she leaned down to stroke the playful animals. Bill had the urge to reach out and stroke the damp locks.

‘You’ll be leaving us, then?’ Alf called out to Melissa. ‘Moving on to pastures new?’

‘I’m going to Ireland,’ Melissa said as she scooped Teddy into her arms. ‘I can’t wait, there’s going to be taster sessions for the new classes and trips to restaurants in Kindale.’ Melissa ruffled the fur on Teddy’s ears and he licked at the skin on her hand.

‘Aye, it’s a big affair.’ Alf nodded. ‘Lots of fancy folk from the area for the opening event and music all day long, I hear.’

Bill collapsed back on the bench. His lips were pressed tight as he listed to Alf and Melissa.

‘Why don’t you come?’ Melissa said.

Her face was a picture as she smiled at Alf and Bill wished that he could paint it. He wished too that he could join in the conversation.

You’re nowt, Bill Bradbury, a nothing, an insignificant little man. No one wants anything to do with you!

Bill closed his eyes and thrust his hands over his ears to try and block the sound of his mother’s voice.

‘Are you alright?’

Bill looked up. Melissa stood before him, concern on her face.