Page 66 of Good Sisters

‘That’s okay.’ Jess’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. They stood grinning at each other, gazing into each other’s eyes, completely oblivious to everyone around them.

‘I think you’re in trouble, Sophie,’ Louise murmured.

‘She is smitten,’ I mumbled.

Sophie groaned. ‘Of all the bloody boys. I warned her to back off.’

‘It’s gone way beyond that,’ I whispered. ‘They’re mad about each other, I’m sorry to tell you. I remember those looks – it’s serious.’

‘The lads are all in the den,’ Luke told Sebastian and the teenagers headed downstairs.

‘Jess,’ Sophie called. Her daughter turned. ‘We’re leaving soon.’

Jess’s face fell. ‘Can I stay, please, Mum?’

‘No.’

‘Please.’ Jess looked to me for help.

‘Come on, Sophie, let her hang out with us,’ the triplets pleaded.

‘Maybe she could stay for a bit and I’ll drop her home later?’ I said to Sophie.

‘Can I, Mum?’ Jess’s face was flushed.

‘She’ll be safe here with the boys and Julie,’ Louise said quietly to Sophie. ‘If you drag her home now, she’ll kick up hell.’

Sophie caved. ‘Okay, but I want you home before eleven at the very, very latest.’

‘Thanks, Mum.’ Jess and the triplets raced downstairs.

I put my arm around Sophie. ‘I know it’s hard. I’ll try to keep an eye on her. If you made her leave with you, she’d hate you and it would make her want to be with Sebastian even more. It’s a teen romance. They’re usually intense but brief.’

‘I hope so,’ Sophie said.

‘If he’s anything like the mother, she’ll run a mile in no time,’ Marion assured her.

‘Julie!’ Harry came into the hall looking flushed. ‘Everyone’s here, and it’s time for my speech.’

‘It’s short, right?’ Louise asked me.

‘I told him to keep it short.’

‘Have you heard it?’ Sophie asked.

‘No.’

My sisters looked at each other in panic.

‘That’s dangerous,’ Marion said. ‘No offence, but Harry can be very fucking long-winded.’

My heart sank. Please, God, may he have listened to me for once.

‘The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets people to do thegreatest things. That’s what this campaign is about: great leaders. We have a fantastic coaching team, and the most wonderful group of boys. I am the proud father of three boys on that team, the joint captains. They will not let you down. They will fight with everything they have. They will lead and inspire …’

At the back of the room I saw Luke sticking two breadsticks up his nose while Leo put ice cubes down the back of Liam’s top. Sebastian and Jess were holding hands.

Harry droned on: ‘It’s an honour to be part of this journey, to be part of this Castle Academy tradition. We as parents must …’

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