Page 34 of Good Sisters

‘Okay, I know what you’re saying, but just make sure you don’t stray into outright insults. We definitely don’t need that reputation.’

Now that we were one model down, I had to rearrange the running order of the fashion show. I managed to get all of the outfits into the show by rejigging the line-up and helping to dress and undress the models myself.

‘You’re a wonder, Sophie.’ Quentin praised me as we sat in his office and he enjoyed a post-workday glass of wine. Donatella and Miuccia snored in their fluffy beds at our feet. I wasn’t a fan of pugs, but they were Quentin’s fur babies and came to work with him every day. Quentin’s dogs, and there had been quite a few over the years, were part of the package.

‘Thanks, boss.’ I winked at him.

‘By the way, while you were putting out fires, I was grilling my sources. I found out who Pippa’s new lover is, the mysterious Vincent.’

‘Yes! Come on, fill me in.’

‘So, my friend Paul, an ex but awful in bed, has a brother –’

‘Quentin, get to the point!’ I was dying to know who Pippa’s new man was and Quentin had a habit of taking ages to tell stories.

‘Don’t be so impatient. Anyway, Paul’s brother works for Vincent – his name is Vincent Hughes. He’s a multi-millionaire property developer who indeed has a private jet. According to Paul’s brother, Vincent is known to be a bit shady in his dealings. But here’s the real kicker …’ Quentin paused for maximum effect. ‘He’s married.’

I almost spilled my wine. ‘What? Are you sure?’

‘Paul is one hundred per cent sure. His brother was at aparty in Vincent’s house last week to celebrate the thirtieth wedding anniversary of Vincent and his charming wife, Hazel!’

Oh, my God. Pippa was having a full-blown affair. This was serious gossip. What would happen if Hazel found out? Dublin was tiny when it came to scandal – there was no way they could keep it under wraps for ever. Would Vincent leave Hazel for Pippa? Did Pippa know he was married? Did she care? Was Vincent promising Pippa he would leave his wife just to string her along?

Whatever about him being married, which was bad enough, I didn’t like that he was shady. I didn’t want Robert around anyone who was a bad influence or was involved with any dodgy people. Should I tell Jack? He was already pretty anxious about Robert and how the whole toxic situation with Pippa might be damaging him. I knew Jack felt guilty that Robert didn’t have a stable family life like Jess. On balance, I decided it might be best to say nothing for now. Why worry him unnecessarily? I could keep an eye on things, and the affair would probably fizzle out quickly anyway. Pippa’s relationships never seemed to last long, although I’d say she’d be keen to hang on to this multi-millionaire and his private plane.

‘I bet you her last-minute “work thing” today is actually a dirty night away with Vincent,’ Quentin said.

‘I was thinking the exact same thi—’

My phone rang. JESS flashed up on the screen. I grabbed it. ‘Hi, love, is everything –’

‘MUUUUUUUUUUM! Help!’ she screamed.

My heart skipped a beat. ‘Jess, what’s wrong? What is it?’

‘It’s Robert. He fell off the swing and I think he’s broken his arm. Help me, Mum.’ She sobbed.

I could hear Robert bawling in the background. ‘Where are you?’

‘In the playground down the road from his school.’

‘Stay there and don’t move. Cover Robert with a coat. He’s in shock. Keep talking to him. I’m on my way.’

Quentin had my bag and coat ready for me by the time I hung up. ‘Go and look after the kids. I’ll finish up here.’

I thanked him and sprinted out of the door to my car.

By the time I reached the park, a group had formed around Jess and Robert. Everyone was being kind and offering help. Jess was sitting on a bench holding Robert on her knee. Both of them had tear-stained faces and red eyes. They were covered with coats and scarves.

I ran over to them.

‘I’m so sorry, Mum. He kept asking me to push him higher and I did and then he just slipped off.’

Hiding my shock, I switched into Mum mode. ‘It’s okay, Jess. We’ll get Robert to a doctor now.’

A woman tapped my arm and whispered, ‘I’m a nurse. I had a look and I think it’s definitely broken.’

‘Thanks, I’ll take him to A and E.’

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