“I’ve got tickets to the Impressionists exhibition.” Karen felt the heat of her phone against her palm and the agitation of Peter’s one-handed charade of eating as she spoke to Alice. “And Dad’s offering to take us to dinner at Verve even though he’s seen the prices. Surely you’re not going to pass on that?”

There was a moment of silence before Alice said wearily, “Mom, I’d love to but I can’t get away.”

Karen swallowed a tsk of frustration. “I’ve already cleared it with Nick and Dad’s lined up Rod’s nephew to cover your bar shift.”

“I have shifts at Jake’s and I don’t think you can pull any strings there.”

Karen didn’t miss the tartness in her daughter’s voice. “Sweetheart, we’re not interfering. We’re only trying to help. Libby says you’ve been sick and we thought a couple of days in Melbourne might be just what you need.”

“I’m fine. Stop worrying about me and go and enjoy your vacation. I’ll see you Friday afternoon.” The line went dead.

Karen put down her phone with a sigh. “She’s not coming.”

Peter shoulder checked and changed lanes. “Not even for Verve?”

“Not for Verve, not for Billy Elliot, not for the art gallery and not even for Shakespeare in the Park.” Karen stared out of the car window, her mind still on Alice, not the vista. “I don’t know what else to try. I’m completely out of ideas.”

“Perhaps the best thing to do is stop trying. Remember potty training? It turned into a battle of wills. You know how obstinate she can be.”

“She gets that from you!”

He shook his head indulgently. “Go ahead and believe that if that makes you feel better.”

“I’m worried about her.”

“Kaz, that isn’t news.”

“I just wish Alice had an ounce of Libby’s resilience to protect her, but you know she doesn’t. She’s too sensitive and takes everything to heart.” Karen worried at the cuticle on her thumb. “And just when I thought she’d finally found her feet both with her career and with Lawrence, he went and did a number on her always wobbly self-confidence.”

“She’s not a teen anymore,” Peter said firmly. “These days she’s more robust than you think. I mean, look at Barry Corica’s son. He’s never left home and can’t hold down a job. Despite Lawrence, Ally’s working and paying her way.”

“Cleaning boats is not working! She’s scared of life and hiding out in the bay instead of using her talents. I can’t help thinking if what happened to Libby had happened to Alice …” Karen shuddered. “She wouldn’t recover.”

Peter frowned. “You’re comparing apples with oranges. Besides, Libby has Nick.”