Page 76 of A Second Chance Summer in Dublin

‘Oh, French fries.’ Kathleen basically drools.

‘I’ll make it worth your while,’ Donal tells him.

‘See what I can do.’ The waiter moves off.

‘Can you make sure they’re not cooked in animal fat? Sorry! Thank you!’ Kathleen, on her tippy-toes again, kisses Donal on his cheek.

‘I think it’s great you’re a pescetarian. We need way more in this world, don’t mind them. By the way, whenever I’m out withDenise, she only ever eats vegetarian. Each to their own,’ Donal says.

‘Now, did you hear Carla Deliginue wants Grace to make her a dress for the Governors Ball!’ Kathleen tells Amanda, who leans over and picks up the sausage roll, takes a bite, the pastry flaking on her chest.

‘W-what? See, even better! She’s someone that will have the investors emptying their briefcases. Gorgeous!’ Amanda nods enthusiastically, her mouth half full.

‘Call her cell phone, Grace!’ Kathleen demands again as the waiter returns swiftly.

‘Chips are in the air fryer. No meat has been in it, I checked,’ he says, proud as punch.

Donal pulls his wallet out of his pocket and peels the Velcro apart. He hands a twenty euro note to the waiter.

‘I’ve the best big brother in the world,’ Kathleen tells him.

‘Lucky you. Mine’s an arsehole. He’s a follower of Harrison Sullivan. Enough said,’ the waiter says dryly, then walks away.

‘How does it all work? The start-up?’ I ask Amanda as Kathleen puts her hand on the base of my back and gently nudges me towards the glass doors.

‘We take a meeting with the wealthy investors I handpick—’ Amanda shakes the flaky pastry crumbs off her fingers.

‘Not in my flat?’ I ask in horror.

Amanda looks to Donal with a twinkle in her eye. ‘No. We’ve a better idea.’

Chapter Thirty-Nine

‘I’ll stick my address into your satnav for you, if that’s any help?’ Donal asks our taxi driver, who doesn’t speak great English and nods in thanks, handing Donal his phone.

‘Sure?’ Donal checks with me one last time as he types.

‘As long as you don’t mind mascara on your pillowcases?’ I joke, my mouth a little dry and my heart flip-flapping in my chest. I’m going home with Donal to spend the night.

Donal finishes inputting his address and the driver slots his phone into the holder then puts the taxi in reverse. I’m still staring out at the wonderful scenery as we motor down the coast under the light of the silvery moon.

‘That was honestly one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a lot,’ I say, resting my head on his shoulder. ‘The vibe was so nice.’

‘I’m so happy for them, they’re a great couple and Max is a credit to them. He’s a great kid,’ Donal says.

‘That speech Belinda gave about you.’ I lift my head.

‘You’re not going to cry again?’ He pinches that part just above my knee that makes me jump.

‘Stop!’ I shriek. ‘But it was like a movie. You saved them all. Social Services wanted to split you all up? I didn’t know that? But you stepped up.’

‘I was still underage for the years Uncle Barry helped us. He’d cover for Da when the neighbours would report us, spoofing the authorities that Da was away working on the building sites inLondon till I reached eighteen. Then I was legally able to be the head of the house, and thank God we had a council house. I just had to put food on the table and pay some overheads. Save a few bob in the credit union for special occasions for the girls. But listen, I’m not a hero, I’d no choice. Anyone in my position would have done the same.’

‘Logan?’ I offer.

He laughs. ‘No. Probably not.’

‘Definitely not,’ I correct.