I look at the other messages, some from good friends expressing concern, mostly from people I know but haven’t seen for ages.Most are genuinely positive, expressing surprise or delight or congratulations.But it’s a weird feeling knowing they’re only contacting me because I’m connected to Tadhg.
And then a text from Tadhg appears.
Tadhg: I’m so sorry, Lol.Please ring me.I can explain everything.
He’s apologising.He can explain it.
He’s responsible for the story.
I feel like I might throw up.
I do not call Tadhg back.
Tadhg calls again.I let it ring out.
Then my phone starts vibrating again, and my parents’ landline number comes up on the caller ID, and I groan aloud because I know I have to answer this one.
‘Laurie!’I can hear the anxiety in my mother’s voice.‘Are you all right?Your dad and I saw this article about you and Tadhg Hennessy …’
I try not to sigh.‘I’m fine, Mam.Don’t worry about me.’
‘That article said you were homeless!’
‘I’m not!I’m still living with Katie and Jeanne.Seriously, this article is nonsense.I’m sorry you and Dad were worried.’
‘So you’re not working with Tadhg Hennessy?’
‘No, I am, but—’
‘Then it’s not all nonsense!’
‘The Cinderella stuff is nonsense!We’re just working together.It’s fine.’
Or it was.I don’t think it’s fine anymore.
‘So you’re not still unemployed then?’
I take a deep breath and remind myself my parents,with their public sector jobs, have never quite understood freelancing.
‘I was never unemployed, Mam.I was freelance.Iamfreelance.And I’ve got an agency contract lined up.’
‘So this thing with Tadhg Hennessy is a freelance job?’says my dad.My mother’s clearly put the phone on speaker.
‘Um, yes, exactly,’ I say.‘It’s just a short-term thing, then I’ll be back at an agency.’
‘Oh, thank goodness.What should I say if anyone asks about you?’says my mother.
Oh Christ, I hadn’t thought about this.‘Don’t talk about it to anyone you don’t know!If any strangers or anything get in touch, just tell them, um, no comment.And tell everyone else that it’s just a job, and it’s grand, and I’m grand.’
‘You’re sure you’re okay, Laurie?’says my mother.
‘I’m fine,’ I lie.‘I’m really sorry you were upset.’
‘We’re just worried about you, pet,’ says Dad and he really sounds it.
‘There’s no need!’I say.‘Look, I’d better go.Seriously, don’t worry.I’ll talk to you soon.’
I hang up and Katie hands me a cup of tea.Even though, God love her, Katie never puts in quite enough milk and always puts in too much sugar, I thank her and start drinking it.
