Page 119 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
At some stage in their relationship, she’d started to see that. But, by then, admitting that her relationship with Matt was anything less than perfect would have felt like a failure. Plus, most of the time, it had felt pretty good.
“I’ve worked with a lot of artists and their managers down the years,” Tim said. “Todd was doing a good job. But after that video was leaked, he had a tough time handling the fallout. We released statements to the press, but any time some reporter managed to put a direct question to Kayley, she’d do more damage. The best Todd could do was to make sure her former employees got what they were owed.”
“Kayley told me Todd didn’t have her best interests at heart.”
“You think Matt does?” Tim grimaced.
Daisy was quiet for a few moments. “What will you do now?”
“Wait and see.” He shrugged. “At least she’s done the documentary. And we’ll use the accident and the proposal to counter some of the negative stuff that’s been released recently.” He glanced over. “I’ll get some photos of Matt and Kayley to Deuxmoi, along with a few lines about how he wouldn’t leave her side in hospital.”
Daisy just nodded. She was dreading the conversation she’d have to have with Kenny about Niamh. “You’ll still work for her, then?”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry about me, Daisy. If that doesn’t go to plan, something else will turn up.”
She wished James had a bit more of that attitude. For a brief moment, she even wished that Alma was still there – at least she wouldn’t be going home to an empty house. Maybe after a hot shower and some tea, she’d phone Rosie. Or her mother. Or even both. She needed to hear the soothing, comforting voices of her family.
They were driving through Rathmines now, she noticed, and still heading in the right direction. Tim pointed to her address in the GPS.
“I’m going to drop you right to your door.”
“I really appreciate it.” Daisy yawned.
He gave her a shrewd look. “You’ve had a rough time of it. Not just tonight either.”
Daisy said nothing, as another wave of exhaustion hit her. Maybe she wouldn’t bother phoning anyone tonight; she’d just go straight to bed. Right now, she could sleep for a week.
CHAPTER 54
James was sitting at the end of the stairs when Daisy got in, the only light in the house coming from the slightly open kitchen door.
“You’re home,” she said.
He scrubbed a hand tiredly over his face. “Yeah, I think my flight was one of the last to take off from London before this storm.” He looked at her. “You’re soaked.”
Daisy said nothing as she stripped off her raincoat and toed off her soggy runners, before peeling off her torn, wet tights, every inch of her numb with cold.
“I’m going to shower.”
James looked like he was about to say something, but instead he simply nodded and got up to let her pass by him.
Upstairs, Daisy turned the shower dial to the hottest setting she could manage and stepped under it, the hot spray stinging her clammy skin. She braced herself against the tiled wall, and closed her eyes, as the water poured over her head.
Mentally, she wandered through Granary House. She’d been so excited to redesign the Georgian home. Every part of it,from its beautiful hallway, grand reception rooms and extended, light-filled kitchen, to the understated elegance of its ensuite bedrooms were perfect, she knew. Yet all she felt was mild satisfaction at another job well done.
Gradually, the tension drained out of her body. She turned off the tap and wrapped herself in towels. By the time she came down in pyjamas and dressing gown, James had turned on the heat in the sitting room.
“There’s wine.” He gestured to the bottle and empty glass on the coffee table. “Did you eat?”
“Yes, I had dinner.” Daisy poured herself some wine and took a large gulp.
“I messaged you. And called you. When you didn’t answer, I was worried you might be driving to Galway in this. So I called Rosie.”
“What? Oh God, she’ll be phoning every hospital in Dublin!”
“It’s okay, I let her know.” He leaned forward. “I called Laura earlier too.”
“Was there anyone you didn’t call?” Daisy sighed. “I didn’t even know you were back in the country, James.”
