It Was Only Ever You by Kate Kerrigan Page A

again at her beautiful outfit.
    ‘Won’t you sit down?’ Dermot Dolan appeared next to her. ‘It’s Ava Brogan, isn’t it?’ he said. ‘I think we’ve met before.’
    Dermot was an ordinary-looking man, not at all like his dashing brother. He was also stout, a few inches shorter than she was, with a large, soft face, full of good humour and warmth. He was certainly not handsome, but he seemed kind, and Ava was relieved. He looked like the sort of man it might be fun to have lunch with.
    Ava saw something in his eyes, too, that she had not seen in any man before. A sparkle that said he found her attractive. Inside, she smiled – a broad, triumphant smile. On the outside, however, she fought to keep her face aloof and somewhat imperious. She was in a Grace Kelly suit and she was going to play this ice-princess cool. That was the way to get a man. At least, that was what Myrtle always said. Ava hadn’t a clue herself.
    ‘Have we?’ she said, raising one eyebrow slightly before sitting down. ‘I really can’t remember.’ He looked crestfallen and Ava felt bad and quickly said, ‘Oh yes, I remember you now,’ even though she didn’t. ‘You’re a lawyer, aren’t you?’ For once she was glad of her mother’s eligibility briefings.
    Dermot pulled her chair out and once he was sitting next to her he let out a large sigh saying, ‘Ah – that’s better. We’re the same height at last!’
    Even though she was trying to play it cool, Ava could not help but let out a loud, impulsive laugh. Immediately she regretted it, thinking he might think she was laughing at him.
    ‘I’m sorry,’ she said.
    ‘No need to apologize,’ he said. ‘Thankfully my ego is as diminutive as my body.’ Which made her laugh again.
    ‘You have a beautiful laugh,’ he said. Nobody had ever said anything like that to her before. Ava thought it was strange, but also sort of wonderful.
    ‘Would you like a cigarette?’ Dermot’s younger brother Niall sat down on the other side of her and held out a box of Lucky Strikes. Ava did not especially enjoy smoking, but she took one anyway. Dermot had his lighter ready and clicked it before Niall had the chance to strike a match.
    Niall gave Dermot a murderous look. Was it possible her new look had engaged Niall’s interest too?
    ‘There’s a really fantastic band booked for later, Ava. They’ll be coming on after all the old folks have gone to bed – it should be a blast.’
    ‘Fool,’ Dermot said. ‘Does Ava look like a teenybopper jiver to you? She’s a sophisticated lady – a woman of taste, am I right?’
    Ava took a drag of her cigarette and smiled at him sideways. She could feel the excitement bubble up through her. Was it really possible that two of the most eligible brothers in the room were fighting for her attention?
    ‘Ava and I know each other, actually,’ Niall said. ‘We are regular dance partners, isn’t that right, Ava?’
    Ava smiled and nodded – enigmatically, she hoped. She was enjoying this. How she wished Myrtle was here to witness her debut as a flirt.
    ‘All girls love to dance, Dermot, and if you didn’t have two left feet you might know that.’
    Dermot blushed, and set his chin defensively at his brother.
    ‘I can waltz,’ he said, and then turning to Ava explained, ‘That’s the only dance a true gentleman needs. It is the dance of romance.’
    ‘Back in the eighteen hundreds maybe,’ Niall said, winking at Ava. ‘Dermot has broken more bridesmaids’ toes than I’ve done the jitterbug!’
    Then another young man butted in from across the table, ‘Lots of rock and very little roll – that’s what they say about Dermot Dolan!’ And another joined in: ‘Remember the time you twisted your back pulling Mary Murphy under your legs at Josie Kane’s wedding?’ The whole table laughed.
    Dermot was red-faced with embarrassment and mumbled to her, ‘I’m afraid dancing is not my forte.’ Ava decided that she definitely liked him. There