Page 76 of Good Sisters

‘Answer your phone, will you?’ Gavin immediately launched at Dad.

‘He was busy,’ I muttered.

‘It’s all right, son. Take a breath. I’m here,’ Dad said, wrapping him in a hug. Gavin looked instantly calmer. They clashed a lot and had lost Mum as their glue, but their bond went deep all the same.

Dad walked Gavin over to the window, talking calmly to him all the while, his arm firmly around his shoulders.

‘What was Dad busy with?’ Louise asked.

‘Dinner with Dolores,’ I said.

‘What?’ Julie looked upset. ‘In our house?’

‘Yes. She was sitting in Mum’s chair and he had the Christmas china on the table.’ The words were out before I could stop them.

‘No!’ Julie looked as shocked as I’d felt. ‘Jesus, the Christmas china? Mum would give him a real piece of her mind for that. She loved that set.’

‘Definitely trying to impress her,’ Louise noted.

‘I’m being a bit of a bitch,’ I said. ‘I was shocked, but then Dad told me how lonely he feels and how no one could replace Mum. He’s not forgetting her, he’s just trying to get on with life without her, I suppose.’

Julie and Louise looked at me, then at Dad.

‘I really should get over to him more often,’ Louise said. ‘The days just slip by, work is a nightmare, and suddenly I realize I haven’t seen him for ages.’

‘Well, actually,’ I said, ‘on that note, I think we have to bring him to Italy. We need to spend time with him, makehim feel useful and valued, and get him away from Dolores.’ I stared at Louise.

‘I agree. Come on, Louise,’ Julie urged her.

She sighed. ‘Okay, fine, but you two are in charge of him.’

‘Deal,’ Julie and I answered.

I was thrilled. It was just what Dad needed.

‘Stop yapping – come on,’ Gavin called. ‘Shania’s in here.’

We followed him into the birthing room where Shania was sitting on a big ball. She was in a hospital gown looking very serene. There was a big bath in the corner.

‘Hey!’ She smiled.

Dad was standing at the door, looking uncomfortable again.

‘How are you doing, Shania?’ I asked.

‘Getting closer, I think.’ She glanced at the midwife, who nodded.

‘Wow, this is nice,’ Julie said, looking around. ‘I had the triplets in a small, windowless room. This is seriously fancy. I’d move in here myself.’

‘What is that godawful noise?’ Louise asked.

‘Monks chanting,’ Shania said. ‘It’s these monks who live in, like, this tiny village in some country, I can’t remember the name, but they’re like super-holy and their chant is supposed to put you in a Zen-like trance. Close your eyes and go with it, Louise.’

I tried not to look at Louise’s face – I knew I’d laugh. Julie fake-coughed to hide her giggles.

‘Trance?’ Louise said. ‘Shania, that wailing will give you and your baby a migraine.’

‘She likes it,’ Gavin said firmly.

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