Page 173 of Ignite

“I know.” I slumped into the lounge. “I let fear win, Mum. I hate that so much.”

“Being brave is when you’re scared, and you do it anyway. And for love, it’s worth it.”

I stared mindlessly at the TV.

“I’ve been so close so many times to sending him a text and I chickened out every time. Mum, I don’t know what to do.”

“You can fix this.”

I faced her. “What if my scars repulse him and he doesn’t want me? What do I do about that?”

Mum didn’t waver in her response. “You keep going. I loved your father. Still do, even though he’s gone. I kept going because I had hope. And still do.”

I sniffed.

“Stacey, the real issue is, do you want to spend the rest of your life wondering what would have been or do you want to give hope a chance?”

“Be the butterfly,” I whispered.

Someone coughed behind us.

Tom held out my new mobile. “Ah, sorry, your phone was ringing so I answered it. Said they wanted to talk to you about a quote. Said it’s urgent. But I can ask them to call back.”

“No! I’ll take it,” I said, moving towards him.

“Stacey,” Mum said in a tone that brooked no argument. “Don’t miss your chance.”

I nodded. Taking a chance meant trusting in hope but hope was such a slippery thing to hold onto.

34

STACEY

Ballydoon Community Group:

Debra posted 1.37 p.m.:

I’m planning a speed dating night for singles of all ages at the Ballydoon pub. Keep an eye on the community group for details. #singlemingle #findyourtruelove

The car clock said I was two minutes late, but my new mobile said five.

I cursed loudly as I brought my Excel to an abrupt halt outside the Federation-era shop on Ballydoon’s high street. Ryan had managed to patch up my engine but I’d need a new car in the near future. More money down the drain.

Under a tin sign, the faint letters saidBarkley’s Haberdashery. A sold sign was slapped across the glass of both street-facing windows.

The caller last week was a potential new client and wanted to meet as soon as possible at this location; a heritage-listed building in the main street of Ballydoon opposite the pub. All I knew was it was to be converted to a dual business and residence. As to what kind of business, I had no idea, let alone who the owner was.

My phone pinged and I jumped.

Mum: Wishing you luck for your meeting today, love *kiss emoji*

I scanned my texts one more time and let out a breath. A week after Ryan had given me Harry’s number, I’d finally took a chance. Lying in bed late last night, I’d sent him a text.

I jumped every time my phone pinged with a notification.

My phone pinged at that moment and my heart leapt.

Sam: BE A BADASS AND SMASH YOUR CLIENT MEETING TODAY

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