Page 83 of The In-Laws

‘Okay, so it can’t have come as a huge shock?’

They began to giggle.

‘God, I needed a good laugh. It’s all been a bit serious and grim lately.’

‘With the Nancy fall-out?’

‘Yeah, and other stuff, which I’ll get into. But, first, how was the lunch?’

‘We missed you. The twins were very vocal about you not being there. You know how much they adore you.’

‘Jamie did tell me that and I was chuffed. He also told me about the family photo Nancy insisted on – he was mortified.’

‘Just Nancy being Nancy, making sure we know our place in the pecking order.’

‘I have no words … well, none that aren’t curses.’

Melanie shook her head. ‘I hear you.’

‘I bet she was all over Lucy.’ It had killed Katie to watch her family leaving for a lunch she was banned from. She’d spent the afternoon crying.

‘She was, but Lucy spoke up for you. She had yourback. She’s so good with Nancy – she really knows how to handle her.’

Katie sighed and sipped her cappuccino. ‘I know it’s childish and I’m glad they get on, but sometimes I wish Lucy would see Nancy’s mean side.’

What she wanted to say wasIt really bugs me that my own daughter doesn’t see what a total bitch her granny has always been to me, and I think I am very selfless to encourage her to visit the old cow. If I wanted, I could ban her from seeing Nancy, but I’d never do that.

Melanie stirred her coffee. ‘She gets a different Nancy from anyone else. She brings out the best in her granny.’

‘I suppose she does, and I bring out the worst.’

Melanie laughed and glanced at the clock.

‘Okay, I know you’re busy and I’m late, so I’ll get to it.’ Katie paused. She felt bad about discussing this with Melanie, but she needed advice and Melanie was very level-headed, clever and practical. She’d be able to help her figure out what to do.

‘Spit it out, I’m imagining all kinds of awful things.’

‘It’s about Theo …’ Katie told her about bumping into Theo in the park and the cocaine, and how Theo admitted he had been expelled from school.

Melanie was as shocked as Katie had been. ‘Expelled for dealing coke?’

‘Well, not dealing. It sounded more like he was sharing it about.’

‘Still, though.’

‘I know, it’s not good.’

‘Poor Amanda. No wonder she was so low when they moved back,’ Melanie said. ‘That’s a lot to deal with. She loved that posh school – she was always talking about how wonderful it was.’

‘And banging on about her friendship with Lady La DeDa. I bet she dropped Amanda like a hot cake when the news got out.’

Melanie turned a packet of sugar between her fingers. ‘Do you think Theo’s an addict?’

Katie shook her head. ‘No, I honestly don’t. I knew a lot of kids growing up who messed with drugs and you can always tell the ones who are addicted. I think he’s just been acting out and probably trying to be the “cool guy” in school. Theo is a good kid.’

Melanie bit her bottom lip. ‘I wasn’t going to say anything until I knew more, but seeing as how we’re sharing secrets and concerns, I think Ross may be having an affair.’

Now it was Katie’s turn to be shocked. ‘No way! He’s so up his own arse and Mr Responsible … Are you serious?’

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