Page 114 of The In-Laws

‘So what? She’s offered me a job and I’ve accepted, end of discussion.’

Amanda strode on through the park, smiling to herself, as her shell-shocked husband followed in her wake.

38. Katie

Katie was tired. The kids were driving her nuts and refusing to eat a meal she had spent ages preparing.

‘Yuk, yuk, yuk.’ Toby mushed the food with his fork.

‘It tastes weird, Mum. I’m not eating it.’ Lucy pushed her plate away, it toppled and fell off the table.

Katie stared at the mess on the floor. She wanted to scream. Before she blew a fuse, she told Lucy to clean up her mess and left the room. She went into the living room to calm down. The drinks cabinet was directly in front of her. What she wouldn’t do for one vodka. Just one, to take the edge off. One drink to make her feel less angry. One drink to lighten her mood. She pressed her right thumb into the palm of her left hand – it was something her therapist had shown her, a tool they had given her to help when she felt overwhelmed by anxiety.

Katie pressed hard and closed her eyes. She thought about the disgust and shame she’d felt on waking up in that hotel room. Never again.One more lap, Katie. One more lap.She took a few deep breaths and went back into the kitchen.

Lucy had made a half-hearted effort to clean up, but had just made it worse. Katie asked Alexa to play ‘Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing’ by Tori Kelly. As the music played she sang along, releasing the tension. The kids joined in and soon the dinner drama was forgotten. Katie put on some fish fingers and reminded herself that she didn’t need to be perfect. She just needed to stay sober and be present.

Jamie came downstairs from his post-run shower.

‘Lucy, your granny says you can call over now. She has a few new books for you and she wants to talk to you aboutAnne of Green Gables.’

‘I’ll take you over.’

‘No, it’s fine, I’ll do it,’ Jamie said.

‘No.’ Katie was firm. ‘I haven’t set eyes on Nancy in weeks and I just want to say hello and break the awkwardness. I’ll see how her hair looks and maybe offer to do it for her.’

‘Are you sure?’ Jamie looked worried.

‘Yes. I feel bad for her about Melanie leaving, although I think Melanie is right for doing it. But I know your mum is upset, so I’ve made her a cheesecake to cheer her up. If Lucy gives it to her, she might eat it. Ross, Amanda and Theo moved out yesterday, so I want to make sure she’s okay. Besides, I know the twins are there setting up her new smart TV, so I’ll have a buffer.’

Jamie kissed her. ‘I saw her in the office earlier, and she’s fine, but it’s thoughtful of you. I’m upset about Melanie too. What do I get?’

Katie grinned at him. ‘I have something in mind for you later.’

Jamie whooped and pinched her bum.

‘Dad!’ Lucy covered her eyes.

Jamie laughed as Katie swatted his hand away.

Lucy got her books and climbed into the car. ‘I don’t think Granny will be happy to see you, Mum. She’s still cross.’

‘Well, I can only try to break the ice. She can’t stay angry for ever.’

‘I told Granny that you were super-nice and fun at the moment and she said it was probably because you felt guilty about being mean.’

The bitch. How dare she slag Katie off to her own daughter? Katie’s willingness to make amends was fading fast. This had to stop.

They pulled up outside the house and Lucy jumped out, eager to see her beloved granny. The house was dark. Katie rang the doorbell.

‘I have a key.’ Lucy pulled it out.

‘I know, but we should give her a minute’s notice before we barge in.’

Ignoring her mother, Lucy opened the door and went straight inside. ‘Hi, Granny.’

Katie hovered behind her daughter.

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