The Better Woman Read Online Free PDF Page A

set at the far end of the mahogany counter.
    John, wearing a white shirt and black pants, was behind the bar. He looked up when Sarah came in. His lips twisted in a smile that looked more like a grimace. She immediately began to worry.
    Sarah sat on one of the stools and watched as he angled a glass under the Guinness tap. A mixture of froth and beer oozed into the glass and he pushed back the handle when the pint glass was half full. Sarah wasn’t the only one watching John’s movements. Mr Glavin sat with folded arms and a critical face as the froth separated from the stout. John stacked some dirty glasses and, after a minute or so, returned to fill the rest of the glass. Finally, he set it down in front of the old man, who took a slug, a layer of froth sticking to his upper lip. He emitted a small gasp of pleasure before giving John a begrudging nod of approval.
    John, having checked along the counter to see that all his customers were content, came Sarah’s way.
    â€˜Well, how did the acclaimed winner of RTE Musician of the Future do in his Leaving Certificate?’ she asked in an upbeat tone.
    John had achieved his ambition to win the prestigious competition and, after a live performance on the
Late Late Show
, he was somewhat of a local celebrity.
    â€˜A in Music, B in French, but downhill from there – I failed Chemistry.’
    All the practising for the competition had obviously taken its toll.
    She made a sympathetic face. ‘Well, good thing you didn’t want to go to Trinity.’
    â€˜It would have been nice to at least have had the option,’ he said sharply. Then he added in a softer tone, ‘How did you get on?’
    â€˜Five A’s and two B’s.’
    â€˜Congratulations.’ His voice was hollow.
    â€˜Come on, John,’ she said, trying to coax him back to his usual positive self. ‘You were practising for the competition – you
won
the competition, for God’s sake.’
    â€˜I still feel dumb.’
    â€˜Don’t!’
    â€˜It’s embarrassing, not getting good enough marks for Trinity.’
    â€˜You’d no intention of ever going to Trinity! You’re going to use the RTE grant to study in Paris, remember? The great Cécile Marcel invited you personally, and I’m sure she couldn’t care less about your Chemistry marks!’
    One of the customers cleared his throat, letting John know that his services were needed.
    â€˜Do you think your dad will drive us to the disco tonight?’ Sarah asked as she stood up.
    â€˜I’m not in the mood to go – sorry.’ And with that, he walked away.
    Sarah felt hurt.
    He’s just disappointed, that’s all
, she told herself as she crossed the street to the shop.
    In the end it was Mr Fahey who gave Sarah a lift to Kilnock.
    â€˜I’ve scored some bouncer work for the night,’ he said, looking as proud as if he’d found himself a full-time job. ‘I’ve never done it before, but I’m sure there’s nothing to it.’
    He was shorter than Sarah and of a slight build. She doubted that he had the mettle to handle a swarm of drunken teenagers. She hoped he’d be all right.
    â€˜I’ll be leaving at two-thirty,’ he told her as he locked the door of his car. ‘Be back here by then if you want a lift home.’
    Sarah headed towards the pub across the road where she knew she’d find her school friends. The air inside was thick with smoke. She blinked, her eyes watering.
    â€˜Sarah!’ She felt a heavy arm sling across her shoulders. ‘I heard you’re the star of your school.’
    She turned around to see Daniel Fox, his good-looking face distorted with the effects of alcohol.
    â€˜I did okay,’ she said warily. ‘How about you?’
    â€˜Failed Maths and Irish,’ he replied, sounding bizarrely proud.
    She nodded because he looked as if he didn’t need her to