Page 64 of Good Sisters

‘I’d say Jack’s good in the sack,’ Marion said to her.

‘Excuse me?’

‘He’s fit. I’d say he’s a good ride.’

‘Do you mind not making comments about my husband?’

‘Ex-husband-now-partner, you haven’t remarried,’ Louise said, always one for the technical detail.

‘Jesus, Louise, that’s not the point,’ Sophie hissed.

‘Relax,’ Marion said. ‘Idon’t want to shag Jack, he’s not my type. Too pretty-boy for me. I like my fellas a bit rough around the edges.’

‘A bit like yourself.’ I chuckled and Marion cracked up.

Sophie slammed the knife down on the cucumber, muttering, ‘Really and truly,’ under her breath.

Thankfully, Harry came in before Sophie could aim her chopping knife at Marion.

‘There he is, the man himself. How’s the speech coming along, Harry? It’d better be good because it’s taken you long enough.’

‘Hello, Marion. The speech is finished, thank you.’

‘Harry, did you move the couches back?’ I asked.

‘Yes, Julie, and the bar is set up and the boys are dressed.’

‘Good.’

‘Oh, and Jess is here,’ Harry said.

‘What?’ Sophie looked up.

‘She said she came to see if you needed any help.’

‘She’s supposed to be at home with Jack, working on her history project.’ Sophie frowned. ‘And staying the hell away from Sebastian,’ she muttered.

Harry left to check the ice supplies as the boys and Jess came in. The boys headed straight for the pavlovas. As Liam was about to try to pick out some strawberries, Louise smacked his hand with the back of her spoon.

‘Ouch,’ Liam squealed.

‘No need to injure us, Louise,’ Leo said. ‘These hands are precious. I need them to score tries with.’

‘You’d better keep them out of the desserts, then. These are for the guests.’ She was firm, like Christelle. And, just like it did with Christelle, it worked. The boys backed off.

‘Hi, Jess,’ I said, taking in her short skirt, halter-neck top and face full of make-up. She was dressed to kill.

‘Hi, Julie, can I help with anything?’

‘You’re supposed to be at home,’ Sophie said sharply.

‘I finished my project, so Dad said I could come down.’ Her smile was angelic.

‘With that skirt and at least thirty hormonal teenage boys in the room, you’ll need your mother’s knife to keep the lads away,’ Marion said, grinning at her.

‘We’re actually finishing up now,’ Sophie said.

‘Can I stay, Mum, please?’ Jess pleaded.

---