Nothing to Lose by Clare Lydon

Author:Clare Lydon [Lydon, Clare]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Custard Books
Published: 2016-06-12T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Scarlet met Eamonn at one of the few cafés that hadn’t been affected by the flood the next day. He gave her a hug as he sat down opposite her. “How are you?” he asked, scraping a hand across his grey-flecked stubble.

Scarlet gave him a brief smile. “Surprisingly okay,” she said. “Joy’s been brilliant and it’s been lovely getting to know her. I know the flood’s taken my home and your business, but that’s the one positive to come out of this — I’ve met some new people who I think I’ll stay friends with. Look on the bright side and all of that.”

The waitress appeared and they placed their orders of coffee and toasted teacakes, then Eamonn leaned back, assessing Scarlet. “Look on the bright side? That’s not the Scarlet I know and love. You never have a bright side.”

“I do,” Scarlet replied, affronted.

Eamonn laughed, a dimple showing on his left cheek as he did. “Nope,” he said. “You don’t. Ever. Ask Matt, he’ll back me up. Even when we were five-nil up against Bridgetown in the cup that time, you were still convinced we’d bugger it up somehow.”

“That’s got nothing to do with looking on the bright side. That’s just football.” Scarlet sat back and crossed her arms, trying not to bristle. It wasn’t working.

“No, that’s you,” Eamonn, said, still laughing. “But I have to say, I like this new Scarlet, this bright-side Scarlet.” He paused. “And you forgot the bit about the flood buggering up our wedding, too. Don’t forget that.”

Scarlet held up her index finger. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted to meet you.”

“And there was me thinking it was my inherent charm.”

“Ha ha,” Scarlet said. “As I said in my text, I might have the answer to your reception dilemma.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Don’t be so down on yourself, you just need them pinning.”

Eamonn gave her the look that deserved.

“Anyway, it’s Grasspoint, the old people’s home at the top of Fairbank.”

Eamonn tilted his head. “What’s that got to do with my wedding?”

“They’ve got a brand-new function room they’re planning to hire out for events, and it’s available. It was only finished two weeks ago, so you’d be the first user if you want it. You’d have to clear it with Celia first, the manager, but she didn’t seem to think it would be a problem.” Scarlet smiled at Eamonn. “So, have I brightened up your morning?”

Eamonn gave her a puzzled look. “You have, and it’s weird. You’re looking on the bright side and coming up with a solution to my massive problem. I could kiss you.”

Scarlet held up a hand, laughing. “You could, but I wouldn’t advise it,” she said. “Besides, Steph would kill me and I don’t want to get on her wrong side. I’ve seen her when she’s dragging you out of the pub.”

“Wise woman,” Eamonn replied, as their food and drink turned up.

Eamonn scoffed his teacake in five bites before Scarlet had even picked hers up, then quickly ordered another one. “They are so good,” he said, wiping butter from his chin.

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