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When Lucy got home the house was empty. She popped her head into the shop. It was quiet. Billy was drinking coffee and reading the newspaper.

‘How was the naming ceremony?’ he asked.

‘Good, thanks, they’re a lovely family. The baby was as good as gold throughout, which is rare. They were all delighted with themselves and even tipped me fifty extra euros. Are Dylan and Kelly not home yet?’

‘Dylan’s in the shower, I think. I haven’t seen Kelly.’

‘Okay. I’ll have a coffee.’ Lucy went to make herself a latte.

‘Dylan told me he’s going out to see Taylor this evening, just to forewarn you.’

‘I’ll talk to him,’ Lucy said. ‘As long as he’s home by ten I don’t mind.’

‘I wish I’d seen that Gabriel’s face when he realized who Dylan was,’ Billy said, for the millionth time. ‘I just wishyou’d waited until I was there to sock it to him.’

‘I had to take my opportunity, Dad. I’d waited years for it.’

‘God, it must have felt good.’

‘It did,’ Lucy said. But the truth was, although it had felt wonderful to meet Gabriel and see his shocked face, when the euphoria of the confrontation had worn off, Lucy had felt kind of flat. She’d spent so much of her life full of rage with him andTom and had waited so long to say those words to Gabriel that now it was all over she felt deflated. Like a popped balloon.

It was strange. She’d thought she’d be on a high for months,but it was just a moment, a good moment, but a moment that had now passed.

She still felt angry and she still resented and hated him, but the sting had gone out of it. The anger didn’t well up in her like it usedto. Gabriel was an old man now. He wasn’t frightening or intimidating any more, just kind of pathetic.

It was his loss and her gain. If Gabriel hadn’t been such a bastard, she’d probably have had the abortion. But because he’d been so awful, she’d changed her mind, and look at what she’d got. Instead of feeling triumphant, Lucy just felt really grateful to have the twins. Seeing Gabriel againhad brought home to her that the decision she’d made had been the right one.

‘Probably a good thing I didn’t see him,’ Billy muttered. ‘I’d have punched his smug face for sure.’

Lucy smiled. ‘Well, then, I’m glad you didn’t spot him. I don’t need you punching a board member in front of the headmaster. He thinks we’re crazy enough. I’ve had enough drama in the last week to last me a lifetime.’

Lucy’s phone buzzed. It was Sarah, the third message that day. She needed to talk to Lucy: it was nothing urgent and nothing was wrong, she just wanted a quick chat. Lucy took her coffee into the kitchen and put her phone on the table to remind her to call Sarah back.

She put her feet up on the opposite chair and sipped her hot coffee – bliss.

The front door opened and she heard slow footstepsdown the hall. Kelly came into the room.

‘There you are. I was about to send out a search party. I’ve just come from a gorgeous naming ceremony. It reminded me of your christening, actually. What would you like for dinner? I can make you spaghetti carbonara, if you like.’

‘No, thanks.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘I don’t feel very well.’

Lucy glanced up. ‘You do look a bit pale. Let me get the thermometerand see if you have a temperature.’

‘No, it’s fine,’ Kelly said.

Dylan came down the stairs and into the room. ‘I’m off.’

Lucy pursed her lips. ‘Okay, love, but remember it’s a school night,’ she said. ‘What time will you be back at?’

‘Mum,’ Dylan said firmly. ‘I’m not going to get drunk. I’m going over to meet Taylor and take her to a pizza place near her house. That’s all. I’ll be home afterthat. I won’t be late. Chill out, you can trust me. Okay?’

‘Fine, but be home no later than ten thirty. Do you need any money?’