‘Oh, love, that’s wonderful to hear. I’ve always hoped you’d get back into your acting.’
‘Oh no, Mam, I won’t be acting,’ said Kitty. ‘I’m helping with the production. Things like casting and developing the performance. It’s very much a backstage role.’
‘Whatever you say, love, but I’ll never forget how you used to shine on stage. Gosh, me and your dad were so proud of you.’
Kitty smiled again, tears forming in her eyes. Her parents had attended every single one of her performances, and she’d been lucky to have their support. Yet, despite youthful dreams of stardom, it was her brother who had taken up that mantle. Kitty was content using her skills in bringing to life stories for a class of five-year-olds.
‘You will be careful, won’t you, love?’ Her mother went on. ‘Appearing in the paper would be a terrible idea.’
Kitty silently agreed. ‘Don’t worry, Mam. I’m being careful. I’ve made sure I’m not in any photographs, and the school knows my situation.’
‘Do the other villagers, though?’ said her mother.
‘No, of course not. Don’t worry, Mam. There’ll be no publicity that I’ll be involved in. I promise.’
‘All right. Now you mind yourself and be careful.’ Kitty could hear her mum take a gulp of what was probably tea. ‘Thank you for sending me the photos of your cottage. What a smart place you’ve landed in.’
‘Yes, I’ve been very fortunate. Do you think you’ll still come and visit during the summer holidays?’
‘Oh yes.’ A sigh gusted through the phone. ‘I’ve tried to convince your dad to fly.’ Mam snorted. ‘He won’t hear of it. It’s going to be that awful ferry journey for us and a long drive. If only he could get on a plane. I keep saying to him, Roy, we’d save ourselves twelve hours’ journey time if you’d get on a flight. Nope, he won’t hear of it. Whatever am I going to do with the man?’
Kitty leaned against the sofa, letting her mother’s words wash over her. Her parents’ marriage had survived almost five decades, and despite the constant bickering, they loved each other deeply. She had always hoped to emulate what her parents had. So far, it didn’t seem the path her life was set to take.
‘How’s Cillian?’ Kitty asked.
‘Ah, you know your brother, always jetting off around the world somewhere or other. And those hordes of adoring fans – I don’t understand it.’ Another sigh. ‘That boy should think about finding a good woman and settling down, not singing his soppy songs to a bunch of drooling teenage girls.’
Kitty smiled at the irony of her own messed-up situation meeting with more of her mother’s approval than her brother’s huge success. That was Maureen McDonaugh for you. Down to earth to a fault. ‘Cillian will settle down when he’s good and ready,’ Kitty said. ‘He’ll come to it in his own time.’
‘Perhaps, but at this rate, I’ll be dead before any grandchildren come along.’
Kitty winced and, from the sharp intake of breath down the line, her mother did the same.
‘Oh, sorry, love.’ Her voice softened. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. You tried your best in that department, and it wasn’t your fault you picked a wrong ’un.’
‘It’s all right, Mam. I understand, and I’m not exactly past it, am I? There could still be children in my future.’
‘Quite right.’ Mam’s voice became upbeat. ‘You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, especially now you’ve escaped … speaking of the devil, you’ve not had any contact, have you?’
‘No, Mam, I’d tell you if I did. I bet some of my friends in London have been approached, but they wouldn’t say anything, even if they knew where I am.’
‘What? So who knows?’
‘You, Dad and Cillian. I told my friends in London I was going to Cornwall. That’s all.’
‘Oh, Cathy, I worry it’s a lonely life for you down there.’
‘Don’t worry, Mam. I’m making new friends,’ said Kitty, surprised as she realised it was true. New friendships hadn’t been part of her plan. She should be keeping her head down, as she always telling herself, avoiding getting close to anyone. And yet, and yet… when she thought about her drink that afternoon with Alice, Carla and Sam, a warm fuzziness bubbled inside her. She had forgotten what it was like to have friends, and now she’d found some, she couldn’t bear the thought of pushing them away.
‘Is Dad there?’ asked Kitty.
‘No, he’s out at darts tonight.’
‘Send him my love, won’t you? I’d better go, Mam, ’cause I’ve got some work to catch up on.’
‘Ah, yes, of course. I’m so proud of you, darling girl, and all you’re doing. You make sure you take care of yourself, won’t you?’
‘I will, Mam. Love you lots. Speak to you soon.’
