issues? Of course, I’ve never had to use it for my two, but I got it as part of a Kitty Fletcher bundle on Amazon. It might come in handy for you?’
Melissa thought about telling her where to shove her book, but she didn’t need to give all the mums something new to talk about.
‘Sure,’ she said. She went to close the window but Charlie put her hand over the top, her long gel nails glistening in the sun. ‘We’re all here if you need us, Melissa. It’s clear you’re finding it tough. Just know we have your back. Us mums need to stick together, don’t we?’
Melissa closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
Calm down, Melissa, think of the kids.
She opened her eyes and smiled. ‘Thanks, Charlie.’ Then she closed the window.
‘Why d’you let her talk to you like that, Mum?’ Lewis asked her.
‘We don’t want any more drama, do we?’
‘You should have told her to stick that book where the sun don’t shine.’
Melissa smiled. ‘I did think about it, trust me.’
‘But you didn’t do it, did you?’
Melissa turned to him. ‘That’s because I think before I do anything stupid, Lewis. We need these people on our side.’
‘Do we, though?’
‘You don’t understand the way Forest Grove works.’
‘Yeah I do. People like her and Andrea Cooper are twats, that’s how it works.’
‘Lewis!’
‘They are. Why should we always try to keep them happy?’
‘It’s hard to explain, Lewis. One day when you’re a parent, you’ll get it.’
‘Maddy does alright and her mum doesn’t put up with all them lot,’ he said, jutting his chin towards Charlie, who was now chatting to some other mums, showing them her nails.
Melissa opened her mouth then closed it, unsure of what to say. He was right. Why did she put up with it?
She took a deep breath, staring at the school. ‘Right, I’d better go and get Lilly. You stay here, okay?’
She jumped out and walked towards the school gates. Some of the parents who were there looked up, watching as she passed, some nodding at her. Melissa noticed Samantha Perks, the receptionist at her physiotherapy centre, standing alone as she checked her phone. She made a beeline for her. Samantha was a safe bet. She hated gossip and had sent Melissa a series of lovely texts since hearing what had happened with Patrick. Even better, she didn’t get on with Andrea and her cronies after her daughter Caitlin had a run-in with Carter.
‘Hey, you,’ Samantha said when Melissa got to her. She gave Melissa a quick hug. ‘How are you? How’s Patrick?’
‘We’re okay, and Patrick’s hanging in there.’
‘You’re so brave.’
‘Everyone keeps saying that, but I don’t feel it.’
‘Well, you look it to me! Are the kids back at school, then?’
‘Just the twins. They insisted.’
‘Good, they need the distraction.’ She bit her lip. ‘I hope Lilly wasn’t too upset about the part?’
‘Why would she be upset about it?’
Samantha’s expression faltered. ‘Oh, of course you’re right, the Baroness role is just as good!’
‘Baroness?’
‘Yes, that’s the role Lilly got, right?’
‘No, she got the lead.’
Samantha swallowed, looking embarrassed. ‘I don’t think so. Caitlin got the part of Maria von Trapp.’
Melissa blinked rapidly, confused. Maybe she’d misheard Lilly when she told her she got the part. But she was so sure Lilly said she’d got the role of Maria von Trapp!
Why would Lilly lie?
‘God, I feel awful now,’ Samantha said.
‘No, no, it’s fine, really,’ Melissa said, peering towards the doors to the school. ‘Honestly. It’s the last thing on our minds. What great news for Caitlin, though!’
Samantha couldn’t help but smile. ‘Isn’t it? You know how shy she is. But she adores acting.’
‘Good on her, really. I’m delighted for you.’
‘Thank you. I was a bit worried she might not have a chance, what with all that stuff with Carter Cooper a few months back.’
‘Why would that stop Caitlin getting the part?’
Samantha sighed, peering towards where Andrea usually stood with Charlie and a couple of other mums. ‘You know what Andrea’s like, finger in every pie. I was worried she’d do something to jeopardise Caitlin’s chances. Oh, here they are!’
Melissa followed her gaze to see pupils spilling out of the school. She quickly spotted Lilly, with Maddy and a couple of other friends. Lilly’s face lit up when she saw Melissa and she skipped towards her, her caramel locks lifting in the air behind her. She really was quite beautiful. Charlie whispered something behind her hand to another mum as she watched Lilly give Melissa a hug.
‘You came to walk me home,’