Crisis averted, the grins returned, but they were just as short-lived as another look passed between all the women. Once again it was Catherine who broke the news. ‘You should probably know… they’re not very good.’
Donny nodded quickly in confirmation. ‘But they’re just new to it and it’s all about participation in their age group anyway. They’re keen as mustard to go to the comp, and they’re putting in extra training sessions to do Ballyshannon proud.’
‘Well… I’ve never coached before so I might be crap too.’
‘Fin.’ Rhonda scowled. ‘Children.’
Jai waved a pudgy hand in the air and said,‘Crap.’
This time Sweeney laughed out loud, but stifled it whenhermother shot her a disapproving look.
‘I hope you don’t mind us monopolising your fiancé, Sweeney?’ Donny asked with a grin. ‘It shouldn’t interfere too much with Feeney time.’
Fin narrowed his eyes at the same time Sweeney shot Donny a beatific smile and said, ‘I’m sure we’ll cope, won’t we… darling?’
Her gaze met Fin’s and there was another of those weird moments as the endearment sat between them. Fin felt almost shy looking at her and he wondered briefly if, after this was all said and done, he and Sweeney would ever be able to get back to their old familiar ease.
‘Absolutely,’ Fin confirmed.
‘Ooh, actually, Sweeney, maybe you could help us?’ Mai asked.
Sweeney glanced nervously at Mai. ‘Okay?’
‘I know you’re only here for four more days but I follow your socials and your pics areah-mazing. So, I was thinking about setting up an Insta for the Banshees linked to a GoFundMe page and I thought some really great quality pics of them practising might get some traction?’
‘Oh, yes!’ Connie enthused. ‘What a fantastic idea.’
‘We’re desperately trying to fundraise to get both the teams and at least one parent to the Gold Coast without any burden on household budgets. The cost of living crisis has made times hard around here lately, and most people can’t afford that kind of expense right now.’
‘I do wish you’d let Murphy’s cover it, Mai,’ Rhonda interjected.
Mai smiled gently at Rhonda. ‘Not this time. We’re doing thisforMichael. We’ll manage.’ She turned to Sweeney. ‘What do you think?’
‘I’m sure Sweeney would love to help, wouldn’t you, darling?’ Connie beamed.
Sweeney blinked at her mother for several beats. ‘Oh … well … of course,’ she said eventually, looking around at all the expectant faces. ‘It’s just that… I don’t really photographpeople, it’s mostly scenery and landscapes. Holiday brochure stuff. Faces are a whole different skill set. I’m not sure I could do that kind of thing justice.’
‘I’m sure it’ll be better than anything I can take on my crappy old phone,’ Mai joked.
Jai bounced in Catherine’s lap.‘Crappy.’
Mai raised an eyebrow at Catherine. ‘Seriously?’
She shrugged. ‘The kid has an ear for it.’
‘Mai’s right, darling,’ Connie piled on. ‘You’re perfect for this.’
Fin watched as Sweeney took another quick glance around at the multitude of Murphys and her mother, clearly feeling the pressure. ‘Okay… sure.’ She shrugged. ‘If you think it’ll help in some way.’
‘Wonderful,’ Connie clapped.
‘Oh, yes, well done, Sweeney,’ Rhonda agreed.
Mai leaned across the space between them and wrapped Sweeney up in an enthusiastic hug. ‘You’re the best.’ As she unhanded Sweeney and settled back onto her spot on the rug, Mai looked at Fin. ‘This one’s a keeper, dude.’
Fin smiled and nodded, not daring to glance in Sweeney’s direction. He only hoped he looked enthused rather than theawkward AFhe felt. He had no doubt hisgood friendSweeney would be a keeper for some guy, someday, if she ever changed her mind and decided she wanted that.
‘Keeper,’Jai proudly pronounced.
