‘Well, I’m not sure. Maybe we could see if there are some tickets left for The Lion King so that Saffron and I could come along too?’

Mother stiffens. ‘Saffron is going Christmas shopping on Saturday.’

‘She was, but her plans have changed.’

‘You didn’t tell me.’

‘She decided to go tonight instead. She was offered a special ticket with twenty-five per cent off tonight, to the late-night Christmas shopping event at the Bentall Centre. I hadn’t mentioned it because I didn’t think it was pivotal to your plans. She’s decided to spend Saturday with her family instead. So what do you think? It would be fun if we all went to the theatre together.’

Mother’s eyes are hard. Her chin is jutting out. ‘What about the roses?’ she asks, voice sharp.

‘I’ll plant them during the week. And Hayley can have a day off this Saturday. Is that a problem?’

‘I suppose not.’

61

Caprice

You came to the theatre, Saffron, and spoilt my special treat with the boys. And you dragged Miles away from his assignation with Hayley.

You don’t like fast food, so after the show we visited a plant-based restaurant at the back of Waterloo station. It smelt damp. Not surprisingly, as is true of all vegan cuisine, the food was tasteless. Ben and Harry, even though they loved the musical, were crushed with disappointment about the choice of supper.

So now I’ll just have to instigate another plan to make sure Miles gets his opportunity to find happiness with an attractive young woman. You’ve left your computer in the kitchen. Its metallic surface shines in the sun pouring through the window. I open it and type in your password. I have stood behind you so often as you boot up. Watched where your thin little fingers tap: 1979. The year you were born. Not very high security. You could have been more inventive, don’t you think? A few more taps and I’m into your calendar. Friday 15th November. Monthly meal out with Julie and Ted. A regular office social event that you never miss.

I think the boys will be going to a sleepover to one of my school gate chums that night. Just you wait and see, Saffron. You won’t have a chance against a young piece of perfection like Hayley, who actually likes children. Your husband resents how often you are away, and your skinny little body is really starting to show its age.

62

Hayley

Friday night. I’m finishing earlier than usual because the boys have gone straight from school to a sleepover at the Chadwicks’ house. All arranged by Caprice. Caprice Jackson is quite a socialiser with the school gate mums. She knows so many people.