“Aye, but these things happen. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. She knows that. But she was still disappointed.”
“You should’ve texted me, Soph. I could’ve picked her up tomorrow morning instead.”
She glances over her shoulder. “I didn’t want to cut into your time with her. You already have her for less of the week than I do.”
“I’m not a monster, Soph. I do let her have pals.” I grin. “If something like this comes up again, just give me a shout. It’s not a big deal.”
“You sure? Because... well, Iwasthinking we could do a sleepover here at some point and invite Katie and Freya over. But it’d need to be at the weekend—a school night just wouldn’t work.”
“Course I’m sure.” But even as I say it, there’s a wee flicker in my gut at the thought of losing a night with my girl.
Christ, Walker, you’re a grown man. You can cope with losing one Friday evening so Isla can have a sleepover with her mates.
“Great, I’ll check with the other mums. Maybe next weekend?”
I shoot her a smile. “Works for me.”
“You can tell her in the van, if you like. Might cheer her up.”
“Aye, will do.”
Sophie nods, then takes a breath. “Actually, while we’ve got a minute... Mei’s coming for dinner tonight, and... I’m going to ask her to move in.”
My stomach does a weird little drop. Mei, here permanently, part of Isla’s everyday life in a way I’m not?—
And then I catch myself.
What’s wrong with me? IlikeMei. Besides, Sophie deserves this and Isla adores her. I really need to get it together.
I pull Sophie into a hug. “That’s brilliant news. She’d be daft to say no.”
Sophie relaxes against me. “You sure you’re okay with it?”
“Course I am. Mei’s great.” And I mean it. Between the two of them, Isla’s going to be fed, loved, and fussed over to within an inch of her life. That’s a good thing.
“Don’t say anything to Isla yet,” Sophie says after I let her go. “Not until Mei’s given me her answer. And I’d like to be the one to tell her.”
“My lips are sealed.”
Footsteps on the stairs pull both our gazes to the doorway. Isla appears, rucksack slung over one shoulder, curls escaping from her ponytail.
“You’ve grown again, wee yin,” I say, opening my arms.
She walks into the hug, but it’s quieter than usual—no full-body tackle today. Sophie’s straight in checking Isla’s bag, then her Dexcom, then rattling off reminders to me about sensors and hypo snacks and logging carbs and all the usual diabetes stuff.
“Got it all, Soph,” I say, smiling so she knows I’m not annoyed. “We go through this every Friday.” I nudge Isla with my elbow. “You’d think she’d trust me by now, eh?”
She gives a small smile. “She likes to fuss, doesn’t she?”
“Can’t help it,” Sophie says. “Habit. Right then, have a good evening, both of you.”
“Bye, Mum.” Isla gives her a quick squeeze before slipping her hand into mine.
As we head for the door, I glance back at Sophie, give her a small nod, and mouth, “Good luck.”
“So,” I say to Isla as we leave Bannock behind us, “tell me about this primary four reading group, then. You showing those older kids how it’s done?”
“It’s fine.” She looks out the van window.
