Page 16 of The In-Laws

Because of her gloomy childhood, Katie was determined that her kids would grow up in a house painted in bright colours, with music, fun and a mum and dad who loved them and showed them affection all the time. But parenting was harder than she’d thought. She tried to be fun, but sometimes she was tired, and the constant organizing, scheduling and meeting their emotional needs was exhausting.

Running her hands through Melanie’s soft hair, Katie said, ‘You’re so lucky. You’re one of those annoying women who could never look bad, even if you tried.’

It was true, Melanie was naturally gorgeous. Her roots did need to be done, but her long dark hair, big brown eyes and smooth skin made her seem ten years younger than forty-three. Katie thought she looked a bit like Demi Moore. Make-up didn’t really enhance Melanie: she was just really naturally pretty. Katie had to work hard to look good. Melanie didn’t. And the big black-framed glasses she wore gave her a sexy-smart vibe.

Katie had had her eyes lasered – no way was she wearingglasses, no matter how cool they were on some people. They looked rubbish on her – less sexy-smart and more dorky-dumb.

Melanie’s phone rang. Joni’s name flashed up. It still made Katie giggle that Melanie had given in to Frank’s desire to call his twin girls Joni and Janis – after his two female rock icons, Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin. It was probably the last thing she had given in on to Frank.

‘Yes?’ Melanie answered sharply.

‘I feel sick,’ Joni said. ‘Dad’s not answering his phone.’

‘You were fine this morning.’

‘Yeah, well, I amn’t now.’

‘What’s wrong?’

‘Period cramp.’

‘You finished your period last week.’ Melanie rolled her eyes at Katie in the mirror.

‘What? Yeah, well, I have post-period cramps.’

‘I can’t pick you up. I’m tied up all day.’

‘As usual. Where’s Dad?’

‘He’s working.’

‘I’m dying here, Mum.’

‘I think you’ll survive for a few hours.’

‘God, you’re such a bitch.’ Joni hung up.

Katie was shocked by Joni’s rudeness but tried not to show it. Hairdressers were experts at not reacting to things they heard and Katie had heard some hair-raising things in her many years in the salon. She always thought hairdressers would make great spies: people spilt their guts to you and you just kept your face neutral and listened.

Melanie put her phone down and raised her eyebrows. ‘Enjoy Lucy while she’s still sweet because teenage girls are horrible.’

‘She didn’t mean it. Probably just hormones.’

Melanie shook her head. ‘Oh, she meant it. They both think I’m far too hard on them, but I have to be to balance out Frank, who never says no to them. Do you know they came home last week with brand new iPhones? He bought them the latest version because they told him they needed new phones so as not to be social outcasts. Can you believe it? He is such a walkover. I don’t want to raise spoilt kids.’

As much as Katie loved Frank, and he was very lovable, he needed to learn to say no. ‘They’re good girls. It’s just a phase. I was a nightmare at fifteen. I’d no mother to keep an eye on me and my poor, clueless dad thought I was in my bedroom asleep while I was out partying.’

‘God, I was the opposite. At fifteen I was either studying in my room, playing hockey or reading. There was no tolerance for any messing in my house. It was too strict and, as a result, none of us is close to our parents, but I respected them, and their rules and regulations worked. Me and my three sisters knew we had to succeed in life. I want to be less strict than my parents were, but with Frank being so lenient I find I always end up being the bad guy and the disciplinarian.’

‘They’ll thank you for it one day. They’re just at a tricky age, pushing boundaries, trying to be “cool”, meeting boys, fitting in, bodies changing … It’s a lot.’

Melanie clicked open an email. ‘I hope you’re right.’

Katie began cutting Melanie’s hair. She’d been doing it since they’d first met in a pub over ten years ago. Melanie was married and the twins were four or five. Jamie said he wanted to introduce Katie to his brother and his wife, so they agreed to meet up for a drink. Katie was a bit nervous about meeting Melanie because Jamie talked about her a lot – how amazing she was at her job and how much hismum, who sounded like a right tyrant to Katie, respected Melanie as an agent. Katie had found Melanie a bit cool and distant the first time they’d met. Frank was instantly warm, open and welcoming, but Melanie had stood back a bit, sussing Katie out and constantly answering work calls. Jamie had kept the drinks coming fast and furious, so after an hour or two everyone had loosened up. Once the alcohol hit her, Katie forgot about being nervous and told funny stories about her clients that made them all laugh. Towards the end of the night, Melanie had leant over to Katie and said, ‘I’m so glad Jamie met you. Amanda, Ross’s wife, is hard work, but you’re lovely.’

Katie had thrown her arms around her and Melanie had given her one of her infamous half-hugs. Katie had thought they’d be besties, but soon realized that was not going to happen. Melanie didn’t have time for friends. She had her authors, her work colleagues, Frank and her kids. Friends, and that included her three sisters, came last. Melanie didn’t have the time or inclination to invest in deep friendships. Unlike Katie, she didn’t enjoy spilling her guts over a bottle of wine. She was incredibly self-sufficient and self-contained. Melanie’s job seemed to give her all the fulfilment she needed. She loved being an agent and was utterly devoted to her authors, which was why she was so successful.

While Melanie had not become the bestie Katie thought she was going to be, she had always been really supportive of Katie’s job and sent all of her authors, fellow agents and publishing colleagues to get their hair done at the salon, which Katie had really appreciated. She had learnt that Melanie was not someone who showed affection physically: she showed it by supporting you.

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