Page 9

‘No feckin’ way. Her report was a disaster.’

‘I know, but locking her up isn’t the answer. She’ll make your life hell. Why don’t you use it as a bargaining tool? Tell her she can go if she studies for three hoursevery day of the last week of the holidays.’

Billy sat back and pointed his fork at his daughter. ‘Now that is a brilliant idea. You’re some girl, Lucy, honestly, not only smart but sensible too.’

‘Aw, shucks! Well, if you say so …’ She grinned. It was nice to have her dad’s praise. She felt so bad about her mistake, and she was so worried about Tom and the abortion that it was soothing to lether father’s love wash over her.

Tina walked through from the shop. ‘Billy, Mr O’Brien is here with the deliveries. He needs a hand.’

‘That fella’s as useless as the day he was born,’ Billy muttered, but stood up and went through to the shop.

Tina closed the door and sat down at the kitchen table. She picked up Billy’s half-drunk coffee and finished it. ‘Well, pet,’ she said, looking at Lucy.‘What’s going on with you?’

Lucy reddened. ‘Nothing.’

Her mother sighed. ‘Lucy, I know you. Something’s been bothering you for a while. Talk to me.’

Lucy felt herself crack. She longed to throw herself into her mother’s arms and tell her everything. She dug her nails into her thighs to stop herself doing just that. She would not burden her mother with this when there was no need. In three daysshe’d be back to her old self. She lied, but kept it close to the truth. ‘I’m fine, Mum. I just … I’ve just had a problem with Tom, but it’s sorted, honestly. It’s all going to be fine.’

‘All right, Lucy, but I want you to know that, whatever it is, I’m here for you. I love you and I’ll always support you, no matter what. Okay?’

Lucy nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She jumped up to puther glass and plate into the dishwasher, then scurried out of the room. If she didn’t get out of there, her mother’s kindness would break her wide open.