Page 99 of The In-Laws

‘Touché.’ Jamie grinned.

‘And that’s why I want you to be my agent. I want someone who is more serious and older so that my book isn’tjust fluff. I want it to say something and to mean something and I know you can help me do that.’

Melanie was impressed and warming to Xina by the second. ‘I did judge you and I apologize for that. I’d be happy to represent you. I think it could be fun, and we could raise your book to a higher level, if that’s what you want.’

‘Great. Let’s talk more about that. I’d love to hear your ideas and we can discuss contracts and fees. We can order room service.’

Melanie caught sight of the time on Jamie’s smartwatch. No! It was eight p.m. Thanks to Xina being forty-five minutes late, she’d missed the first half of the play. Oh, God, the twins would go nuts.

She stood up. ‘Xina, I’m really sorry, but I have to go.’

‘What?’ Ross frowned.

‘Seriously?’ Xina seemed shocked that someone was leaving her at, to be fair, a key moment of negotiation.

‘I really don’t want to, believe me, but I have fifteen-year-old twin daughters who are in a school play. I’ve missed a lot of school events because of work and they are permanently angry with me. If I miss this, I honestly don’t think they’ll ever forgive me. I’m already an hour late.’

‘And you know better than anyone, Xina, how sensitive teenage girls can be,’ Jamie added. Melanie could have kissed him.

Xina straightened up. ‘Of course I do. They’re my followers. You should go, I get it. We can Zoom tomorrow.’

Melanie paused. ‘Any chance you’d come with me so they’d hate me less?’

‘Oh, my God,no. A crowded school hall, my anxiety would be off the charts.’

‘How about a video message?’ Ross suggested.

Yes, that was perfect. Melanie smiled her thanks at Ross.

‘Would you?’ Melanie asked.

‘Sure thing.’ This was Xina’s comfort zone.

Looking into Melanie’s phone camera, she said, ‘Hey, girls, your mum is late because she is with me, helping me with my new book. She is rushing over to see you guys now. She rocks. Don’t be mad at her. Stay real.’

‘Thank you!’ Melanie grabbed her coat and raced out of the door.

She snuck into the hall just as the musical was ending. She watched the girls taking a bow and listened to the cheers, which were especially loud for Joni – she must have nailed her part. Melanie saw Frank up the front, videoing. Thank God, she’d be able to watch it later.

The lights went on and Frank came over to her. ‘I saw you coming in. You missed the whole play.’

‘Xina was late and –’

‘It was a really, really important night.’ He cut across her excuse. ‘The girls were absolute stars, especially Joni. She was incredible.’

‘I heard the cheers. I’ll watch it later.’

Frank tilted his head. ‘Watching a video is nothing like watching it live, Melanie. You missed out on seeing your kids shine. It was exhilarating. Not to mention that you swore to them you’d be here tonight.’

‘I was stuck with Ross and Jamie waiting for Xina. It’s not my fault.’

Frank sighed sadly. ‘It’s never your fault.’

The twins bounded over to their father, buzzing with adrenaline. ‘Well?’

‘Unbelievable, I’m bursting with pride.’ Frank hugged them in turn.

‘Fantastic,’ Melanie lied.

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