want.”
“Thanks Mum.”
“And be sure and enjoy yourselves and don’t worry about coming back early or anything,” Eva soothed. “It’s a Friday night, after all.”
“Don’t worry, Mum, we’re a bit old for the Temple Bar thing – well, I am anyway,” she added wryly, trying to remember the last time she was on a rip-roaring night out in the city. Not that she missed it.
“Just take your time and enjoy it – that’s all I’m saying,” Eva said. “Ellie will be fine with myself and your dad.”
“Well, I’d better start getting her ready then, not to mention myself. See you later OK?”
“And tell Leah I said congratulations, won’t you? Although make sure she gets a taxi home too. I don’t want that friend of yours trying to prove to everyone what a good driver she is after ten Barcardi and cokes.” Her mother’s infectious laughter trilled down the line and Olivia smiled. Eva knew Leah too well – and it would be just like her to try something like that.
She read Leah’s mobile number from the text message and tried phoning but the line was engaged. Leah was no doubt swinging from the grapevine at this stage, telling the good news to all and sundry. She might as well just send her a text then. “Celebrations good to go. Meet you later. Say where and when …”
It was a few minutes before Leah replied. “Fantastic. Meet you in Searson’s on Baggot St around six? Champers on me.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. Champers? Leah really was going all out tonight. She didn’t care what they drank, she was just looking forward to getting together with her friend for what would undoubtedly be a great night.
L ater that evening , Leah’s mobile rang just as she was putting the key in the front door of her apartment.
“Hi Eva,” she answered warmly, seeing the number displayed on the screen. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” Olivia’s mother said cheerily. “Olivia told me about the driving test and I’m thrilled for you. I just wanted to say enjoy yourselves tonight, but also to make sure Olivia does too and –”
“Thrilled?” Leah interrupted, startled. “Eva I failed - miserably. There’s nothing to be thrilled about.”
“What? But why on earth did you tell Olivia you passed it then?”
Leah frowned, confused. “I haven’t spoken to Olivia since last night when she rang to wish me good luck, but good luck must have gone on holiday.” She rolled her eyes. “What on earth would make her think I passed it?”
“But she said the two of you were going out for a celebratory drink in Dublin tonight. She said you’d sent her a text telling her you’d passed the test, and would she come up for a night out this evening. She wanted to know if I could take Ellie. She wouldn’t have made it up, surely?”
“She said I sent her a text?”
“Well I’m not completely certain, but I think she mentioned a text.”
“Eva I’ve been on a different planet most of today, but I’m one hundred per cent positive that I did not send Olivia a text asking her to come to Dublin tonight.” Although it sounded good, now that Leah thought of it. She could do with drowning her sorrows. “Where did she say she was meeting me?”
“She didn’t mention that. But, I’m a little concerned now. I know Olivia is a grown woman and she can do what she pleases, but why would she lie about meeting you?”
“Maybe she has a secret lover on the go?” Leah said dramatically, although she dismissed the thought as soon as she said it. Olivia wouldn’t have a secret lover; her friend wouldn’t have a lover full-stop. Peter had been the love of Olivia’s life and the only man she had ever wanted in her life. Still, it was all a bit strange.
Then Leah’s eyes widened as she thought of something. “Maybe she just presumed it was me?” she said, her mind racing as the possibility hit her. “Olivia never updates her phone, and I’ve changed my number since – maybe she got some kind of