Page 48 of Just Do It
Inis smiled. ‘But… it’s OK to have interests outside work too.’
‘I do.’
My boss’s eyebrows raised in suggestion that she thought I may be telling a porkie.
‘I do!’
Inis raised her hands in a calming motion. ‘I’m sure you do. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that life is about more than work.’
‘I know. I just happen to enjoy my subject very much. I know reading and taking trips to study one’s area of expertise outside work may not seem like fun to some people but it is to me.’ My tone had switched to defensive and I wasn’t entirely sure why. It’s not like Inis was the first person to make such a suggestion but I would have thought she’d have been the first to understand.
‘I know. And believe me, I’m eternally grateful you chose to come to work here. Especially now. I know that whatever happens, things are in safe hands.’
Something in her tone made me look up. I crossed to where she was sitting and plopped myself down on the floor in front of her. Without thinking, I took her hands. ‘It’s going to be OK you know. You’re strong and this baby has yours and Eric’s genes. He or she is a tough cookie and it’s all going to be perfect. OK?’
Inis nodded, a smile flashing briefly on her elfin face. I couldn’t pretend to know what she was going through worrying about the baby. The midwife had done her best to reassure thecouple but it was only natural they’d have concerns, especially as it was their first baby and Inis had joked she was the oldest in the pre-natal classes they’d been attending. She’d made light of it but in that moment it was clear that being an ‘older’ mother was another layer of anxiety.
She squeezed my hands before releasing them to wipe away a tear with the back of her hand. ‘Sorry. Not very professional of me.’
‘Don’t be daft. We’re human first, professionals second.’
Inis looked at me for a couple of beats before taking my hands again. ‘Thank you.’
A knock at the open door made her start but I placed a light pressure on her hand, conveying the message to stay where she was.
‘It’s only me. Am I interrupting?’ Finn’s voice was hesitant.
I looked back to Inis. She turned and waved him in. ‘No, I’m just having a moment. But you’re not allowed to tell anyone.’
Finn handed her the bag with her goodies in it and the change before holding up a hand in a boy-scout salute. ‘My lips are sealed.’
‘Thanks, Finn.’
He shifted his weight, glanced at me then back to Inis.
‘Whatever it is, spit it out, Finn.’ Inis laughed.
‘OK, stop me if I’m overstepping any boundaries but I’ve seen this before. My sister wanted to try and do all the things she was doing before, but she was pregnant and suffering with bad morning sickness and got exhausted. You’re growing a human – that’s no small feat! It’s OK not to do everything. You know what’s important.’ He finished talking and let out a breath through his teeth. ‘Feel free to put in a complaint about me.’
Inis made to stand and Finn put out a hand which she took willingly. Behind her, I pushed myself up off the floor and dustedoff my bum automatically despite the fact that the place was kept meticulously clean for the exhibits.
‘The only reason I will put in a complaint is if you don’t give me a hug right now as you’ve made me cry. Again.’
Finn obeyed and Inis caught his face between her palms as she stepped back. ‘Your sister is lucky to have you.’
‘I’m pretty sure it’s the other way around but thank you. Now, do you need a lift home?’
‘No, but thanks. I am going to go home though, if that’s alright, Lizzie?’
‘Of course it is. How are you getting there?’
‘The train. I’ll be fine. The walk to the station will do me good.’
Finn’s dark brows drew together. ‘I’d really rather take you.’
‘Finn, you’ve done more than enough. I’m sure you have plenty to do here.’
‘Nothing that can’t wait.’
