A week later Sheelagh and Patrick met up in the park. Sheelagh had arrived first and was waiting for Patrick to arrive. She was standing on the bridge looking at the water. Patrick crept up behind her and covered her eyes with his hands. Sheelagh jumped then grabbed his wrists and pulled his hands away from her eyes. Patrick stood next to her.
"I thought you were Des." Sheelagh laughed.
"Why?"
"Because that's the kind of thing he'd do."
"Would you have kissed me if I had turned round?" Patrick asked sneakily.
"I dunno."
"Are you and Des okay?" Patrick asked.
"Of course." Sheelagh said unconvincingly. "Anyway, we're here to talk about you."
"Not a drop." Patrick exclaimed proudly.
Sheelagh smiled at him. "I knew you'd be okay. Just keep off it, yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. I've got to go." Sheelagh turned to go but Patrick caught her arm.
"Thanks Sheelagh." he said.
"Don't rely on me Patrick." Sheelagh replied. "Do this for you."
"I am, and for the kids."
Sheelagh smiled and said, "I've really gotta go now."
"Yeah, sorry." Patrick let go of her arm. "See you then."
"Yeah. Bye." Sheelagh walked off leaving Patrick watching her go.
When she got home she found Des sitting at the kitchen table with his head in his hands.
"What's the matter Des?" she asked, putting her hand on his shoulder.
Des lifted his head up and opened his arms, allowing her to sit on his knee. "Nothing," he said into her hair when she had sat down.
"You sure?" She leant on him.
"Yep."
"Good. I don't want you to be upset."
They sat like that until Sheelagh's children came back.
"Hello." They said simultaneously as they entered the kitchen.
"Hiya." Des and Sheelagh replied.
Later that night when they were in bed, Sheelagh tried to kiss Des but he pulled away before their lips made contact.
"I'm too tired. Another time." Des said before he turned away and lay down.