Page 99 of Beneath the Quiet

But he never did and he never will.

I shake my head slowly. “You’re a coward,” I spit, moving toe-to-toe with him. “What did I ever see in you? I wasted three years with you, and you don’t even have the decency to say you’re sorry.”

His throat works, but his eyes remain blank.

Nothing.

“Goodbye, Colin.”

I turn on a shaky breath, holding my head high as I pass my colleagues, who have all stopped what they were doing to watch my confrontation with my ex. My head is pounding from the adrenaline, leaving me feeling like a limp noodle. When I reach Sarah, she gives me a warm smile, and I sigh deeply, touched by her support. My hands tremor at the thought of Joe getting closer, but what’s worse is the fact that I can’t work out why he’s so intent in his pursuit of me.

Now the adrenaline rush is over, my eyes well up, almost blinding me, and I pick up the pace. I need to be alone. My breath hitches, and I almost stumble into a comforting set of arms.

“Don’t fret.” Franny tucks me into her side, leading me down to the ladies’ room. “I’ve got you.”

“Thank you.” My voice breaks on the final word, and embarrassment washes over me.

“Don’t mention it. And don’t you feel that you have to explain anything to me, or to anyone else, for that matter, dear. We won’t pry, but we’re here for you.”

She opens the door, and with a gentle nudge, she pushes me into the room. I give her a wobbly smile, and her eyes crinkle at the corners.

“Take all the time you need, Maeve.”

With that, she closes the door, and on a low sob, I lean my hands on the sink, burying my mouth against my shoulder to muffle out the sound of my old heartbreak. I let out all the pain he brought me, and the hurt I brought on myself for staying with him even when I knew in the depths of my soul that we’d never be a right fit for each other.

As my tears slow down, I make a vow to myself.

This is the last time I’ll ever cry over Colin Fitzpatrick.

From now on, I’m going to forget he ever existed.

And I’m going to look to the future.

Whatever it brings me, I’ll face it head-on.

And I’ll enjoy every moment of it.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Maeve

Several villagers have told me so many things about the Cloonmara Spring Rising Festival that I thought I was prepared for it, but I was wrong. I admire the usually quiet High Street and watch the chequered banners tied from one lamppost to the next as they flap in the wind, and I smile as I walk underneath them. It’s impossible not to be in a good mood with all the life that’s milling around me.

I’m glad I won’t have to worry about running into Colin. The day after my crying spell, O’Neill pulled me to the side and told me that he’d already left the village. It felt a little odd that he took the time to tell me that, but comforting at the same time, the usual scowl on his face nowhere to be seen.

Everywhere I look, happiness radiates from familiar faces. I almost do a double-take when Murdoch tips his cap at me when I pass him.

The village has been buzzing all week, with the villagers rallying to put up banners, painting the village in all the colours of the rainbow, and Holly’s pub has been filled with visitors since yesterday. Musicians, as well as crafters, are all here to make sure that the festival goes out with a bang tonight.

I pass Buns & Beans and give Roísin a smile and a wave on my way to the town square. She smiles back as she turns back to her customer, mouth lifted in a friendly smile. From the looks of it, she’s having the time of her life, with her business booming. It thrills me to see the people standing in line all the way out onto the street, patiently waiting for their turn to get a caffeine fix and a sweet treat before they set off to enjoy the festival.

I’m also relieved that I listened to my instincts and brought my own travel mug today, filled to the brim with my homemade filter coffee.

Spring has definitely sprung in Cloonmara, and I’m ready to soak it all in.

Even though I’m on call this Saturday, I should still be able to enjoy the day. I heft the basket in my arm, fully prepared to do some shopping.

I stop in front of the water fountain in the town square and look up at the scaled sea creature that reaches high up in the sky, water cascading from its mouth.