Rules of the Road
Contents ( 34)
The simple fact of the matter is that Iris loves life. Maybe she’s forgotten that. Sometimes that happens, doesn’t it? To the best of us? All I have to do is remind her of that one simple fact.
Tuesday morning starts like any other—until Terry discovers her best friend, Iris, has gone missing. Finding her takes Terry, Iris and Terry’s confused father, Eugene, on an extraordinary journey, one that will change all of their lives. And along the way, what should be the worst six days of Terry’s life turn into the best.
Because friendship teaches us all to be brave—and that sometimes the rules are made to be broken.
Praise for Rules of the Road
“Very funny, very moving and utterly unsentimental...as Terry discovers what makes life worth living.”
—Irish Times, a Best Book of the Summer pick
“Tender, funny, and heartbreaking... Ciara Geraghty is a wonderful writer.”
—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came Home
“For fans of Eleanor Oliphant and A Man Called Ove, Rules of the Road is a life-affirming book that anyone with a best friend should read.... Infused with warmth, humour and human understanding. An homage to life and fantastic friendships, this book will warm your heart.”
—Sunday Independent
“Rules of the Road had me laughing and crying on the same page... Such a talented writer.”
—Patricia Scanlan, #1 internationally bestselling author of Orange Blossom Days
“[Geraghty’s] books are beautifully written, and infused with warmth, humour and human understanding.”
—Irish Examiner
“Funny, gentle, compassionate and wise.”
—Anne Cunningham, Meath Chronicle
“Beautiful, touching... A poignant celebration of the power of friendship and how to live life your own way.”
—Phaedra Patrick, bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
Rules of the Road
Ciara Geraghty
Ciara Geraghty is the author of six bestselling novels, one novella and short stories. Her novels have been translated into several languages. With sponsorship from Screen Ireland, she is currently cowriting the screenplay for a film titled The Quiet Woman. Ciara lives in Dublin with her family. Rules of the Road is her seventh novel.
www.CiaraGeraghty.com
For my mother, Breda,
who gave me roots to grow.
And wings to fly.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
1
Signal your intent.
Iris Armstrong is missing.
That is to say, she is not where she is supposed to be.
I am trying not to worry. After all, Iris is a grown woman and can take care of herself better than most.
It’s true to say that I am a worrier. Ask my girls. Ask my husband. They’ll tell you that I’d worry if I had nothing to worry about. Which is, of course, an exaggeration, although I suppose it’s true to say that, if I had nothing to worry about, I might feel that I had overlooked something.