We step through the door and into Chris’ café. It’s almost like a diner – the kind that used to be so popular, until all those huge, American coffee chains came along. It has vintage décor, with the smell of coffee and bacon wafting through the air, and an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
“Good morning, you beautiful ginger,” Nick says, curtseying dramatically and making me laugh.
Chris turns suddenly, a beaming smile spread across her face. “Good morning to you, my favourite O’Connor brother!”
Nick laughs and hugs her from across the counter. “I’ve brought another beautiful woman along with me this morning.”
“I can see,” Chris comments, raising an eyebrow. “Just grab a seat wherever you like, I’ll be right with you.”
We sit down in a booth, waiting for Chris to come and join us. But as soon as we sit down, someone interrupts us.
“I see you’ve had the same idea this morning.”
Ian, Riley and little Jamie are standing in front of us.
“The love of my life!” Nick cries, jumping up to go and play with Jamie, sitting contentedly in her pram.
“Good morning, Ian,” his brother says mockingly. “You don’t give a fuck about me anymore, now that she’s come along.”
He and Riley slide into the seats opposite me, as Nick scoops Jamie up in his arms and starts to cuddle her. I never thought Nick would be so good with kids; I always knew he had a sweet side, but I never expectedthis. It’s as if he’s in love, as if that baby really does light up his whole life.
I tear my gaze away from them, my heart swelling in my chest, only to realise that Ian is staring at me. He smiles at me knowingly, then turns away, leaving me with an unexpected, inexplicable sadness.
Chris comes over to join us, asking one of her colleagues to get our orders ready.
“Where are your two little babies?” Ian asks Chris, who bursts out laughing.
“I have no idea. They went out early this morning without saying anything to me. I’m worried they’re up to something.”
“I told you to keep Ryan away from your son,” Nick interjects, sitting down with Jamie in his arms.
“Stop spoiling her,” Ian warns him. “You can put her down, you know.”
“She’s fine with her Uncle Nick. Aren’t you?”
“Oh, fuck! Why are you all here?” Ryan’s voice pipes up. He leans down to Chris and gives her a long, deep kiss, that makes us all fall into an uncomfortable silence.
“Where were you?” she asks as soon as he tears away from her.
“We have some news.”
“We?”
Ryan nods and we all turn to follow his gesture. Evan is standing there, in front of us, a smile stretching from ear to ear.
“What…?” Chris asks, getting to her feet.
“I did it, Mum.”
Chris’ hands fly in front of her mouth.
“I got into university.”
“Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck!” Chris jumps up, throwing her arms around Evan. “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” She yells excitedly, leaping up and down with Evan still trapped in her arms.
I glance at Nick as everyone enjoys the scene, watching him stare at Ryan, whose eyes are fixed on his family. I see pride and happiness reflected in that gaze. And love – so intense, so pure. But in Nick’s eyes, I see something different. Pride, definitely, but also sadness – or maybe pain, I’m not sure – but I know that his happiness is clouded by something trying to burst at his seams.
“Oh my God! Evan’s going to university! I can’t believe it’s actually happening!” Chris exclaims, her spirits sky-high.
