‘So, what about this guy who fell for you on your way to work?’ This was Maya’s idea of a joke.

‘You are terrible, you know that. His name is Finn and he was knocked down on a very busy road. He’s lucky to get away with just a concussion and a few cuts and bruises.’

‘It’s a bit extreme, if you ask me, throwing yourself into oncoming traffic just for a cup of coffee. Are you sure he isn’t some sort of stalker?’ She was making fun of Liv now, but it felt so good not to have to take life too seriously after the last few days.

‘Stop it.’ Liv was laughing so much, she had to put her cup down on the table. ‘And it was two cups of coffee, so there…’

‘Ooh, it’s serious so. When’s the big day?’ Maya started to hum the ‘Wedding March’.

‘No, seriously, he’s really nice, but…’

‘He’s asked you out to dinner, yes?’

‘Yes.’

‘And you’re single now, right?’ She didn’t wait for an answer. ‘And he sounds as if he’s at the very least already got a place to live, with an income, and if you’re to be believed, he’s not exactly Shrek to look at?’

‘Spot on – you’re right on all counts.’

‘Then it’s a good job I’m here to push you out the door on that date.’ Maya shoved her sister playfully but Liv had already made up her mind; she actually wanted to go out and enjoy herself for a night.

15

‘I‌’m perfectly entitled to mope if I want to,’ Liv said obstinately as Maya dragged the quilt off her.

‘Yes, but not for this long. And anyway, you’re due to go back to Dublin soon. How on earth do you think Mum and Dad are going to feel if they think you’re completely miserable? It won’t do either of them any good.’

‘Oh, God, you’re right, of course, you’re right.’ Liv groaned. It was enough to know their dad had to go and have an angiogram in the New Year; the last thing he needed was any added stress thanks to Eddie bloody Quirke, and Liv knew, she’d never forgive herself if she felt that she was the cause of it.

‘So, for today, just a long walk on the beach, then, it’s the village New Year’s Ball,’ Maya said, pulling out jeans and boots and dropping them on the bed for Liv.

‘Oh, no, there’s no way I can go to that, not with Eddie there, probably hanging out with Anya Hegarty.’ Even the thought of it made her heart sink. There was no way she could face the village; not yet, it was much too soon.

‘He won’t be there,’ Maya said flopping down on the bed while Liv pulled on her jeans and sweatshirt.