Page 63 of Watching Henry

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The look on the children's faces as they were engulfed in hugs from their mother made Hadley grin despite herself. All three kids surrounded their mom, chattering ten to the dozen and asking question after question.

She was about to step away, to give them all some space, when she heard Maeve tell Henry that of course he could go and watch TV. It was on the tip of her tongue to say something, to remind Henry that he didn't have screen time right now, but she bit down on her lip and said nothing.

“And what about you two?” Maeve asked the twins. “What are we going to do?”

“Ice cream!” Charlie said, spotting his chance.

Maeve laughed. “Alright, then the two of you go get started with Mrs. Mercier and I'll be right there after I talk to Hadley, okay?”

They ran off and this time Hadley couldn't help herself. “It's a little late for ice cream,” she said. “Right before bed and all.”

“Ach, it'll be fine. They don't look tired to me, given the chance they'll be on the go until midnight,” Maeve said.

Given the sugar from all that ice cream they'll be on the go until midnight, Hadley thought but didn't say.

“And you look like you've done a wonderful job, they're so happy and all. A broken arm can happen to anyone, I don't want you worrying about that,” Maeve continued.

Hadley sighed. “Actually, things haven't been quite that smooth,” she found herself admitting.

“I'm sure they were fine!”

She didn't have to say anything, Hadley knew that. She could keep her mouth shut and Maeve would be happy and the kids would be and maybe she'd even keep her job. Except she really couldn't. Really couldn't.

“Um, well, that's not really true,” she said. Hesitantly at first, she began to tell Maeve about the summer, about the money and the coffee shop and taking care of the kids. About not sending them to expensive camps or day trips, about swimming and dressing up and treasure hunts.

But all Maeve did was laugh and tell her what a wonderful job she'd done and how creative she'd been. Hadley had a growing sense that things might be turning out better than she'd expected. Right up until Maeve was leaving to go catch up with the twins.

“I've arranged for a car to come for you in the morning,” Maeve said.

Hadley frowned. “What? Sorry?”

“To take you to the station,” said Maeve. “You must be glad to have the end of the summer to yourself, I know I would be.”

“But...”

Maeve smiled at her. “Oh, you're not being fired, dear. But I'm back now, I'm here and I'm ecstatic to have time with my angels. You've done a fantastic job, but I'll be taking over now.”

And just like that it was all over.

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Florence sensed Hadley standing at her open door even though she had her back turned.

“I'm finished,” she said.

“So am I,” said Hadley.

Only then did Florence turn around to see her, outlined by the light from the corridor, curls tumbling over her shoulders. “Well then, I guess the summer's over.”

Hadley nodded.

And Florence knew that this was a turning point, knew that there were decisions that needed to be made right now.

But she also knew that her debt was mounting, that she had nowhere to go, that she had no job. And she couldn't let those things slide, couldn't forget them, couldn't not make them a priority.

Hadley took a breath. “And what about this?” she said. “What about you and I?”