‘Well, if you’re all right by Davey, you’re all right by us,’ Francie said. The venue was getting busy. Juliet could feel the heat of the crowd and hear the noise increase; voices leaked through the walls, stamping feet vibrated on the ground. She knew enough to know it was going to be a full house. Jason turned the corner with a few litre bottles of water and threw them at the lads. ‘Drink up, we’re on in ten.’

‘This is Jason,’ Davey said to Juliet, ‘he’s singing for us.’

‘Hiya, Jason,’ Juliet said. ‘I hope you don’t mess this up – it’s for me ma.’

He shook her hand. ‘I will do my very best, Juliet.’

She heard Marjorie’s voice before she saw her.

‘Well, well, well . . .’

She turned. ‘Marjorie!’ she screeched, and Marjorie took her in her arms and hugged her tight.

‘I missed you, little pal,’ Marjorie said.

‘Missed you too, Marj.’

Davey pushed forward. ‘You knew about this and you didn’t tell me?’

‘I was sworn to secrecy,’ she said, as they hugged.

‘I’m going to kill you.’

‘She’s gone a year – we needed to mark it.’

‘No better way,’ he said.

‘Five minutes,’ Louis called.

‘We should give them some room,’ Marjorie said. ‘Good luck, lads.’

‘Cheers, Marj.’

Juliet walked out into the packed house between Marjorie and Kyle, and for the first time since her mother died she felt real happiness, without guilt. She felt at peace.

Oh no.

Chapter Fifty-One: Molly

Chapter Fifty-One

Molly

GRACE WAS STARING INTO space when Molly walked onto the ward. Lenny was by her side reading a newspaper.

‘She looks good,’ Molly said, leaning down to hug Lenny. ‘Good colour in her face.’

‘She is good, Molly.’

‘Hiya, Ma,’ Grace said, refocusing.

‘How are you feeling, love?’

‘Like I’ve been put through a washing machine.’

‘How’s your pain?’

‘Fine, if I don’t move anything . . .’ she said, urgently pressing her button. ‘Where’s Da?’

‘He’s minding Juliet,’ Molly lied.

‘Right.’

‘He sends his love, though.’

‘Right.’

‘Have the kids been in?’

‘They’ve just left,’ Grace said.

‘Were they all right?’

‘They were fine – quiet, even Ryan.’

‘Stephen’s taken them off to the gig,’ Lenny said.

‘Ah good, that’ll be a distraction. Have you been up on your feet yet, Grace?’

‘No, Ma, tomorrow. I have a catheter.’

‘Not for long, though,’ Molly said. Lenny gave her his seat and buzzed off to find another one. The light was low and aside from the smell of antiseptic, it was a calm enough environment, not like when Rabbit was in hospital and everyone around her was deathly ill. There was a combination of smells, a terrible angst and lethargy in those wards, that made Molly feel nauseous.

Lenny reappeared with a chair and sat down.