Because Grace was in love with someone else. She had been for a long time. And she could never do that to him. An occasional drunken kiss when she was feeling lonely was one thing. But falling for someone else was an unwritten rule they both followed. They’d been on and off for years. Their relationship always a secret. Because if anyone ever found out, there would be hell to pay.

Chapter Thirty-One

Relieved to be home at last after being stuck in Manchester rush-hour traffic for the better part of two hours, Grace kicked off her shoes. It had been a long day. Walking down the hall, she noticed the living room light on. Her heart leapt into her throat. After Jake and his mates had received the A Level results they needed, they’d all made plans to go on a massive boozy camping weekend. So, who the hell was in her house?

‘Jake? Are you home?’ she shouted anyway.

‘Yeah, Mum. In here.’

Sighing with relief, Grace walked into the living room to see Jake lying on the sofa.

‘What are you doing home, son? Why aren’t you in Wales?’

Jake shook his head. ‘Philly’s car broke down, and then Izzy and Oscar had a massive row and Oscar stormed off and now no one knows where he is. So, we’re going down tomorrow instead. Philly’s brother’s going to take us.’

‘Oh, God. Poor Izzy, she must be worried sick,’ she said as she moved his feet to sit on the end of the sofa with him.

‘It’s okay, Philly’s looking after her.’ He grinned. ‘And Siobhan Davies is going to come with us tomorrow now.’

Grace smiled. Jake had had a crush on Siobhan since he was eleven.

As they chatted, Grace noticed a photograph on the coffee table. She recognized its well-thumbed edges immediately. She must have spent hundreds of hours staring at that thing.

‘What’s this doing out?’ she asked, picking it up.

Jake shrugged. ‘I found it in the kitchen drawer when I was looking for some new batteries for the remote.’

‘I haven’t seen this for ages.’

‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before. You both look so happy,’ he said.

‘We were.’

Jake yawned. ‘I’m off to bed, Mum. See you in the morning,’ he said as he kissed her on the cheek.

‘Night, son.’