Page 235 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“To let her know that I’m leaving town.”

There’s a pause.

“What do you mean you’re leaving town?”

“I’m going to oversee the office refurbishment in Chicago.”

“We have people for that.”

“I want to do it personally.” He’s not a fool. He knows exactly what I’m doing.

“Eoin, don’t do this.”

“Don’t do what?”

“Don’t run away.”

“I’m not running anywhere.”

“Jaine loves you.”

“I know she does. That’s why my staying will only see her hurt further. She won’t move on if I remain. You know it as well as I do. And I’m no longer a viable option for her. She and I have tried and failed too many times. There’s no other way. With time and distance, she’ll soon forget about me and move on with Paddy. It’s how it was always meant to be.”

“So this is about your compatibility issues?”

“Yes.” Liar.

“I’m sure you could easily work through them now you’re no longer living with a timebomb ticking under you?”

I think the same, but I can’t tell him that. In the end, I don’t even bother to reply. There’s no point.

“Paddy mentioned sharing.”

“Sharing is not the way forward! This is Jaine Jones we’re talking about! She would never agree to such a thing, and nor should she! Regardless, they shouldn’t have to compromise what they have together. Not for me.”

“Did you stop to ask Jaine what she wants?”

“There’s no point. And there would still be no guarantees. Adding another person to the mix may well just exacerbate the situation. Jaine and I can’t keep going around in the same circle.”

“And have you told the family that you’re leaving?”

“I’ll call da mid-flight. I’m on my way to the airport now.”

“So, what happens next?”

I swallow the lump in my throat. I’m struggling to find the words, but maybe that’s more to do with their content.

“I want her and Paddy to be together. They deserve their happiness. Whether he needs it or not, he has my blessing to be with her.”

“Are you sure, Eoin?”

“I’m sure.” It’s the bitterest lie I’ve ever had to swallow.

I disconnect the call and stare up at the overcast sky.

I’ll now need to learn how to survive each new day without my person. I’ll need to move on. As the future Da Duster, I’ll be given no choice.

This is the only way. I refuse to let their ending be a tragedy.

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