The Birthday Girls Read online

  Chapter 11

  That evening they descended on Shephard’s and sipped margaritas as they watched the glorious sunset from the terrace above the beach. They then moved inside the restaurant where an enormous amount of food was set out for the buffet. Brenda had a tough time deciding what to choose and even agreed to try some oysters which Mel told her were delicious. She didn’t like the look of them and they tasted even worse than they looked so she offloaded the rest on to Mel’s plate.

  “They’re delicious,” Mel insisted.

  “They look and taste like snot,” Brenda replied, sending Angel into peals of laughter.

  After the seafood course Mel nipped outside for a cigarette. Making her way down the steps to the beach, she sat on the lowest one and lit up. In the gathering dusk she couldn’t see much but was aware of someone sitting on a rock a short distance away. She saw the glow of a cigarette and felt an immediate affinity with this person. She’d begun to feel like a pariah what with all the anti-smoking propaganda she had to endure every day.

  “It’s nice to see I’m not the only one polluting my lungs and the atmosphere,” she addressed the stranger.

  “All this politically correct shite does my head in,” a deep male voice replied but she could tell from his tone that he was smiling. His voice was low and mellow and she was surprised to hear his Irish accent.

  “You’re Irish?”

  “Ah Jaysus, how can you tell?”

  “I’m Irish too.”

  “You are? You sound more posh-American to me,” he remarked.

  She laughed. “Well, I guess I’ve been here too long then. Nearly seventeen years. I’m from Dublin.”

  “Jaysus! You don’t have any trace of a Dublin accent. What part of Dublin?”

  “Rathmines.”

  “Ah, that figures. Sure southsiders never speak with a Dublin accent.”

  “I gather you’re from the northside then,” she observed sarcastically but she couldn’t help grinning.

  “Yeah, Castleknock.”

  “Ah! That’s why you sound like Colin Farrell.”

  “He’s cool, isn’t he? We went to the same school. He was a few years ahead of me. Did you see him in the film In Bruges? Bleedin’ great, he was!”

  Hearing him talk, Mel felt herself being catapulted back to Dublin. Dubliners had a very unique way of talking. She loved it. She’d also taken note of the fact that if he was younger than Colin Farrell then he was obviously younger than her too.

  “Yeah, it was a brilliant film and both he and Brendan Gleeson were terrific.” She smiled as she thought of it.

  He got up from his rock and she could see that he was very tall. He quenched his cigarette with his fingers then placed it in an empty cigarette box. Not a litter lout then, throwing it on the beach. She liked him for that.

  “Jack Molloy,” he said, stretching out his hand as he came towards her.

  “Mel O’Brien,” she replied, shaking his outstretched hand. He had a firm strong handshake. In the moonlight, she could see that his skin was pale and he had long black curly hair. He moved very languidly.

  “What are you doin’ here?” he asked her.

  “I’m down staying with a friend. There are four of us. It’s our birthday.”

  “All of you?”

  “Yes, we were all born the same week.”

  “Jaysus, you’re jokin’?”

  “No, I’m not. Today’s my birthday actually.” She blushed, surprised at herself for telling him that.

  “Well, happy birthday, darlin’.”

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, anxious to change the subject, afraid he might ask her how old she was. She just stopped herself in time from saying ‘doin’’.

  “I’m a singer. I have a gig over there in the bar overlooking the beach.” He jerked his thumb in the direction of a thatched cabana on the boardwalk from where came the sound of disco music. “I’m workin’ my way through all fifty states. Only six left to go,” he told her proudly.

  “Wow!” Mel was impressed.

  “Is there a Mr O’Brien with you?”

  “There is no Mr O’Brien. I’m here with my three girlfriends.”

  “You’re not gay?”

  She laughed. “Definitely not.”

  “Thank God for that. You never know these days.”

  “I’d better go back. We’re having dinner here. Nice to meet you,” she said, getting up to go back inside.

