Page 90 of The In-Laws

Amanda exhaled. ‘Wow. That sounds incredibly tense.’

‘It was.’

‘Your mum is some woman. I wouldn’t cross her, and I doubt Ruby will either.’

‘She was incredible. I feel like such a let-down. She went into her office, closed the door and I haven’t seen her since. I sent her a text to thank her for her help and support, but she hasn’t replied.’

‘It had to come out, and obviously the situation wasn’t ideal, but at least everyone knows now. Hopefully, if you’re fair to Ruby, she won’t make a fuss.’

Ross lay down on the bed and covered his eyes with his arm. ‘You should have seen Melanie and Jamie. They were shocked, and then bloody Katie appeared from nowhere. I’ve blown any chance of heading the agency now. Melanie will use this against me.’

Amanda pulled her husband’s arm from his face. ‘Get a grip, Ross. Seriously, stop feeling sorry for yourself. You created this mess, own it and move on. Stop assuming everyone is against you. Of course Melanie’s shocked. Of course it weakens your position in the agency, but if you take responsibility and behave correctly, you can put it behind you. Show Nancy that you’re in control.’

He sat up. ‘You’re right. I’m sorry, I was just blindsided.’

Stop saying sorry and sort out your bloody mess.

‘I understand, but you need to get back on track, get us out of this house and make damn sure that Theo and I are always your priority.’

‘Of course you are.’ Ross put his arms out, but she stood up and left the room.

Strangely, she felt relieved that the whole sorry mess was out in the open. No more pretending, no more lying. Now everyone in the family knew about Ruby, she could be honest and not have to hide why they had come home or pretend that she and Ross were a happy couple. She felt lighter. All the hiding and faking had been exhausting. It was freeing to have the worst things about you out there for everyone to see. No more shame and fear of exposure. No more knots in her stomach in case anyone found out their horrible secrets. Now Nancy knew that her eldest son had behaved so badly, maybe she would be nicer to her. Maybe she’d value that Amanda had stood loyally by Ross … for now anyway.

Melanie and Katie were sitting on a rock, sipping coffee, when Amanda arrived. As she approached she overheard Katie saying, ‘What a prick.’

‘I presume you’re talking about my husband?’ Amanda came up behind them.

Katie jumped. ‘Oh, my God, you gave me a fright. But, yes, I was.’

‘Well, now you know the sordid truth.’ Amanda placed her bag beside them.

‘I’m so sorry. I had no idea you were dealing with all that. You poor thing,’ Katie said.

‘Yes, I’m really sorry too, Amanda. What a nightmare for you,’ Melanie added.

Amanda shrugged. ‘Honestly, I’m glad the secret’s out. It was like a poison festering inside me. It’s actually easier this way.’

Katie handed her a coffee and patted her arm. ‘You must have been so lonely holding on to all that pain.’

Amanda’s eyes welled. It had been a while since anyone had been sympathetic to her. ‘I was.’ She sniffed. ‘It was so painful and hurtful and … just awful.’

‘Oh, babe.’ Katie put her arm around her and hugged her. ‘You should have told us. That’s what family’s for.’

‘I couldn’t. Ross had to do it, and in the end he didn’t even do that. I’m so glad Ruby contacted you pretending to want an agent. I’m glad it’s all out now. You must have been so shocked.’

Melanie looked at Katie. Amanda saw the glance between them. Hang on, there was more to this.

‘What am I missing here?’ she asked sharply. ‘Did you know?’

Melanie shook her head. ‘No. I swear I didn’t. But I saw Ross and Ruby arguing at the Goldstone awards and then she contacted me out of the blue. When I googled her and saw she was pregnant but not naming the dad, I admit I had suspicions. So I invited her over to meet.’

‘And Katie just happened to be in the agency that she’s banned from at that exact moment?’ Amanda began to piece things together.

Katie looked a bit shamefaced. ‘Melanie told me she was suspicious and I wanted to see if it was true. Ross has been such a prick to me that, yes, I’m not proud, but I did want to see him forced to come clean.’

‘So it was kind of a sting operation?’ Amanda asked.

Melanie stared at the ground. ‘I suppose it was.’

---