Page 95 of Plot Twist

‘Was he?’ I asked, my heart hurting. ‘I hope he starts to sleep a bit better soon.’

I leaned in for a big bear cuddle from Ivy. She smelled of chocolate and I breathed her in. Sweet, innocent and funny little Ivy would be better off with her family pieced back together. I knew that now. And even though saying goodbye to her hurt more than I ever thought it could, it was for the best.

Bridget’s eyes filled with tears when I looked up. I gathered Ellie into a hug first.

‘Good luck with everything over the next few days. Keep in touch and tell me everything. I want pictures and stories and videos every day,’ I said, wagging my finger at Ellie.

‘We will,’ Ellie promised.

Bridget nodded and tears spilled onto her cheeks. Ellie took Ivy by the hand and led her back to the car.

‘Are you sure you have to go?’ Bridget whispered in my ear as we cuddled. ‘Ivy will miss you so much. We all will.’

‘I’m sure,’ I replied, firmly.

I tried not to look back when I drove away.

I kept the music blasting the whole way along the motorway, reminding myself of everything I had to sort out when I got home.

The list consisted of:

Washing

Career

Head

Possible abnormal cells.

Drew was at the ferry port. He stood against the car looking into the distance as I approached and waved when he caught sight of me. I checked my reflection in the mirror; why did I still care whether my hair looked OK around him?

He wasn’t Mr Whippy any more. He wasn’t Mr Suave Boss Man either. He was broken. Missing Rae just as much as I was.

I got out of the car and walked to join him.

‘It feels like a million years ago since I arrived here,’ I said. ‘I can’t believe I’m going home.’

I stared at the seagulls dancing above the Irish Sea in the distance.

‘Are you going to tell me the story of the guy then? The one you left behind?’

‘Riley,’ I said.

‘Isn’t that a girl’s name?’ he asked.

I smiled, wistfully.

‘Nope, it’s a man’s name, too. And clearly is, in his case.’

‘Right. Well, are you guys together or what?’

‘What,’ I replied. ‘His ex turned up out of the blue. A bit like someone else I know.’

‘Bloody exes always getting in the way.’

‘You’re telling me.’

‘Why are you going home then? Is it because of his ex? You don’t want to stay and fight her for him?’