‘I’m grand thanks,’ Jo said. ‘I want to keep a clear head.’ That much was true. She had to pack and get organised and wrap her head around her impromptu trip away with a virtual stranger. Thankfully, they weren’t going far. Derry was nestled on the border with Donegal and Ewan was keen to explore Inishowen and the north of the county. They were places Jo was already quite familiar with, but nonetheless she wanted to do a little touristy research of her own before they set off.

She took off her jacket and sat down, her mother sitting down opposite her.

‘Did Clara settle okay?’ she asked her mother.

‘She did. She’s in your bed all cosied up. Mags read her bedtime story, so that was definitely an experience for her.’ Her mum gave a quick glance towards Mags and Jo couldn’t help but laugh. They were such a double act, and even if, at times, Mags could be a bit full on, she had a heart that was made of pure gold and she kept Jo’s mum in high spirits.

‘She’s a good wain,’ Auntie Mags said, her face solemn. ‘That wee pet. She’s lucky to have you all, you know. You’re good people. The best.’

‘Now, now, Mags. Don’t be getting emotional. We’re at least two gins away from that being an acceptable part of the evening,’ Jo’s mum laughed. ‘Or maybe we’re not? Jo, are you going to tell me how this evening went or keep me in suspense? I’ve been on my nerves all evening. These gins have been entirely medicinal.’

‘That’s true,’ Mags agreed. ‘And I’ve only been drinking to keep her company. It’s never good to drink alone,’ she said with a wink.

Jo pushed aside her feelings about how Lorcan had reacted. There were so many feelings there to unpack. Instead, she wanted to focus on the offer that Ewan had made her, even if telling her mum that he had thought she showed real talent made her blush furiously.

‘He thinks I have potential,’ she said. ‘Real potential.’

She watched as her mother beamed and Mags reached a hand out to squeeze her friend’s arm.

‘I knew it!’ her mother said, and Jo was sure that she could see tears forming in her eyes. ‘I bloody knew it!’

‘Oh, don’t cry, Mum. Because if you cry, I’ll cry.’

‘And I’ll cry too,’ Mags said. ‘And I’m told I’m not allowed to do that for at least another two gins.’

‘Okay, I won’t cry,’ Jo’s mum replied, ‘but that doesn’t stop me being proud. And I am prouder than ever! Do you believe in yourself now?’