Julia lived life to the full. She put so much of her energy into their business and was a massive part of its success – much more than Claire if she was being honest with herself. Julia also had an extensive social life and knew anyone and everyone in Manchester. She networked regularly, bringing in much of the business and was the face of the firm from a PR perspective. Claire knew she was lucky to have such a dynamic business partner and while she adored her family, she did feel the occasional blast of envy at Julia’s carefree lifestyle. She wondered if Julia felt the same envy when she came over to Claire’s house for a meal, especially during times like Christmas. Somehow, she didn’t think so.

‘So, what exactly do you do for the bank?’ asked Claire. The boys, bored of their sword fight, were starting to fidget.

‘Mummy, can I get down?’ interrupted Jamie.

‘Have you finished your breakfast?’

‘Yes.’

Claire looked at his plate and was surprised to see it empty. ‘Well done for eating everything up! Can you say thank you to Linda for making you such a delicious breakfast?’

‘Thank you,’ replied Jamie automatically, already getting down from the chair.

‘Just a minute, Jamie, let’s wait for Luke to finish as well,’ replied Claire.

Seeing Luke still chewing his food, she hoped Jamie would be patient. Turning back to Linda, she was relieved to see Jamie start helping himself to some more strawberries.

‘I’m VP for the investment banking division,’ replied Linda. ‘Our head office is in Manchester.’

Claire felt slightly taken aback and then chided herself. She had automatically stereotyped Linda the morning they’d met at the school, thinking that she worked in the bank itself, perhaps as a cashier or a floor manager.

‘Wow, that sounds exciting – and stressful,’ replied Claire, impressed.

‘Mummy, can me and Jamie go and play?’ asked Luke.

‘Yes, just take your plate and put it in the sink and off you go,’ said his mother.

Claire watched as Luke carried his own plate and put it in the kitchen. She was forever clearing up plates and cups from Joshua’s room and he was seventeen! Jamie jumped down from the chair as well and although he didn’t take his plate to the kitchen sink, he did take his cup and Claire gave him a wink of gratitude.

‘It is a bit stressful,’ replied Linda, watching the boys run off, ‘but I love it. I took a year off when Luke was born but apart from that I’ve always worked. I can’t imagine doing anything else – as much I love being a mum, I think I would struggle to do it full-time.’

Linda paused, taking a sip of coffee. ‘You know that’s the first time I’ve ever admitted that out loud.’

‘What?’

‘That I wouldn’t like to be a full-time mother.’