Daisy inhales and her eyes begin to sparkle. ‘Does that mean you like it, Lisa?’
‘I do. I think you could be onto something. In fact, I’ll be dropping Martin O’Donoghue a line this afternoon.’
Chapter 55
I make a point of leaving work on time so as not to leave my mum at the helm for any longer than is necessary. I have already sent her a huge bouquet today and, although she told me off for wasting money, she clearly loved them. I phone Rose as I’m walking to the tram.
‘Hi there,’ I say, when she answers. ‘I texted you earlier to see what the GP said. Thought I’d give you a ring when I didn’t hear back. Call me your stalker . . .’
She releases a sound that starts as a sigh and ends in a cough. I wince. ‘I need to go for a scan. There’s a two-week wait but I’m going to go private and they can fit me in tomorrow.’
‘I’m sure they’re just taking precautions,’ I say quietly, because the possibility that the cancer on her breast had spread to a lung before it was removed does not need to be said out loud. ‘Should I come over?’
‘No, Angel’s making me some food and then we’re going to watch a bit of TV and get an early night.’
‘Okay. Well, if you need me at any time – day or night, I’m serious. Just phone.’
‘I will. Thank you.’
‘And try not to worry. Stupid thing to say I know, but until you know what’s going on...’
‘Actually, I feel oddly calm and a bit defiant. Part of me thinks, if thishasspread, I’m not going to take it lying down.
‘Good,’ I say, through a clenched jaw.
She sniffs. ‘Tell me about something nice to take my mind off this. Has Leo’s hangover gone yet?’
‘Yes and he’s turned over a new leaf, apparently.’
‘Well, that sounds positive.’
‘I mean, I’ll believe it when I see it . . .’
‘How about you and your grand passion with the office stud muffin?’
The phrase makes me laugh, which she joins in with. ‘I’m serious! Fill me in. Let me live vicariously!’
‘There’s not much to say. I hate to disappoint you on the passion front but I haven’t even made it into bed with him. Please don’t mention Bill Clinton again . . .’
‘What’s stopping you?’
‘Kids, parents, work. And the small matter of him flying out of the country on Friday morning.’
There’s a short pause. ‘You know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About making the most of time.’
‘Oh Rose, don’t,’ I protest. ‘That’s premature. That’s—’
‘It’s not premature. I’vehadto think about this. If Zach makes you feel like Ithinkhe makes you feel . . . then I think you should do everything in your power to make it work between the two of you. Therearesuch things as flights. You could make long-distance work. We don’t live in the 19th century. If you really think you’ve got something with this guy then, Lisa, what is the alternative?’
‘I’ve always been happy being single,’ I say.
‘That’s because you were comparing it to life with Brendan.’
I can’t help but laugh.
‘Look, I’m not saying you wouldn’t be fine on your own. God, weallknow that – we’ve seen you juggling everything. But life is about more than spinning plates, Lisa. At least it should be. Take it from me, we all need to have as much fun and joy as we can –whilewe can. Look, it’s your life. But if I were in your shoes, I’dbe doing everything in my power to keep hold of someone like Zach, for as long as he makes you feel as great as I know he does.’
I feel the faint spit of rain on my face, so I open my bag to try and find my umbrella.
