Page 104 of The In-Laws

Jamie laughed and Katie sent the singing kids out of the front door and into the car.

‘Is this not-drinking thing because of the night with the Italians?’

Katie froze. Now was not the best time, but she needed to give him an answer. ‘And calling your mum a poisonous bitch and generally drinking too much and being an idiot. I’m five foot two, I can’t handle alcohol. I’ve done some stupid things and made a fool of myself and caused drama with your family, so, yes, I think it is going to be permanent.’

‘When I gave out to you, I didn’t mean for you to become a teetotaller. I just wanted you to drink less and not get messy.’

‘I know, babe, but … but when I went to that gig with Frank, I got really drunk and woke up passed out in a hotel room, on the couch, fully dressed, but still … ashamed of myself.’

Jamie frowned. ‘You what? Whose hotel room? Was Frank there?’

Katie reached for his hand. ‘No. I stayed on with the band being “fun Katie”, doing shots and being a fool. We went back to the band’s hotel and kept drinking and then I woke up at five on the couch.’

‘Who was in the room?’ Jamie’s jaw was clenched.

Katie knew lying was wrong, but she also knew that fudging the truth would protect Jamie from being hurt and, after all, nothing had happened, a bit of kissing and a love bite. She opted for a small white lie. ‘Most of the band. They were still partying when I woke up. I legged it out.’

‘How come you never said anything?’ Jamie was watching her closely.

‘Because I was ashamed, a mother of two passed out in a hotel room. I’m … I was so embarrassed … It was a wake-up call. I need to stop drinking.’

Jamie was very still. ‘Katie, did anything happen in that room?’

‘No, Jamie! Nothing except drinking. I was the oldest person by about fifteen years. I am pathetic. I’m sorry I’ve been such an idiot and causing problems with my stupid drunk mouth. I’m going to be Katie 2.0 now.’

Jamie didn’t say anything. He studied her. Katie held his gaze.

‘I’m also seeing a therapist to help me stay off the booze and to sort out a lot of stuff about my mum and my childhood that I never dealt with.’

‘When did this happen?’

‘Only in the last few weeks. My drinking has been getting out of hand, like at your client dinner when I fell over and all that. I need to stop and find other ways to have fun. It’s not easy, I won’t lie, but I like feeling good in the morning and having more energy.’

‘You’ve more energy in the morning but you’re asleep at ten every night,’ he noted.

‘I’ll try and stay awake until eleven on the weekends.’ She smiled at him.

Jamie was still studying her. ‘It’s going to take a minute for me to process all of this and get used to the new Katie.’

‘I know, but I’m a happier and better person sober, and now you don’t have to worry about me insulting your family or colleagues. I want to be better for you and the kids.’

‘Okay, well, I support you and it probably is a good idea. I certainly don’t want to hear of you passing out in any more hotel rooms. That’s not okay.’

‘It was my kick up the arse to start making changes.’

Jamie nodded and turned to go.

‘I love you, babe,’ Katie called.

There was a pause, but then he said, ‘You too.’

Katie exhaled, realizing she’d been holding her breath.

When Katie parked the car, she walked Toby to the door, then turned to go with Lucy to her classroom.

‘You’re different, Mum,’ Lucy said.

‘What do you mean?’

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