Page 123 of The In-Laws

‘How’s the agency?’

‘Great. The agent Melanie found for us, Diana, is working out well. She’s like a mini Melanie.’

‘And Mum?’

Jamie grinned. ‘Mum is Mum. Taking a step back, but not. It’s an adjustment for both of us. But we’ll get there.’

The kitchen door opened and Melanie, the twins and Frank came in, followed by Nancy.

Everyone hugged and kissed.

‘Hello, Nancy, I’ve got your favourite here.’

Nancy peered into the casserole dish. ‘You need to add more stock.’

‘Okay.’ Katie smiled, teeth gritted.

‘Breathe,’ Melanie whispered.

‘In for four and out for four.’ Amanda giggled.

‘There aren’t enough breaths in the world.’

‘At least you’re talking to each other and she’s here,’ Melanie noted.

‘True.’ Katie poured more stock into the stew while Jamie got everyone to sit down.

Nancy leant over Frank and addressed Melanie. ‘Well, how is the new agency?’

‘Good, thanks.’

‘She’s doing really well. Did you know she signed Xina?’ Joni asked her granny.

‘Yes, I did, and I hear your mother is negotiating very lucrative deals for her. It’s the talk of the town,’ Nancy said. Turning to Amanda, she asked, ‘And how are you finding working with Melanie?’

‘I love it.’ Amanda beamed at her mother-in-law.

‘Interesting. Well, Diana has just signed a fantastic debut author. We have very high hopes. She’s a wonderful agent.’

‘I know. I found her for you, remember,’ Melanie replied.

Go, Melanie. Katie was enjoying the show.

Jamie jumped in: ‘She’s great.’

‘Good, so everyone’s happy,’ Frank, ever the peacemaker, said.

‘I wouldn’t say happy, Frank. We’re getting on with things after an unexpected and unwelcome upheaval,’ Nancy said.

‘How are you, Frank?’ Katie changed the subject. She didn’t want any drama at her lunch. She wasn’t going to let Nancy wind people up.

‘Really good, crazy busy. I’ve had to rent a studio because my classes were too big for the sunroom at home. I’m doing six a day at the moment but loving every minute of it.’

‘And he does one a week at our school,’ Joni said.

‘The first one wassoooooembarrassing, but now everyone’s really into it,’ Janis said proudly.

While the twins described Frank’s classes, Katie turned to Ross and quietly said, ‘Congratulations. I hear you have a baby girl.’

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