The teasing came to a sudden halt when the phone rang.

Gloria, as always, got there first, hoping it was Mike. ‘Hello?’

‘Good evening, Mrs Regan. Could I speak with Zara? It’s Davey Lanigan.’

Gloria beckoned Zara over. Holding her hand over the receiver, she whispered, ‘It’s Davey Lanigan, Zara. Remember you’re still recovering, babe.’

Zara smiled and answered. ‘Davey?’

‘Zara, I called just to say how delighted I am that you’re . . . ’ He paused. ‘Er, well, that you’re alive.’ He hadn’t thought over his words before he made the call. The news that Zara was found alive was a relief, but on hearing that she’d been brutally disfigured, it had sickened him.

‘Thank you, Davey, thank you for everything. I know you did your best to find me and keep the business running in my absence.’

The silence seemed to linger, and Zara wondered if he was about to make a statement.

‘The business is, er . . . fine. I can carry on, and we can talk about the future once you’re well.’

She could tell he was holding something back. ‘What’s going on, Davey? Please tell me, or I won’t get back on my feet if I’m worrying.’

‘I didn’t call to talk about work.’

‘No, I know you didn’t, but tell me anyway. What’s going on?’

‘Okay’, he replied, ‘but not on the phone. How are you fixed for tomorrow lunchtime? I think it’s better discussed away from the public. Would it be convenient to come over to Mike’s parents’ home?’

Zara looked over at the dining room table where Arthur and Gloria were sipping the last of their wine. ‘Would it be okay if Davey Lanigan comes here tomorrow? Say, lunchtime?’

Arthur smiled and nodded his head. ‘Of course.’

Unexpectedly, Eric appeared. They hadn’t heard him come in through the back door, too intent on trying to listen to Zara’s conversation. It wasn’t for any reason other than to make sure she was okay.

Once she’d completed the call, she turned around, and as she sat down, she was surprised to see Eric seated at the table.

It wasn’t so much that he was there, it was his appearance. His hair was cut short similar to Mike’s, and instead of his T-shirt and jeans, he wore a fresh white button-down shirt and black trousers. She had to blink because for a moment she thought it was Mike.

Even Gloria was surprised and had to remark, ‘So, off out with anyone special, Son?’

‘No! Christ, can’t a man wear a decent shirt without someone suggesting there’s a date involved?’ Instantly, he realized how harsh and childish he sounded.

But the tension wasn’t lost on Gloria. She arched her brow, and then her eyes flicked to Zara. Zara looked equally troubled but for a different reason.

‘Are you okay, love?’ asked Gloria, somewhat concerned.