Splashing his face with cold water, he composed himself and came back to the bench where Star was peeking in the paper bag to see what food he had ordered.
‘Sorry about that,’ he said. ‘Too much coffee earlier.’
Star handed him the bag. ‘Well, eat up. I should be getting back to the market soon.’
‘I don’t fancy it now.’ Jack waved his hand dismissively. ‘I must get on the road, too. Can’t be late getting home to Riley. Changed man and all that.’ By gritting his teeth it somehow helped to keep the emotion out of his voice.
‘No, you must get back to her.’ Star felt like she was burning up inside.
On arriving at Kara and Billy’s flat, Star was relieved to see that the ferry was mid-estuary and heading towards Crowsbridge. The last thing she needed was that sort of run-in. Not now.
Jack squeezed her leg as he got out of the car. ‘It’s been so good to see you, and good luck with Conor … and the baby.’
‘You too, Jack. Take care.’
He turned and tapped on the window. Holding in her tears, Star put the window down. Realising it could be their last goodbye, Jack hung on to it as if his life depended on it.
‘I meant to say I heard another Blaise Pascal quote in a film the other day.’ The words‘go away’were screaming in Star’s head. ‘“If you do not love too much, you do not love enough.”’Jack’s voice quivered. ‘Great, isn’t it?’ He abruptly turned and tore himself away.
‘Goodbye, Jack.’ Star’s voice ended in a sob as she called after him then sped off from Ferry View Apartments as quickly as her little Smart car would take her.
Yes, the timing had been shit, as Jack had said. Time may fly and time may drag, but sometimes time is just a complete and utter bitch.
