‘You look really lovely, darling.’ Val sat on the edge of the bed, watching Maisie study herself in the mirror.

‘I don’t like these jeans.’ Maisie pulled at the denim. ‘I’ve had them for ages now, Gran. I bet Piper is wearing something brand new.’

Val didn’t like the sound of this other girl very much, child or not. Three pets in the last year, all sent to new homes now, apparently. A little fashion horse at the age of ten and, according to Emma, a bit of a diva at the dance studio, too.

‘Never mind what she has or hasn’t got. You don’t need new clothes to look perfectly lovely.’

Maisie stepped away from the mirror and gave a heavy sigh.

‘I feel a bit sick. I wish I didn’t have to go out with them today.’

‘Nobody’s said you have to go, you know that. You’re choosing to go because it will be nice to spend the day with your dad and to meet his new friend and her daughter, who’ll hopefully become one of your friends in time, too.’

‘Joanne is Dad’s girlfriend,’ Maisie corrected. ‘He’s saying they’re just friends because he thinks I’m stupid.’

‘Whatever, it doesn’t really matter.’ Val found she couldn’t quite acknowledge her son-in-law getting involved in another relationship so soon. ‘I’m sure Joanne and… Piper, is it? I’m sure the two of them will be feeling equally nervous about making a good impression on you.’

Maisie pulled a face. ‘You don’t know her, Gran. Piper doesn’t get nervous about anything.’

Val stood up and drew Maisie into her arms. Her little granddaughter was becoming more grown up every day, but sometimes everyone needed a cuddle.

‘I think I’ve heard quite enough about Miss Piper. I’m far more interested in the very clever, very beautiful Miss Maisie.’

She planted a kiss on the top of her granddaughter’s head and Maisie looked up gratefully. ‘Thanks, Gran.’

‘Now,’ Val said, checking her watch. ‘You’ve got a few minutes to pack any bits you might need in your bag. And don’t forget your inhaler.’

Maisie nodded and began to gather her things together, while Val went back downstairs and stood in the lounge, looking out onto the road.

It was a shame Emma couldn’t be here to see Maisie off. She’d agreed to work on Saturday morning, apparently, to compile stuff for an urgent case that had just come in.

If Val didn’t know better, she’d think that Emma’s only priority was her career. That was where she seemed to focus all her efforts and time these days.

Val knew her daughter thought the world of Maisie, but just lately, she seemed to have developed the dubious strategy of pushing away thoughts of her broken marriage by throwing herself into her job.

Val had tried to broach the subject with her several times recently, but it seemed that Emma always conveniently remembered something pressing she had to do before scurrying off.

Today wasn’t simply a trip out to the bowling alley. It was a very big deal for Maisie.

It was going to be hard for the child: a whole day stretching in front of her, knowing she’d be seeing her father in the company of a new woman and her daughter. It would be all too easy for her to feel as if she’d been replaced in her father’s affections by this girl Piper.

Val prayed that wasn’t the case.

Shaun had seemingly planned a day where they could have fun with little pressure. Sometimes Val felt that he seemed far more level-headed and mindful of their daughter’s well-being than Emma herself was.

At that moment, his oversized Audi drew up outside the front hedge.

Val could see there was someone in the passenger seat – Joanne, she presumed – and also a small face pressed up against the back window. Piper.

‘Maisie,’ she called, waving at Shaun through the window. ‘They’re here!’