Page 123 of The Last Love Song
Con removed a strand of hair from Helen’s face. ‘I knew I could rely on you.’
38
‘In truth, I’ve never forgiven myself.’ Helen shook her head. ‘I broke up a family for you. Sorcha didn’t deserve that.’
Con rubbed his unshaven chin. ‘Why have you never said anything to her all these years? I’ve been waiting for that moment ever since seeing you again.’
Helen shrugged. ‘What would that achieve? It would only hurt your wife.’ She folded her arms. ‘Plus, if I’m honest, I’m ashamed that I was so easily manipulated by you. I was a little girl, lost and unsure of herself.’ Helen met Con’s gaze. ‘And you knew that.’ He lowered his eyes. ‘Anyway,’ Helen continued, ‘I suggest you sort out the band. Otherwise I may well change my mind about telling Sorcha.’
Con held his hands up. ‘Fine.’
‘Right.’ Helen walked to the kitchen door, opened it and stepped into the hall. Both she and Con looked up as the stairs creaked. Lulu stood halfway up, hovering uncertainly.
‘Oh, er, hi, Helen, how are you?’
‘Fine, Lulu. And you?’ she asked coldly.
‘Fine. I was just leaving. You haven’t seen my car keys, have you, Con?’
Con swept a hand through his thick dark hair and sighed deeply. ‘They’re most likely in your jacket pocket, Lulu. It’s hanging on the kitchen chair.’
‘Thanks. I have to run. I’ve got to see my agent at half past ten.’ She tripped down the stairs and went into the kitchen.
Helen headed for the front door. ‘Goodbye, Con.’
‘Bye, Helen.’
She stepped outside then turned to him. ‘Screwing his wife is not the way to sort out your problems with Todd.’ Helen’s eyes were cold. ‘You’re treading on thin ice. I’d take care if I were you.’
Con watched as Helen walked to her Porsche and climbed in. He slammed the front door and banged his fist against it as he heard her car roar out of the drive.
‘I’m sorry, Con, really I am. I was trying to sneak out but I couldn’t find my keys.’
Lulu stood behind him, her face contrite. ‘She won’t say anything, will she?’
Con said nothing, just shrugged.
‘I...’ Lulu placed a hand on Con’s shoulder. ‘That sounds like a really difficult situation with Sorcha.’
Con slowly turned his head to look Lulu dead in the eye. ‘Yeah. It was.’
She gave a small shrug. ‘Well. Your secret’s safe with me.’
Con raised an eyebrow. ‘Is it?’
‘Of course, silly.’ Lulu grabbed her jacket, blew Con a kiss, and headed for the door.
Con leant against the wall, sank down to the floor, and placed his head in his hands.
39
Sorcha was passing her father’s closed office when she heard the telephone ringing inside. She entered and went to the desk to pick up the receiver.
‘Hello?’
‘Sorcha? It’s Con. How are you?’
‘Hello, Con. I’m...okay.’
