‘It’s strange isn’t it, how we are supposed to be programmed to just love motherhood,’ acknowledged Claire. ‘Even though I only went back to work part-time after each of my sons was born, I still felt so judged, you know? Even by my own family!’

What was she doing? She never talked about this stuff.

Linda looked Claire straight in the eye. ‘Well, fuck ’em!’

The expletive was such a shock coming out of Linda’s mouth that Claire began to laugh.

‘Fuck ’em all! You know what one mother said to me at the school gates the other day?’ said Linda. ‘She said, “Oh, Linda, how nice to see you! If you can spare a minute away from your mobile, I’d love a quick word.” What the…?!’

‘Let me guess – that was Tate’s mum. Tall, thin, always in her gym gear?’

‘Yep, that’s the one. Know her?’

‘Only in so far as she seems to be the queen of the school gates,’ said Claire. ‘I do my utmost to avoid her at drop-off. A quick “hi” and I’m done.’

‘I should have guessed. She tried to rope me into helping out on the PTA. I told her I’d think about it.’ Linda rolled her eyes.

‘I’ve done quite a lot over the years, what with Joshua going to the same school and even after he left. But when Jamie started, I told myself no more.’

‘I don’t blame you – it’s the last thing I need, but I do feel I should do it especially as we’re quite new to the area.’

‘Oh really? Where were you before Castlefield?’

‘Well, we lived in central Manchester, but it wasn’t ideal with a small child. We had to make the move to the suburbs at some point!’

‘Do you like it?’

‘I do but sometimes I find it all a bit provincial. I miss the anonymity of the city. How about you?’

‘I’ve pretty much lived here all my life,’ said Claire. ‘I went to university in Manchester and Chris and I lived in the city for a while, but then we had kids, and you know, like you, we decided to move a bit further out and commute in.’

‘So, you must know everyone around here, then?’ asked Linda.

‘Most people,’ acknowledged Claire. ‘It’s a nice town although everyone does like to know everyone’s business.’

I would know all about that.

‘Really? Like who?’ asked Linda, clearly curious.

‘Oh, you know, you’ll see them at the school gates. Sheena – have you met her yet? She’s Annabelle’s mum – be careful what you say to her because she loves a good gossip. And Tamara will always try and rope you into having her twins over to your house but never inviting your child – at one point, I was pretty much her permanent babysitter!’