Page 34 of Our Secrets and Lies

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Lucy hummed as she stirred the scrambled eggs. Beside her, Billy popped four slices of bread into the toaster and set four plates on the kitchen table. Lucy’s stomach was doing little flips of excitement and anticipation.

‘Mum.’

She looked around. There he stood, her pride and joy, dressed in his new school uniform, grey trousers, white shirt and a red and navy striped tie. She tried tocontrol them, but tears sprang into her eyes.

‘Oh, God, you’re not going to cry, are you?’ Dylan asked.

She mopped her eyes and went over to fix his slightly crooked tie.

‘You look so … well, wonderful,’ she said, kissing his cheek before he had time to duck.

‘Enough of the emotional stuff.’ He grinned. ‘I’m starving.’

‘You look the part and, remember, they’re lucky to have you. Don’t everforget that,’ Billy said.

Lucy piled scrambled eggs on top of the toast and handed it to Dylan. At seventeen he was permanently hungry. It amazed her how much food he could consume. Then again, he did train non-stop.

She sat opposite him and stared at his handsome face. He looked like her mum, his granny Tina – blond hair and big brown eyes that would melt chocolate.

Dylan caught her staring.‘What?’

‘I’m just so proud of you,’ she gushed. ‘Getting that scholarship for you and Kelly, it’s really amazing.’

‘I’m just good at football, Mum, and the new headmaster wants to win the all-Ireland schools cup.’

She shook her head. ‘No, it’s more than that. This scholarship isn’t just about football, it’s about who you are, too. They chose you because you’re a great kid who has never givenany coach or teacher a day’s trouble. You’re smart too.’

Dylan shovelled more food into his mouth and chewed. Lucy wanted to reach out and touch his face, but she resisted. When he was young he’d loved her hugs. He’d throw his arms around her all the time. She’d snuggle her head into his warm neck and kiss him as he giggled. She could still feel the sensation of his sticky fingers on her skinand his hot cheek beside hers. She closed her eyes and savoured the memory.

‘What are you doing, Mum? You look weird.’ Kelly’s voice cut through the moment.

Lucy stood up. ‘I was just remembering when Dylan was small.’

‘Whatever, can you do this stupid tie? I have no idea how it works.’

‘I’ll do it. Come here to me.’ Billy did up Kelly’s tie and kissed her forehead. ‘Now you’re perfect.’

‘Thanks, Granddad.’

Lucy put a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of her.

Kelly frowned. ‘I hate scrambled eggs.’

‘No, you don’t.’

‘Yes, I bloody do.’

‘Language,’ Billy warned.

‘I’m not eating this.’ Kelly pushed her plate away.

Lucy willed herself to be calm and not lose her temper. ‘Eat up, Kelly, or you’ll be hungry in school.’

Kelly handed her plate to Dylan. ‘You can have it,seeing as you actually like it. I’ll pass.’

‘Kelly,’ Lucy snapped. ‘You need a good breakfast.’

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