I quirk a brow. “Do I want to know?”
“He said there was no way you’d get on the bike with Dil, but I knew you would, so we bet on it.” She nudges my shoulder, smiling. “Lunch is on me on Monday.”
“You’re lucky you won that bet.” I swipe at the dampness coating my cheeks. “Because it was definitely touch and go at the start.”
She repositions herself on my bed, sitting cross-legged. “I know you have a rebellious streak in you, Viv. It’s not obvious, unless you dig deep, but it’s there. You haven’t had a chance to let loose because of how you grew up and where you grew up, but you can be anyone you want to be here.” She touches my arm. “That’s the other reason I knew you were better suited to Dil and not Ro. He’ll help you embrace that inner part of yourself you’ve never explored.”
“Are you high right now?” I peer into her clear blue eyes.
She laughs before swinging her legs off the side of the bed. “Deny it all you want, but I know what I see.”
I roll my eyes because she’s clearly delusional. I don’t have a rebellious bone in my body.
“Ro will be here shortly to get the bus with me. Why don’t you come with us? You know Mum would love to see you. She was just asking me this week when you’re coming back for dinner.”
“Your mom is one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve met, and I hate saying no, but I’ll just be a Debbie Downer if I come. I’d rather eat ice cream in my pajamas while watching back-to-back romantic movies.”
Sympathy splays across her face, and I know I don’t need to explain it. Ash understands in a way most girls our age wouldn’t. “Don’t be too charitable. I’m guessing she’s hoping you’ll call your mum again so she can talk to her one more time.”
I grin despite my present heartache. “I have it on good authority that she’s about to receive a special care package from L.A. this week.”
“Get out!” Ash’s eyes widen.
“Don’t breathe a word. Mom wants it to be a surprise.”
She bounces on the bed, jostling the mattress. “What is it?”
“A bunch of DVDs, some signed promo shit, and Mom included some local L.A. produce. Candles, candy, skincare stuff, and God knows what else. Knowing Mom, she went to town.” Mom is delighted Ash’s family have taken me under their wing. I think it helps to reassure her knowing there is a mother figure in my life when I’m so far away.
“Oh my God. Mum is going to go crazy when that arrives.” She gives me another hug. “Thank you! And thank your mum from me.”
“You can thank her in July. My parents are flying over for a week in between work commitments. We’re planning on going to Cork and Kerry, and Mom said to ask you to come.”
“I would love to, provided I can get the time off work. I usually work longer hours during summer break.” She chews on the corner of her lip. “Do you think she’d have time to drop into my house? I think Mum would about die if she got to meet her in the flesh.”
“Mom has a pretty hectic schedule planned, but why don’t we get your mom over here for lunch the day they arrive?”
“That’s a brilliant idea. Message me the date, and I’ll make it happen. It’s a pity they aren’t coming in June. They could’ve come to Shane and Fiona’s wedding with you.” I was pleasantly surprised to receive a wedding invite last week. I can’t wait to experience an Irish wedding; I’ve heard they can be pretty wild. Ash said the hotel they are getting married at is in County Wexford and it’s gorgeous.
Ash glances at her cell, hopping up. “Shit. I need to get a move on, or I’ll miss the bus. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
“Positive. Tell everyone I said hi.” I grab my purse from my bedside table, rummaging through the contents. “Hang on a sec,” I call out. Finding my keys, I throw them to her. “Take my rental. Mom’s assistant got you added to the insurance. Just don’t wreck it. I know Dil isn’t the only O’Donoghue with a reckless streak.”
She squeals, racing across the room and yanking me into a fierce hug.
“Can’t breathe,” I croak, only half-joking.
“You are the most thoughtful, generous person I know. How did you even manage this?” She takes pity on me, letting me go.
“I snuck a copy of your driver’s license and sent it Moira. She did the rest.”