Page 134 of The Sunrise Sisterhood

‘You mean over the threshold?’

He laughed at her turn of phrase. ‘That’s exactly what I mean.’

She smiled to herself, as Patrick took her by the hand and led her inside. Liz one: Viv nil.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Clare

Clare was sitting at the dining table with a pad of paper in front of her and a stack of party invitations already sealed in their envelopes. There was only one left to write, and it was to the person she wanted at Ivy’s first birthday party more than anyone. She’d ripped up two invitation cards already, not satisfied with what she’d written, and had now resorted to practising on paper before ruining another card.

Dear Adam,

I’ve tried calling and texting and it’s pretty clear you don’t want to talk to me. Marta is going to pass this on to Angel for me in the hope that she gives it to you. Please give me a chance to explain.

Too negative.

Dear Adam,

I’m not sure whether you’re interested. Or even whether you’re still in Salcombe …

This one sounded like she didn’t care one way or the other.

Dear Adam,

It’s Ivy’s birthday on the 29th and we’re having a party at the house. It would be great if you could come?

Too stilted.

She scrubbed the words out and made a growling noise under her breath. This was hopeless.

‘You ready?’ Skye walked in jiggling her car keys.

Clare felt a pang of envy at Skye’s freedom to jump in the car and head off at will. She couldn’t wait to drive again. Absolutely could not wait to get this uncomfortable brace off her arm either. She’d never take for granted again the ability to scoop her daughter up and give her a proper cuddle.

‘Yeah.’ She stood up with a sigh. ‘I’ll finish Adam’s invitation later. I still can’t work out what to write.’

‘Maybe close your eyes and take some deep breaths, listen to your heart,’ Skye suggested. ‘That’s what—’ She stopped abruptly and smiled at Clare sheepishly.

‘Marta would say?’ Clare finished for her. The gospel according to Marta, as she now playfully referred to her sister’s constant referencing of her girlfriend.

‘Can I bring Marta to the party?’

‘Of course you can!’ Clare replied, surprised she even needed to ask. ‘Bring all the lesbians. The more, the merrier.’

‘Stop,’ Skye groaned, laughing. ‘You can’t tease me about it yet. It’s all too new.’

‘My little sister floating about with a big goofy grin on her face?’ Clare said. ‘Too right I’m going to tease you. Besides, I’m a bit jealous of you and your happy ending.’

They made their way out of the house, locked the door and got in the car.

‘Don’t give up on him just yet,’ Skye said, helping her with her seat belt. ‘Jade heard through Angel that he’s really cut up. Maybe he’ll come round.’

‘I hope so.’ Clare gave a half-smile. ‘But maybe he’s like every other man in my life – the cut-and-run type.’

‘Jesse wasn’t like that.’

‘Bless his golden muscles,’ said Clare.