‘I’m thinking you can have a break from cooking tonight, Clare, and I’ll take us all out for a curry if you fancy it?’

Clare looked at her ex and shook her head. She let out a laboured sigh – how many times did she have to knock the guy back?

‘Why would I even want to be seen in public with you? I’ve told you enough times, we’re done. I’m no longer that girl who sits about and waits for you. I’m immune to your charm and bullshit now.’

‘Come on, love, it’s a curry, not a fucking honeymoon in Mexico.’

‘Save your breath.’

Ged covered his mouth with his sleeve and tried not to laugh. His mum could give as good as she got.

Clare sat leafing through her magazine and trying to ignore Kevin, but he wasn’t giving up that easily. They didn’t call him Mr Smooth for nothing. It was Clare’s night off, her one night off, and all she wanted was a bit of peace and quiet. Feet up, chick flick, a few glasses of wine.

‘What if I get us a takeaway, then? We can bang a film on and have a family night just like we used to. We can cuddle up on the sofa if you’re feeling adventurous, just saying.’

That was enough for Clare. ‘Family nights usually consisted of me sat here waiting for you for hours on end, while you were out with your mates or up to some dodgy deal. Are you forgetting that, Kevin?’

‘Fuck’s sake, Clare, can you not let sleeping dogs lie? That was years ago and, like I said, I’ve changed. Look at me, how can you resist this beautiful face?’ He delved into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash.

‘Here, take this and get us all a proper feed. There’s enough for a takeaway with plenty left for you to treat yourself. But straighten your face. I just want a curry with my family – is that too much to ask for?’

Her eyes were open wide now. It was a good count, at least a couple of hundred quid. What she could do with that. She shook her head – what was she even thinking?

‘Oh, I knew it wouldn’t be long before you started grafting again. Ged, ask him where he’s got his money from and see what he tells you because he never tells me the truth.’

Ged looked over at Kevin. ‘Did you get that job then, Dad?’

Kevin stuck his chest out like a champion pigeon. ‘I did, son. Only a few days a week, but it’s a start isn’t it?’

Clare was taken aback. Shocked. She looked from Kevin to Ged and back to Kevin again. ‘What, you’re working now?’