I kind of give out a little ha sound as I exhale my frustration about the price of the wine. A fucking league match in a fucking clubhouse, the wine should be subsidized, I give fucking-enough to the club. In fact if I’m to really think about it, I should by rights be getting a free pint on nights like these. A little token of gratitude for coaching the under-elevens would be most welcome. I’m sure Maurice feels the same. The pint isn’t going down so well after the chips. I continue to neck it down regardless. I feel a headache coming on.

I drain the glass and I head to the toilet. I take a piss and as soon as I’m done I vomit in the toilet bowl. I grunt with the effort and my neck is clammy. I walk out of the cubicle to the sink. I press the cold tap and cup some water with my hands but it is difficult because it only releases a small amount of water at a time. I attempt to get more by pushing it down, the pressure being exerted by my elbows. In the end I use my right elbow to press the tap down and my left hand to catch the water. I take a few moments to dry my face and to gather myself. I resolve to go back out to Jenny and Maeve.

When I return to the table, Maeve seems sullen and I wonder if they’ve been arguing. I don’t bother sitting down and I say that I’m going back outside to watch the second half of the game.

You’re pale, Des, Jenny says.

It’s the cold. I’ll be grand when I get a bit more of it.

I lean in real close and I don’t know why I say it but I do. I tell Jenny that her eyeshadow doesn’t match what she is wearing as I believe eyeshadow should, and really and truly, it does nothing for her. I have my hand placed on the table while I am saying this and Jenny places her hand over mine. She asks me if I love my life. I respond that of course I love my life. She points out that she actually said wife. I say, oh yeah and the difference, if there is a difference, is smoothed over pretty effectively by me. Jenny pulls Maeve by the shoulder and gently gives her a hug. Maeve gives Jenny a smile signifying some secret knowledge between them. Jenny smiles back.