Chapter 56
FIFTY-SIX
DECLAN
Declan was dying to tell Jess the good news about his job but thought he would call his mum first.
Besides, he still did not know whether she would want to bother with him again.
He had thought it best to give her space but was not sure for how long.
Surely she would have made contact with him by now if she was interested?
Should he knock at her door or take her silence as a sign he should stay away? he wondered, his mind a jumble.
‘Your own office? That sounds fancy,’ said his mum when he called her. ‘Well done, love.’ She paused for a second. ‘But do you think it’s sensible walking away from a job with the council?’
She had a point, of course, and she was only looking out for him, but it was the opportunity of a lifetime. And he did have a modest amount of savings he could fall back on.
‘I’ll make it work,’ he told his mum confidently.
‘Well, if anyone can, you can,’ she told him proudly.
He had picked himself up from the most terrible situation after all. Being imprisoned whilst still grieving his sister would have sent many people under, but Declan had battled on bravely and focused on the day he would have his freedom once more.
His mother had not been quite so courageous and sought comfort in alcohol. Thankfully she was now living a life that although not exactly filled with joy, at least brought her some contentment.
They chatted for a while, and he told her he would call over one evening after work.
‘Will you be bringing the new girlfriend with you? What’s her name, Jess?’ she asked and his heart sank.
‘She’s not exactly my girlfriend, Mum,’ he said. ‘But I will explain that when I come over.’
‘Alright, love. I have something to tell you too,’ she said. ‘And don’t worry, it isn’t anything bad. In fact, it is something nice.’
‘Come up on the bingo, have you?’ he joked.
‘Something like that.’ She laughed. ‘Anyway, see you soon.’
‘Wednesday after work, then. Bye, Mum.’
Declan wondered what good news his mum would be sharing when he went to visit. He hoped it was something nice. She deserved it.