‘I passed by earlier and saw the queue. All those people wanting something or complaining about something. I wouldn’t be able to handle it.’

‘Says the woman who handles a class of children five days a week.’

‘But if they don’t behave, I can call their parents.’

‘To be honest with you, most people in Kilmitten are grand. Later on, I’m going to the official opening of the new community centre in Danganstown and, no lie, they’re the worst moaners in the county. I’ll be lucky to escape before midnight.’ He sipped his coffee. ‘Your father was in to me a couple of weeks back giving out about the state of the road near O’Rahilly’s Cross. “Somebody’s going to drown in those potholes,” he said, “and it’ll be too late to fix the problem then.”’

‘That sounds like Dad. I don’t know how Mam puts up with his obsessions. I suppose she lets a lot go over her head. I hope you reminded him that you’re not a county councillor.’

‘I did not. I can’t go throwing away votes. Anyway, believe it or not, I like that part of the job: talking to people, seeing what I can do to help them.’ Tom stopped. ‘Would you listen to me? I sound like I’m being interviewed for Miss Ireland.’

‘But you’re so good at the other stuff,’ said Nina. ‘I’ve seen a couple of your speeches, and you’re far more convincing than most of the chancers in Leinster House.’

‘Thanks, only sometimes that carry-on reminds me of a slightly more grown-up school debate.’

‘Seriously?’

‘Don’t get me wrong, there’s a certain thrill from being up on the stage, jousting with the big boys. But at the same time I always feel like I’d rather be down the back of the hall, hanging out with the gang. Does that sound daft?’

‘Not at all,’ she said.

It occurred to Tom that this wasn’t a conversation he could have with Vanessa. She’d find it troubling. No, not just troubling. She’d find it impossible to understand. He couldn’t explain that some days he felt as if he was winning a race he hadn’t wanted to enter. It would sound ungrateful and, in his world, there was no sin as heinous as ingratitude. Slightly embarrassed by this burst of candour, he drained his coffee.

Nina took the hint. ‘I’d better let you go. You wouldn’t want to keep the voters of Danganstown waiting.’

‘They’d never forgive me.’

They both got to their feet. Nina insisted on paying. Tom took one pace towards the door, then turned around. ‘Sorry. I meant to say I enjoyed the chat.’

She smiled. How well he knew that smile. ‘Me too, Tom,’ she said. ‘Me too.’

Chapter 32