‘Shit. I’m sorry Mom. I gather it’s going to be soon – it’s a small town after all. People will find out that I’ve left him, they’ll talk, and he’ll find us. It’s inevitable. I’ll just call the police or Billy every time he shows up. Billy is basically around the corner and has already volunteered to come around whenever we need him. He’s been so sweet.’ She felt the beat of desire again and was embarrassed. She must have blushed again because her mom said, ‘Ness, it’s OK to like someone else. You know I’d love to see you happy and if Billy is the one to do it, then I’m ecstatic for you. In the meantime, is there anything that I can do for you, honey? You know, to help out?’

Vanessa had been wondering how to bring this particular topic up, so her mom bringing the question up eased Vanessa’s burden. ‘Actually, yes. I’m going to try to get a part-time job so it’d be a huge help if you could watch Ty and Wren after school. Would that be OK?’ She looked at her mom with apprehension, saying her words quickly out of habit before she was cut off.

‘I would love that!’ her mother said immediately, and Vanessa felt another huge weight lift from her shoulders. Soon she would float away if not anchored to the ground.

Eventually, she had to come back down to Earth, but not today. ‘I’ve got Billy coming over at eleven for a thank-you coffee and choc-mint muffins. The oven works great.’ She was trying to bury the hint, but her mom picked it up quickly.

‘Oh, I see. Well, I guess I’d better get going so you can get ready for your date,’ she said with a cheeky grin.

‘Mom! It’s not a date, just a thank you.’ But she was still blushing, heat flaming her face.

‘Just remember, it’s not cheating – you’ve left him.’

‘He’s just a friend from school.’ Even to her the lie sounded wrong. Her priority for the past ten years had been Wren; she was not used to looking forward to something for herself. It was an unfamiliar feeling, and she felt a pang of longing.

‘OK, I’m heading off now, have fun and say hi for me.’ Vanessa’s mother gave her daughter a wink before showing herself out the door.

Vanessa set out the muffins on a plate and boiled the kettle, ready for the coffee that she had promised Billy. Her phone vibrated on the kitchen bench where she had left it last night.

‘Is that Dad?’ Wren asked, seeming to hold Ty tighter in his arms as he sat on the worn wooden chair at the kitchen table.