“They’re all good. Dara is an oncology doctor at a private hospital in Dublin. He’s a single father too, though Rory lives with his mum most of the time, and Dara takes him on days when he’s not working or on call. Tony was promoted again at work, and he’s a director now. He dotes on this one.” She ruffles Darcy’s hair, and I notice she’s watching me with curiosity in her eyes. “Erin will be entering her final year at the University of Vermont in August. She wants to be a vet.”
“Wow, everyone is doing so well. You must be proud.”
“I surely am.”
“And how about you? You’re doing okay?”
“Couldn’t be better. This one keeps me on my toes, and I have a part-time job at the bookstore in town. I work there four mornings a week while Darcy is at school. I pick her up for Callan, and we do homework and go out on our bikes and do other fun stuff, don’t we, love?”
Darcy nods, blushing a little as she continues staring at me.
“How is your mum and dad and your sisters? Are they still in Sweden?”
“Yes. They built a house onMormor’sland, and they reopened their businesses in Ystad, but Dad is due to retire in a couple of years. Freja is a model, and Alma is in college in Stockholm. She’s studying to be an archaeologist.”
“It’s great to hear they are all doing well. Please tell your parents I was asking for them. I think of them often. You too.” Her gaze lowers to where I’m gripping my basket, centering on my engagement ring. “Callan mentioned you were engaged. I’m happy you’re happy.”
Could’ve fooled me by the sad look on her face.
“Thank you.”
“Have you set a date yet?”
“No. We’ve been busy with work, but it’ll probably be next year sometime.”
“I’m thrilled you’re living your dream. I knew you’d be successful. You were always so driven.”
“Thanks, Roni. It’s all going according to plan, and I’m hoping to set up my own design firm next year.”
“I’m sure it’ll be a huge success. You have so many followers on Instagram, and your content is always out of this world.”
“You follow me on Insta?” I’m sure the disbelief is evident on my face and in my tone. “How did you even find me?” It’s a generic page name, and there is nothing identifying it as me. Though lately, I’ve been considering adding my name. It will be necessary when I start my own business.
“Callan sent me the link years ago.”
I stare at her, dumbfounded. “Callan follows me?”
“We all do. We’re so proud of you.”
I’m stunned by the admission, and I don’t know what to do with it. “Um, look, it’s been great catching up, Roni, but I need to go. My fiancé will be home soon, and the cabinets are empty.” My laugh sounds false to my ears.
“I hope I haven’t said anything to upset you.”
“No, of course not. I’ve just got to go.”
“If you’re in need of any new books, stop by the store. I’ll pass on the staff discount.”
“I wish I had the time to read these days, but thank you for offering. It’s kind.” Gawd, this is awkward, and I just want to get away. “Bye, Roni.” I smile at Callan’s daughter. “Goodbye, Darcy.”
She wiggles her fingers and smiles before clutching Roni’s hand again.
“Don’t be a stranger, love.” Roni kisses my cheek. “Our door is always open to you,” she adds before they leave.
“Well, that looked cringey as fuck.” Another voice from the past fills my ears, and I whip my head around to the woman, surrounded by four children, standing to one side of the door.
I barely recognize her from high school in her yoga pants, oversized shirt, and sneakers. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, there isn’t a scrap of makeup on her face, it looks like she’s sporting a large ketchup stain on her top, and she has tattoos all over her arms. “Ana?”
“In the flesh.” She grins as she herds the two boys and two girls in my direction. “I heard you were back in town, and I was hoping to bump into you.”
