Page 142 of Good Sisters

Dad cursed under his breath. ‘I can’t be explaining now. Just watch the game.’

‘Well I never. Fine. I’ll not say another word.’

‘Good,’ Dad said.

I leaned over. ‘Dad gets a big agitated during the matches, Dolores. It’s not personal,’ I tried to reassure her.

‘Will everyone just shush and let me concentrate?’ Dad complained.

‘You won’t hear another peep out of me, I can assure you.’ Dolores sniffed and gazed straight ahead.

‘TRY!’ Harry bellowed, as he and the whole Castle Academy stand stood up and roared.

‘That’s Liam! That’s my grandson!’ Dad shouted.

I have to admit I’d missed the try with all the Dolores distractions. But Jess and I jumped and cheered for our brilliant Liam. Luke and Leo rushed over to hug their try-scoring brother.

In the row in front of us, Harry threw his arms around Julie and they jumped up and down, fighting back tears. It was lovely to see. They were such a solid couple. They always had been. Through thick and thin they had supported and loved each other. Jack and I were less solid, but I hoped we’d weather whatever lay ahead.

I leaned over and squeezed Julie’s shoulder. ‘You must be busting with pride.’

‘I am, I so am.’ She had tears in her eyes.

Who would have thought that the crazy, hyper, naughty triplets would turn into brilliant, accomplished sports stars?

Freaked out by all the cheering, Lemon began to cry. Gavin tried to soothe her, but she was upset and her howling got louder.

‘This is no place for a baby,’ Dad said. ‘It’s too loud for the wee thing. Take her home.’

‘She’ll settle in a minute. I want to see the boys play.’ Gavin tried to hush his daughter but Lemon’s howls just got louder.

‘For the love of God, give her a bottle or something to quieten her.’ Dad was not letting up.

‘So my baby’s crying is bothering you, but it’s okay for you to arrive late and have your girlfriend ask annoying questions at the top her voice?’ Gavin hissed.

‘Excuse me?’ Dolores was apoplectic. ‘George!’ She glared at Dad, waiting for him to defend her.

‘Why don’t you take the baby and head off for a coffee?’ Dad suggested to Dolores.

‘You want me to take your son’s baby after he insulted me? What do you think I am? The hired help?’

‘You haven’t stopped complaining about the cold, you’re not interested in the game and the baby needs to be calmed down. Gavin wants to watch his nephews. What’s the problem? It’s a win-win.’

Dolores’s face was now a bright shade of scarlet. ‘I will not be ordered about to babysit your grandchild. I have never in my life been so insulted.’

Ignoring her, Dad turned back to the game and roared, ‘Good tackle, Luke,’ as his grandson thrust a giant on the other team to the ground.

Gavin shoved a normal baby bottle into Lemon’s mouth and she stopped crying and began to suck.

Dolores stood up. ‘I know when I’m not welcome or appreciated. I will not sit here for another minute.’ She glared at Dad, waiting for him to beg her to stay.

‘Dolores, this is a huge day for my family. Can you please just sit down and watch the game quietly or head off and I’ll see you later?’ Dad said, barely looking at her, his eyes glued to the pitch.

‘Uh-oh,’ Jess whispered. ‘She’s not going to like that.’

‘I’m leaving.’ She paused for a second to see if Dad reacted. He studiously ignored her.

Dolores stomped off in a rage.

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