‘She died before I was born.’ Star blew out a noisy breath. ‘On the same day as my grandad, actually. Her name was Lilian.’
‘Jesus, talk about me putting my big foot in it. I’m sorry. Feck it.’
‘It is what it is. A very sad tale and one I do my best to accept and get on with now.’ Star shrugged.
‘So, I’ve been married before,’ Conor blurted out in an attempt to divert the attention of the pretty woman in front of him. ‘She was called Maeve,’ he went on when he saw that Star had pulled herself together and was listening. ‘Even saying her name leaves a bad taste still. We met at school in Ireland. Back then it felt like she was the only girl in the world for me. Twenty-one we were, when we tied the knot.’ His own face now looked sad. ‘I have a son, Niall. He’s eleven.’
‘How lovely,’ Star cooed. ‘I’ve always wanted a little boy. What happened? If you don’t mind telling me, that is.’
‘She cheated on me with a mate. It was either kill him or get away from the little town I grew up in, so I never had to look into their deceitful eyes again. My dad arranged for me to stay with family in London. We divorced. I’m still in touch with my lad, on FaceTime and stuff. I send him presents.’ His voice tailed off. ‘But it’s not the same as being there with him, you know.’
Star put her hand on top of Conor’s. ‘You’ve been through it too, haven’t you?’
‘No, it’s grand. I get on with it. I would hate for any of them, especially my son, to know I was in any kind of trouble though. I’ve always paid my share for his upbringing, which is another reason why I hope to find my feet here and start earning again quickly. Frank was a diamond paying for your mate’s flat upfront. I intend to pay him and my Da back every penny I owe them.’
‘I thought you were only here for three months?’ Star queried.
‘Before Big Frank met Monique, he used to put on a funny singing voice and belt out that old Paul Young song“Wherever I Lay My Hat That’s My Home.” Who knows what life will bring with it, eh?’ Conor drained his second pint of cloudy cider. ‘So, you say you haven’t had many relationships, but you must have had some flings?’
‘Er …’ Star took a large gulp of her wine as a flashback to the summer and wild sweaty sex with Jack Murray washed over her. An urge to run came over her. ‘Do you know what? It’s been great, Conor, but I really must get back. I’ve got work tomorrow and two glasses of wine on an empty stomach is a lot for me and I—’
‘I didn’t mean to pry.’ Conor looked perplexed. ‘Tell me to shut up. I’m a nosy bastard. How about I walk you up the hill? I mean, I am your real-life boy next door now.’
Star stood up and started putting her outer garments on at speed. ‘No, that’s OK. I er … I need some air. Thanks for the drinks and it’s been lovely to meet you.’ She almost ran towards the door. Conor grabbed his own coat and followed her out into the freezing night.
‘Star, wait.’ His long stride allowed him to catch up with ease. ‘Hey. I’m sorry if I upset you.’ He awkwardly pulled his coat on and dragged his hood up over his curly locks. ‘I need a thought-to-mouth filter, I reckon.’
It was only9p.m. but Hartmouth’s seafront was eerily quiet and dark, apart from the fairy lights that Big Frank had put up around the cafe and along the estuary wall for his party. With heavy cloud shrouding the moon, not even one star was poking itself through to brighten the mood. A few clangs, creaks and moans could be heard from the resting boats in the estuary. Even the seagulls had gone to bed early by the sound of things. As they reached Frank’s, Conor took Star’s hand, shuddering. ‘Jesus, it’s fecking Baltic out here.’ Then without warning he pulled her right into him.
‘What are you doing?’ Star wished she’d left that second glass of wine alone.
Then, feeling her resistance lessen, Conor wrapped his massive frame around her, engulfing her in one huge belter of a man hug. Slightly concerned that every last little bit of breath was coming out of her and would leave her like a deflated balloon, Star inhaled deeply. Oh, how good it felt. To be in the arms of someone, to feel the connection that a great big warm and meaningful hug brings.
She broke away and stared up at Conor’s slightly worried face. His relief was obvious when she spoke. ‘I’m not sure who needed that more, you or me,’ Star said. ‘The thing is though, Conor Brady, I’m not ready for anything.’ Her voice was slightly slurred.
Conor held on to her hand tightly. ‘You don’t have to be,’ he whispered, then grinned. ‘It’s all written in the stars, anyway, Miss STAR Crystals & Jewellery, isn’t it?’
Star looked up at him. ‘Are you ever serious?’
‘Not often – and even less so when I like someone as much as I do you.’
