Page 134 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
“He never has to, not now.”
Laura sighed. “I told him about Matt, though. That it was his fault that things ended between you back then.”
Daisy wondered how to ask the next question. Better to be straight.
“Is that why Brian doesn’t like me? Because he thinks I cheated on his best friend?”
“Maybe.” Laura shrugged. “I never talked about that party because, well, now you know why. Anyway,” she looked a bit uncomfortable, “I kind of thought that you guys didn’t like Brian and he was just picking up on that. And I know Brian isn’t perfect. I mean, I told him that he was a dick to James that night in Pink Gin.”
Daisy gave a small smile. She doubted Brian would ever be her favourite person, but it was a lot of time wasted over misunderstandings. Judging by Laura’s expression, she was thinking the same thing.
“How’s James?” Laura said, finally. “Has he been looking for something else?”
“He’s looking. There’s nothing yet, but he’ll get something.”
“Any word from Alma?”
“Yeah, she’s not coming back. Her mother’s still quite weak so Alma’s organised to finish her college year online.”
They turned as Fionn arrived in, carrying a tray of takeout drinks in one hand, and a cake box in the other. He beamed, carefully placing the items on his desk, before flicking away his fringe.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I bought a cake: chocolate. Because we’re celebrating.” He blushed. “Well, I’m celebrating.”
“If you are, so are we.” Laura stood and walked over to peek inside the box. “Fancy! So, what are we celebrating?”
“Me submitting my final project. My tutor thinks I’ll get a First.”
“Aw, that’s fabulous.’ Daisy stood up and gave him a side hug. “We’re so proud of you, Fionn.” “Thank you.” Fionn swiped his little fingers under both eyes. “I’m pretty psyched!Aaaand, I have more news.”
“Did you get another job?” Daisy managed to keep smiling. “If you did, we’re delighted for you.” Now she’d have to advertise maternity cover for Laura. It’d be weird to be working with a complete stranger, though. And Fionn had fit in so well, it was hard to imagine he’d been part of the team for such a short time.
“No, nothing like that. I mean, your offer still stands, yeah?”
“Of course.” Daisy and Laura spoke in unison.
“Whew!” He grinned. “No, it’s just, I’ve made plans to travel for the summer with friends, but I’ll be back at the end of August. Unless you need me before that.”
Laura glanced at Daisy. “I’m not planning to stop working until the end of October, so that’s fine by me.”
“Go, have a great time, do everything you want.” Daisy smiled. “But I’m glad you’re coming back to us.”
“Me too.” He flicked his fringe again. “Now I just have to sort out somewhere to live.”
If there was ever a sign!“We’ll have a spare room going in our place now that Alma’s gone,” Daisy said. “If you want it, and if you wouldn’t mind renting from me and James.”
“No way, I’d love it! Can I afford it?” Fionn gave a cheeky grin.
“You can afford it!” Daisy said firmly.
“Um, do you not have to run it past your boyfriend? I don’t want him to think –”
“James will be chill, Fionn. I know you – that’s a good start.”
“Are we cutting that cake?” Laura said.
Fionn blinked. “Absolutely, yeah, I’ll take it out to the kitchen and get some plates.”
“Come on.” Laura flicked her hands towards him. “I’ll help. I need a bit of a treat, now that I’m not drinking coffee.”
