Page 106 of The In-Laws

Melanie pulled her coat around her shoulders. ‘We all need help at difficult times. I went to see someone after the twins were born. I had post-natal depression and I really wasn’t coping. Frank organized it for me and, although I was reluctant, I found it very helpful.’

What? Melanie the badass, the strong, successful, don’t-mess-with-me woman, had gone to see a therapist? Katie was shocked. But she felt better knowing Melanie wasn’t infallible.

As if reading her mind, Amanda said, ‘Wow, I never thought you’d need any help. You always seem so in control and on top of everything.’

Melanie smiled sadly. ‘Appearances can be deceiving.’ Then, putting her cup down, she announced, ‘In the spirit of honesty, I think my marriage is over.’

‘What?’ Katie couldn’t believe it.

‘Oh, my God, Melanie,’ Amanda said.

Melanie shrugged. ‘It’s been over for years, but I didn’t want to admit it. Frank and I are so different, and while in the early days that worked, over time it has pulled us apart. I’m lonely, and I know he is too. Frank deservesmore. He deserves someone who will spend time with him and shares his passion for yoga and meditation, bands and gigs. I’m not that person.’

‘But it’s Frank,’ Katie said, devastated at the idea of them not being a couple any more.

‘I know, Katie. I realize what a good man he is, but it’s not working. We have no spark. We’re like room-mates. When I met Petrus and I felt that sexual chemistry, I knew it was over with Frank. We have nothing left. I just need to find the courage to tell him.’

‘Why not go to couples counselling?’ Amanda suggested. ‘Ross and I are going to do it. He asked me to try it and I agreed.’

Melanie shook her head. ‘You and Ross still have a connection, you have things in common. Frank and I are way beyond that. I truly believe we’ll be happier apart. I want him to meet someone who will appreciate all his goodness. I’m not making him happy and I’m sick of feeling guilty all the time about not being good enough or present enough, so I’m going to set him free.’

Katie felt sick. Frank and Melanie had always been there since she’d first met Jamie. They’d got on well as couples because Katie and Frank bonded, and Jamie and Melanie did too.

‘What about the agency?’ Amanda asked. ‘Won’t it be difficult to work there?’

‘I thought you might ask that.’ Melanie grinned.

‘I’m not asking for Ross, I’m asking for you,’ Amanda clarified.

Melanie stood up. ‘I’ve thought about it a lot, and I’ve decided to go out on my own. I can’t stay on with Frank’s family. It wouldn’t be right. To be honest, I’ve always thought I’d like to do my own thing when the time wasright, and I’m about to sign a very lucrative author, not my usual type of writer, but a big star, so for many reasons, now is the time to jump.’

‘Oh, Melanie! Jamie is going to die,’ Katie wailed. ‘Why can’t you stay on? No offence to Ross, but you’re the obvious person to take over from Nancy.’

‘I can’t stay there with Frank. It’s too awkward.’

‘Frank can … I dunno … do something else.’ Katie was grasping, but she knew how upset Jamie would be if Melanie left. They were thick as thieves in work and Melanie was the one who found the big authors. Nancy was slowing down.

Amanda put down her cup. ‘Nancy is still working, Katie, and Ross, Jamie and Frank can run the agency. They’ll need to find a strong new agent, but they can do that. Obviously Melanie will be a huge loss but, let’s be honest, succession was always going to be contentious with Melanie being an in-law.’

‘It’s true,’ Melanie agreed. ‘Nancy made it crystal clear when she named Lucy as her successor, then excluded us from the photo at that lunch, that we will always be outsiders in this family. She will never pass the mantle to me. This way, it’s a clean break for everyone and I’ll help them find a good replacement agent.’

Bloody Ross would be thrilled, but Jamie would be gutted.

Amanda pulled her jumper over her head. ‘I really need to get a job. I’m not exactly qualified for anything. My ancient social sciences degree is useless, but if you’re looking for a receptionist or a general office-admin person, I’m free.’

‘Really?’ Melanie asked.

‘Yes. I need to earn my own money and find myselfagain. I’ve been Ross’s wife and Theo’s mum and nothing else for far too long. I want my own identity back.’

‘I’m not sure Ross will like you working for me, though.’ Melanie chuckled.

‘Ross can go fuck himself,’ Amanda said.

‘Woohoo, look at Amanda being all sassy.’ Katie whooped. ‘Good for you.’

The three sisters-in-law laughed together.

36. Melanie

---