Page 122 of The Last Love Song
Con jumped to his feet. ‘That’s exactly what I’m talking about! No one understands us like we understand each other.’
‘I suppose that’s true, yes.’
‘We’re clever. But no one sees our cleverness, because they have ideas about us in their heads before they’ve even met us.’ He began to pace around the room. Helen was a little unsure of the direction the conversation was taking. ‘Sorcha O’Donovan just needs to be brave and trust me. You trust me, don’t you, Helen?’
Helen swallowed hard. ‘Yes.’
‘You and I have to look out for each other. We need to be our own little team and watch each other’s backs. You know that I’ll always be here for you?’ Helen remained silent. ‘I will, Helen McCarthy.’ Con stopped pacing and took her hand. ‘Would you be there for me, Helen?’ he asked, his eyes wide and pleading. ‘I’d never forget it.’
She was assured in her answer. ‘I will, Con, of course.’
He broke into his trademark beaming grin. ‘I knew you’d help.’
Helen had begun to understand what was being asked of her. It would be painful, yes, but it would please him. There was no debate. ‘I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you when I’m next with Seamus.’
Con dropped her hand. ‘If only it were that simple.’ Helen was deflated that her suggestion hadn’t pleased him. ‘Seamus is a smart man. If you suddenly start speaking well of me out of the blue, he’ll work it all out, and stop Sorcha from seeing me.’
‘Oh. What do you want me to do?’
Con took a pause. ‘I want Sorcha to be free.’
‘I’m not sure that answers my question,’ Helen replied.
‘Seamus needs a shock. If he sees Sorcha and me together, then he’ll disown her, and we’ll be able to go to London.’
Helen was taken aback. ‘Goodness, Con. Do you really think that would be—’
He cut her off. ‘You and I both know that Sorcha O’Donovan would be better off without her daddy ruling her life. Remember, we’re more observant than anyone else. We bothknowthat this is the best thing for her.’
‘And you,’ Helen reminded him.
Con shrugged off her comment. ‘Maybe so.’
Helen steeled herself. ‘What are you asking of me?’
‘I want you to send Seamus to the beach when Sorcha and I are together.’
Helen’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Oh, Con, I...’ She shook her head. ‘He’ll be fierce angry.’
‘I know.’ Con folded his arms. ‘That’s the whole point. If I have to take a slap or two, then I will.’
Helen rubbed her hands together, agonising over Con’s request. ‘I really don’t know if I could do that, Con. It seems a little unfair on everyone. Myself included.’
Con looked hurt and took a while to reply. ‘Okay, Helen. I understand. I just thought...’ He waved his hand. ‘It sounds silly.’
‘What?’
‘I really thought we understood each other. That we were the same. I guess I was wrong. Sorry to have interrupted your ride home.’
Helen stood up, embarrassed, placed her half-full mug on the stove, and began to make her way to the door. Before she could reach out for the handle, Con grabbed her hand and drew her close to him.
‘You’d be setting me free, Helen.’ With his spare hand, he gently turned her face towards his and placed a light kiss on her cheek.
Helen melted. ‘You’d do the same for me?’
Con nodded slowly. ‘Of course I would.’
Helen gulped. Con Daly had her in the palm of his hand. ‘All right. I’ll help you,’ she whispered.
