Page 47 of Family Secrets in Inishbeg Cove

‘Well, he suggested that we go for a drink after we got back to the village. I never should have gone, but I was so upset after learning about Dad. I guess he caught me at a weak moment.’

‘What’s wrong with going for a drink?’

‘He’s an ex, Mum, and he’s in a new relationship.’

‘But if you both know the boundaries, I don’t see why it should be an issue. I have lots of male friends and colleagues who I’d have no issues going for a drink with because everyone knows it’s purely platonic.’

‘That’s the problem, though, I don’t think his intentions were completely honourable. I got the vibe that he wanted to be more than just friends, like we could take up where we left off. I made an excuse and left, but it made me feel really uncomfortable, especially in front of all the villagers. Like he wasn’t even trying to be secretive.’

‘What a snake,’ Lucy said, narrowing her eyes in disgust.

‘Inishbeg Cove is a small place – why would he risk his relationship by doing something like that?’ Madeleine asked.

‘Who knows?’ Faith shrugged. ‘I just hope nobody saw us and tells his wife. I don’t want to get dragged into that. I don’t know why I always seem to attract these types.’

Lucy shook her head. ‘I don’t get it either.’

‘And he seemed like such a nice young fellow,’ Madeleine said resignedly.

‘It’s the nice guys you need to watch out for,’ Faith quipped.

35

The heavenly smell of cinnamon and nutmeg floated on the air as Lucy and Faith stood in the kitchen making mince pies the following day. Lucy was in charge of the pastry, which she was delicately folding to get it as airy as possible, while Faith was preparing the minced meat.

‘Something smells delicious,’ Madeleine said, coming in behind them.

The girls turned around to face her and saw she was wheeling the small suitcase she had brought with her when she had arrived from Dublin just under three weeks ago. Her eyes were alight and she was smiling.

‘Where are you going with that?’ Lucy asked, nodding towards the suitcase and exchanging a look with Faith. They hadn’t seen their mother looking this cheery in a long time.

Madeleine clapped her hands together theatrically. ‘Well, I just got some good news actually…’

‘Oh yeah?’ Faith enquired.

‘I’m just off the phone with the CEO of Accentuate Advertising. Their head of marketing is leaving.’

‘And?’

‘Well, they want yours truly to take over from her. I mean, they have tried to poach me over the years, but I was always loyal to Interstellar PR until now. They know about what happened at the launch – they said I was treated as the fall guy and they thought it was very unfair.’

‘But where are you going with the suitcase?’ Lucy asked in confusion.

‘I’m going back to Dublin, of course. I’ve a meeting with them tomorrow and if that goes well, I told them I’m available to get stuck into the job straight away.’

Faith gasped. It felt like someone had put a pin in her bubble of bliss. The last few weeks, with the three of them together again, had been magical. She had enjoyed having their mother’s full attention for the first time she could remember. She thought Madeleine had changed as a person: that her job was no longer her number-one priority. She had said herself that family came first, but now, as soon as work had come calling, it seemed she couldn’t leave quickly enough.

Faith had enjoyed the closeness that the three of them had shared but now reality was biting. All their heart-to-hearts had helped them get to know one another properly again. They had got rid of old secrets and hurts, but now it was all over. She had known they would have to face reality eventually, but she thought it wouldn’t be until January. She had pushed the dismal thought out of her head, determined to enjoy their Christmas together, but her mother’s announcement this morning had blindsided her. The last few weeks had allowed her to escape from her worries and decisions about the future, but now it was time to face up to the depressing truth: she had no job, no home, and no idea what she was going to do with her future.

‘I thought you weren’t going to think about work until after Christmas?’ Faith said, trying to keep her voice steady.

‘Oh, darling, I hadn’t planned on starting a new job this side of Christmas, but when an opportunity like this comes knocking you don’t hang around – you have to grab it with both hands! I was terrified that my name would be mud in the industry, but they agree that I was treated appallingly.’

‘But Christmas is only two days away! Can’t you wait until January to start the job?’

‘I’m going to meet with the outgoing director to get to grips with the business and they’re finishing up tomorrow for Christmas, so it’s my last chance. Reality comes knocking for all of us eventually, I’m afraid. I’ve really enjoyed the last few weeks and spending quality time with the two of you, but I need to return to work – and an opportunity like this in my industry doesn’t come around often, trust me.’

‘But how will you get back to Dublin?’ Lucy pointed down at the cast on her ankle. ‘You’re still on crutches.’