Greta rearranged her back cushion. Logged on. She always worked on Saturdays, and took Tuesdays off, to shop and meet friends when the town was quieter, but now, because of Noelline’s message, she was behind before she had started, and all she could do was think about the babies. Isaac and Noah – trendy little names, and there had been no reference to Jeff’s mother, Moira, and his late dad, only to the other grandparents. The new in-laws.

Oh for God’s sake, woman, stop it, leave it be.

She wished Noelline had never butted in, all concern, to tell her about it, ‘thought you would want to know’ while probably smirking behind her hand.

Fourteen

‘Shakes or ice cream?’

Mia rolled her eyes, Amelie shook her head. ‘Can’t, I’ve got to buy some shampoo and then I’m broke.’

‘Doesn’t your mum buy that?’

‘Used to but now it’s got to come out of my allowance.’

‘What else did you spend it on?’

But Olivia interrupted. ‘I’m paying for the desserts, you just have to buy your own pizzas. I think I want a vanilla shake with cream and chocolate sprinkles.’

‘You sure, Liv?’

‘Would I offer?’

‘OK, can I have a double salted caramel with cream and caramel drizzle?’

‘Amelie?’

‘Banana pancake please, with banana ice cream.’

‘Pancake after pizza?’

‘It doesn’t cost any more.’

‘Thinking of your waistline.’

But they were all slender, all energetic dancers and sports players.

‘That’s over fifteen pounds, Liv.’

‘It’s OK, Mum gave me twenty.’

‘Love your mum! Are we going into Venables after? I need to look at boots.’

‘Need to?’

‘Birthday in three weeks.’

‘Yeah, I’ll come with you, they’ll have had new stock, we can try on.’

‘I can’t, I’ve got to meet my dad, sorry.’

‘Didn’t think you saw your dad outside Christmas.’

Olivia was ordering and didn’t answer, but when she turned round, Mia said it again.

‘Yeah, I see him now. Sometimes.’

‘Is it . . . OK?’

A shrug.

‘Must be weird though. His wife’s only a year older than Bethany. Can’t imagine my sister being married to a bloke as old as your dad.’

‘Are you going in for “Strictly Bevham”?’

‘No. Listen, sorry, I didn’t mean to poke my nose in.’

‘It’s OK. I think it’ll be rubbish, not worth the trouble. Mrs Palmer isn’t interested, she said anyone wanting to enter does it off her own bat.’

‘Well, she would, she isn’t the Queen Bee so it’s of no interest. She is actually a good dance teacher or I wouldn’t still be going but she’s such a snob.’

‘I’ve never actually had a pupil who lived in Bevham.’

The desserts came.

‘Oh. My. God, will you look at that! Thanks so much, Liv . . .’

‘Thank your mum.’