Page 23 of The Only Way Is Up

Daisy hesitated. ‘No. The school headmaster, a guy called Tom – he turned up just after I got your call and found me having a meltdown. But I didn’t tell him why. Well, not really.’

‘Can you trust him? I can give him a call if you like.’

Daisy thought about it for a second. Did she trust Tom? Was he likely to be on the phone to the tabloids right now, telling them what he’d seen? Her gut said no, he wasn’t the type. But then her gut had also told her Christian was husband material – look how that had turned out. ‘No, it’s fine. I do trust him, actually.’

‘Because if—’

‘I know, Katie. He caught me in a vulnerable moment, but I’m not worried. I can speak to him myself if it makes you feel better.’

‘OK.’

‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’

‘Sleep well.’

Daisy knocked on Tom’s door, her coat wrapped tightly around her. It was only nine, so surely he would still be up? The lights were on, and his office window had been in darkness. She breathed out as footsteps sounded on the other side of the door, before it was pulled open.

‘Hi,’ Daisy greeted Tom with a weak smile.

‘Hi.’ Tom was wearing the same clothes as earlier – dark cords, a blue check shirt, a navy wool V-neck with a hole in the cuff. Probably moths.

‘Sorry to bother you,’ Daisy murmured. She had yet to look him in the eye.

‘It’s fine,’ said Tom softly. ‘Come in.’

‘No,’ Daisy said quickly. ‘I won’t, if that’s OK. I just wanted to say sorry for earlier and thank you for being so nice. You caught me having a bit of a moment.’

‘You don’t have to apologise,’ Tom leaned against the doorframe, his smile soft. Daisy smiled back as Henry appeared by his side, sniffing the air for treats. ‘I’m just glad you’re OK.’

‘It’s just—’ Daisy looked away. She felt awful about this conversation, but Katie was right and it needed to be said. Henry nuzzled her hand, the gesture comforting. ‘There are lots of people who would make quite a big deal out of that situation if they knew, and . . .’

Tom held up his hand. ‘It’s fine. I understand. I haven’t told anyone, and I promise not to. I would never do that.’

Daisy smiled gratefully and let out a slow breath. ‘Thank you. Please don’t be offended, but I’ve been let down before.’

‘I know,’ said Tom. ‘It’s OK.’

She nodded. ‘Well, I’d better get back.’

‘I came round earlier to explain my behaviour,’ Tom said quickly before she could go. ‘Which I should have done two weeks ago – I chickened out. I’d still like to have that chance. When you’re up to it.’

Daisy hesitated. Tom had been kind earlier, and she could still feel the warmth of his broad chest as she leaned into him. She probably owed him this and yet . . .

‘I should get back and sort myself out,’ she said. ‘I look like shit.’

‘I wasn’t going to say anything,’ shrugged Tom. ‘But you really do. Pure shit.’

For a moment they were both still, then Daisy properly laughed for what felt like the first time in weeks.

‘Look, come in.’ Tom opened the door a little wider. ‘I’ll make us some tea.’

Daisy hesitated for a second, then nodded.

‘I used to be married.’ Tom squeaked out the words, like air being released from a balloon. ‘Until a few years ago. The end was incredibly difficult. I can’t really talk about it.’ He glanced up at Daisy, his face pale and desolate.

‘OK,’ Daisy said gently, wondering where he was going with this.

‘The thing is . . . you look like her. Tessa. A LOT like her. Same eyes, same face, same . . .’ He blushed and vaguely waved his hand in the direction of Daisy’s body, ‘er, shape.’