Page 67 of The 3am Shattered Mums' Club

Then he turned around, and Sophy, who had been happily watching him all that time, looked at him.

‘What?’ she said.

‘I’m glad this is the height of entertainment for you, but I’d be glad of a hot beverage.’

‘Oh, yes. Sorry, it’s just I’m not used to seeing men do manly things.’

‘Oh this? This isn’t that manly; I have many manlier skills up my sleeve.’

Sophy let out a giggle. ‘Oh, is that right?’

Niall stood down from his small stepladder and went over to where Sophy was sitting on the sofa. Sophy felt her breath catch in her throat as Niall bent down and towards her with his eyes on hers. He put his hand out and retrieved the large picture that was leaning against the side of the sofa. Then he walked casually back to the fireplace without saying a word. Sophy watched him with her heart almost in her mouth, then she slowed it down with a few silent long, deep breaths. What was that? Their faces had been almost touching. Dear god, she couldn’t deny it any longer. She had it bad for Niall O’Connor.

* * *

Sophy stood in the hallway and admired the fantastic job Niall had done.

‘Oh, my goodness, I love them. Thank you. It’s so nice to finally see them on the wall.’

Niall nodded. ‘I like them too. And a local artist, you say?’

‘Yes, I like to support local and small businesses.’

‘Well, me fees are quite low, and you’s no need to worry about a tip.’

Sophy looked at Niall and turned to go to the kitchen where her bag and purse were. ‘Of course, I’ll just—’

‘Hey, Sophy.’ Niall reached out and grabbed her arm and half pulled her back. Sophy felt her insides melt at the way he spoke her name. Niall still held onto her arm.

‘I was joking. It’s free. I’d do anything for you.’ His voice quietened to almost a whisper, and Sophy dropped her arm down and found her hand slipped easily into his. Niall held it loosely, his thumb rubbing gently on her palm. Sophy hadn’t known such a small action could make her stomach flutter so intensely. Niall looked at her. A moment of space and time opened up between them. Sophy could sense his hesitation, his silence questioning, ‘Is this okay?’ She tentatively took one step forward and placed her other hand around Niall’s waist. She heard him release a breath as though he had been holding it all that time, then finally, slowly and gently, Niall pulled Sophy into his arms, leant his head down and kissed her.

31

MEL

Mel bobbed her foot on the baby bouncer as Sky clutched the teething ring. How was it possible that her baby girl had teeth already? Sky’s cheeks were a soft pink, and her chin was a dribbly mess. Across the table sat Ksenia, a cup of coffee in front of her. Black, no sugar. This had become hers and Ksenia usual routine most days after she had finished her two-hour marathon stint around the house before she moved onto a client two streets away.

‘What is it about cleaning that you love so much?’ Mel asked.

Ksenia pulled her mouth down ‘It’s predictable. Mess always comes back. I will never be out of job as cleaner.’

‘That is true. Mess is messy. I hate mess, but I hate to clean up.’

‘I know. You like a pig – hair in sink, clothes on floor. But I do job and make it go away.’

‘Until next time.’

‘Yes.’ Ksenia slurped her coffee loudly. ‘How old is your baby now?’

‘She’s almost seven months.’

‘You have more babies?’

‘Christ no. I’m nearly forty-four.’

Ksenia took a slurp of her coffee and nearly spat it out. ‘You? You look thirty, maybe thirty-five!’

‘Thank you. Although I’m not sure how much longer I’ll get away with looking that young.’

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