‘How dare you say that? Do you know how much I always wanted a daughter?’

‘Yes, I do. You never stopped going on about it when you were giving out to us about our muddy football boots or our smelly, messy rooms. “If I had a daughter, I wouldn’t have this mess.” You would, you know. I have two daughters and I have never seen such mess.’

‘Your daughters are wonderful.’

‘I agree. And they love you, their grandmother. You found it in you to love them, didn’t you? Even though they’re not our flesh and blood? Can’t you find some feeling for Eliza? Even sympathy?’

‘Don’t you even begin to compare her to them. It’s a completely different situation. This Eliza could destroy our family forever. Ruin everything.’

‘This Eliza is a person, Ma. If you don’t contact her, then I will. I’m going to talk to her again, whether you like it or not.’

He had walked out on his mother then. Something he had never done before. He hadn’t told Dervla any of it, either. That was also a first. Later that evening, he’d received a text message from his mother.

She will be at my apartment at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Sheila hadn’t named Eliza. She hadn’t invited him. But they both knew without saying that he was going to be there too.

He checked his watch once more. Eight-forty. He couldn’t wait any longer. He’d go to his mother’s apartment now.

Chapter Thirty-six

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Eliza was at Sheila’s front door at five minutes to nine. Sheila opened it before Eliza had a chance to ring the bell. Eliza was surprised to see Emmet in the hallway behind his mother.

Sheila looked tired. Her eyes were red-rimmed.

‘Emmet knows everything now too,’ Sheila said flatly. ‘I didn’t want him here, but he insisted.’

‘Good morning, Eliza,’ he said. He smiled. She could see he was trying to make it easier for her. She said good morning in return.

‘Follow me,’ Sheila said. Her back was ramrod straight. They went into the living room. It was a dull morning. The standard lamp was on.

‘Please, sit down,’ Sheila said.

Emmet sat too. ‘Eliza, I can only imagine —’

‘I’ll handle this, Emmet, thank you.’ Sheila said with a sharp glance. ‘This has come as a shock to me, Eliza, as you know.’

‘Ma, in fairness, I think it’s Eliza who’s had the biggest shock.’

‘I asked you to be quiet, Emmet.’

Eliza stood. ‘If this is a bad time, if you both need to talk more —’