Alice studied herself in the figure-hugging black trousers and loose knitted beige jumper. Her hair had got longer, and she was lightly tanned. She looked younger, felt younger. She had been seeing Alex for the past few weeks. They had enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the Unicorn, and since then there had been lunches and walks and a big dinner party in one of Alex’s friend’s houses and a few drinks in Gleeson’s with Joy and Fergus. Next week Hugh and Sally had invited them to their place, which she felt was a sign that her friends, despite their surprise that Alex and herself were seeing each other, actually approved of the relationship.
Tonight they were going to a concert at the RDS. Horslips, a favourite Irish rock band of Alice’s, had re-formed to put on a few concerts and Alex had somehow managed to get two of the much sought-after tickets.
‘Back in the day I was a huge fan,’ he confessed.
‘So was I,’ she said excitedly, as they joined the huge crowd of fans streaming into the Royal Dublin Society’s grounds in Ballsbridge for the open-air concert. ‘I went to all their gigs.’
The first twang of the electric fiddle as the band broke into their particular edgy Celtic rock sound sent shivers down Alice’s spine, and she found herself joining in every song and up on her feet. Alex was having an equally good time.
‘Trouble … trouble,’ they shouted along with everyone, as the band went into one of their favourites.
Alice felt like a teenager again, with Alex beside her relaxed and totally at ease. The band played, and fireworks lit up the night sky almost two hours later as Horslips launched into their final song.
‘Oh, Alex, thanks for bringing me,’ Alice said, hugging him. ‘It’s been such a good night.’
‘You know something? I wish we’d met when we were younger … bumped into each other at one of the concerts,’ he said softly, as he took her hand and they manoeuvred their way out through the crowds.
Alice looked at him, his dark eyes serious. She thought of Conor, Jenny and Sean. She wouldn’t change the past. Liam and herself might not be together any more, but theirs had been a good marriage for the most part, and their kids were great.
‘I’m glad we’ve met now!’ she said. ‘At this stage of our lives. Alex, you’ve got your kids, and I’ve got mine. You know you wouldn’t change them for all the money in the world!’
‘Yeah.’ He grinned as he put his arm around her. ‘I know that.’
They walked to his car and en route to Alice’s home stopped off for a nightcap; Alex had a pint of Carlsberg while she had two glasses of chilled white wine. Driving her back, he stopped the car and pulled her into his arms, their kisses in only a few minutes turning more passionate. Like two teenagers making out, they both wanted more. Alice found herself giggling as Alex bashed his rather large knee off the handbrake.
‘We’re too old for this!’ he complained.
‘Speak for yourself,’ she teased, as she pulled him over towards her side of the car.
‘Alex … I can’t invite you into my place as Sean is there and Jenny is home for the weekend.’
‘Aisling has three girlfriends staying the night in my place,’ he groaned. ‘They were having a pasta and Prosecco night, whatever that is!’
‘A more grown-up version of a sleepover.’ She laughed.
‘It’s not funny!’ he complained.
‘There’s nothing we can do,’ she said softly.
Alex stopped and straightened up.
‘We’re not broke sixteen-year-olds! I’m taking you to the Four Seasons,’ he said, reaching for her hand. ‘No kids or complications there.’
They stood in the foyer as Alex checked them into a room in the hotel. He was using his golf shoe bag as his luggage, and Alice tried to remain composed as the receptionist swiped his credit card.
‘The porter will show you to your room, Mr and Mrs Ronan. You are on the third floor.’
Alice had to fight to control her giggles as they went up in the lift, and the minute the porter left the room the two of them collapsed into a heap on the king-size bed, laughing.
When Alex disappeared to the bathroom she sent Joy a text.
If kids are looking for me please say I am staying with you. Alice
Joy texted:
Where r u?
In the 4 seasons with alex.
Hussy … have fun. Joy
Then she sent Sean a text to say not to worry, but she would not be home as she was staying with Joy.
They raided the minibar, and Alice found herself curious to touch Alex and explore the rest of his body as they kissed and kissed and he pulled her on to the bed.
She lay in Alex’s arms aware that she felt totally happy. There was no embarrassment or shyness as they held each other close, and eventually both drifted off to sleep.
The next morning they slept in and ordered room service: rich roast coffee and pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup and crispy bacon. They were both tempted to stay on for another day, and not bother even leaving the hotel room.
‘I’d better get home. Jenny is going back tonight,’ she explained. ‘She’ll think it very strange if I don’t turn up.’
Reluctantly, they checked out. Alice really didn’t want to leave Alex, and missed him the minute they said goodbye to each other at the end of her road.
She laughed when she was getting lunch, because Alex texted her:
Can we do it all again next weekend? Miss you already.