‘I just wanted to check you’re okay having someone else in the house. I’ve also asked her to keep an eye on you and make sure you’re doing your homework and not just playing video games,’ she added with a grin.

‘Mum! Don’t worry, I’m fine!’

‘I know you are, I just wanted to check in, that’s all.’

‘So, have you found someone?’

‘Yes, her name is Lucy. I think you’ll really like her.’

Joshua nodded again, and she could see he was already losing interest in the topic.

She decided to change the subject. ‘Are you ready to go back to sixth form?’ Claire had worried that Joshua might get bored during the summer holidays but, if anything, the break had done him good. He’d gone for a week away on his first boys’ holiday. Claire hadn’t really wanted him to go but Chris had persuaded her. Said it was important to give him the freedom he needed and in the end she couldn’t say no, not when all his mates were going as well. As Chris had predicted, Joshua had come back happy and relaxed and Claire felt nostalgic for the family holidays they used to take, desperately hoping that she would still have a few more to look forward to in the future.

‘I s’pose,’ replied Joshua feigning boredom, but Claire knew he secretly loved it even with the workload. ‘I might go over to Mark’s tonight,’ continued Joshua picking his phone back up.

‘Okay, love. What will you do for dinner?’

‘We’ll get something, Mum,’ he replied, sitting up on his bed. Claire knew that probably meant a McDonald’s meal and made a mental note to make him a sandwich before he left.

‘Okay, well, I’ll leave you to it. You’re sure you’re okay with me going back to work full-time?’ she asked.

Joshua rolled his eyes. ‘Mum, I’m fine!’

Claire made to stand up, somewhat reassured, but not before Joshua had the chance to grab in a brief hug. ‘We’ll miss you though,’ he muffled into her shoulder and Claire felt her heart swell as he grinned at her before going back to his phone.

*

‘I found a nanny!’ whispered Claire down the phone, quietly shutting the bedroom door behind her. Chris had gone to bed early after a rough day in the office. His ability to fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow baffled Claire who had always found it difficult to switch off.

‘Yes!’ cried Julia, who’d heard all about the drama of trying to find someone suitable. ‘I knew you would! That’s great news!’

‘It is, isn’t it?’ Claire said, still keeping her voice low.

‘Why are you whispering?’

‘Because Chris is sleeping.’

‘Oh, okay. Speaking of Chris… is he… on board with it? You know, you coming back to work full-time?’