The Ballroom on Magnolia Street by Sharon Owens Page B

indeed he was. He’s been serving behind the counter all morning.’
    ‘Good. I don’t want him lazing about this summer, even if he does deserve a rest after his exams.’
    ‘Marion, don’t worry about him,’ said Eddy. ‘He’s fine.’
    ‘Well, he told me that his degree is getting tougher by the day. He might drop out, or something, and settle for working in the family business.’
    ‘If he wants to do that, sweetheart, we’ll have to let him, okay?’
    ‘No, no. He’s going to be a doctor, definitely.’
    ‘It’s very hard work, Marion, to qualify in medicine. Would it be so bad if he worked for me? He could manage the restaurant section? A little bit of independence for him?’
    ‘Listen, Eddy. All medical students consider dropping out from time to time. His tutors assured me he’s got what it takes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t push him.’
    ‘Well, then. What’s the problem?’
    ‘You know what the problem is. He might… be like…’
    ‘His father?’
    ‘I’m sorry, Eddy.’ She put her arms around his waist, and kissed his cheek; then leaned her head against the warm tweed of his jacket. ‘I can’t help worrying about him. I wish he was your son.’
    ‘He is my son, pet. I’ve always thought of him as mine.’
    ‘I love you, Eddy. I love you so much.’
    ‘I know, darling, and I love you.’
    ‘Are you glad we got married, Eddy?’
    ‘Of course I am. I couldn’t live without you, Marion. We’ve had a wonderful twenty years together since then. What’s brought all this on? Have you seen Hogan?’
    ‘No, I haven’t. Honestly. It’s just that I worry about Declan, he’s restless.’
    ‘All young lads are restless. It’s their hormones.’
    ‘I wish he’d settle down with a nice girl. The phone never stops ringing for him.’
    ‘So that’s it? You think he’s going to be a heart-breaker?’
    ‘Maybe. He’s far too good-looking. Even with those awful clothes he wears.’
    ‘Come on, darling,’ said Eddy, laughing. ‘He’ll grow out of it. And he’ll grow out of it a lot sooner if we pretend we aren’t bothered either way. Young people are only looking for a reaction, most of the time. Let’s put the kettle on. I’m gasping for a cuppa. Everything is going to be okay.’
    ‘Promise me?’
    ‘I promise,’ he said.
    Marion kissed him tenderly, then went to put the kettle on, her heart already feeling lighter.

7. Fantasies are Free
    Shirley’s daydream was always the same, perfected over recent months to a crystal-clear picture. She could begin to spin the reel in her head whenever she was bored, which was most of the time, if she was honest.
    They would meet in the ballroom, in a dark corner, preferably. Yes, a dark, quiet corner; far away from the indignity of the plastic trees and the cigarette machine. He would be on his own, maybe on his way to the bar? Certainly not standing with a crowd of other boys. And she would have just come in with Kate. Her hair would be immaculately trimmed and wonderfully shiny, blow-dried poker-straight, and lightly waxed, the way the hairdresser always did it. Kate would be busy checking in the coats, or talking to Alex at the foyer doors.
    There they would be, Shirley and Declan. Together at last. She would be perfectly relaxed and confident. Yet still retaining an air of elegant mystery. He would smile shyly, pleased they had met. They would stand quite close to one another. He would admire her outfit, a beautiful gold and red brocade evening coat worn over black flared slacks, and an Art Nouveau bracelet with pewter fairies on it. And a fistful of silver rings set with semi-precious stones. A lock of her hair would fall into her eyes, and he would reach out, tenderly, and put it back. And then he would smile, because the huge gulf between them would have suddenly diminished. She would say something bright and breezy, something casual. ‘Hello, there!’ But he would know instinctively that she really liked him; more than liked him.