‘I just want to see him,’ Valerie implored.

‘It’s just not right,’ Bridie said to Maisie, ignoring Valerie completely.

‘Grammy, will you stop being mental for five minutes, please?’ Valerie said, walking up to her grandmother. ‘Please? Because I just need to know.’

‘Know what, love?’ Bridie said, to the girl standing in front of her.

‘That I’ll be OK, Grammy.’ Valerie’s voice was laced with pain.

Bridie looked at her granddaughter and, for a second, the light returned to her eyes. She smiled at Valerie. ‘You are OK, love. You’re more than OK. You’re brilliant.’

‘That’s not what you and my ma say all the time.’

‘What?’ Maisie said. ‘Of course we do, love.’ She stood up. ‘We think you’re the funniest, smartest kid we’ve ever known.’

‘No, ya don’t.’

‘Valerie Bean, I know that sometimes I’m harsh on ya but that’s only because you shine so bright that sometimes you can blind people.’

‘That doesn’t make any sense, Ma.’

Maisie walked over to her and sat on the table, putting her feet on the chair. ‘You think of things and see things that other people never do. You put things together in your head quicker than anyone else in the room and say how you feel. You always have an opinion and you’re not afraid of anything. While you’re a kid, sometimes I need to hold you back a little, but when you’re older and you really know yourself, there will be no stopping you. You’re special, Valerie Bean.’ Maisie was crying and ruining her make-up.

‘I agree with the lady,’ Bridie murmured.

Valerie hugged her mother. ‘Do you really think so, Ma?’ she whispered into her mother’s ear.

‘I really do love you, and I’m so sorry you didn’t know that.’

Valerie and Maisie were hugging when Fred entered with Lynn.

‘I know you,’ Bridie said to Lynn. She was pleased to see her.

‘“I know you,” she says! You’ve nearly given me two fuckin’ heart attacks!’ Lynn shouted.

‘There’s no need to raise your voice, love,’ Bridie grumbled.

‘I’m so sorry, Maisie.’

Maisie pulled away from Valerie, kissing her on the top of her head. ‘It’s fine. I was more worried about you.’

‘It was less than three minutes.’

‘I know.’ Maisie hugged her old friend, then drew away and pulled out a mirror from her handbag. There were only a few minutes to go before she was on. ‘How do I look?’ she asked, as she fixed her make-up.

‘Beautiful,’ Valerie said.

Fred put out his arm and she linked it. ‘Showtime.’

She felt wobbly going up the stairs. Her mouth was dry and her stomach gurgled. Please don’t explode on the stage.