  “Hey, why dontcha come over later and have a listen. I’ll be on my break at ten and we can have a drink. Bring your friends if you like.”

  “Maybe I will,” she smiled at him.

  * * *

  “Where have you been?” Angel enquired as Mel sat down again at the table.

  “I met a cute guy from Dublin who is a singer in the bar here. He’s working his way around all fifty states.”

  “My oh my, we can’t let you out of our sight for a minute,” Lexi teased.

  “That’s more Angel’s style,” Mel countered but she was grinning. “Anyway Jack asked us to go over and listen to him later. He seems like a nice guy.”

  Lexi heard the unaccustomed softness in her voice and looked at her with raised eyebrows. They’d definitely have to go and check this guy out.

  * * *

  After the main course Mel slipped out for another cigarette. Instead of going down to the beach she strolled along the boardwalk to the outdoor bar, attracted by the strumming of a guitar.

  She stopped short, out of sight, as the haunting sound of James Taylor’s old song ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ filled the air. Jack was perched on a high stool, hunched over his guitar, his eyes closed. Mel stood transfixed and felt the music flow over her. His voice was low and gentle and rich with feeling and it struck a chord deep inside her. As he finished she slipped away, his song still with her. She felt drawn to him and knew she had to meet him later.

  * * *

  When they’d finished their meal Mel casually suggested that they adjourn to the beach bar.

  “Yes, let’s go and hear this Dublin fellow you met,” Lexi agreed.

  Mel was excited as they made their way across the boardwalk. Quite a crowd had gathered, attracted by his singing, but luckily a group was leaving and vacated a table which Angel grabbed. Jack was between numbers. He spotted Mel and gave her a wave. She smiled and waved back.

  “Mmmm . . . he is dishy,” Angel observed.

  “Yes, he is rather gorgeous,” Lexi agreed.

  “You said he seems like a really nice guy too,” said Brenda.

  “Yeah, I think so,” Mel replied.

  “Ooohh, you’ll have to introduce me,” Angel said, patting her hair.

  “Not bloody likely! I saw him first,” Mel retorted sharply.

  Lexi and Brenda were taken aback by her tone. Angel pouted but didn’t pursue it.

  They ordered a round of cocktails as Jack took up his guitar again.

  “This next song is for a lovely lady who hails from my home town, Dublin. Happy birthday, Mel.” He looked straight at Mel as he started to strum and then the strains of the beautiful Roberta Flack song, ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’, filled the air.

  You could have heard a pin drop as all conversation ceased and everyone fixed their eyes on the soulful singer. His voice touched everyone in the audience, not least Mel who felt tears come to her eyes. Brenda saw it and squeezed her hand. All of them felt the power of his music and when he finished clapped and cheered loudly.

  Mel knew that he was indeed ‘killing her softly’ with his song. She wondered what it would be like to make love to him and was shocked at her thoughts. She’d never thought about a man like that before. His music seemed to have cast a spell over her. The crowd kept calling for more and when he had finally finished, he put away his guitar and came over to greet her.

  She introduced him to the others who complimented him on his singing and she could see they all found him very attractive.

  Mel ordered
another round of cocktails and a beer for Jack. He sat up on the stool beside Mel, his thigh brushing hers, which sent shivers through her body. Angel was gushing with praise but he didn’t take much notice of her. This pleased Mel more than anything. Up close she could see that he had startlingly blue eyes that were solemn when he was serious but when he smiled they twinkled and a dimple appeared in his right cheek. Over those blue eyes he had the longest black eyelashes she’d ever seen which made him look incredibly sexy. It was obvious that the others also found him very attractive too and were charmed by his personality.

  “So, Mel tells me youse are all here for a big birthday party.”

  “Yes,” Lexi told him. “It’s tomorrow night. If you’re free we’d love you to come, wouldn’t we, girls?” She looked at the others for confirmation.

  “Ooooh, yes,” Angel cooed.

