I think your sisters been flirting with me, Oliver blurted, a smug grin curled at the corner of his mouth.
Carol froze, ladle suspended over the simmering pot of stew. The bubbles in the gravy continued their quiet plonk, but she was staring at Oliver, unsure if he was joking. But from the look of contentment on his face, it was obvious: he was quite serious. And it amused him.
What did you just say? Her voice was far steadier than shed expected.
Well, your Lottie. Always giving me these looks, he said, stretching his arms behind his head. When youre in the kitchen, she sits closer, touches my arm too often. Yesterday she told me I should come to Pilates with her. Just us. Without you.
And youre telling me this now? With a smile? Carol turned off the hob and faced him.
Whats wrong? I said no, didnt I? Oliver shrugged. Thought you ought to know. Your little sister isnt quite as innocent as she wants everyone to think.
Oliver, Lotties only been here a week. Her marriage has just fallen apartshes absolutely heartbroken, her lifes come crashing down.
Mm, and now shes out for another womans husband, he smirked. Look, Im not gloating. Just facts, loveshes coming onto me.
Carol gripped her ladle so tightly her knuckles paled. Seven years married. Seven years shed thought she understood this man. Now here he was calmly telling her how her little sister chased him.
Am I supposed to believe, right now, that Lottie
If you dont believe me, have a watch yourself. He stood and wandered to the fridge. Just a heads up, didnt want drama that Id been covering anything up.
At that moment, the front door clattered, and Lotties voice floated through the hallway:
Hi! Im frozenbring on spring already!
She swept into the kitchen, cheeks pink, white puffa jacket halfway off, bags swinging at her side. Twenty-four, tousled blonde, wide blue eyesalways with this childlike openness. After the break-up, shed lost weight, looked drawn, so Carol had immediately offered her a place until she could sort herself out.
I bought cakes! Lottie said, placing a box on the counter. Eclairsyour favourite Olly.
Carol met Olivers gaze. He lifted a brow, as if to say see?
Thanks, Lottie, he grinned slightly. But Im on a diet.
Oh come on, just one wont kill you, Lottie nudged him playfully. Youre in cracking shape anyway.
Carols stomach lurched. Maybe Oliver wasnt exaggerating at all.
Lottie, Ill make you a tea, Carol hurried to say. Sit down, have a rest.
I can do it! Lottie was already getting the cups out. Carol, you look shattered. Go onsit down, Ill sort this.
At dinner Carol was almost silent, eyes darting. Lottie was indeed always chatting to Oliver. Work stories, asking his advice about her car, laughing a bit louder than necessary at his jokes. But maybe that was all it was? Simply gratitude for a home, somewhere safe
Olly, is it true theres a job going at your firm? Lottie leant her head on her hand, peering at him.
There is, yeah. Why?
Im thinking of applying. Wouldnt it be fun to work together? Drive in, lunch breaks
Lottie, Carol interrupted, carefully neutral, didnt you want to look for something in your field? You studied design.
Oh Carol, accountants are needed everywhere, Lottie waved her off. Design can wait. Ollywould you put in a good word?
Oliver looked between them.
Ill think about it.
After dinner, Lottie drifted up to her studythe little room Carol planned as her home office. Carol and Oliver were left in the kitchen doing dishes.
Sosee what I mean? Oliver murmured, rinsing plates.
I dont know, snapped Carol, scrubbing a saucepan with unnecessary force. She could just begrateful. Or lonely. After divorce, who knows how boundaries work?
Come on. Its all deliberate, said Oliver.
Stop! Stop making her sound like some kind of predator. Its Lottie. My sister.
The same one trying to pinch your husband, Oliver finished. And youre ignoring it.
Why did you ignore it all week, then? Why say it only now?
He fell silent, drying his hands.
Wanted to make sure I wasnt imagining things.
Or you enjoyed the attention? The words slipped out before Carol could stop herself.
He gave a dry laugh. Dont be ridiculous.
But in his eyes was a flickersomething pleased with himself. Carol realised it. The whole situation flattered him. That a younger woman, her own sister, supposedly fancied him.
Im talking to her, Carol said flatly.
Just do it carefully. I dont want family meltdowns.
What did you expect telling me this?
He only shrugged, slipping off to the lounge, leaving her alone with odd-limbed thoughts.
That night Carol couldnt sleep. She tossed and turned, listening to Olivers breathing, replaying the weeks scenes. Lottie arriving, crying, her suitcases dumped in the hallway; how she and Oliver had instantly offered shelter; how Carol had tried to support and listen.
Yet LottieLottie, in bright pyjamas and tiny shorts, was always beside Oliver. Fetching groceries, asking after his day. The short shorts, clinging camisoles.
