Abby covered her mouth with a hand to stop from laughing. Katy just glared at Flynn, her arms folded over her princess pyjamas.
“There’s nothing wrong with acting. Jonathan’s mum said you could act in films. She said you’re pretty enough and you’re going to have to do something with your life now you can’t play football. She says you can’t sit around all day tanning your belly.”
“I really need to have a long talk with Jonathan and his mum.” Flynn tucked Katy in. “Everybody is an expert. Everybody thinks they know what I should do with my life. I’m supposed to have a plan, but what people don’t get is that I was going to plan in a few years’ time. This whole injury thing happened before I had time to get to it.”
“Don’t worry, Flynn. Jonathan’s mum said you can always get work being a giggler.”
“Giggler?”
“Yes.” Katy nodded solemnly. “We weren’t supposed to be listening, but we were. We heard her tell her friend a giggler makes ladies happy. Jonathan said you must know a lot of jokes.”
Abby snorted and Flynn’s eyes shot to hers. She made a point to Google gigolo options for him later. Flynn frowned at her in warning, but Abby just smothered a laugh. Gigolo. It was the perfect fit. He narrowed his eyes at her before turning back to Katy.
“How about we read a bit more, then you can go back to sleep?”
“Okay. Are you having a sleepover with Muma again?”
“Aye. Don’t go banging on the door in the morning. I thought the house was coming down around my ears this morning. I’m surprised there weren’t any dents in the door.”
“I’m strong. I have muscles. See?” She flexed her biceps.
“Impressive.” Flynn opened a book. “Right. Where were we? David Beckham.” He let out a long sigh. “Now before we go any further, I want to point out we’re talking about Beckham’s football career. I don’t want to hear any of Jonathan’s mum’s opinions on his modelling career, or how hunky she thinks he is, or anything else. This is a serious topic. We’re talking about one of the best midfielders England has ever produced. It isn’t about how he looks in his underwear.”
“Okay, Flynn.” Katy snuggled down under her duvet. “I’m listening.”
“Good.” Flynn cleared his throat and started to read. And Abby tiptoed to the shower with a silly smile on her face and a heart ready to burst.
34
“Football is a simple game made complicated
by people who should know better.”
Bill Shankly, former Liverpool manager and Scottish national player
A storm broke over Abby’s house at eight thirty the following morning. It seemed fitting that the day brought thunder and rain. The heavy clouds over the hills were just one more ominous sign things were going to get bad. The rain fell heavily all morning, weighing her down with each drop.
At lunchtime, Victoria and Lawrence arrived and Abby was prepared to hear the worst.
“I won’t make you wait,” Victoria said as soon as she entered the house. “I spoke with Mother and told her not to file for custody.”
The air went out of Abby in one great whoosh. She had to place her hand on the wall beside her to stay upright. Lawrence smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder as he passed on his way to the kitchen, leaving the sisters alone in the hall.
“Thank you.” Abby felt tears prick at her eyes.
Victoria’s lips pinched, but her cheeks were flushed and her eyes seemed glassy with emotion.
“I won’t lie,” Victoria said. “Mother is beyond furious. She won’t let this matter drop. Lawrence and his firm have cut ties with her, but I expect she will hire another solicitor and carry on with her plans.”
Abby’s stomach lurched. “So, it isn’t over.”
“No.” Victoria hesitated. Her hand twitched towards Abby, as though she wanted to touch her, but didn’t quite know how. She cleared her throat and stood straighter. “Lawrence and I have agreed to support you. We will stand in your corner on this issue.”
She couldn’t stop it. A tear escaped and slid down Abby’s cheek.
“You won’t be able to go back if you do.” Abby, more than anyone, knew disobeying Mother meant cutting all ties with her.
“I know.” There was no emotion in Victoria’s answer, but Abby spotted the small tremor in her hands. Victoria’s eyes flicked back up to Abby’s, and she swallowed hard, as though steeling herself for something. “I have to speak with you about another matter.”