Page 88 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“Thank you. I do try.”

“Anyway, I don’t want to know what the dirty stands for. So, I’ll pretend it’s because he needs to wash his hands.”

“Oh, he needs to wash way more than those. I mean, these days, he needs to wash out that filthy mouth of his.”

“Jesus Christ, Jessie. I really don’t need to know that.” I grimace.

“It happened during our lockdown, Jaine. Every day he became more and more like his brothers. He’s changed.”

And don’t I just know it. I’m feeling the effects of that only too well.

“He’s courting another woman, Jessie.”

“Well, he’s not dating her just yet. Apparently, there’s still some legal wrangle to address. Something his fiancée’s daddy wants in place beforehand.”

I roll my eyes. “Jessie, even if the process hasn’t started it’s imminent. You’re playing with fire.”

“But…”

“There are no buts. Take it from someone who knows. From someone who’s been there.”

“So, what do I do?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“But…”

“You love him. I know you do. And I’m sorry, Jessie.” I whisper.

“Sorry for what?”

“If I’d told Eoin who you were sooner, things might have been different. Thingswouldhave been different.”

Her reply is instant.

“You can’t blame yourself, Jaine. We just have to leave it in the hands of fate.”

Tears of guilt prick my eyes at how understanding she’s being given how badly I dropped the ball on her behalf.

“Still. You wanted me to tell them. I never did. And for that, I’m sorry because what I suffer on a daily basis, I would never wish on anyone. I only hope your outcome is better, Jessie. I really do.”

* * *

Padraig:I’m here, darlin.

Jaine:Listen, if you don’t want to speak to me anymore, Dyl. If you’re too busy, then just say the word, and I’ll be gone.

Padraig:I will never be too busy for you.

Jaine:You sure about that? Because you could have fooled me.

Padraig:I’ve just got a lot on.

Jaine:With Grace?

Padraig:Yes, among other things.

Jaine:I spoke to Jessie earlier.

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