Page 93 of The In-Laws

‘Well, we have your back. We’re Team Amanda, aren’t we, Melanie?’ Katie put an arm around her sister-in-law’s waist.

‘Absolutely.’ Melanie put one over Amanda’s shoulders.

Amanda felt warm inside. It was so nice to be wrapped up in the support and care of these two very different but lovely women.

They sat in silence, soaking in the infinite horizon of the wide blue sea.

‘Who knew that nature could be so restorative?’ Amanda said.

‘Sorry, I’m thick, but what does restorative mean?’

Amanda straightened and looked at Katie. ‘Why do you do that? Why do you put yourself down? You’re not thick at all. In fact, you’re very smart.’

Katie’s face flushed. ‘Thanks, but I’m so not.’

‘Yes, you are.’ Melanie agreed with Amanda.

‘I don’t read books, which in this family is a crime.’

‘Lots of people don’t read much, especially these days with phones and social media sucking up our time. I struggle to get Theo to read anything.’

‘I could send you some really good ones,’ Melanie suggested, ‘that might just spark your interest.’

‘Jesus, no!’ Katie held up her hands. ‘I … Look, I struggle with it all. It’s not the books, it’s me.’ Katie’s eyes filled. ‘To be honest, I can barely read Toby’s books. I’m a bit crap at all that stuff. I think I’m dyslexic but in my school no one was ever tested. You were just told you were stupid.’

‘What? Oh, Katie, why did you never tell me? Have you still not been tested?’ Melanie asked.

Katie shook her head. ‘I was too embarrassed, and no.’

‘There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of people are dyslexic, Einstein, Cher, Tom Cruise, Picasso, Tom Holland …’ Melanie told her.

‘Tom Holland, the sexy guy fromSpider-Man?’ Katie looked astonished.

‘Yes, and loads of other clever, successful people,’ Amanda added.

‘Being dyslexic does not mean you’re stupid, it just means you see things differently. My dad was dyslexic and he was a pharmacist,’ Melanie told Katie.

‘Really? I thought all your family were geniuses.’

‘They’re all very clever, as are you! Honestly, you should get tested and then get help with it. Your world will open up.’

Katie sighed. ‘I know I have to do something. I think Lucy suspects I’m not a good reader and I don’t want her to be ashamed of me.’

Amanda put her arm around Katie. ‘She could never be anything but proud of you.’

Katie sniffed. ‘Well, I did call her beloved granny a poisonous bitch.’

They all laughed.

‘She is, so you were just stating a fact,’ Amanda reminded her.

‘I’ll ask around and find someone good who can test you,’ Melanie told her.

‘Thanks, but … please don’t tell Frank or Ross I’m … Well, it’s …’

‘We won’t tell a soul. This is your private business. But do let us help. I can give you reading lessons, if you like. I’ve plenty of time on my hands,’ Amanda suggested.

‘Really?’

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