Elle gave a silent sigh of exasperation. Was she really having this conversation? ‘Okay, we won’t leave any of you behind.’

Good, Gran said, in a tone that dismissed any further discussion on the subject.

Maybe there was still time to book in a quick session with a psychologist before she flew out. But what if they found out she was, in fact, unstable? Would they let her leave the country? On second thoughts, maybe it was best not to.

SIX

Six

‘So, let me get this straight,’ Lilly said. ‘You’ve booked a ticket to fly to Scotland, just like that. Out of the blue?’

‘Technically it’s not out of the blue. You know I’ve been planning this for ages.’

‘Ah, yeah,’ Lilly replied doubtfully, ‘but you haven’t ever done more than talk about it. I just figured you never would.’

‘Well, now I am.’

‘Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for it. I think it’s awesome, I just don’t understand what finally made you do it.’

‘I told you, Gran left the money and I promised her I would.’

‘Yeah, but I was talking to you the day before yesterday and you didn’t say that you were about even thinking about it.’

Elle shrugged offhandedly. ‘Things changed.’

‘What things?’ Lilly asked, watching Elle closely.

‘Why is everyone suddenly so invested in my life choices?’ Elle snapped, and then was instantly sorry when she saw the surprised hurt on her friend’s face. ‘Sorry. I’m still recovering from this afternoon’s discussion,’ she said.

‘You know that’s just how your mum is,’ Lilly said calmly. ‘She loves you, and I think this is just her way of trying to point you in what she thinks is the right direction.’

‘Yeah, I know.’ Lilly didn’t have to elaborate. Her own mother had been a messed-up piece of work—too drunk to care for a child properly, and Lilly had pretty much raised herself. Her mum had kicked her out of home after a huge fight and then left town only two weeks after Lilly had Rose. She hadn’t even bothered to see her grandchild and hadn’t spoken to Lilly since. Gran had taken Lilly in after she’d left home, and helped her to find a place of her own after the baby was born, and for that, Lilly had adored Gran almost as much as Elle had.