Chapter 2 #2
Fi and I see each other whenever she’s not working. Unlike her brother, who I can feel keeps looking over at us, she still lives here in Stoney Grange.
“Uh,” I shake my head, “yeah, it didn’t work out.”
Her face falls. “That’s a shame.”
I try to raise a smile. “It’s okay.” I shrug my shoulders, feeling like a massive failure because I couldn’t hold down my job at the local shop.
I kept putting the wrong labels on things, and after I accidentally left the front doors unlocked one night, June Rogan spoke with my mother, and that was that.
I look over at June sitting at a table, and she smiles my way. There’s no love lost, which is good. I wish I could figure out why I struggle with simple things and just get on with life like everybody else has.
“I’m sure something else will come up.”
Twisting the glass on the table, I half smile. “I’m sure it will.”
Even I don’t believe myself, but when Fi’s lips pull into a straight line just like Paddy’s did, I can tell she’s thinking the same thing. I mean, what girl in their twenties can’t hold down a job in a local shop? It’s pathetic.
“You thought anymore about taking your driving test? That might make things a little easier? You know, you could look for something outside of this place.”
My fingers still. “I passed my theory—finally—but I can’t afford the test.”
“Your parents won’t help?”
I laugh under my breath. “You know them, Fi. Got to work for what you want in life, unless it’s not what they want.”
Her smile falls a little. “My parents are the same… apart from the last part.”
I look over her shoulder, seeing Mr and Mrs O’Keefe.
Mrs O'Keefe is now looking for somewhere to put the plate of food she’s carrying. Mr O'Keefe makes some room for the plate before she sets it on the table, then he gives her a wink when she’s done.
“Yes, that’s the difference. Your parents actually want to see you succeed.” Mine are too overprotective. If I could tear off the cotton wool I feel like I’m wrapped in and step out of my comfort zone, I would.
I just don’t know how to do that.
Fiona smiles. “Yeah, they do.” Placing her hand over mine, she adds, “But your parents love you, Morg. In case you think otherwise. It’s like my dad always says, ‘tough love is the best form’. Makes us learn valuable life lessons while knowing that we’re cared for.”
Giving her my most appeasing smile, I pointlessly readjust my hair to give my hands something to do. “So, Paddy’s back?” I try to say casually.
Her head immediately spikes, and the smile on her face is the first genuine one I’ve seen during our conversation. She sits back a little, crossing her arms over her chest. “Yeah. City Boy is back until Monday.”
“You don’t want him back?” Because seeing him looking as good as he does, certainly has made my entire year.
She shakes her head. “No, quite the opposite. I want him to stay this time. Something’s going on with him.” She taps her fingers on the table a few times. “I think it will do him some good to be back here.”
The relationship they have, I love it. Yes, they bickered like mad, but they were always there for each other.
Even when we were kids, I was always envious of how much they got on.
My brother and me used to be close, but now we’re the complete opposite.
If it wasn’t for public holidays, I wouldn’t know he existed.
“Make sure you go say hi to him, okay?” Fi encourages me gently.
My breath catches in my throat and my eyes jump to her. “Me? Oh, no. I’m sure I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Really?”
My feet nervously start tapping the floor, but I eventually nod, pacifying her. There’s no way I’m going to say hi to Paddy O’Keefe.
“Alright, well, I guess I’ll see you at mine later, then.”
I give her an unsure look, but she smiles, clearly knowing more than I do. “The after party. It’s at my parents’ place.”
Oh.
“So, perhaps, you can make an effort and come by?”
Make an effort? That’s a weird way to word it. And given how my insides start flipping like she just slapped me, a little harsh, too. “I…”
“I’m sorry,” Fiona immediately says. “I mean, if you do end up leaving here early, maybe you could come by later? We can catch up properly. It’s been so long since we all hung out. Might be good. For all of us.” She looks over her shoulder at her brother.
Paddy looks at me before he meets Fi’s eyes. The pair exchange a weird look, then he turns his back on her.
“Okay,” I say gently, not wanting to disappoint her, even though it’s the last thing I want to do. “I’ll drop by later.”
Fiona takes a few seconds just looking at me, and tension sneaks into my bones. The weight of her gaze isn’t heavy, but noticeable. Do I have something on my face? Did I say something wrong?
“That’s great. I’m looking forward to it already.” Then she smiles and stands, grabbing her cardigan off her chair. “I should go say hello to people. I’ll see you later, Morgan.”
I smile. “See you later.”
Watching her walk away, I catch sight of a few people watching her.
It’s wild. You can literally see everyone trying to work out what we spoke about, like we’re back to being eight years old and conspiring to steal matches.
“Wanna get out of here?”
I turn and look up at Holly, who’s now standing beside me. “Did you know there’s a party later, at the O’Keefe’s?”
I can tell by the look on her face that she did. “Maybe. But that’s later. And right now, I’ve changed my mind. I think we should go.”
“Photo time,” Mrs Danford announces to everyone in the room.
“Fuck. Too late,” Holly mutters. “Sorry.”
“Every year at the exact time you were born your mother does this.” Holly holds out her hand, pulling me to my feet. “I think there should be a rule that states that now you’re in your twenties, she should stop.”
Because it’s kind of weird.
Holly’s eyes widen, but she nods. “Hey, I’m with you on that one.” She holds up her hands almost apologetically.
“Morgan.” My mother calls me over. Clearly, I’m taking too long.
And this is it. The part where we all huddle together like we’re all still young kids, living our best lives. I quickly down my drink, very much still hating it, but needing it.
“Good girl,” Holly whispers, giving me a wink. “Let’s get this done. Then we can get shit-faced back at yours before we have to face Paddy in his own home.”
I give her a wide-eyed look, and she turns me, snickering under her breath like I can’t hear her.