‘Exactly. That won’t go down well if he’s interviewed,’ replied Claire with force. To her, this was all business as usual; for Tara, it was anything but.
Once more Jack was in turmoil, trying his best to think of a way to help Tara. Recalling how well the dinner with her and Calum had gone, he decided to return the favour and text her an invite.
You and Calum fancy dinner at mine tonight?
Yes. That would be lovely, thanks.
7p.m. OK?
Great. Should we bring our cossies?
Came the reply, followed by a smiley face emoji.
Why not?
Jack added a winking face emoji with a chuckle. He decided to have another barbeque, keen to spend as much time outside in the warm evening sunshine as possible.
Tara and Calum seemed on good form when they arrived later on. Clearly Calum couldn’t wait to get in the hot tub, having stripped down to his swim-shorts early on.
‘Came prepared then?’ laughed Jack.
‘Can I?’ he asked eagerly, pointing towards it, bubbling away. It looked too inviting for him to ignore.
‘’Course you can,’ said Jack, enjoying his excitement.
Tara mouthed, ‘Thanks,’ with a grateful smile.
‘Here.’ Jack passed her a cool glass of white wine. Boy, did she need this, she thought taking a gulp.
‘You OK?’ asked Jack, seeing her knock it back.
‘Richard’s solicitor sent me a letter today, confirming his intention to issue proceedings,’ she told him.
Jack nodded. ‘You thought he would though, didn’t you?’
‘Well, I half hoped he was making empty threats… but apparently not.’ She shrugged and took another mouthful of wine.
The urge to punch Richard in the face rose up inside Jack. What he wouldn’t do for ten minutes alone with that guy. Instead of telling Tara this, he asked, ‘What does Claire advise?’
‘She’s drafting a reply, stating our intention to object. Then we wait to see what happens next. The ball’s in Richard’s court.’ The ball always seemed to be in Richard’s court. A flare of anger flickered inside her.
‘Mum!’ called Calum, waving up at her from the swirling water he sat in.
‘Is it good?’ she asked with a laugh.
‘Awesome! Come and join me!’
Tara looked at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
‘Let’s,’ he grinned.
‘I’ll just go and change!’ called Tara.
Before long all three were splashing each other and giggling like hyenas. It was a much-welcomed relief, rather than mulling over what the future held.
