Page 163 of Good Sisters

‘I’ve handed in my notice. The whole Zoë drama really made me think: what do I want? And, Gavin, what you said about working in academia stuck with me. I contacted the head of the law department at Trinity College, whom I know from days of old, and she said they’d be happy to have me. I start lecturing in September. I can do a lot of it online, so if we do decide to stay here longer term, I can commute to Dublin when I need to.’

‘But you’re such a city person, won’t you get lonely here?’ Julie asked.

‘I’d go anywhere to see Clara happy. And I’ll have to fly home at least once a month to deliver in-person lectures, so I’ll have the best of both worlds. Besides, having Marco to share parenting has been a huge relief. It’s taken the full burden off my shoulders.’

‘I’m going to miss you so much.’ Julie sniffed. Louise was her person. She had always been a rock of sense, the person Julie went to when she was overwhelmed or needed to make an important decision. And even though she and Sophie had made up after their argument, there was still a little distance between them. She knew it would pass with time, but she would miss Louise desperately.

‘You can come and visit any time,’ Louise told her, ‘and we’ll make a date every month to meet for dinner when I’m back.’

Sophie raised her glass. ‘Well, cheers to you, Louise. You’re incredible. This is going to be fantastic for Clara, and for you too.’

Gavin nodded. ‘It’s brilliant. I’ve never seen Clara so happy. Are you and Marco getting together?’

‘God, no.’ Louise snorted into her drink.

‘He’s a great guy.’

‘He’s not my type.’

‘He was once.’ Gavin winked at her.

‘Once was enough. I have, however, hired a very attractive Italian language teacher.’ Louise grinned.

‘Sex under the Tuscan sky.’ Sophie smirked.

‘We’re in Lazio.’

‘Fine. Love and lust in Lazio,’ Sophie replied.

‘Maybe.’ Louise laughed. ‘Honestly, I feel freer and less weighed down than I have in so long. Clara’s happy and I have help with her from someone who loves her and is as much invested in her wellbeing as I am. I know now that Ican leave Clara with Marco and trust that she will be completely safe, loved and cherished. I’m looking forward to this new adventure. And the best part is, I don’t have to deal with or put up with any bullshit office politics.’

‘Cheers to that!’ Julie clinked her glass.

They could hear Lemon howling inside the house and Shania trying to soothe her.

‘Kids are kind of always there, aren’t they?’ Gavin said. ‘Like, always, every minute of every day.’

‘And they get needier and more difficult to manage,’ Sophie told him.

‘And hormonal and moody.’ Julie smiled sweetly at her brother.

‘And more complicated and more of a worry,’ Louise piled on.

‘Great, thanks. Any more helpful tips?’ Gavin grumbled.

‘Yes, you love them more every day, in spite all of that,’ Sophie said.

‘I’ve realized that you would do anything for your child’s happiness, because it means everything,’ Louise added.

‘And I can tell you that you become even prouder of your children as you see how they handle life’s adversities. I’m very proud of you, Louise,’ Dad put in.

Everyone’s eyes filled. Louise was a walking example of what a mother’s love meant. She had moved Heaven and Earth for Clara but, funnily enough, she had found happiness for herself in the process.

‘You know,’ Sophie said, ‘the whole Robert situation is forcing me to reassess my situation too. Jack travels a lot with work and I can’t look after Robert with my current hours. Also, I want to be around more for Jess. I’ve been thinking about retraining.’

‘As what?’ Julie asked.

‘A special-needs assistant. The course is only ten weeks long and then I get to train in the classroom. I was thinking I could get a job in Robert’s school or a school nearby. Then I’d be around for him and Jess in the afternoons.’

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