Page 145 of Seven Letters

The doorbell rang. Riley jumped. With a warning finger pointed at her father, she opened the door. Zach was standing there in a shirt and tie. He was holding a big bunch of flowers. ‘Hey,’ he said.

‘Hey.’

‘You look nice.’

‘So do you, a bit dorky, but nice.’

Zach grinned. He handed her the flowers. ‘These are for you and kind of for your mum, too.’

‘Thanks, they’re beautiful.’

Riley wanted to lean into his chest and inhale his scent, but her dad was behind her, watching.

‘Hello, I’m Johnny, Riley’s dad.’ Johnny came forward. ‘Come on in.’

Zach proffered his hand and shook Johnny’s firmly. ‘Very nice to meet you, Mr Hegarty.’

‘You too, Zach. We’ve heard a lot about you. I believe you’re a great man for the high jump.’

Riley glared at her father.

Zach smiled. ‘Yes, I’m pretty keen, all right.’

‘Good for you. I’d be very grateful if you could encourage this one to get into sports.’ Johnny poked Riley in the back.

‘Get off, Dad.’

Zach grinned. ‘I’ve tried, but she’s pretty stubborn.’

Johnny whooped. ‘I’m delighted to hear that it’s not just with us then.’

Zach laughed. ‘I don’t think Riley ever does anything she doesn’t want to do.’

‘Indeed she doesn’t.’

‘It’s actually one of the things I like most about her,’ Zach said.

Riley felt her stomach dance.

‘Me too, son. Me too.’ Johnny smiled at Zach.

They heard footsteps on the stairs. Mia came down. She was wearing a long navy dress with little sleeves. It was hanging off her. She’s got so thin, Riley thought. Despite her make-up, she looked exhausted.

‘You must be Zach.’ She held out her hand.

‘Lovely to meet you, Mrs Hegarty. I’m so sorry about your sister.’

Riley wanted to kiss him. He was perfect, saying all the right things.

‘Thank you, Zach. I’m sorry we have to meet for the first time on such a sad day, but I’m glad you’re here for Riley.’

‘I’m happy to help in any small way.’

‘I appreciate that,’ Mia said.

‘Right, coffee’s on. We’ve got ten minutes. I’ll pop some bagels in the toaster. I want you to eat something, Mia,’ Johnny said.

‘I couldn’t, Johnny. Not this morning.’

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