Page 48 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
Or James didn’t bother inviting them, Daisy thought. Was it bad that all her family and friends were here, but not James’ parents?
“How’s Matt?” Miriam asked.
Daisy tried to read her mother’s expression. “You saw him?”
“As soon as he came in.”
“He mentioned you.” Daisy wrapped her arms around herself. “He didn’t think you and Dad would remember him.”
“Does he think we’re senile?” Miriam tutted. “Listen, Daisy, you’re a grown woman and I know you’ll always do what you think is right for you. But just remember what Matt did! You don’t want to mess with you and James.”
Guilt gnawed at her. She was pleased that James had organised this evening, but it didn’t fix everything between them.
“It’s not like that, Mum, honestly.”
“Does James know that he’s here?”
Her mother and Laura were in league with each other!
“Not exactly. The thing is, Matt moved home and asked me to redesign his house. Actually, he just gave me this.”
She handed the key to Miriam, who turned the keyring over in her hand.
“I have this photo in a box of your old things at home. It was taken on New Year’s Eve, wasn’t it?”
Daisy nodded. Looking at the tiny photo, she could almost taste the cold air and feel the warmth of Matt’s arms around her.
“I remember that Christmas, Daisy,” Miriam said, slowly. “You invited Matt down to stay over the New Year, because he’d no plans to go home, and you wanted to go out with your old school gang. When he wouldn’t come down, you changed your plans and went back to Dublin.”
New Year’s Eve in Galway had always been special, Daisy thought, as she managed a smile. “I wouldn’t hold that against him, Mum, he was very shy back then.”
“Hmm.”Her mother gave her an appraising look. “Is he on his own?”
“Yes, but I’m just redesigning his house! And it just so happens that I never discuss any of my clients with James, so why would I make Matt an exception?”
“You’re not a doctor, Daisy! I don’t think you’d be breaking client privilege. If he finds out that you’ve been working on your ex-boyfriend’s house and you never mentioned it, he’ll wonder what else you’ve been keeping from him.”
“No, he won’t! Anyway, we trust each other.” She trusted James, didn’t she? She wasn’t completely sure she trusted him around Alma. She flashed her best no-need-to-worry smile.
The bathroom door opened and Rosie and her gang came out.
“Rosie, why don’t you get Ben a fizzy drink?” Miriam suggested. “That should settle his stomach.”
“This fellah won’t be having anything more,” Rosie muttered, as she took Ben’s hand and headed back across the room.
After they left, Miriam swept a hand back through her thick, brightly coloured hair.
“I love this band – they’re playing all the best seventies stuff. I’m going to see if your dad wants to dance.” She gave Daisy a hug. “See you later.”
CHAPTER 22
James appeared at Daisy’s elbow, just as she was starting on her fourth margarita.
“Hey, you having a good time?”
Daisy raised her glass. “The best!” Tonight would probably be a turning point in their relationship. They’d spend the next few hours having the best fun – it’d be like old times. And then they’d go home and have amazing sex. And James would realise how much he’d been neglecting her, and he’d stop playing video games with Alma and accompanying her on the guitar while she …
“Hey, we haven’t danced yet!” She slipped her hand into his, pulling him towards the dance area. “Come on, the party’s only starting. Rosie and Séan have gone back to their hotel because the kids were tired! And my cousin Niamh had to leave with her two boys as well. Although I’m glad they got to blow out my birthday candles – they’ll remember that.”
