She’d arrived before us and was perched on Sally’s white leather sofa, surrounded by Barbie dolls and Thomas the Tanks. Her legs were crossed, and one foot was tapping dangerously. I checked around for tricky and protruding Lego projects. I hate sitting on them. There was no sign of Sally, but I heard screeching children from upstairs and the thundering of tiny hooves as the kids raced to escape bedtime.Truffle and Sweet Marie stuck close to me, probably worried that children would materialize and pull their long silky ears.“I thought this was the three of us, nice and relaxing,” Margaret hissed. “Then Jack had to invite himself. And now Lilith and Rose are here too.”“And I thought the kids would be in bed. Anyway, what are you talking about, you love Jack.”She made a face. “Love would be pushing it.”“And Lilith is wonderful. So is Rose. Chill out,” I whispered.“I was hoping for wine and confidences, no party crashers.”“Consider yourself lucky: I forgot to tell Pepper.
