‘Don’t knock it till you read it,’ Sage interrupted. ‘Your boy here’s got some serious game. This book made me cry in a way I never have while reading before. I’m talking snot bubbles. He’s onto something. Trust me.’

‘Can I read it too?’ Callie asked.

‘Love you to,’ said Darren. ‘Wouldn’t mind knowing if this book might cross over into the YA market too. Just make sure you’re honest with me.’ He reached across the table and held out his pinkie.

Callie looked mildly embarrassed but she twisted her own pinkie around his and shook. ‘Promise.’

Sage winked at Callie. ‘Don’t worry, I bet you’ll love it.’ She paused then added, ‘How’s the singing going, babe? Are you a famous YouTuber yet or what?’

Callie laughed. ‘Oh my God, not even close.’ She got up from her chair and walked around the table to sit next to Sage. ‘But I do have a few more questions for you, if you don’t mind?’

‘Of course. Hit me with them.’

Callie had found out that Sage had attended one of the biggest performing arts schools in Sydney when she was younger, before she’d had to give up dancing. It was clear Callie had real talent, yet she was modest about it — and she tried to be realistic too; she was aware of how hard it would be to turn it into a career.

But Mimi was determined to give her daughter all the support in the world and she’d suggested that Callie consider applying to study music at that same performing arts school after she finished Year Twelve. So, Callie regularly sought Sage’s advice.

Darren pulled his phone out and waved it at Tara. ‘I have new Leo videos,’ he said.

Tara reached across the table and grabbed it. ‘And I have new videos of Scorpio, on Dad’s phone.’

Scorpio was Tara’s pet rabbit, which she’d decided to name after a star sign as well.

‘Excellent,’ said Darren, grabbing the phone off Pete. ‘Scorpio is the best. Ah look, here comes your mum and Aunty Andrea.’

Tara looked up and Darren couldn’t help clocking the way she visibly relaxed as she saw her mum walking towards them. He hadn’t even realised she’d been slightly tensed up as she waited for Mimi. Darren felt a sting in his eyes. While Tara might have seemed like a perfectly happy kid, she’d obviously been left with some anxiety after the accident. He supposed the repercussions of what had happened would stay with their family for some time to come.

*

Mimi

‘Wine?’ Sage offered the bottle to Mimi.