‘All right, all right. Bloody hell! Word of advice, that’s way too much make-up. Tone it down a bit. Hey, are you okay?’ She realised her daughter was shaking and close to tears. ‘Jenna? What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing! Nothing’s wrong. I just – I need the loo.’
She darted out of the room and the bathroom door slammed shut. Alison waited, confused and worried. She didn’t like to think it, but was it possible that Joel was making his wife do something she didn’t want to do? Was this all his idea? She knew it wasn’t really any of her business but something about Jenna’s expression frightened her. If her son-in-law was making unreasonable demands, she’d have to get involved. She couldn’t bear the thought of her daughter being part of something she wasn’t happy about.
There was a beep and Alison realised Jenna’s phone was on the bedside cabinet. Maybe it was Joel to say he was on his way. She leaned over and noticed his name, and without even meaning to, her eyes quickly scanned the brief message on the home screen.
Joel
Arrived in Derby. Traffic horrendous as usual. Give my love to the…
Jenna walked back into the bedroom, wiping her scarlet lipstick off with a tissue.
‘Mum, I’m not being funny, but I don’t like the girls being left alone in the car for long. Can we leave this for now?’
‘Who are you expecting, Jenna?’ Alison asked icily.
Jenna stared at her. ‘What – what are you on about?’
Alison waved the phone at her. ‘Joel’s in Derby, as expected. He said to give the girls his love. So, for whose benefit is this get-up?’ She waved a hand at Jenna’s attire, even though it was hidden under the dressing gown. ‘Wow, you really are a piece of work.’
Jenna sank on to the bed. ‘It’s not what you think.’
‘So you’re not having an affair?’
‘No!’
‘And you’re not expecting a man round this evening?’
Jenna bit her lip.
‘Is this the first time? Is that what you mean?’
Jenna’s face was scarlet. ‘I just – we haven’t – I mean, yes. It’s the first time.’
‘You bloody idiot!’ Alison leapt to her feet, glaring down at her daughter. ‘What the hell are you thinking? You’ve got a husband who adores you and is working so hard to give you and the twins everything you could possibly want, and you’ve got two little girls outside who need their parents together.’
‘You think I don’t know that?’ A tear rolled down Jenna’s cheek, but Alison was having none of it.
‘Save me the waterworks! I can’t believe this. Of all the stupid, thoughtless, selfish things you’ve ever done, this takes the cake, it really does.’
Jenna wiped her cheek. ‘What do you mean? What have I done?’
‘Are you serious? How about dumping your kids on me every chance you get, and giving me a hard time when I have to work instead of babysit for you?’
‘Dumping them on you? I thought youlikedhaving them? I thought they were company for you.’
‘Oh please, don’t make that your excuse. I have a life of my own! Well, I would have if I could have five minutes alone. I put up with it because I thought you and Joel were busy working to pay the bills and build a better life for your family, but all the time you’ve been carrying on with God knows who! I mean, how many others have there been? Poor Joel.’
‘PoorJoel!’ Jenna spluttered, whether with anger or amusement Alison couldn’t be certain. ‘And where is Joel? Oh, of course. He’s at a hotel for the weekend. Again.’
‘Working! For you! For his family!’
Jenna lowered her head. ‘I’d rather have him here.’
‘So that’s a good enough excuse to cheat on him? What time is this creep coming round, then? No wonder you were desperate to get me to leave.’
Jenna glanced at the clock. ‘Any time now,’ she said dully.
