Page 26 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
There was a short silence. Then Rosie spoke slowly.
“Row back, now. How do you know he’s home? Did he get in touch?”
“Er, well, no.”
“Oh Jesus, please don’t tell meyougot in touch.”
“He bought Granary House and I pitched to redesign it.”
When Rosie gave her a blank look, Daisy said, “It’s a historic house in Wicklow I’ve wanted to redesign for years.”
“That’syour excuse? Who do you think you’re talking to, Daisy?”
Rosie pulled up at the train station, and Daisy got out and grabbed her overnight bag from the back seat.
“Thanks for the lift.”
“Daisy, be honest, was that the only reason you got in touch?”
“It felt like a sign, Rosie!”
“God almighty, Daisy, you’re as flaky as Mum. What’s that supposed to mean?”
Her sister knew nothing about her life, Daisy thought – and she understood even less! When she didn’t reply, Rosie just shook her head.
“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.”
Daisy silently counted to five. “I promise, okay? This is strictly business. And maybe closure.” She flashed her what she hoped was a reassuring smile but, judging by her sister’s expression, she didn’t believe her.
As Daisy walked towards her platform, it struck her that she didn’t believe it either.
CHAPTER 12
Daisy was still feeling on edge when she got to the office on Monday. She’d arrived home late Sunday evening, to find James and Alma gaming on the sofa. Neither of them had appeared to notice her as she’d hovered in the door.
“Hi, Alma.” She’d adopted her brightest tone. “How was your weekend?”
Alma had given her a startled look. “Good, thank you, Daisy.Yes, got you!”
Daisy had stared at her for a moment, before realising the last bit had been meant for James. “Great.” She’d pasted on a smile. “James, could I speak to you for a minute?”
“Sure.” He’d flashed her a quick look. “Can it wait a minute? We’re in the middle of this!”
Daisy had tried to read Alma and James’ body language to decide whether they’d spent the whole weekend having frantic sex, but it didn’t seem any different than usual. She’d closed the door loudly, made herself a mug of green tea and gone to bed.
Laura arrived in. “Fuck, it’s like a sauna in this place.” She walked over to the window and undid the latch to push upthe bottom pane. “So, you survived another weekend with your sister’s four hundred kids!” She sat down behind her desk.
Daisy looked over. “They’re kind of fun.”
“If you say so. Did you and James get a break?”
“Um, not really.” Daisy tried to sound positive. “He had to go home early – things are pretty tough in work right now.”
“He’s the boss, babes. If the company’s struggling, he’ll just do what he has to.”
“He still has to answer to a board, Laura. And what do you think he’ll be able to do?” Daisy frowned. “Because if he knew, I’d say he’d be doing it already.”
Laura shrugged. “If it comes down to it, other employees will be given the push.”
