Page 84 of The Life Daisy Devlin Designed
“I know, yeah. I just hope Matt says something to her people, so they stay out of Kenny’s way. We’re on a much tighter deadline, thanks to her concert. But my focus is the same as before – finish the house and submit it for the award.”
Laura shot her a sceptical look. “You quite sure about that? Don’t forget that if you win this award, James will find out about Matt. He’ll find out about everything.”
“The house is the most important thing, Laura!” Daisy hesitated. “Like I said – I’d cross that bridge if I came to it – if, by some miracle, I won that award.”
Laura shook her head despairingly, and turned back to her computer.
Daisy sighed. Laura knew her too well. But Daisy didn’t believe things happened by accident. Matt was back in her life for a reason. She just had to figure out what it was.
CHAPTER 38
Controversial American country singer Kayley Lynch and her new band have damaged part of Granary House in County Wicklow, the private Georgian home Kayley is currently renting. A source close to the band told theIrish Daily Newsthat Kayley and her band were partying at the historic house, which is currently under renovation, when bass guitarist Greg Fields ‘climbed some scaffolding in the conservatory’. He fell, breaking part of a glass roof, but didn’t sustain any serious injuries.
Kayley is in Ireland to begin the final leg of her month-long, European tour on June 1 at the grounds of Granary House. She was forced to cancel all her planned American concerts after being admitted to rehab for alcohol abuse.
Daisy was sitting in her car in Matt’s driveway, and had just finished reading her emails when she saw the story. She scrolled through the accompanying photos of the kitchen with the hole in the roof, the chandelier on the floor surrounded by broken glass, and reception room littered with glasses and bottles. She looked closer, and noticed what looked like traces of white powder on a corner of the dark coffee table.
Her phone rang, and Freya’s name flashed up. Daisy swiped to answer.
“Hi, Freya, how are things?”
“Daisy, is this a good time?”
Daisy was wondering who the source close to the band was. Maybe Kayley had been rude to one of the camera crew making the documentary.
“Uh, fine – go ahead, Freya.”
“It’s about the occupational therapist. Will you tell your sister it’s for Holly?” Freya hurried on. “It might be nothing at all, but she’s not settling at school and, if she wasn’t pretty bright, I don’t think she’d be learning anything. Thing is, the school wants her assessed, and I trust them – they’ve been very good to my other kids. I just don’t want to wait months to have her see someone.”
“I see. Okay – I’ll talk to Rosie and tell her it’s for your daughter.”
“Is your sister practising at the moment?” Freya asked.
“No, she’s still on a career break.”
There was a brief silence. “I’ll leave it with you,” Freya said. “Thanks, Daisy.”
Daisy put a quick note in her phone to call Rosie, and went into the house. She found Matt, Kayley and Todd in the newly finished study.
“Oh, hi.” Daisy flashed them a quick smile, but she had the feeling she’d walked in on something important. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“It’s fine.” Matt glanced at the others. “We’re finished here – let’s go down to the kitchen.”
The sun was streaming in through the patio doors, and Daisy was relieved to see the scaffolding was gone and the new design was quickly taking shape. She ran a hand over the smooth, pale countertops.
“Kenny’s a talented craftsman.”
Matt gave a short laugh. “He’s just working to your designs.” Turning, he closed the door behind him. “So, this is a bit awkward; I’ll just get straight to the point. Did you see the story in theIrish Daily Newstoday?”
Daisy nodded. “About half an hour ago, yeah.”
Matt sighed. “The thing is, Kayley and Todd think one of your crew leaked it.”
“What?” Daisy stared at him. “That’s a very big leap, isn’t it? I mean, why would they bother?”
“I don’t know.” Matt folded his arms. “Money, maybe? Or just to piss Kayley off. I know she can be a bit –”
Of a cow, Daisy thought.
