As she walked towards her sons and daughter-in-law, she found herself staring at Tony. She had thought that, this being the anniversary of Frank’s death, she shouldn’t say anything about the stolen book. That she should wait. But as she stared at him, she began to wonder if she was wrong. If this was the exact time for her to challenge him. If she owed it to Frank to confront their son today.

She made a decision.

*

Mimi

She had one hand resting on Elliot’s chest, her body awkwardly stuck halfway into the car as she tried to soothe her. Hurry up, guys. It was taking forever for them to get moving. To start with, Jill had pulled Tony aside for a quiet word. Mimi had no idea what it was all about, but the conversation had looked unusually intense. Then they’d all disappeared inside the shop to pay for the petrol and snacks.

Finally, Callie came out of the shop and Mimi could see actual sympathy on her face when she saw her predicament with the twins. Goodness, she actually does give a shit about me. Callie headed to the other passenger door, opened it up and leaned in to help soothe James.

‘Thanks, hon.’

Callie’s eyes flicked up to look at her mother and then straight back down at James again. ‘That’s okay,’ she said.

Mimi frowned. What was it that she’d seen in her eyes just now? Irritation at having to help out with the babies? Or something else? Something more like . . . despair?

She was about to ask her if everything was okay, if maybe they could just talk, when Tara came running out of the shop and across to the car.

‘Oy,’ Mimi said. ‘Look both ways first, missy. This is a service station, cars everywhere.’

‘I checked,’ Tara protested.

‘I didn’t see you check.’

Tara ignored her. ‘Guess what?’ she said. ‘I’m going in Uncle Tony’s car.’

‘Are you now? And is Uncle Tony on board with this?’ she asked at the same time as Callie snapped, ‘No you’re not.’

Tara looked between them. ‘Yes, I am,’ she said to Callie, before turning her attention to her mum. ‘He asked if I wanted to.’

‘You can’t,’ said Callie.

‘Why not?’ Tara asked.

‘Yeah, why not?’ Mimi put in, curious.

‘Because she just bought herself a whole heap of chocolate. And she’ll get it all over his expensive leather seats.’ Callie gave Tara a withering look. ‘When you eat chocolate you’re like a toddler. A baby. You make a huge mess of it; you’re embarrassing and it’s gross.’