Page 136 of The Secret We Keep
My lips pinch together. “I think so, yeah.”
“Well, no news is good news,” she says happily.
My dad tuts. “You say that like thereisnews to be had, Julie. There’s no such thing in this situation.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Mum sighs. “I meant… Well at least everyone’s okay. That’s what I was getting at.”
Feeling Jerry’s eyes on me, I refuse to look up as I take a mouthful of food. “I’m sure Siobhan’s fine.” I give Mum a reassuring smile before taking a mouthful of food. It instantly makes me feel better.
“Good. Oh, before I forget, this came for you this morning.” Mum reaches behind her before she holds out today’s post towards me.
“For me?”
She nods excitedly.
“But I don’t get post.”
What is with today?
“Which is why we’re wondering why something from the US has arrived,” Dad says, his tone matching Mum’s eager, beaming face.
“The US?” I clamp my mouth shut, seeing the airmail stamp on the front of the letter.
Oh. Shit.
I’d forgotten I sent an email. “This can’t be.” I drop my cutlery onto my plate. “I only emailed yesterday.”
“Emailed who, hun?” Mum asks gently but leans forward in her chair to see better.
“What have you gone and done?” Jerry gripes, but I hear his interest.
Inhaling, my fingers lightly begin tearing back the envelope. “I…” I look up at my dad.
“Is it good news?”
I don’t know. “I emailed a publication house in New York. But that was only yesterday. How would they… Maybe there’s been a mistake?”
“A publication house?” Dad asks confused.
Rather than say anything more, I open the envelope as if it were a bomb waiting to explode. The tips of my fingers buzzing in nervous anticipation.
It's from America
Paddy
“Hereheis.”Ihold my hand out for my mate to take.
“Don’t be a sap. I’ve been busy.” Jake takes my hand, giving it a firm shake before he sits at the table.
“Yeah, too fucking busy to come see the Gladiator’s semi-final match,” Danny gripes.
I raise my brows in Jake’s direction jokingly. Although to Danny, it isn’t a joke.
Jake shrugs off his jacket. “I had work. It’s been hectic, that’s all.”
I pass him the beer I bought him.
“Thanks.” He takes a large sip.
