Page 99 of Lyrebird

‘Here we go,’ Donal smirks.

‘Ah now, hear me out.’

They settle.

‘It’s clear to see that you are enamoured with this young woman, Solomon.’ It takes him a few attempts to say enamoured, but he’s intent on using it. ‘And while Rory was wrong to do what he did, you wouldn’t feel this angry if it wasn’t for your feelings for her.’

‘Cormac Fallon, Spiddal’s Dr Phil,’ Solomon laughs it off.

‘He has a point,’ Donal says.

‘Pity she likes the wrong brother,’ Rory pipes up, and receives a knock on the head from Cormac.

‘Get off me, my head is pounding.’

‘Then shut up,’ Cormac says.

They chuckle, including Rory. This behaviour is so unlike their eldest brother.

‘Bo,’ Cormac continues, scrunching up his face. ‘I’m not convinced on you and Bo.’

‘I’m not convinced on you and Madeleine,’ Solomon says quickly, taking offence, then a slug of beer.

The others oooh and watch with interest.

‘You’re right,’ Cormac says solemnly, which receives a chuckle of surprise. ‘Sometimes I’m not convinced on me and Madeleine either.’

Rory picks up his phone and starts filming.

‘Stop being a dick,’ Cara says, slapping the back of his head. He drops the phone.

Cormac continues. ‘Madeleine is … sometimes I don’t even like Madeleine.’

They all laugh while Cormac attempts to stop them so he can finish.

‘But … but … listen. She is often the most annoying person in the world. And I want to strangle her. Or leave her. But even in the worst of times – and we’ve had a lot, especially lately … this fucking menopause thing. If I could leave her until it’s over, I would. I really would.’

They piss themselves laughing, but Cara shakes her head. ‘Unbelievable.’

‘But I couldn’t. Because even when I don’t like Madeleine, I fucking love Madeleine.’

Which is possibly the most twisted but romantic thing any of them has ever said about any of their partners.

‘Anyway, where was I?’ He tries to focus on Solomon, one eye closed to help. ‘You and Bo. I don’t think you’re right together. You’re not a good match.’

‘With all due respect, Cormac – and I appreciate that you care for me,’ Solomon says softly, ‘Bo and I aren’t for anybody else to think if we’re right.’

‘Of course!’ Cormac throws his hands up and splashes his bottle contents. He reaches out and pokes his beer-drenched finger in Solomon’s chest. ‘But do you think you’re right together? Solomon, this is life brother, there’s no harm, or shame in admitting something’s not working. Get out now while you can,’ he waves his hand dismissively. ‘I don’t know what you’re hanging on for.’

The next day, struggling with a mighty hangover, Solomon drives to Dublin thinking about everything Cormac and his siblings had said to him.

It had all made so much sense last night, he would break up with Bo. Cara had coached him on the right words, they’d spoken until the sun rose, but in the cold sober light of day, it terrifies him.

He turns on the radio to distract himself.

‘And in entertainment news it is unclear whether Lyrebird will take to the stage in StarrQuest’s live final. The contestant, whose real name is Laura Button, received two hundred and fifty million views on social media following her first audition, but last weekend she hit the headlines after a night out clubbing, leading to a media backlash. Jack Starr had this to say at a press conference with the finalists today.’

‘We’re very much hoping that Lyrebird will take part. It is of course up to her, and all of us at StarrQuest will give her the encouragement and support she needs.’