Page 22 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
“Hope you like it, Penny.”
Penny looked solemn. “I don’t know what it is.” Before either adult could say anything else, she turned and ran back outside.
Rosie met Daisy’s eyes. “Sorry, you know what they’re like. I’ll help her sort through her stuff later.”
“Ah, no worries.” Daisy shrugged.
Rosie’s tone softened a bit. “Look, about what I was saying before. You and I have different metabolisms, so I know it’s hard for you to shift the weight, but –”
“James likes me exactly the way I am.” Which was probably an absolute lie. These days, James was more interested in spending time with their waif-like lodger than with her. But she couldn’t admit that to Rosie. She didn’t want her to feel sorry for her or launch into another lecture about how to keep her man!
“Well, don’t take him for granted, Daisy. You want to hang on to James.”
“Jesus, Rosie, what do you – ?”
Before Daisy could finish, Séan came in from the garden. “You girls having a go at each other?” He winked at Daisy, who grinned back.
“Rosie thinks I’m taking James for granted because I’m getting too fat.”
Séan rolled his eyes. “Fuck sake, Ro!” He turned to Daisy. “You’re gorgeous – I still fancy the knickers off you.”
“Séan!” Rosie flushed hotly.
Daisy felt a bit sorry for her. She had a habit of walking herself into situations. Rosie and Séan were so different – Daisy still couldn’t understand how they’d ever got together. But Séan was good for her sister. He stood up to her, and he kept her grounded.
“We brought some beer. I put it in the fridge,” Daisy said.
He flung open the large fridge freezer. “That’s why you’re my favourite sister-in-law.” Taking out a can of Heineken, he snapped it open and took a long drink, before putting it on the counter. “The kids are having a great time altogether, although Ben threw up into one of the rosemary bushes.”
Rosie gave a gasp, and Séan pulled a face.
“Ah, don’t be stressing, I hosed it all down, and sure it’ll be good fertiliser. Anyway, have you seen that sky? There’s a storm coming.”
“It might hold off a bit,” Daisy said quickly as she spotted Rosie’s expression.
“Why didn’t you tell me Ben was sick?” Rosie demanded.
Séan took another slug of beer and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “I just did!”
“You’re supposed to bewatchingthe kids, Séan! I told you I wanted a glass of wine and a quick chat with Daisy.”
Séan shook his head. “Aren’t they all alive and having a great time?” He picked up his beer again. “Have you seen James?”
Daisy peered out into the garden. “He’s not outside?”
“He disappeared a while ago. I thought he came in here.”
“Maybe he did.” Daisy sighed. “I might go look for him.”
“Don’t be long,” warned Rosie. “We’re nearly ready for the cake.”
Daisy left Rosie and Séan in the kitchen and slipped out to the hall. Eventually, she found James, hunched over his laptop in a corner of the big living room at the front of the house.
“James?” She came in and closed the door behind her. “What are you doing?”
He looked up. “Getting some work done. Nobody will miss me for a few minutes.”
Daisy stared at him. “I’m missing you, and so was Séan. But that’s not even the point. You’re missing this! I can’t believe you brought your laptop to a kids’ birthday!”
