Unsuitable

She gave him the quickest flick of her eyes to let him know she’d heard, but otherwise she existed for the ball, the net, the outline of the court in the sand, and taking down her opponent.

Her focus, her competitiveness were the qualities that made her a good market analyst. He believed her when she said she’d have her own brokerage firm one day, but he’d made the mistake of laughing when she suggested he buy a childminding centre rather than be a child care worker. It was still a sore spot between them and a point of alliance between Sky and Polly. They both wanted to see him doing something else.

She scored again and he stuck a circled thumb and first finger in his mouth and whistled. The sound was hard and loud and drew attention their way. And Sky knew it was for her.

Etta grunted. “That’s so embarrassing. Why can’t you cheer like normal people?” Next to her Neev sprayed her own knees with spittle, trying to emulate the whistle. “Gross.”

Theme for the day. Why couldn’t he get a job like a normal man? Move in with his delectable girlfriend like a normal man? No normal man his age lived at home and wanted to work looking after little kids.

Fuck normal. It was overrated.

“Come on, I have to get you lot home.” The girls shifted. He turned to Polly. They had plans; those plans involved alcohol and sleepovers with not much sleep and not much planning except a good time. “I’ll see you there.” They clasped hands.

“I invited Les.”

“What?”

“You know, Les. Audrey’s friend.”

“Okay, but, ah, why?”

Polly shrugged. “I thought it would help. You know butter up the wingwoman.”

He stared out at the sea. Was there anything good about this? “Jesus.”

Neev put her hand in his pocket and took her dollar coin back. “Jesus loves you. No swearing.”

Polly ran his hand over the gelled tufts of his hair. “That was wrong, right?”

“Moron,” Etta snickered.

“Geek.” Polly made a grab for her and she scarpered.

Reece shook his head. Les was a huge hat, sunglasses, and a baggy t-shirt. She’d been on her phone the whole time. It felt like a bad idea. “What’s the plan then?”

“Dinner, karaoke and a fine time had by all. Sky approved it.”

Reece grimaced. Felt like he was being set up, but he had no idea what for. Nothing he could do about it now though. He signalled to Sky on the court sideline. She had another match to play and they’d meet at the pub.

He hustled the girls to the car. Gin was breathing easier, and laughed without wheezing when Etta, with her eyes on her phone, walked into a light pole. She and Neeva sang along with the radio in the car. Flip got the words wrong.

Charlie was waiting on the front steps. Coffee mug in hand. She looked tired. There was a big society wedding at the hotel so she’d had to go in to work today. The girls filed past and she checked each of them.

“Etta, can you make the mash potato please. Neeva, homework?”

“No.”

“Neeva.”

“Okay, I’m doing it.”

“Ginnette, towel.”

“I didn’t.”

“Well, someone else used your towel and left it on the bathroom floor. Go pick it up.”

“Pippa.” Mum considered. She held a twig from the garden in between the fingers of her right hand. Her substitute cigarette. She’d given up when the twins were born, before they knew about Gin’s asthma, but she still craved. “You’re perfect. Go read a book. Reece.” He sat beside her. “You’re too soft on them. How’d it go?”