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‘Your lipstick is something a granny would wear. Put this on instead.’ She handed her sister a red one. ‘I got loads of new stuff in New York – I’ll bring some over tomorrow.’

‘Fine.Am I okay or do you need to change my whole face?’

Jenny looked her up and down. ‘You’re pretty good for a thirty-eight-year-old mother of twins.’

‘Gee, thanks.’

‘Tell me why I’m babysitting a seventeen-year-old again? I love Kelly, but isn’t she old enough to stay at home for a few hours by herself?’ Jenny asked.

‘I found out she’s been lying to me about seeing Sean Whelan. I don’t like him.His brother is wild – he got caught selling drugs in a nightclub and ended up in prison. I don’t want her getting involved with anyone who will lead her astray.’

Jenny laughed. ‘Come on, Lucy, she’s seventeen. We all lied at seventeen and dated boys our parents might not have approved of. Besides, just because Sean’s brother is wild doesn’t mean he is. I’ve seen him around and he seems like anice kid.’

‘I don’t like her lying to me, Jenny. She never used to lie. He’s obviously a bad influence. I need to protect her. I don’t want her to make any stupid mistakes.’

Jenny put her hands up. ‘Fine. But don’t be too hard on her, she’s a great kid. Now off you go and get laid. You need it. It’ll de-stress you.’

‘Do I look okay?’

‘You look gorgeous. Enjoy yourself. Try not to let him talktoo much about boring law.’

Lucy laughed. ‘I like talking about boring law.’

‘If that’s your idea of foreplay, go for it. Just make sure you leave time for sex.’

‘We always do.’ Lucy winked.

‘Woo-hoo, my sister’s libido is alive.’ Jenny grinned.

‘Sssh, Kelly might hear you.’

‘And what? Die of shock that her mother has occasional sex? Lucy, you’re a grown-up, you’re allowed to have a sexlife.’

Lucy rolled her eyes. ‘I’m off. Remember, Kelly is not allowed out, not even to Shannon’s because it’s probably a lie and she’ll go and meet Sean.’

‘Fine. Just go and get naked.’

While Lucy went downstairs, Jenny knocked on Kelly’s door. It was her own old bedroom. ‘Open up. It’s me, Jenny.’

No answer. Jenny tried again. Nothing. Jenny took out a credit card and shimmied the door open– it was a trick she’d used as a teenager. Kelly wasn’t in her room and her window was open.

Damn. Jenny texted her.I’m in ur bedroom, yr mum doesn’t know uv snuck out. Get your arse back here now b4 she finds out. I’ll cover for u. Text me when you get back in.

A text came straight back.F**k, I locked the door.

It used to be my room. I know how to break in.

On way home now. Tx for covering.

No prob, but don’t do it again. I’ll try to talk to your mum about Sean.

Pleeeeeease do, he’s really great.

Is he nice to u? Does he treat u like the rock star u are?

YES, he really does.

OK then. U’ve 30 mins to get home.