Page 59 of Good Sisters

‘It’s certainly a big coincidence,’ Julie admitted.

Dad looked at me. ‘To be honest, your mum always wanted you to find Clara’s father. We talked about it a lot, especially close to her death. She felt that Clara could really benefit from having a father and knowing where that side of her came from. Obviously, that always depended on whether he was a good man or not. Your mum also felt that finding him could take some of the pressure off you. It’s not easy being mother and father to a child. You’ve done a wonderful job, but your mother knew that, when she died, her loss wouldleave a big void in Clara’s life. Maybe it’s time to see if Clara’s father can fill it. If not, at least you’ll know you tried.’

I looked at them. Everyone was in tears. My logical brain said it was a mere coincidence, but my heart said Mum had sent me a message.

I raised my glass. ‘Well, it looks like Mum might get her wish.’

We clinked. I drank deeply and tried to stop my heart jumping out of my chest with nerves, anxiety and fear.

15. Sophie

When I got home Jess was hovering at the front door. She was usually in her bedroom with the door closed, on her phone, so I was surprised to see her.

‘Mum, Pippa’s here with Robert. I think … I think she’s drunk.’ Jess looked upset.

‘What?’

Jess flapped her arms around nervously. ‘She arrived ten minutes ago to drop him off and she looked kind of weird. She’s been locked in the bathroom since. She won’t answer me.’

First, it was not our day to have Robert, and second, what the hell was Pippa doing turning up drunk to the house? Had she driven him over? Had she put him at risk? My head was spinning.

I took charge. I needed to keep Jess calm.

‘Okay. You take Robert up to his bedroom. I need to speak to Pippa. I’ve had enough of her bullshit.’

Jess went to get Robert from the TV room and brought him upstairs.

I marched to the bathroom and knocked loudly on the door. ‘Pippa, it’s Sophie. What’s going on?’

Silence.

‘Pippa! Open the door.’

The door unlocked.

‘What the hell?’ she slurred. ‘Can I not use the bathroom without you being on my case? God, you’re such a control freak. How does Jack stand it?’

She tried to push past me, but I blocked her.

‘Have you been drinking, Pippa?’

‘That’s none of your business.’

‘Did you drive over here with your son in the car?’

She laughed. ‘No, Sergeant Major Sophie. I got a taxi.’

‘Why is Robert here? It’s your week.’

‘Because I have to go to London.’

‘Right now?’

‘Yeah. I’m heading to the airport.’

‘What’s in London?’

‘What is this interrogation? Who the hell do you think you are? I don’t have to answer to you.’

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