‘Matt? Yes, he came in for a break, and he bathed Ezra. They had a right old time up there. Took me a while to clear up, but I’ve never heard Ezra laugh so much.’ Hailey gave an indulgent smile. ‘He’s such a good dad, isn’t he? Don’t you wish we’d had a dad like that?’ A lump formed in Sara’s throat and she couldn’t say anything. Hailey seemed oblivious and carried on. ‘He’s just gone back out to do some more work, he said. Make up for lost time. It’s such a juggling act for him now you’re out working.’

Sara pulled off her wet shoes while she tried to formulate a fitting response. Hailey was making it sound like Matt was doing everything, with no regard for her input and sacrifices. She could feel her temper rising and went to put her shoes in the hall while she calmed down.

‘Hey,’ she heard Hailey say to the girls when they walked into the lounge. ‘Good session?’

Sara hurried into the room after them, determined to assert herself a bit more. She felt she was becoming invisible even to her sister. ‘I’m so impressed, Hailey. You should have seen them.’ She gave a wry smile. ‘Obviously take after their father.’

‘We’re both in the first team, Auntie Hailey,’ Sophia said, the excitement clear in her voice. ‘The usual goalie dislocated a finger on Saturday, so I get to take her place.’

‘And I’m going to be in defence,’ Amelia said. ‘Coach said my tackles were awesome tonight. Didn’t he, Mum?’

‘He did, and they were.’ Sara looked at the girls, clapped her hands. ‘Right, you two, go and get showers. Football kit in the washing machine, okay? I don’t want it dumped in the bathroom.’

The girls wandered off and Sara sat down next to her sister. A shiver ran through her and she wrapped her arms round her chest. ‘I’m bloody freezing.’ She glanced at Hailey. ‘In fact, I might just nip up and get a shower myself to warm up. If I’m not quick, they’ll have used all the hot water. Why they couldn’t have had a shower at the club like everyone else, I’ve no idea. But they were adamant they didn’t want to.’

Hailey shrugged. ‘They always have done when I’ve been there.’

‘I think there must have been a falling-out or something. Maybe a bit of jealousy from some of the other girls that they’re both in the team.’

Sara was about to go and get her shower when she remembered about the following Thursday. Her evening out with James and the clash with football practice.