“In case you’ve forgotten,” Jasmine drawled, “I’m seventeen years old, so I can do what I like . . .”

“Don’t let’s argue about it . . .”

“I’m not, I’m just saying, we can’t go on hiding ourselves away . . .”

“We’re not hiding, but we do have . . .”

“I’m not listening to any more of this. We’ve done everything your way, to make you feel safe, well you’re OK now so it’s time we lived our lives like normal people.”

A wave of panic was rising through Claudia, cutting off her breath, and her words. She tried to speak, but her throat was constricted and sweat was starting to bead on her skin.

Suddenly realizing what was happening, Jasmine grabbed her hands. “It’s OK, you’re fine,” she murmured urgently. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean . . . Just breathe, in, out. That’s it. And again. I’m coming home with you so you don’t need to worry. Everything’s fine.”

Blowing out some air, Claudia shook her head. “It’s passing,” she said, certain it was. “Is anyone watching?”

“No. Shall I get you some water?”

“No. I just need to go home. You stay. You’re right, I have to stop . . .”

“I’m coming with you. I can always sleep over another time. Best smile now, someone’s coming our way.”

It turned out to be a couple they’d met earlier wanting to say goodnight, and soon others started to drift away too.

“I’ll get our coats,” Jasmine said. “You go and round up Nana.”

Claudia found her mother near the kitchen with Henry and two others whose names she’d forgotten. Seeing her coming, Marcy put down her empty glass and said, “There you are. Is everything all right?”

“Of course,” Claudia assured her, “I just thought it was time we were going.”

“OK, if you say so, but you seemed to be getting along so well with Dan the last time I looked . . . Where is he?” As she turned to search for him Claudia said quietly, “Mum, don’t,” and putting on a bright smile she thrust out a hand to shake Henry’s. “It was lovely to meet you,” she told him in her friendliest tone.

“My pleasure,” he assured her, but she could see from the way he regarded her that he’d picked up on her misgivings. She didn’t want to make him feel awkward, or worried, or in any way reluctant to be friends with her mother, but at the same time she didn’t want him in their lives.

“So, what happened?” Marcy asked as they started the drive home. “And don’t say nothing, because I can tell that it did.”

“She freaked out,” Jasmine said from the back seat. “Or she was on the brink of it, anyway.”

Marcy glanced at Claudia in the darkness. “What brought it on?” she asked gently.