Sam and I have brought the kids to the cinema. He’s left messages the past few days reminding me that the latest child-pleasing blockbuster is due to finish, and that seeing it is essential to Harvey and Jake’s survival. ‘Have you been avoiding me?’ Sam whispers in the flickering darkness. The trailers are on; I’m praying that the film proves as enticing for Travis and Lola as it does for the older boys. I have yet to broach the moving-in-with-Dad issue with Jake. Not that I’m avoiding the subject or anything. I’ve had a cold, been snowed under with Bambino mail, and the right moment just hasn’t come up. ‘Of course I haven’t,’ I whisper back. ‘It’s just … you’ve been pretty elusive lately.’ He pauses, and his eyes gleam. ‘I’ve missed you,’ he adds. ‘I’ve had a bit of a week, Sam.’ I fix my gaze on the screen. Opening credits; a dragon surging across an indigo sky; fiery breath; a deafening lightning crack. Travis snuggles closer for safety. Lola, who hates to show fear, ogles the screen brazenly.
