Page 74 of Good Sisters

‘Hello, Sophie, nice to see you again,’ the shameless Dolores said, as composed as you like.

I hated that her fat arse was in my mum’s chair. I wanted to push her off it. One part of my brain knew I was reacting too intensely, but this was my mum’s home, her house, her kitchen, and I was struggling with the feelings that were crowding around me.

‘I brought you dinner, Dad, but it looks like you don’t need it.’

Looking sheepish Dad said, ‘You’re so good, thanks, pet. Dolores just popped over with a stew.’

‘Beef bourguignon, George.’

‘Yes, yes, a beef bourguignon.’

‘I know it’s your dad’s favourite.’ She grinned like a Cheshire cat.

Her wrap dress was too low at the front and revealed far too much cleavage. Wrinkly old cleavage that shouldn’t be on show. Her helmet hair was welded into place with cans of hairspray and her lipstick was a bright pink that clashed with her purple dress.

‘Actually, Dolores, Dad’s favourite meal is my mum’s steakwith Béarnaise sauce. Isn’t it, Dad?’ I dared him to disagree with me.

He looked panic-stricken. ‘Will you have a glass of wine?’ He dodged the question and I felt even more furious.

‘Oh, I’m sure Sophie’s far too busy for that,’ Dolores said.

She could go to Hell.

I took my coat off, hung it on the back of a chair and sat down. ‘I’d love one. I’ve all the time in the world.’ I beamed at Dolores, who smiled sourly at me.

‘This music reminds me of old times, Dad,’ I said, as I sipped my wine. ‘Happy times as a family here. You and Mum were such a brilliant match. Peas in a pod. Soul-mates.’

Dad took a gulp of wine.

‘Wasn’t the charity golf day out great fun, George?’ Dolores interrupted.

I talked over her. ‘A love like you and Mum had is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. We all aspire to have a relationship like yours. I was just thinking as I came through the door that I wished I’d provided Jess with as solid, loving and stable a home as you and Mum created here, together. I think Julie and Harry are probably closest to achieving it, but even they’re not in your league.’

Dad looked at me and I eyeballed him right back. I was only speaking the truth.

‘Life goes on, though,’ Dolores said briskly. ‘When my David passed I was heartbroken, but I picked myself up and got on with things. We have to keep living and having fun. People are not made to be alone. We all crave company and I believe in second chances, don’t you, George?’

According to Mum, David had died of exhaustion from trying to keep Dolores happy. Mum always said she was a ‘piece of work’ and, boy, was I witnessing it now. I felt it would be monumentally disloyal to Mum not to run thiswoman out of her house. I was going to make damn sure that Louise agreed to bring Dad to Italy. We had to get him away from Dolores and talk to him about making good choices.

‘True love can never be replicated,’ I said firmly.

‘Love comes in different forms,’ Dolores shot back. ‘Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we’re not capable or deserving of love and happiness.’

‘Yes, but –’ I was about to deliver Dolores a death-blow when my phone buzzed, then Dad’s.

I looked at the screen. Message from Gavin:D-day. Shania in labour. On way to hospital. Come quickly!!!!!!

Dad and I looked at each other.

‘Gavin’s panicking,’ I said. ‘He needs us.’

‘Oh, George, another grandchild and your son’s heir. How exciting.’

‘We’d better go.’ Dad stood up, his attention firmly on our family again. Good.

‘No need to panic, George.’ Dolores laughed. ‘She’ll probably be in labour for hours, or even days. They’ll be tripping over you. Sure there’s nothing you can do anyway.’

‘I suppose I am a bit useless,’ Dad said. ‘You’re right, I’d probably only be in the way.’ He sat down again.

---