‘Shall we offer her the job, then?’
‘Yes. But we’ll need to check out references.’
‘Of course. But Mum recommended her and she’s pretty much perfect – apart from being the woman that fashion forgot.’
I give him a light shove. ‘Don’t be so mean!’
He grins and pulls me towards him. ‘Does this mean our lives are going to get easier from now on? Might we actually have some time to spend together?’
‘That would be nice.’
‘Although, knowing you, it’ll just mean you’re working longer hours.’
‘Hey!’
He raises his hands in surrender. ‘Sorry, sorry. Joke.’
But I know he’s probably right. ‘I’ll try not to,’ I say. ‘I really will. We’ll do more things as a family. With Sadie looking after the girls, I’ll be able to get on with my work in the week, and then hopefully we can have more family time at the weekend.’
‘Sounds good to me.’
‘I hope she takes the job,’ I say, suddenly feeling nervous. ‘What if she’s got other interviews? Other families who want her?’
‘She’d be mad not to work for us. Our girls are the best.’
‘You’re right. Shall I call her now? Make sure we get in there before anyone else?’
‘Maybe give the girl a chance to get home first.’
‘Okay. I’ll call in an hour.’
We’re still standing by the front door when the bell rings, making us both jump.
‘Do you think it’s her again?’ I ask in a whisper.
Robert shrugs and opens the door.
Diane stands on the doorstep.
‘Hi, Mum!’
‘Robert, darling!’ She frowns and puts a hand to his cheek. ‘You’re looking a little thin and peaky. I’ll have to make you some of my hotpot – feed you up a bit.’
Robert looks the furthest from thin and peaky a person could get, but this is Diane’s subtle-as-a-brick way of saying that I don’t look after my husband like I should.
‘Hi, Diane. Come in. I’ll put the kettle on.’
‘Hello, Gemma. No tea for me, I won’t stay. I just called in to see how the interview went.’ Diane follows us into the lounge.
‘Really brilliantly,’ Robert says. ‘Well done, Mum. She’s a great find.’
‘So you’re going to employ her?’
Robert looks at me and I nod.
‘Thanks, Diane,’ I say. ‘For recommending her. She seems perfect.’
To give her credit, Diane doesn’t gloat or say I told you so. ‘I wanted to come round and say that if you’re serious about hiring this girl, then I’d like it to be my gift to you.’
