‘Mum,’ she said, as she joined her mother at the table and began assembling pizzas, ‘do you remember a book that was out a while back by a woman called Jacqueline Ffrench about a child she adopted from Romania and couldn’t bond with?’
‘Oh yes,’ Espie responded immediately. ‘It caused a bit of a stir, and it was a big hit. I always felt so sorry for that little boy.’ She shook her head sadly. ‘I remember seeing her onThe Late Late Show, and everyone saying how brave she was to write that book, like she’d done something marvellous. But I thought it was cruel. No mother should do that to her child.’ She spooned a dollop of sauce into the centre of a pizza base and circled her spoon, working it outwards. ‘She actually said at one point that she wished she could give him back.’
‘Christ!’
‘I know – like a pair of shoes that you’d return to the shop. And people were telling her she was great to admit her feelings.’ Espie sighed. ‘I wonder what happened to that boy.’ She slid the pizza across to Claire so that she could load it with toppings. ‘Why do you ask?’
‘I’ve met him,’ Claire said quietly, as she sprinkled on grated cheese. She looked up at her mother. ‘So have you.’
Espie frowned questioningly at her. Then her eyes widened. ‘Luca?’ she gasped, a hand flying to her mouth.
Claire nodded.
‘Oh my God! Poor Luca – and he’s such a pet.’
‘Don’t say anything to him,’ Claire said. ‘I don’t think he likes to talk about it.’
‘I’m sure he doesn’t. When I think of what happened to all those children,’ Espie said, tears welling in her eyes. ‘I’ll never forget seeing those orphanages on TV – all thosebabies with no one to love them. How could people treat children like that?’
‘I don’t know,’ Claire said sadly.
‘And then, after all that, to end up with a mother who just wanted rid of him!’ She sighed. ‘Do you know how he gets on with his family now?’
‘He has a sister he seems really close to. She was adopted at the same time. But I get the impression there’s no love lost between him and his mother.’
‘I’m not surprised.’
‘I’ll probably have to meet her tomorrow at Ali’s party. I don’t know how I’m going to be civil to her.’
Espie looked at Claire thoughtfully. ‘You’re very fond of him, aren’t you?’
‘Yeah.’ Claire smiled. ‘I am.’
‘He’s welcome to spend the night here, if you want him to, Claire. You do know that, don’t you?’
‘I know, Mum. But it’s not like that.’
‘You don’t have to worry about my heart. I won’t expire from the shock of it. Or cast you out for bringing shame on our house.’
Claire smiled. ‘I know. But we’re just friends, honestly.’
‘Seems an awful waste to me.’
‘Actually, there’s someone else – well, potentially. He lives in London. I’m going over for a weekend soon – if that’s all right with you.’
‘Of course. I’ll be fine. Where did you meet this one? Another “evening class”?’
‘I know him online, from Twitter and stuff. And he was in Dublin a couple of weeks ago and we met up.’
‘Truly, you are the darkest of horses,’ Espie said, looking at her quizzically. ‘Not a man in sight, and then, the minute I turn my back, they’re swarming out of the woodwork. Maybe I should go into hospital more often.’
‘Please, don’t. If that’s what it takes, I’d rather join a nunnery.’
‘You’d make a lovely nun.’ Her mother smiled mischievously.
‘I’d lead a life of quiet contemplation and find solace in my books.’
‘And reflect on your sins,’ Espie said, passing the last pizza to Claire for topping. ‘You’d better get started on doing some sinning first or you’ll have nothing to reflect on and you’ll be bored out of your tree.’ She began to get up as the doorbell rang.
