Page 59 of Seven Letters

Rob came into the room with Izzy clinging to him, like a koala bear. She had her arms wrapped around his neck and wasn’t letting him go. He was smiling, obviously delighted with his welcome. ‘I’m so happy to see you, Iz,’ he said, covering her face in kisses.

‘I have to get a hello too,’ Adam protested. ‘You’re hogging my daughter.’

‘Silly Daddy,’ Izzy said. ‘I still love you the best, but I haven’t seen Uncle Rob for so long. I missed you,’ she said, looking into his eyes.

‘My God, Izzy, I won’t be able to leave Ireland if this is how I’m treated,’ Rob joked.

‘Can you stay for a bite to eat?’ Johnny asked. ‘My exquisite pulled pork is on the menu.’

‘Wow, sounds good,’ Rob said. ‘Can we stay, Adam?’

‘Sure, why not?’

Johnny added two settings and called to Riley to bring an extra chair from her room. She came down carrying it and plonked it at the table. ‘Hi, Adam,’ she said, not meeting his eye.

‘You remember Adam’s brother, Rob, don’t you?’ Mia said. ‘You met him a few summers ago.’

‘Yeah, I remember,’ Riley said, giving him a small smile. ‘It’s good to see you again.’

‘This is Riley?’ Rob said, eyes wide. ‘Wow, you were like Izzy when I last saw you. You’re very much a young woman now. What are you, about fourteen? Older?’

‘Sixteen soon,’ Mia said. ‘And still as wonderful.’

They sat down at the table, Izzy chattering. Riley was quiet and morose. Mia was on edge, praying that she didn’t tackle Adam about his decision.

‘Eat your greens, Riley,’ Izzy said. ‘You need them to be big and strong. That’s what Mummy always says.’

‘I’m tall already. You’re the one who needs the veg.’ Riley could barely look at Izzy. The poor thing had no idea that her life was literally falling apart.

‘I’m petite. Mummy says being petite is a good thing. Mummy is petite and beautiful, too. Isn’t she, Johnny?’

Johnny looked stricken. ‘Yes, pet, she is.’

‘I’m bringing my hairbrush in to brush Mummy’s hair. She loves when I brush it and I’m going to tell her all about school and my sleepovers here with Riley and I’m going to tell her how much I miss her and how I can’t wait for us to be together again at home all cosy.’

Rob covered his mouth with his hand and Adam put down his knife and fork on his barely eaten meal.

‘That’s lovely, Izzy.’ Mia’s voice shook.

‘You’re a great girl,’ Johnny said. ‘Isn’t she, Riley?’

‘Totally. Izzy rocks.’

‘Is it time to go now, Daddy?’ Izzy asked impatiently.

‘Sure,’ Adam said. ‘Let’s get off. And would you like to stay here tonight, or at our place with Uncle Rob?’

Izzy looked at Mia and Johnny. ‘If it’s OK, I’d like to stay at home.’

‘Of course,’ Johnny said. ‘Nothing like your own bed. You can tell Rob all about your Communion and everything.’

‘Great,’ Izzy said. ‘I can tell you the secret, Uncle Rob.’

‘Oh, really?’ Rob said. ‘I love secrets. What is it?’

‘On my Communion Day,’ Izzy said, bending forward conspiratorially, ‘Mummy is going to wake up. She’s just resting until the big day. But when she sees me in my dress, she’s going to wake up and come home.’

Rob’s face froze. He stared at Izzy. With obvious effort, he finally managed to say, ‘Wow, Izzy, that’s – that’s some secret.’

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