‘Mel! That’s impossible! You just said that yourself. We have a child . . . and I don’t have a door . . . let alone a house!’ Tears welled in Grace’s eyes.

Mel looked sympathetic, but she said firmly, ‘See! There you go. Toughen up, Gracie. You’re going to war!’

*

Tina gave Melanie a hug as she and Grace walked into the house.

‘How lovely to see you. Thanks for taking Grace out there,’ she said, then turned to Grace. ‘Honey, a courier delivered something for you from your work.’

‘Oh, that’ll be the storyboards for the ad I’m shooting. Where’s Daisy?’

‘Painting. We found a second-hand easel at Vinnies. You know how she loves art. She’s been so miserable lately, I thought this might be something she can lose herself in. Much better than staring at a damned screen. She’s on the verandah.’

‘I’ll go and say hi,’ Melanie said.

‘You okay?’ Tina glanced at her daughter’s tense face. ‘Going back to the house must have been hard for you.’

‘Yes, it was. It’s all gone. Everything. The house. Lawrence.’ She drew a deep breath and said the words. ‘My marriage.’

Tina didn’t react. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’

They sat around the table at the far end of the verandah, watching Daisy paint.

‘So, Lawrence was living in his office?’ Melanie asked softly, so Daisy wouldn’t hear.

‘Yes. His choice. He actually said he was taking a hotel room to be close to his office. But he was living there. Now he’s trying to do some deal in India, apparently.’

‘Have you spoken with him about separating?’ asked Tina.

‘Not really. I told him I was leaving him after I found out about him trying to sell the flat. And walked out. He didn’t seem surprised,’ said Grace.

‘Is he likely to come here with flowers and try to woo you again?’ asked Tina.

‘No, Mum. I doubt it. Obviously, we’ll have to discuss things. Money seems to be a major problem.’

‘Let’s hope he pulls off some deal. Talks some poor sucker into investing,’ said Melanie. ‘Although if he does, he’ll probably hire the most expensive lawyer in town.’

‘Grace, you’ll need someone to represent you, too . . . I suppose Mr Jamison can cope for the moment,’ said Tina. ‘What’s the next move? I mean, are you sure about this, love?’

‘Yes!’ said Grace and Melanie in unison.

The three women lapsed into silence as the weight of the situation settled over them. Eventually, Melanie drank the last of her tea and glanced at her watch. ‘Well, I’m afraid I have to go. Thanks for the tea, Tina. Chin up, Gracie.’ She patted her friend’s hand and then turned to the little girl at the other end of the verandah. ‘Hey, Daisy, come and give me a hug. And can I see your painting before I go?’ she said.

Grace stood up and she and Tina followed Mel over to Daisy. ‘I’d better go look at those storyboards; we’re shooting in a couple of days. Thank goodness the location’s not far away.’