CHAPTER41
‘Really was wonderful to see you, I wish we had longer. Next time we all get together, we’ll make it a week.’
‘In Marbella of course,’ Tara added, leaning in to hug Erin.
She laughed. ‘Of course.’
Paul grinned. ‘Was quite the weekend, Erin. Best time ever, even when I honestly thought there would be a double murder at one point.’
Beth nudged him disapprovingly, opening the car door. ‘We had a brilliant time.’ She leaned in to hug Erin too. ‘I’m proud of you,’ she said softly. ‘Keep going at your own pace, eh? Onwards and upwards.’
Erin squeezed back. Beth’s hugs were always firm and with purpose. ‘You too. And if you need to get away, you’re welcome here anytime.’
‘Here? But you’re still selling the house? Right?’
Erin shrugged. ‘Maybe that’s something I’ll have to give some more thought to. Besides, I hear that the beach is very healing for people with MS.’
‘Really? Where did you hear that?’
‘From my own mouth. About three seconds ago.’
Beth snickered. ‘I’ll hold you to that. Now, come here, you three, before I start getting maudlin.’
Alex, Tara and Becky all stepped forward to join Erin in the hug. It was time for them all to leave, but no one wanted to let go.
‘Beth, you need anything, you call me,’ Alex said. ‘And if you eventually need somewhere ground-floor to live, I will kick my ex out and give you that granny flat in a heartbeat. Are we clear?’
Beth nodded, unable to stop the tears flowing down her face. ‘Thank you,’ she said, ‘God, now I’ll never stop.’
‘You sure you want to do this?’ Alex asked Tara as Paul loaded her cases into his car. ‘I mean, I understand not wanting to go back to London right away, but it’s already been a stressful weekend, totally my fault of course.’
Tara smiled. ‘I’m sure. It’s about time I visited my mum in Cork and these lovely folk can drop me on their way to the ferry. There are things that need to be said… but if it goes horribly wrong, I have your number.’
‘Absolutely.’
‘You can wait on me hand and foot for stealing my boyfriend…’
Alex grimaced. ‘Oh God, I’m sorry! It wasn’t planned I just—’
‘I’m kidding, Moran. Dry your eyes.’
‘Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you guys to the airport?’ Erin asked. ‘Save you a cab fare.’
Alex shook her head. ‘We’re good. Go and cuddle that cat, I’m sure he’s feeling neglected.’
‘He’s fine actually,’ Becky replied. ‘He’s glad we came, although someone put ham in his dish and he doesn’t eat ham. It gives him the runs.’
Erin gasped. ‘How did—’
Becky smiled as their cab pulled up the driveway.
* * *
Alex missed the click-clacky sound of her Christian Louboutin summer sandals as she strode through Kerry Airport. Her old Skechers didn’t make her feel quite so sophisticated, but it was a small price to pay for keeping Tara’s friendship.
‘They’ve just called my flight,’ Becky said, ‘When’s yours, Alex?’
‘Not for another hour,’ she replied. ‘It’ll give me time to catch up on someMarried at First Sight, I’m so behind. Now, hug me and get going!’
