Page 48 of Beneath the Quiet

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” She chuckles. “But no, thank you. That won’t be necessary. Colin’s not worth the attention.”

Glad that I’ve managed to turn the sombre mood into a more carefree one again, I turn down the lane to her cottage and come to a full stop. I glance outside, satisfied when I see the lights turn on. Must be motion sensors. I turn the overhead lights on in the cab so I can see Maeve more clearly.

She loosens her seatbelt and tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“Well, thank you for the lift. Even though I didn’t need it, I’m glad we talked.”

I smirk at her. “So am I. Goodnight, friend.”

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “Goodnight, Aidan. Thanks again for dinner.” She grabs the container and rattles it slightly. “I’ll bring this back when I come to visit Katie on Sunday.”

“Sure. See you then.”

She gives me one more smile before turning away to open the door. She slides down from the seat, and I watch her every movement as she shuts the door and rounds the front of the vehicle, somehow unable to tear my eyes away from the way she walks with confidence, her head held high. A woman’s walk shouldn’t keep me mesmerised, and yet I am.

After she’s pulled the latch on the low picket fence shut, she gives me a wave and walks up the gravelled path and up the two steps to her front door.

Only when she’s safely inside do I turn off the light in my car, put it in gear, and drive back home.

As I do, I tell myself that it’s a good thing I’m no longer attracted to my new friend.

That I’m not going to think about Maeve in a sexual way anymore, especially now that I know how much she got hurt in her last relationship.

It’s just a shame that, deep down, I know that all my reassurances are lies.

Chapter Fourteen

Maeve

Before I know it, it’s Sunday, and I’ve got a date with a twelve-year-old and her dad.

Just thinking about it almost makes me break out in a cold sweat, but I’m absolutely not going to text Aidan and come up with a stupid excuse to cancel. I don’t want to make a fuss about their invitation, but showing up on their doorstep without bringing even a small thing as a thank you gift feels off as well.

Or am I overthinking this?

I search my brain for ideas when I leave the station, but when my eyes catch sight of Roísin’s bakery, I lift my arm to check the time. I stop on the pavement, waiting for a group of mountain bikers to clear the road, and take out my mobile from my pocket.

ME: I’m picking up lunch from Roísin’s before coming to you. What would you like?

AIDAN (FARMER): Just need coffee and a fizzy drink for Katie. We’ve made plenty of sandwiches.

“Well, that’s annoying,” I murmur. “Annoying, but thoughtful.”

ME: Right, then I’ll get us something sweet instead. Any allergies I need to be aware of?

AIDAN (FARMER): Nope.

ME: See you soon.

AIDAN (FARMER): 👍.

I look first to my left, then my right, before I cross the street in a light jog. Just as I reach for the handle to the shop, the door opens, and Roísin comes out.

“Oh! Hi, Maeve.” She gives me a one-armed hug, her other balancing an enormous basket filled to the brim with stacks of papers.

“Hullo.” I point to her basket. “What are those?”

She grabs one of them and hands it to me. “Flyers.”