Page 2 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
Laura arched an eyebrow. “The new owners might sit on it for a while. And, even if they decide to start work immediately, they mightn’t bother using an interior architect’s firm at all.”
“Or they might go with another firm.” Daisy was thinking. “Another firm who will probably canvass for the job. Let’s send out a brochure.”
Fionn sat up a bit straighter. “I’m on it.”
Daisy shot him a grateful look. “How are the assignments going?”
“I’m on track with my final projects.” He swept a carefully arranged side fringe out of his eyes. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’d love to work here when I qualify.”
Daisy and Laura exchanged a glance.
“We’d love that too, Fionn, but …” Daisy knew there was no need to say anything else. As a small agency, they’d stretched themselves to give Fionn a part-time internship during his college final year, but they’d never had more work than two interior architects could handle.
Laura’s mobile rang and she swiped a long, manicured finger across the screen.
“If the cat got sick again this morning, it’s your turn to take him to the vet,” she said to whoever was on the phone. She flicked Fionn a sly look. “Actually, it might be cheaper to get him put down. Or just run him over.”
Fionn’s eyes widened. “Tell me she’s taking the piss.”
Daisy grinned. “We have to hope.”
“Fuckme!” Laura’s voice rose.
Daisy tried not to laugh. When she’d first come up to Dublin from Galway twelve years before, and met Laura Nealon in college, the south Dublin girl had at first struck her as far too refined to swear. The fact that Laura could actually make grown men blush had endeared her quickly to Daisy.
“You’re absolutely sure? Fine, fine, I’ll see you later.” As Laura hung up, she swore under her breath. “That was Brian,” she said slowly.
“I guessed.” God, she could do with a second coffee before having to hear about Laura’s bloody husband.
Fionn put his hand up. “Am I too young and innocent to hear this?”
Laura ignored him. “Brace yourself, babes. Matt Deveraux is back from the States.”
Daisy felt a bit lightheaded. “He’s back?” Her voice seemed to be coming from far away. “You mean for a visit?”
“According to Brian, he’s back for good.”
Laura was watching her closely.
“Um, who’s Matt Deveraux?” Fionn asked.
Laura didn’t take her eyes off Daisy. “He’s Daisy’s ex. Shut up, Fionn.”
“So, he’s back.” Daisy shrugged a little shakily. “I probably won’t ever run into him.”
“Right.” Laura sighed and folded her arms. “I guess that depends.”
“On what?” Daisy managed.
Laura pursed her lips. “He’s the new owner of Granary House.”
It took Daisy a few moments to recover. “So, when did Matt get in touch?” His name tasted strange in her mouth.
Laura shrugged. “I’m not sure. Probably today, if Brian’s only telling me now.”
A look passed between the two women, and Daisy knew Laura was remembering exactly the same thing as she was. The four of them had once been so close, wiling away endless hours in the rundown house Matt and Brian had shared in college and in their early twenties – until Matt had gone abroad. MattDeveraux: smart, a bit shy, slightly geeky, and her boyfriend of five years.
Daisy folded her arms and aimed for a professional tone. “He’s definitely bought Granary House?”