  “That would be great,” Brenda said enthusiastically. She really liked this down-to-earth Dubliner and sensed the chemistry between him and Mel. Gosh, but he had damn sexy eyes.

  He turned to Mel. “Would you like me to come?”

  “I’d love you to come,” she replied, her eyes shining.

  “Well, I’m workin’ but I could get off early. I should make it by nine, if that’s not too late.”

  “Not at all. Better late than never,” Lexi smiled at him. “And maybe we could even persuade you to sing for us.”

  “My pleasure, ladies.” He gave a mock bow. “And now I’d better go back and sing for my supper. Are you stayin’ a while?”

  “I’m afraid we’re leaving now,” Lexi said. “I’ve a lot to do tomorrow.”

  “What about you, Mel? Could you stay on a bit? Shame to go to bed before your birthday’s over.” He grinned at her.

  Mel was exhilarated. “Is that okay with you, Lexi?” she asked hopefully.

  “Of course, as long as Jack sees you home. I take it you’ll walk back along the beach?”

  “Yeah. Thanks.” Mel smiled at her gratefully.

  “Great! I’ll take good care of her and see her safely home, don’t worry,” Jack assured Lexi, grinning as he put his arm around Mel’s waist.

  Lexi fished in her bag and handed Mel two keys. “This is the key to the beach gate and this one is for the back door,” she explained. “Just make sure you lock both of them afterwards. And, Mel – have a wonderful time,” she whispered softly as Mel gave her a little hug.

  Angel, who was quite drunk by now, wanted to stay too but Lexi took her firmly by the arm and, saying goodnight, marshalled her out the door. Brenda was delighted for Mel and blew her a kiss as she left, giving her the thumbs-up.

  * * *

  After another few margaritas, Mel was quite tipsy by the time Jack came to the last number.

  “This one’s for Mel,” he said softly as he launched into Roberta Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’. Mel’s heart melted as he looked into her eyes as he sang. When it was over he said goodnight, packed up his guitar and came to her.

  “Let’s go,” he said gently, taking her hand. Leaving his guitar with the barman who was a friend of his, he led her down to the beach. They sat on the rock he’d been sitting on when she’d first seen him and he lit two cigarettes, handing her one. He put his arm around her shoulders and they smoked in silence, their bodies close together. There was no need for conversation, they were perfectly in tune.

  When they’d finished, he pulled her to him and kissed her softly. He kissed like no one had ever kissed her before, not that she was an expert in that area. Then, taking off their shoes, they walked hand in hand along the beach. The moon formed a path along the water and the night was warm and balmy. Mel felt that this was as close to Paradise as it was possible to be. She’d never been very good at small talk with men but Jack was different. She was relaxed and easy in his company as he told her of his travels. He’d visited just about every country in Europe and Asia.

  “Don’t you get tired travelling all the time?” she asked him.

  “God, no. I love it. I couldn’t bear to be tied down anywhere. I guess I must have gypsy blood in me somewhere.”

  “Won’t you ever want to settle in one place?”

  “Not if I can help it,” he said with a shudder. “No, when I get through in America, I’ll be off to Australia and New Zealand. I think I’ll like the life there. They say it’s very relaxed and easy goin’. What about you? Don’t you want to travel?”

  “I’m too busy working.” She grimaced.

  They had reached the Sandbar restaurant and sat down on the wall there to have another cigarette. He put his arm around her and pulled her close which sent a thrill through her body once more. She was acutely conscious of his masculinity and when he kissed her again, she felt her body responding. She knew, without doubt, that she would make love to him if he so wanted. When they’d finished smoking he stood up and pulled her to her feet. Then they walked on, arms around each other’s waists, as he quizzed her about her life. Try as she might she couldn’t make it interesting.

  “Jaysus, that would be my worst nightmare, tied to a job like that. How do you stick it?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. What could she say?

  “Were you never married?” he asked, turning to look at her curiously.

  “I’m married to my job.”

  “No children so?”

  “No, that’s my only regret. It’s too late now.”

