Page 74 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
“The fact that you even stayed over!” Laura looked at her carefully. “So, did you talk about anything?”
If she admitted that they had, she could let something slip. Daisy shook her head.
“You’re better off not dredging up all that history, babes,” Laura said firmly. “You owe it to yourself not to get hurt again, so just be careful. In fact, don’t talk about anything!”
“Laura, ‘careful’ is my middle name! Honestly, you have nothing to worry about!”
We just kissed and nearly ended up having sex.
“Good, yeah.” Laura crossed her legs.
Daisy studied her for a moment. “Is everything okay?”
“All good.” Laura’s smile seemed a bit strained.
Maybe Laura guessed that she wasn’t telling her the truth about Matt. But it was more than that. Laura had changed. Daisy wondered if everything was okay between her and Brian. If they weren't, why would she stay with him?
For the same reason you’re staying with James?It wasn’t that things were awful with James, she thought. It was just that they didn’t seem to be going anywhere anymore. Was this what happened? Did people just stay together out of habit? She supposed it was normal enough.
And how could she imagine that she had some magical insight into someone else’s relationship, when she couldn’t even figure out her own.
With a sigh, she opened her drawings of Granary House and went through a checklist. The last bits of work were going well, thanks to Kenny and his team. And at the rate they were going, the painters and decorators would be finished most of the house in another week. Her mobile rang again, and she braced herself for another call from Matt. But it was Kenny.
“Hi, Kenny, I was just about to call you. The road was cleared earlier, so you should have no problems.”
“Yeah, I’m on my way. Just wanted to check that we’re doing all the new floor-to-ceiling units in the second reception room today?”
“Yes. The painters will do the wall that won’t have shelving.” She was pretty sure they’d gone through those details before.
He grunted. “Did you get away last night okay?”
So that was why he was calling her! “Eh, no, there was mad flash flooding and it was too dangerous, so I ended up staying over.”
There was a muffled noise that sounded a bit like swearing, followed by a moment’s silence.
“Right.” Kenny cleared his throat loudly. “Look, Daisy, I know I’m probably a bit out of line, but we’ve known each other a long time, and sure I’m old enough to be your dad.”
Daisy glanced over at Laura, but she seemed to be busy. “Uh huh?”
“Right. Now.” Kenny cleared his throat again, and Daisy pulled the phone away from her ear for a moment. “I know you know this fellah, or you used to. So I hope you don’t mind me telling you to be a bit careful. I don’t trust him. I don’t know why, but that’s it now.”
Daisy scrambled for an answer that wouldn’t sound like she was being defensive.
“I’m sorry now if I’ve overstepped,” Kenny added.
Daisy suspected he was more embarrassed than sorry. She was also starting to wonder if he was in the Keep Daisy Safe Club with her mother and Laura.
“Not at all, Kenny.” She forced a smile, knowing he’d hear it in her voice. “I appreciate that but you don’t have to worry.”
“Right,” Kenny said. “I’ll see you soon, so. Bye, now.”
He hung up, and Daisy put her phone away, avoiding Laura’s eyes as she turned on her laptop. She wondered what Matt had done to make Kenny dislike him. He barely knew Matt. Then again, she’d known Matt intimately for over five years and he’d still managed to shock her!
“Babes?” Laura looked over. “Does James know where you stayed last night?”
Daisy folded her arms. “No, he doesn’t know I’m working for Matt! I just told him I had to stay over at a client’s house in Wicklow because the road was flooded.”
“Oh-kay. So what happens if Granary House is shortlisted? James will know it’s in Wicklow, and he’ll know who owns the house. It won’t take him long to put two and two together.”
