Page 47 of Lessons in Life

‘Didn’t.’

‘Well,Idid.’

‘Really?’ Lisa’s head shot up.

‘Well, if he was twenty years younger. Or I was twenty years older. I wonder if he’s got any sons?’

‘So, why was he here?’

‘To ask if I knew what was going on.’

‘Going on?’

‘John Richardson phoned him this morning to tell him there was someone else after the place.’

‘Oh?’

‘He wanted to know if I knew anything, wanted to know if it was just a ploy on the Richardsons’ behalf to get more money.’

‘Have any estate agents actually been round?’

Jess shook her head. ‘I think the sale was going to go through privately. I don’t think the Richardsons were even really considering selling up until the Sattars approached them face to face. Same golf club apparently – you know how it works. Right, OK, Mum, what had upset you when you got here today?’

‘I told you: Sorrel.’

‘She’s at school, Mum,’ Jess said. ‘Well, she was. I rang her at 9a.m.’

‘She came home around ten. In an Uber.’

‘An Uber? How much is that costing her? And why did she come home?’

‘She says she’s not well. And Robyn said she’d not been well at school yesterday – she even left the lunchtime practice session Robyn’s been putting her through. She paid for an Uber to get herself home then too. The audition’s next week, you know.’

‘I do know.’

‘And then, as I say, she came home from school again this morning. That’s twice now she’s come back home feeling ill. She threw up.’

‘Actually vomited? Or just told you she had so she wouldn’t have to go to school?’

‘Jess, I held her head. She was sick.’

‘A bug?’

‘Dunno.’ Lisa sighed. ‘She’s got herself into a bit of a state, Jess. She’s been googling porphyria and now realises it can be a hereditary condition, although we’ve always denied it. She’s terrified she’s starting with it.’

‘Oh no, poor kid. It’s something Robyn and I have known for years. Something we’ve had to live with.’

‘So, let’s get Matt to talk to her. Reassure her. Maybe even do some tests?’

‘That might be a bit difficult.’ Jess pulled a face.

‘Oh?’

‘I’m not seeing him any more, Mum.’

‘Oh, Jess.’ Lisa tutted. ‘But he’s perfect: he’s kind, he’s clever, he really liked you.’

‘I’m sorry, I know all that. But it just wasn’t right. And there’s absolutely no reason whyyoucan’t approach him directly – he is your consultant, after all.’

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