  They had almost reached Lexi’s gate when he stopped and pulled her to him and pressed his body against hers. She felt his hardness and was excited to know that he wanted her too.

  “I really like you, you know,” he whispered huskily in her ear.

  Then he took her face in his hands and planted little kisses on it. Her body ached for him and as he caressed her she found herself responding with passion to his touch.

  It seemed like the most natural thing in the world to make love to him, right there on the sand. Mel was oblivious to the world, not thinking of the sand in her hair or that anyone might see them or the fact that she was having sex with someone she’d just met. All she could think of was the pleasure of their lovemaking. She gave herself up to it completely and her orgasm, when it came, was the most delicious, explosive sensation she’d ever experienced.

  Afterwards she clung to him, tears streaming down her cheeks with the sheer emotion of it. He held her close, murmuring her name and kissing her tears away. She lay wrapped in his arms never wanting to leave and when, a little while later, he started caressing her once more, her passion flared instantly and they made love again, more gently this time. Mel had never felt anything remotely like it before and it was almost daybreak when she was finally able to drag herself away from him.

  “You’re pretty special,” he murmured as she brushed the sand away.

  She felt a warm glow at his words.

  “See you tomorrow night then?” he said softly as he took both her hands in his.

  “You will come, won’t you?” she asked nervously.

  “I promise. If you promise we can sneak away alone for a while,” he grinned.

  “It’s a deal,” she smiled as he gently kissed her goodnight.

  He waited until she’d let herself into the garden before he turned and walked back the way they’d come.

  Letting herself into the house quietly, she crept up the stairs to bed where she relived every moment of the last few magical hours. She couldn’t believe what had happened. She barely knew him and yet it had seemed so right. She knew she should have felt like a slut but she didn’t. She felt exhilarated and womanly and blissfully happy. Instead of feeling guilty, she felt liberated. She couldn’t wait to see him again. It was the best birthday she’d ever had, thanks to this handsome stranger with the mesmerising blue eyes.

  Chapter 12

  The day of the big birthday party dawned. Lexi had just finished her swim when Brenda arrived down to breakfast.

  “I hope our Mel had a good time last night,” Brenda remarked as t
hey sat down together.

  “I reckon she did. She’s usually up at cockcrow but there’s no sign of her yet.”

  “I really hope so. Jack seemed like a nice fella and was definitely into her in a big way.”

  “Yes, I liked him too,” Lexi agreed. “Mel needs a little fun in her life and I think Jack might be just the person to supply it.”

  Mel finally put in an appearance at nine o’clock and blushed when the others started teasing her.

  “Good morning, beautiful, and how was your evening or need we ask?” Lexi grinned at her.

  “Very nice,” Mel replied noncommittally as she helped herself to eggs and bacon and hash browns.

  “God, I’m ravenous,” she exclaimed as she loaded her plate.

  “All that exercise last night, I suppose,” Brenda teased, grinning.

  Mel blushed and swatted her playfully as she sat down to the table.

  “Jack seems really nice,” Lexi remarked. “I do hope he can make the party tonight.”

  “I hope so. He promised me he’d come,” Mel replied, blushing again. She refused to say any more about him but they weren’t fooled. She seemed very relaxed and in high spirits.

  “Will you still be heading home tomorrow?” Lexi asked.

  “No, I think maybe I’ll stay on. You’re right, Lexi. I need to chill out and have some fun. It’s about time I took some time off.”

  Lexi threw a triumphant glance at Brenda as she patted Mel’s hand. “I’m delighted to hear that, sweetie.”

  “Where’s Angel? Isn’t she up yet?”

  “No, and I warned her that she’d have to be up earlier today. I made an appointment at Sharmaine’s Spa Salon for one o’clock. I’ll get Maria to give her a shout.”

  Angel arrived down shortly afterwards which was much earlier than she usually surfaced. She was looking grumpy and much the worse for wear as she headed for the coffee pot. She barely spoke to the others and was obviously suffering a hangover.