Page 49 of The Widow's Irish Secret
‘Will Paddy the cat come with us?’ Sophie wanted to know.
‘No, we’ll leave him at home.’ Tricia smiled at Sophie. ‘I don’t think cats like the beach.’
‘They don’t,’ Naomi said. ‘They get sand in between their claws and they don’t like getting wet.’
‘But he’ll be lonely.’ Sophie stuffed the rest of her cookie in her mouth and looked at the kitten with sad eyes.
‘He won’t.’ Tricia picked Paddy up from the floor. ‘He’ll sleep in his bed and then he’ll forget we’re gone. I’ll leave his toys and some food and water and then he’ll be fine. We’ll just let him have a run in the garden for a bit before we go. We’ll keep an eye on him so he won’t get lost.’
‘And he can do his business in the grass and not in the house,’ Naomi agreed.
‘What business?’ Sophie asked, looking intrigued.
‘You know,’ Naomi started but stopped when a car horn tooted outside. ‘Oh, there’s someone here. Who is it?’
Sophie jumped down from her chair. ‘I want to see who it is,’ she said and ran to the front door. She pulled it open and peered out. ‘It’s a circus van,’ she exclaimed.
Tricia went to the front door and looked out. ‘Oh,’ she said as she caught sight of the vehicle. ‘What’s he doing back?’
25
Cillian stuck his head out through the window of the campervan. ‘Hi.’ He looked slightly awkward. Then he opened the door and got out, crouching in front of Sophie. ‘Hello,’ he said, smiling at the little girl. ‘Remember me? We met the other day at your great-grandmother’s house.’
Sophie nodded. ‘I know. You’re Mr Cillian, Granddad Fred’s old friend. Why are you in a circus van?’
‘It’s not a circus van,’ Naomi said behind them. ‘It’s a campervan. Can I go inside?’
‘MayI,’ Sophie corrected. ‘That’s what you said we’re opposed to say.’
‘May I go inside?’ Naomi asked. ‘And it’ssupposed, not opposed.’
Cillian looked at Tricia and winked. ‘Fleury girls, right?’
Tricia had to laugh. ‘You got it.’
‘Is it okay to show them the van?’ he asked.
Tricia nodded. ‘Yes. Let them have a look. And then you can tell me what you’re doing back here after…’ She stopped.
‘I will. Just a sec.’ Cillian opened the side door to the campervan. ‘Please step inside, girls, and take a look at my super-duper van. No circus, though.’
Naomi and Sophie climbed into the van while Tricia followed, making sure they were safe. Once they were inside, she got out and turned to Cillian. ‘So…?’
‘I came back to apologise because I know I behaved like an eejit,’ Cillian said. ‘Of course I get that you couldn’t take off just like that. Your grandchildren have to come first. They will always come first to me, too. And then… whatever you’re so worried about… It’s hard for me to accept that you’re keeping something important from me.’
‘I know, but…’ Tricia started. ‘I just can’t. One day, maybe, but not right now. Is that so hard to accept?’
He sighed. ‘It’s what’s keeping us apart and I don’t like it.’
‘I’ll tell you when I can.’ Tricia smiled at him, feeling slightly more positive. ‘I thought I’d never see you again. You were so angry.’
Cillian nodded. ‘I was. Mostly about what you’re keeping from me but it was also yer man standing there looking saintly that made me lose my head. For a moment, I thought… well, that you and he were more than friends, if you know what I mean. He seemed to be that kind of solid, dependable type that women go for. Especially women who have been through a lot.’ He drew breath and looked at her.
Tricia shook her head. ‘Cillian, you have no idea how silly that was. Ted is a true brick and he has been amazing, helping me with everything during the past few weeks. But he is just a friend, while you’re more than that.’
‘Am I?’ he asked in a near whisper.
Tricia reached up and touched his face. ‘Of course you are. A lot more. We go back such a long way, you and I. We share so many memories. You knew me so well when we were bothyoung. But I want you to get to know the person I am now and what’s important to me. And that includes my family. My daughters and grandchildren are my very first priorities. But that doesn’t mean there is no room for you – or us – or that you aren’t very dear to me. Do you see what I mean?’
