Page 141 of Good Sisters

‘And Liam was reinstated. How do you feel about that after he punched Sebastian?’

I held my breath. What would she say? Jess squeezed my hand harder.

‘For goodness’ sake,’ Victoria was brusque, ‘boys have arguments all the time. They were probably all wired up and it just got a bit out of hand. It’s over now.’

‘Someone wants the conversation shut down,’ Gavin said, under his breath.

‘Hallelujah,’ I whispered.

Jess let out a deep breath.

‘It’s okay, love. She’s never going to say anything. It’s over.’

‘No, Mum, look.’ Jess nodded to the corner of the pitchwhere the subs were arriving to take their place. Sebastian was fake-limping. He glanced in our direction. Jess fixed her gaze on her lap.

‘Put your head up, Jess,’ Gavin said, ‘and stare straight at him.’

Jess looked up at Gavin, then at me, and smiled. She raised her head and sat up very straight. She looked right at Sebastian, who had the sense to look down and limp quickly past.

‘See?’ Gavin said, smiling. ‘He’s a coward. Knew it.’

Jess nodded, but her hand was shaking in mine. I knew that had taken a lot out of her, but I was so proud of her for facing up to him. The first time was always the worst, but she’d done it and she hadn’t flinched.

‘Well done.’

She snuggled closer to me and I felt a surge of love for my brave girl.

Fifteen minutes into the match, there was no score.

‘Where is Dad?’ Julie asked.

‘No idea. It’s not like him to be late. He was mad keen to watch the match. I hope he’s all right. Have you texted?’

‘Look, he’s here now,’ Gavin pointed to the right, ‘andshe’s with him.’

We looked over to see Dad with a face like thunder and Dolores scurrying after him, dressed as if she was on an expedition to the North Pole. They shuffled their way over to us and sat down.

‘Nice time-keeping.’ Gavin poked the bear.

‘Don’t mention the bloody war,’ Dad huffed. ‘What have I missed?’

‘No score yet. The triplets are playing really well. Liam had a brilliant kick to the winger for a try, but the winger knocked it forward. Leo put in a brilliant run down the middle, but got tackled before the try line. Luke is tackling everyone whocomes near him,’ Gavin said, filling Dad in. ‘Why are you so late?’

‘Because Dolores insisted we stop on the way to buy gloves because she forgot hers and it took her fifteen minutes to choose a pair,’ Dad hissed under his breath.

Jess and I tried not to laugh. It sounded as if the shine on Dolores was dimming. Mum (a) would never have forgotten her gloves and (b) if she had, she would have put her hands in her pockets rather than be late for a game. She knew how much it meant for Dad to be on time for one.

‘Lord, it’s very cold here. It’s like being in a wind tunnel.’ Dolores pulled her coat closed around her.

‘It’s a cold day. What did you expect?’ Dad sighed.

Gavin grinned at Jess and me.

‘My grandson is a very gifted musician, so I’m used to going to indoor recitals.’

‘Well, my grandsons are rugby stars and I go to all their matches, hail, rain or shine.’ Dad was firm. ‘And I willnotbe late again.’

‘There is no need to speak to me so curtly, George. I’m just not used to the outdoor sports any more. But I’ll get the hang of it, I’m sure. Now, what’s going on?’

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