Page 127 of The Matchmaker
He shakes his head, looking bleak. “I never thought Callum was either. I should have known when he decided to rent out that damn farmhouse instead of getting somewhere in the city. He said he just wanted a shorter commute. But he actually seems tolikethat place.” He says the last bit like the thought is unfathomable. “Or maybe he just likes you enough not to care.”
“I think there’s a compliment in there somewhere.”
“We’ve just signed on for another project next year,” he says, ignoring me. “A multi-block office development in Canary Wharf. It will be a good change of pace. They want a swimming pool on the roof of a skyscraper.”
“That sounds dumb,” I tell him. “And windy.”
“It’s big money. Great money. I’m going to offer Callum his job back.”
I try not to show my unease at that. “And if he doesn’t take it?”
“He will,” he says decidedly. “It’s a good opportunity. Good money. It’ll be good for him.”
Good for him.
The simple confidence in his voice has me feeling a sliver of doubt for the first time in days. They might not be talking to each other, but Jack’s still his brother and he knows Callum a lot better than I do.
Jack vibrates next to me, or at least his pocket does, and when he takes out his phone, I realize how long it’s been since I’ve checked my own.
It is, predictably, not good. My screen is filled with missed calls and texts from everyone I tried to call earlier. But most of them are from Callum, who’s left me a string of messages on top of his missed calls. Concerned ones at first, turning sympathetic once Nush must have spoken with him. And then back to concern when I remained unresponsive throughout the day.
Shit.
Sorry,I start to text back before glancing at Jack, who’s now wiping his hand with a wet wipe he must just carry around with him because, of course he does. I know Callum’s not going to like what I tell him next, but I don’t want to lie to him.Granny’s doing okay. The nurse said she should be out by tomorrow at the latest. I tried to drive her to the hospital, but I couldn’t do it, and Jack gave me a lift.
I press send and drop the phone on my lap.
A second later, it starts to ring.
Jack looks down at it, his face settling into a scowl when he sees the Caller ID. “Someone doesn’t trust me,” he says, and then: “Aren’t you going to pick it up?”
I should. I know I should. I know he’s worried, but I cancel the call and text him instead.
It’s okay. It was really nice of him.
Call me. NOW.
“Better do as he says before I get punched again.”
“Stop reading my texts,” I snap. Jack just rolls his eyes, settling back in his chair like I’m not even there. Not wanting him to eavesdrop on our conversation, I go out into the busy corridor and find a corner to call Callum.
He picks up immediately. “Are you okay?”
I feel instantly guilty at how relieved he sounds.
“I’m fine,” I assure him. “We’re waiting to see if they want to keep her in overnight. How’s everything back home? Were people mad?”
“No, of course not. A lot of people were staying another night anyway. We’re going to do the fireworks tonight.”
“Thank God,” I say, relieved. Granny’s fall had put everything into perspective, but it was still my festival. “Are you alright to help Adam with the bar again?”
“He’ll get someone else,” he says. “I’m coming to you. Where are you? St. Mary’s?”
“No, don’t. I have no idea how long we’re going to be. I’d prefer if you were in Ennisbawn.”
“And I’d prefer to be with you. How are you going to get home?”
“Jack said he’ll drive me.”
