The Life Daisy Devlin Designed

CHAPTER 4

Fionn pulled out his air pods, clicked out of something on screen and pushed his tongue into the corner of his cheek.

Daisy looked over at him. “Say it. You’ll feel better.”

“I’m not sure you want to hear it.”

Daisy frowned. “I always want to hear your thoughts.”

He hesitated. “Yeah, it’s not really a work thing, though.”

“Is it an astrology thing?”

“Yeah.”

Daisy had learned that apart from interior architecture Fionn’s passion was astrology. After listening to him explain the ruling moons and planets for Taurus, she’d downloaded the ‘MyStarScope’ app on her phone. It offered daily, bite-sized forecasts for every sign and, even though she didn’t take it seriously, she liked that all the predictions were so positive.

“I wouldn’t mention anything except that at the moment there’s a seismic shift happening for you,” Fionn said seriously.

“Just for me?” Daisy was glad Laura wasn’t in yet – she had no time for astrology. “Or is this for all Taureans?”

“Of course not!” Fionn swept his fringe across his forehead. “I used the time and date of your birth and studied the recent movement of your ruling planet Venus to see if –”

“You’ve lost me, Fionn!” Daisy hid a smile. MyStarScope that morning had simply read that with the moon in Capricorn it was a good day to take chances. She just hoped it didn’t mean that she should try out a new coffee shop.

Fionn looked a bit unsure. “Should I shut up?”

She felt a stab of guilt. Fionn was the first intern they’d taken on. Daisy had taken him out on site a few times, and given him some projects to do, but a lot of the time he just doubled as their secretary and looked after their website and social media. She wondered if he was a bit bored.

“No! Please go on.”

“Well, as you know it’s not an exact science.” Fionn chewed on his lip.

Daisy nodded. “Obviously.”

“But it looks like someone from your past is going to come back into your life, and will completely change everything.”

“I see.”

Clearly, this was Fionn’s attempt at keeping her spirits up. He knew how badly she wanted the chance to work on Granary House. But, as Matt hadn’t bothered to reply, she knew what an unlikely possibility that was.

“What about your crystal collection?” she asked. “Is it still down in Cork at your parents’ place?”

“Yeah. Well, except for a couple of amethysts.”

“Amethysts?”

“They’re good for anxiety.”

Daisy’s heart squeezed for him.

“I had to persuade my mam not to use all my moonstones for decorating her pot plants around the front door.” He flicked his fringe out of the way. “I really have no room for them in Dublin. Plus, Crona, one of my housemates, is in a prayer group and she gave me a Bible for my last birthday.” He widened his eyes. “Some things aren’t worth the hassle.”

Daisy managed to keep a straight face.

“Though sometimes,” he went on, “about important issues, it’s better to be honest – especially with family. Like, it was a bit of a struggle for Mam and Dad to accept who I am, but they’re cool now.”

“It must be difficult to come out,” Daisy said carefully.

Fionn looked confused. “Oh, they knew I was gay. I meant me being a pagan. I still have to keep that a secret from my gran.”

“Sorry I’m late!” Laura burst through the door. “Did someone get coffee?” She glanced over at Fionn’s desk.

“You’re not that late.” Daisy checked the time. “It’s not even half past nine. Are you okay?”

“Me? Fine. I had a thing – it ran over.”

“I’ll get you a coffee.” Fionn stood and popped his Air Pods back in.

“You don’t have to.” Laura sighed. “Actually, yeah, decaf?” She gestured to the Air Pods. “What are you listening to?”

“Shania Twain.”

“Oh.” Laura looked surprised. “I didn’t think you’d be into her stuff.”

“I’ve eclectic taste,” Fionn said solemnly.

Daisy cleared her throat. “Have you heard of Kayley Lynch?”

“Of course!” Fionn nodded. “She had that big hit ‘From My Heart’.”

“A modern classic,” Laura deadpanned.

Fionn beamed. “So you’ve heard her stuff?”

“No.” She turned to Daisy. “Are you a fan?”

“No, but Alma is always playing her.”

“She’s massively popular – or she was,” said Fionn. “You know, she’s just out of rehab. Someone leaked a video of her ranting at a member of her band and it went viral, and her American record sales crashed. Then she had to cancel all her US concerts because she was getting sober. I’d say it’s the only reason she decided to tour Europe right now.” He flicked his fringe out of the way. “She’ll be in Ireland at the start of June. I’ve tickets to see her in the 3 Arena.” He seemed to remember what he’d been about to do. “Daisy, another coffee?”

“ Uh , no thanks.”

“One decaf Americano, so.” He paused. “They do those little wrapped Italian chocolates?” Laura glared at him and he added hurriedly, “Right, no chocolate, back in a few.”

Daisy looked over at Laura after he left. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” Laura rooted through her bag and pulled out a small folder, shaking out a lipstick and another small wrapped item that had become trapped inside it. Hurriedly, she dropped the latter back into her bag, but not before she caught Daisy’s eye.

“You’re probably wondering,” Laura began.

Daisy felt herself colour. “Hey, it’s none of my business.”

“It’s a disposable needle.” Laura sighed. “Self-injection contraceptive. I had to pick it up from the clinic on my way in, and they needed to check something. That was the delay.”

“Oh.” Daisy couldn’t imagine having to inject herself. “Would it not be easier to take the pill?”

Laura smoothed a hand over her hair. “It doesn’t suit everyone.”

“I suppose.” It struck Daisy that, despite their closeness, Laura had gradually stopped sharing personal stuff after she’d married Brian. She wondered if it was some sort of married-people-loyalty thing.

“It didn’t suit me, anyway.” Laura sat down. “I was a complete bitch on it. I mean, worse than I normally am.”

Had Brian told her that, Daisy wondered. “Sounds like the kind of thing a man would say,” she said lightly.

“James?” Laura looked at her closely. “Or are you talking about Matt?”

God, she couldn’t tell her she meant Brian. And she couldn’t say Matt. The last thing she wanted was to get Laura started on him.

“ Uh , James, yeah, but not as bluntly as that – I mean, he wouldn’t call me a bitch.”

It was ironic about Laura and Matt! Daisy had met him through the college film society, and it had been Matt who’d introduced Laura to Brian. Now, Laura hated Matt with a passion that Daisy couldn’t seem to manage. She wondered sometimes whether it’d be better if she could hate him, and worried that she was stuck in some sort of holding pattern. It was exhausting just thinking about it.

“So, I’m heading back down to Galway this weekend. Rosie’s twins are having their fifth birthday party. I’m hoping there’ll be wine.”

Laura arched an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to serve it to five-year-olds.”

Daisy grinned as her mobile phone started to ring. “Crap, where did I leave it?”

“Try your bag.” Laura reached over and handed it to her.

“Thanks.” Daisy groped around for a moment – it needed a major declutter. Her hand closed around the phone and she pulled it out to check the caller ID.

Oh God, it was Matt.