‘Here she is.’ Kara engulfed Star in a big hug. ‘I’ve set up camp on the back window seat and am so looking forward to one of Frank’s lunches, aren’t you?’
‘Big Frank’s Burgers are on special today too, ladies,’ the Irishman called over, then went back to making coffees at the machine.
‘It’s so good to see you.’ Kara had a proper look at her friend’s face as they sat down with their drinks. ‘Are you all right? You look like you’ve been crying. Oh, mate, what’s up?’
‘Mum – and, well, my dad too.’
‘Your dad? What?’
‘He’s dead, Kar. And I know I never even knew his bloody name, but it still feels kind of weird. I’ve always hung on to the thought that even without trying to find him, I would just meet him one day.’
‘Oh my God, that’s huge,’ Kara breathed. ‘I’m so sorry. So is Estelle finally going to tell you who the mystery man is, now he’s gone?’
Star sighed. ‘Who knows what will come out of that addled mind of hers.’
Kara clasped her friend’s hand over the table. ‘Give her time. Maybe she is grieving for him in her own way.’
‘Yes, she kept on that he was the love of her life, but it was still situation normal up there. She was drunk and on the wacky baccy. We had a huge row. It’s just so hard. I love her, but I hate her at the same time. I want her to change but I know she’s got to want to change herself. I feel so bloody responsible for her.’
‘What would happen if you suggested her getting some sort of help?’
‘Oh, Kar, you know I’ve tried.’
‘Yes, sorry.’
‘Everything is just a big drama with her, heightened by the alcohol and drugs. I worry for her health too. Saying that, I was really sick this morning. We had oysters last night – I don’t know why I agreed to eat the pesky things. Estelle even insinuated I was pregnant.’
‘Shit! Did she?’ Kara gave Star a long look. ‘Do you think you are?’
‘God, no. I can’t be.’
‘She was right with Skye though, wasn’t she, and you didn’t have a clue then either.’
‘Mate, don’t say that! I haven’t had a period for months, it’s fine.’
‘Er, isn’t that what happens?’
‘No, you know what I mean – they are so irregular. I keep thinking I must see a doctor about that too, but it’s been the same all my life. Months without. They used to say it’s because I didn’t eat enough.’
‘You’ve certainly been eating loads lately from what you tell me.’
‘I know – Conor is a bloody feeder. I need to diet. You know me, get over a size six and I start to panic.’
‘Can’t say I know the feeling.’ Kara smiled. Then she said sensibly, ‘Maybe do a test, at least that’ll put your mind at rest.’
‘I can’t even bear the thought. I know I said I wanted a baby, but be careful what you wish for and all that. It would be such bad timing. We are so not at that stage. It’s just fun at the moment. Pure fun.’
‘And there’s me hoping I will be pregnant soon. Mind you, we’ve only been trying for a few weeks.’
‘Life – it’s a funny old game sometimes, isn’t it?’ Star picked up the Specials menu and blew out a breath. ‘I don’t think I can go for a burger. I still feel a bit queasy.’
Kara ordered their food and came back to the table. ‘I know what I had to say and it’s so important. I owe you a massive apology. Conor had given Billy the money directly for your flowers. I am so sorry I doubted him. And for being a complete bitch to you at Dad’s the other day.’
‘It’s forgotten and yes, Conor is a rogue of sorts, but he’s not the sort to shit on his uncle or on his own doorstep. The more I’ve got to know him, I realise that. He’s a lovely man. Underneath all the macho exterior he’s sensitive too.’
‘Is he The One?’
Star took a sip of her fizzy water and thought about it.
‘Too long to answer.’ Kara smiled.
‘I really like him but …’
‘He’s making you smile, and you haven’t mentioned the J word for a while so that can only be a good thing.’
At that moment Big Frank appeared with a huge burger for Kara and a buttered jacket potato for Star.
‘Enjoy, ladies! I hope that nephew of mine is behaving himself. Any problems, you just let me know, Miss Bligh, and I’ll box his nose.’
Star grinned. ‘He really is behaving perfectly, Frank. He’s a breath of fresh air, to be sure.’ She ended her sentence with the Irish accent she loved so much.
‘Ha! You’re picking up the lingo already. Grand, grand – and I hear he’s doing a good job on the ferry too. I like that I can keep my eye on him from here.’ Frank laughed his deep throaty laugh. ‘He’s the son I never had myself, that one.’
Star started picking at her potato as Kara took a huge bite into her burger, dripping sauce down her chin as she did so. Finishing her mouthful, she exclaimed, ‘Talking of the ferry reminds me: there is something else massive I needed to ask you!’
‘Go on.’
‘So, you know that now, like Billy says, I am officially a jetsetter?’
Star laughed. ‘Oh yes, how could I forget about your surprise trip. Australia, Spain and the Big Apple in three weeks wasn’t it? Not that you haven’t mentioned it before.’
‘Jealousy so doesn’t become you.’ Kara grinned. ‘So, Billy and I want to get a long weekend away in before the Christmas madness. Daz had agreed to man the tug. And Conor is obviously fully on board, excuse the pun.’ Kara took a swig of coffee. ‘Anyway, back to our holiday. We are going to rent the spare room out for Airbnb to get a bit of cash in whilst we’re not here – might as well – so could you possibly throw a bit of food down for James Bond while we are away? Once a day is fine. I’ll let the guest know – if we get one, that is. The keys will be outside in the key safe Billy put up, so that’s sorted, but if you don’t mind them having your number in case of emergencies, that would be so handy. That’s it really.’
‘Of course I don’t mind. Pleased to help. Where are you planning on going?’ Star yawned.
‘To Prague, possibly. The Christmas markets will be on, and it looks magical. Or if not there, Cologne maybe.’
‘How wonderful. I so want to go away.’
‘Well, you must. Don’t do what I did and wait too many years. Just book something. Perhaps you and Conor could go somewhere together? I can keep an eye on Skye and maybe Pearl could watch the shop for you. I bet she’d love that when she retires after Christmas Eve.’
‘Maybe, but that’s ages away and he might not even be around then.’
‘Oh yeah, I forget he said he might only be here a few months.’
‘He seems to be loving it here though.’
‘With you on his arm, how can he not, dear friend. Right, we’d better go. An hour’s gone already.’
‘My darling daughter will be having a tantrum having to run between shops, so yeah.’ Star drained her water.
‘If you want to talk more about your dad, I’m here.’
Star frowned thoughtfully. ‘I mean, I have my own reasons for not telling Skye, so I do kind of get Mum’s point of view.’
‘But that doesn’t make it right or easy, does it?’ Kara stood up and kissed Star’s cheek. ‘It’s been lovely.’
‘Yes, it has.’ Then Star fretted, ‘I will have to tell Skye; I can’t have her feeling like I am today.’
‘In your own time.’
‘Yes, yeah. I need to think about it.’
They waved at Frank, who was busy serving another customer.
‘Let’s arrange a drink soon too, just me and you, like the old days,’ Kara said. ‘And with your mum, let her settle down a bit and maybe when the time is right for her, she will tell you.’
‘I hope so.’
‘And Star, for your own peace of mind, get that test.’
‘I will. I promise.’