eighteen, was later awarded $20 million in a landmark case regarding her mother’s abuse and neglect. Allegations of non-payment, child cruelty, a lack of education, and overwork were made.
Here at Celeb Goss, we hope that Sheridan’s new addition will heal the rift that still exists. But could growing up in such a dysfunctional bubble be partly why she is struggling with her new baby today? Surely at times like these, every woman needs her mother to provide guidance and support. So why is Dorothy nowhere to be seen? Last week, Daniel’s mother made the trip from the UK to the States to meet her first grandchild. ‘Seventy-year-old Lesley was completely smitten by the newborn,’ our source says. ‘However, New York was all a bit much for her, and she stayed for just a few days.’ With his mom having returned home, and his wife seemingly unwell, how is Daniel coping with juggling work and fatherhood?
We hope our favorite celebrity couple get back on their feet soon.
Beneath the veneer of the reporter’s concern, I could sense the spite. My frown deepened as I shoved the magazine into my pillowcase. I had put off calling Dympna for fear of upsetting her, but now, more than ever, I needed advice. Easing myself off the bed, I searched the wardrobe for my suitcase, which was stored at the back. My thoughts were racing as I found the phone and quickly switched it on. Shouldn’t I wait and give Sheridan a chance? I gripped the phone between my fingers. If nothing else, I could tell Dympna where I was, and if she persuaded me to go home . . . well, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.
My mouth grew dry as I dialled her number. What was I going to say? But after five rings, I was greeted with her answer phone.
I took a deep breath. ‘Hi, Dympna, it’s me . . . Roz.’ It felt strange uttering her name aloud. It was eight weeks since I’d called. ‘Listen, sorry for not ringing sooner. I miss you all like hell. I, um . . .’ I paused to gather my thoughts. ‘I need your advice. I’m fine and everything but . . .’ Oh God, I thought, I can’t just blurt out that I’m being kept prisoner. ‘I thought I should give you my address. It’s just that . . . I’ve not been able to come and go as I like. In fact, I’ve not been able to leave at all.’ I sighed, imagining her reaction. ‘Anyway, no need to call the cavalry. They’ve not hurt me or anything, but I’d really like your advice. I’ve got to go but I’ll ring you again in an hour. We can talk about it then. I’m staying in New York, with Sheridan Sinclair. Crazy, right?’ I forced a chuckle before realising something was wrong. I pulled the phone away from my ear and stared at the blank screen. ‘No,’ I whispered. The battery was dead. How much of my message went through before it was cut off? Returning to the suitcase, I rifled through its folds. My spirits plummeted as I curled my fingers around the three-pin plug. What was I thinking? It wouldn’t fit a US plug socket. What part, if any, of my message would Dympna receive? I checked my watch as the lift activated from above. Shoving the phone back into the suitcase, I prepared to go upstairs. Sheridan must never know about the call.
Easing into the chair at the kitchen table, I rubbed my stomach as the baby did the fandango under my skin. My mood was low, but I tried not to let it show.
‘Is she kicking?’ Sheridan asked, invading my personal space. As always, she didn’t ask before lifting my sweatshirt and placing her hand on my bump.
‘Yes,’ I said awkwardly as she leant over me. ‘She’s lively this morning.’
Sheridan’s hair was styled back from her face and she had changed into a designer dress. I felt like a slob in comparison, wearing my tracksuit bottoms now that I had outgrown my jeans. I was torn, because part of me still wanted to go home. There was no denying that Sheridan was head over heels in love with my baby. The trouble was, so was I. I told myself I was being selfish, that she was the perfect mother for my child. But still, I felt a prisoner in my surroundings, and a sense of foreboding