Was it connected to my own devastating loss? I hadn’t been around for Rose during that time as much as I should have because of what happened right before Matt’s “death”. Too busy mourning what happened during a trip I’d taken to Edinburgh with him and Rose to be fully present for my friend.
Chapter18
Niamh
FOUR YEARS AGO
‘Are you sure this is all right with your friend?’ My mum asks, her brows creased with worry. ‘It’s already kind of them to pay for the hotel. I don’t want you to feel like you owe them anything.’
‘Rose says they’d be spending the same, whether I go or not,’ I assure her. ‘Her brother wants her to be safe at this law conference and he’s happy she’s not staying by herself.’
That is definitely stretching the truth. I haven’t even seen Cillian since the morning I woke up in his room after the fateful Hunter party. I’m not even sure how I’d react if I did see him, especially after what happened between us.
‘Please be careful about accepting gifts from people, Niamh,’ Dad says, kissing the top of my head. ‘Relationships can get complicated when there’s an imbalance. And you know what we’ve always told you about those gifts that come with consequences.’
‘Cautionary fables,’ I say, laughing. ‘But I’ll be careful. The money thing worries me, too. That’s why I was supposed to be the one driving. Then, at least, I was contributing something towards the arrangements rather than just sitting back and taking everything for granted and it’s you two who are getting in the way of that.’
I smile to make sure they know I’m not making a dig at them.
‘Aunt Mary’s death was unexpected,’ Mum says. ‘We need to make sure her house?—’
‘It’s fine, Mum. I understand. Really.’
‘Is Rose driving instead?’ Dad asks.
I pause before answering. ‘She has a driver.’
Mum’s eyed widen. ‘Just be careful, darling. That family has a reputation. I know you like Rose, but rich people are different.’
‘I will. I promise,’ I reply, convinced that it’s an easy promise to keep. I stand and watch as they reverse out of the driveway, waving as they head off. We live on an ordinary street in an ordinary suburb of Glasgow, so I frown when I notice an unfamiliar BMW do a U-turn in the road and drive off without signalling. Sighing at the lack of respect, I turn around and go to check my overnight bag.
I’m not really planning on leaving the hotel except to go to the conference itself, but it’s my first time staying somewhere fancy, and I’m going to make the most of the facilities.
Fifteen minutes later, a horn beeps twice outside and I head for the door. Sean is already waiting when I open it. He takes my suitcase to stow in the boot.
‘Looking forward to the weekend?’ he asks.
‘Yes,’ I say.
‘Even playing gooseberry to those two?’
I shrug. ‘I really don’t mind. Seeing them together gives me some hope that there are nice guys somewhere out there. And besides, I have you to talk to.’ I grin at him, expecting him to smile back, but instead his mouth is set in a grim line.
‘Don’t say that in front of Cillian,’ he says.
I frown. It feels like a warning, but why would Sean care. I can’t imagine Cillian has told anyone about what happened between us the night of the party.
‘I mean, I’m working,’ he says a moment later. ‘He pays my salary.’
‘Oh, yes, right.’
He pauses at the passenger side before opening the back door for me instead, and I wish I hadn’t said anything.
We pick up Rose and Matt from Matt’s house, before setting off on the hour-long journey. Rose had insisted on sneaking a bottle of champagne for the ride to keep us entertained, and I catch Sean’s eye in the mirror, but he keeps his mouth shut.
‘That looks expensive,’ I point out. And Rose smiles impishly.
‘It’s Cillian’s. He won’t even notice it’s missing,’ she assures me.
