Page 39 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
Brian flicked her a sly look. “So what’s this job with thewowfactor?”
Daisy felt herself grow hot and cold, as she wondered how far he’d push it. “I’ve nearly finished a house in Ranelagh but I’m still trying to persuade the owners to let me use it.”
He seemed to lose interest, and Daisy met Laura’s eyes in a question across the table.
In answer, Laura gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head.
Daisy glanced away. Laura mustn’t have told Brian. If he knew, she was certain he’d have brought it up. For the millionth time, she wondered what Laura saw in him. He hadn’t always been like this, had he? He’d seemed all right when she’d been with Matt. Although maybe he’d made the effort with her for Matt’s sake. Then again, who knew anything about someone else’s relationship? She’d thought she’d had the perfect relationship with Matt. And until recently she’d thought she and James were pretty secure. The reality was that she didn’t know anything anymore.
As she tried to tune in to something Laura had started chatting about, something else struck her. Matt was clearly in touch with Brian, which meant Matt hadn’t mentioned her either. But it wasn’t like they were doing anything wrong.
She sneaked a glance at James. If she wasn’t doing anything wrong, why was she keeping it from him? She’d convinced herself of the reasons why, but explaining it might be a lot more difficult.
CHAPTER 17
MyStarScope Taurus: An old flame rekindles warm feelings – be careful you don’t get burnt.
“Sorry I’m late.” Daisy hurried into the office the following morning, and sat down at her desk to pull off her runners and slip on her pumps.
“Did you cycle in?” Laura wrinkled her nose as she glanced towards the window. “It’s raining.”
“No, I just couldn’t find parking, so I had to walk for a couple of blocks.” Daisy pulled her hair into a ponytail. “Alma’s sick so I offered to do a few things for her this morning. I had to get her an appointment with our GP.”
“What’s wrong with her?” Fionn said.
Daisy sighed. “Bad sore throat. Probably all the bloody singing she does.”
He looked thoughtful. “What star sign is she?”
“No idea. I don’t think her birthday’s until later in the year, though.”
“Hmm.” Fionn chewed on his lip. “Throat infections are more of a Taurus thing.”
“Which is me,” Daisy muttered.
Laura shook her head. “You know, if your career as interior architect doesn’t take off, Fionn, you could set yourself up as an alternative medical consultant. Diagnose people by their star signs!”
“Still, it could be strep,” Fionn said, ignoring Laura. He swept his fringe across his forehead, and Daisy noticed his fingernails had been painted a deep blue, with tiny stars and moons stencilled on them.
“Fabulous nails,” she said.
Fionn smiled. “Thank you. I remember my sister got strep during her Leaving Cert and spent the whole summer recovering.” He seemed to notice Daisy’s expression, because he added hurriedly, “But I’d say it was because she was stressing over exams, when she should have been resting.”
Daisy took a breath. “God, I just hope it isn’t that with Alma. I’d have to look after her.”
“If you don’t, James will have to,” Laura murmured.
Daisy could feel her chest tightening, and she wondered if Laura had noticed James’ weird reaction when Brian had mentioned Alma.
In spite of James’ obvious early efforts to win Laura around, it seemed that even after five years Laura was still wary of him. What if Laura had been right? What if she was destined to go through life choosing the wrong men? What if –
“Laura, did you say anything to Brian about me working on Granary House?” Daisy tried to sound casual.
“No.” Laura flicked her a sharp look. “That doesn’t mean he doesn’t know, or hasn’t guessed, but he hasn’t mentioned anything to me. Why?”
So he couldn’t know. He’d definitely have said something! It was nuts! There was a time she’d quite liked Brian. Then again, there was a time when Laura had liked Matt. She’d told Daisy that she and Matt were a perfect match! But what did anyone know at that age? Daisy had thought the four of them would be friends forever. Then, after Matt had dumped her, Brian had turned on her too. It made her furious to think of it.
“You know that Brian and I don’t spend all our time talking about you and Matt,” Laura said.
