Page 44 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
Daisy frowned. “Are you feeling okay?”
Laura glared at her. “Why? Because I’m giving out about a client? Or because I’m giving out about a man!”
After the weekend she’d had, Daisy hadn’t the energy to pursue it.
“We’re having to push things hard on Granary House to get everything finished on time,” she said, changing the subject.“Kayley Lynch will be here in a couple of weeks. Matt says she’s planning to use the place for rehearsals and stuff.”
Fionn looked like he might faint from excitement.
“Kayley Lynch is gonna be here in two weeks? Just like, hanging around?”
“I’m not exactly sure how much hanging around she’ll be doing.” Daisy pulled a few loose threads off her skirt. “I’m sure she’ll have a pretty tight schedule. Is her tour going well?”
Fionn beamed. “Totally! Although she’s still getting a hard time in the press. But she could make a ton of money if one of the big streamers picks up her documentary.”
Laura looked bemused. “Maybe she could fall off the wagon again. That’d make things interesting.”
Daisy shook her head. “Dark, Laura, even for you.”
Laura grinned, then her expression changed and she hurried out of the office. Daisy and Fionn exchanged a worried look. When she reappeared a few minutes later, she looked pale.
“Were you out last night?” Daisy asked carefully.
“Of course not. I’m training for this marathon, remember?” Laura huffed. “It’s this training diet Brian has me on. I know it’s necessary, but I’m not used to all the carbs!”
Since when had Brian become a nutrition expert? And Laura was worse, agreeing to something like that just to keep the guy happy! But maybe that was the secret of a successful relationship? Maybe if she and James had a shared project, they’d feel less like housemates and more like soulmates. Although she was pretty sure it would take a lot more than a shared project to make things better between them.
Laura looked at her and Daisy had the uncomfortable feeling that she knew exactly what she was thinking about Brian. She rolled her shoulders, trying to ease out the tension. Running the company together used to be fun, a natural extension of theirfriendship. Even when she’d been with Matt, it had felt like her and Laura against the world.
Lately, it felt like there was a distance growing between her and everyone important in her life.
“So, what are you planning for your birthday?” Laura asked after a while.
“Are you going to have a party?” Fionn’s eyes lit up.
“With cocktail sausages and Rice Krispie cakes?” Laura’s tone was teasing, and Daisy laughed.
“James is taking me out for dinner.” She caught Laura’s expression. “I know you went to Malaga for your thirtieth, but ...” She shrugged. She and James hadn’t taken a holiday since they’d bought the house, even though the idea of renting out the room was so they’d have money for a few luxuries.
“How’s Alma?” Fionn asked quickly.
“Hmm?Oh, yeah, a bit better.” She decided not to mention that James had gone out the previous evening and bought Lemsips, Vitamin C and a hot-water bottle with a fluffy pink cover. Daisy figured she’d have to be on her deathbed before James bought her a hot-water bottle.
“I wonder will Matt remember your birthday.” There was a slight edge to Laura’s voice.
Daisy tried to look disinterested. “If he does, he’ll just wish me a happy birthday. It’s not a big deal.”
“Riiight…”
Fionn muttered some excuse and left the room.
Daisy sighed. “Listen, Laura, there’s nothing at all between Matt and me. This is about the house.”
“Bit of advice, Daisy? Leave it at that! Don’t look for anything else, or you’ll end up getting hurt again.”
Daisy said nothing. A few weeks ago closure had seemed pretty straightforward. Now, she couldn’t ignore all the signspointing to change. And that meant taking a leap into the unknown.
CHAPTER 20
