The Housewarming: The Guesthouse on the Green Series (Book 11): O'Mara family feel-good fiction by Michelle Vernal

Author:Michelle Vernal [Vernal, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-28T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

It was after nine by the time Chris switched off the lights inside the hall. First, he pulled the main door shut before locking it. Then, checking the handle once more as was his custom, he turned to face an evening suffused in the soft-focus of twilight.

The small group who’d opted to quench their thirst at Madigan’s were already halfway to the pub. A sigh escaped his lips as he spied Pauline and Angela lurking under the tree in the churchyard. They were like birds of prey circling, so they were, and he twisted the plain gold band on his finger in irritation. Ita usually set off for the pub with Mags and Oisin, so he was surprised to see she’d hung back too. Surprised and pleased because there was safety in numbers.

Ita wished the two women, who between them probably kept the staff of Boots Ireland in full-time employment with the amount they’d spent on hairspray over the years, would disappear. Honestly, she thought a tornado wouldn’t lift a hair on either of their coiffed heads. She wanted to talk to Chris about her idea, and she didn’t want those two earwigging.

‘Your voice was in fine fettle this evening, Ita,’ Chris stated as, pocketing the keys, he took the three steps down to join the trio where they waited near the gate.

Angela and Pauline looked put out and Ita felt the warmth spread across her cheeks. She knew she’d turned a mottled pink at the compliment. Her mam had told her on more than one occasion she needed to learn how to be gracious. It was true enough. All she had to do was say a simple thank you, but somehow it always came out sounding wrong when she did so—like she thought the praise was her due or something. So to cover her awkwardness, she decided not to beat around the bush.

‘Erm, Chris, I wondered if I could have a word.’ She glanced at Angela and Pauline, hoping they’d get the hint. But instead, they both took a step closer.

‘Certainly. Angela, Pauline,’ he said jovially, ‘why don’t you set off, and we’ll catch you up. Sure, we won’t be far behind.’

Ita flashed Chris a grateful smile.

However, neither woman moved. Instead, both had seemingly taken root like the leafy maple they were standing under. Chris frowned and cleared his throat; this time his voice brooked no argument. ‘We’ll catch you up then.’

His tone penetrated and reluctantly the two older women allowed him to usher them out the church gate. Their pace was slower than a snail’s as they set off down the street with Pauline enquiring how Angela was faring with her neighbour. Apparently, he’d been complaining about her practising her scales in the bathroom. It was unfortunate the bathroom window overlooked his back garden.

‘Do I complain about his lying on that sun lounger of his in his scanty pants? No, I do not.’ Angela stated indignantly.

Chris was trying not to laugh as he turned his attention to Ita and looked at her expectantly.

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