‘But I was saving the week up in case I needed it for the move.’ I take a deep breath. Is there a point in saving it? Taking it now would be more beneficial to me right at this moment.

‘Honestly, Amber, I’ll work something out with Henry when that eventuality arises: don’t worry. Take the time now. Please. I’m worried about you.’ Olive places her hand over mine. Fat tears drop onto it.

‘Sorry,’ I say, wiping them off with my sleeve cuff.

‘Don’t be.’

I can’t believe I’m crying in front of my boss. How embarrassing.

My phone pings. I make an excuse to go to the bathroom to sort myself out, then read Nick’s response.

I’m working until at least 8 but can come over after if you’re OK with that? N x

I reply straight away.

That’s fine. See you then.

At least the boys will be in bed at that time, so I’ll be able to talk to him uninterrupted. I’m no longer sure the conversation I was planning to have about him moving back and me going to Eastbourne is the one I’m going to have. For the moment, I don’t know what I want. Hopefully, seeing Nick later will somehow help me decide.

I’m either going to please Barb no end and break Richard’s heart, or, stick to the plan to try to make a new life for myself and the boys, and break Barb’s. Maybe Nick’s too. I did the pros and cons when I first made the decision. But that was before the events of this past month. Now, everything’s different.

Chapter Forty-Six

Amber

‘Leo’s been absolutely fine, Mrs Miller,’ Mr Welland says as soon as the children are out. Miss Emery is still off work, which is annoying. ‘He’s been bright as a button, no episodes of falling asleep. In fact, he’s been quite hyperactive!’

‘Do you mean disruptive?’ I ask, cautiously.

Mr Welland throws his head back and laughs. I gaze around to see if the other parents are looking; his laugh is so loud. ‘Oh dear, you’re quite the worrier, aren’t you?’

My muscles contract. How condescending does he want to be? ‘Miss Emery was the one who brought Leo’s behaviour to my attention, not the other way around. She made me feel as though there was something to worry about,’ I say. I hope he catches the offence I’ve taken by his comment in my tone.

‘I think Miss Emery has been having her own … um … problems to contend with lately. Maybe she over-reacted a little. Or it was merely a bump in the road for Leo and he’s over it now.’ He smiles. I’m unsure what to say in response. It’s quite unprofessional mentioning another teacher’s issues. And as a supply teacher, what does he know anyway?