Oh god, Im going insane, Carol thought. Shes my sister. Shed never
But memory tossed up an old picture: fifteen-year-old Lottie, back when Carols first proper boyfriend turned up. Lottie always loitering, laughing at his jokes, until Carol had snapped at their mum: She does it on purpose! Wants attention! To which Mum merely laughed: Dont be daft. Lotties still a child.
Lottie was now twenty-four. Hardly a child.
Next morning, Carol woke to noises in the kitchen. The clock showed seven. Oliver gone to work already, as usual. She grabbed her dressing gown and wandered down.
Lottie, in a short nightie, was frying eggs.
Morning! Made Olly a breakfasthe was so happy!
Lottie, hes already left, Carol sat at the table.
I know. I got up specially, made sure he ate. I know youre tired all the time, getting in late, Lottie turned eggs onto a plate. I wanted to help.
I get up at seven, its no bother.
But now you dont have it to do, Lottie sat across with coffee. Carol, do you think Olivers a bit down lately? Have you two had a row?
Carol let out a long breath.
Lottie, dont you think youre paying too much attention to him? she said, quietly.
What? Lottie blinked. How do you mean?
Making him breakfast. Always checking about his day. And now, wanting to work with him.
Whats wrong with that? Hes family. Im grateful hes let me stay, Lottie frowned. Carol, what exactly are you getting at?
I just mean that some things mightlook odd.
Odd? Now Lotties voice had an icy edge. Are you suggesting
Im not suggesting anything. Only asking you to be a little more careful, thats all.
Careful with what? Trying to be useful? For not just locking myself away and pretending I dont exist?
Lottie
You know what, Carol? Lottie stood suddenly. My marriages just fallen apart. My husband left for another woman. Ive got nothing, nowhere of my own, and living out of a suitcase. The only thing helping me feel remotely normalis that people care about me. And you want to twist my gratitude into something dirty!
Lotties eyes filled. She stormed upstairs, slamming the door.
Carol peered at the cold egg on the plate. Ive ruined it all, she thought. What if there was nothing anyway? Am I just paranoid?
She couldnt concentrate at work. At lunch, she sent Oliver a message:
Talked to Lottie. Went badly.
An hour later, his reply pinged:
Told youcareful. Now shell make out its all your fault.
Perhaps it is my fault?
Carol, youre too soft. She knows it.
That evening, Lottie didnt come to dinner. She stayed upstairs, music blaring. Carol knocked at the door.
Lottie? Can I come in?
Its open.
Lottie was curled on the bed, phone in hand, looking utterly lost.
Lottie, Im sorry. I never meant to upset you.
You know, Carol, Lottie sat up, Ive always lived in your shadow. Youolder, smarter, together. Mea spare part. For the first time, someone notices me, treats me like a grown-up
Who notices you?
Oliver, she said, looking Carol right in the eye. He talks to me like I matter. Like an equal. He doesnt look down, like Mum, or like you sometimes.
Lottie, I never
Youre my role model, but sometimes I think you see me as the little idiot who always spoils everything. Even nowI tried to help, be part of things, and youyou actually thought I was flirting with your husband? Seriously?
The words sounded so raw, so hurt, Carol felt a sting of guilt.
Sorry. It justit seemed
It only seemed like that because things arent perfect between you and Oliver, Lottie said quietly. I see it. You barely talk. Hes always on his phone. Youre snappy. Maybe its not about me.
Its just work
You all say that. Then it ends up like it did with me and Sam.
Carol sat beside her on the bed.
Were fine, really. Just busy.
If you say so, Lottie hugged her. I dont want to fight. Youre the most important person Ive got.
They made up. Lottie even came down for dinner, helping cook. When Oliver came home, the atmosphere was almost normal. Almost.
But Carol couldnt shake the sense of unreality. Something was off. A strange note in Lotties voice, her glances, how she snuggled close to Oliver on the sofa again.
Olly, is the work do on Saturday? Lottie asked, scrolling her phone.
It is. Howd you know?
Heard you telling Carol last night. Can I come? Plus-one?
Carol froze.
Lottie, its for staff, not guests.
Oh, you can bring whoever, Lottie grinned. Right, Olly?
Oliver glanced at Carol. Technically, yeah. But Carols already coming.
Brilliant! The three of us! Ill buy a new dress; I havent had a night out for ages!
Carol opened her mouth to object, but Oliver just nodded.
Fine. The three of us.
And smiled.
That night, Carol didnt sleep at all. Next door, the music played quietly; Lottie, too, was awake. Suddenly, it was clear.
Lottie wasnt flirting with Oliver.
She was folding herself into their world, staking out a seat beside him, making herself indispensable. Playing the caring, attentive, young one.
And Oliverhe liked it.
In the morning, Carol rose extra early. She made breakfast, set the table just so. When Oliver came in, everything was already done.
Oh, looks nice, he said, sitting. Thanks.
No worries. I am your wife after all.
He glanced up at her. Is something wrong, Carol?
Not at all. I just realised Ive not been paying you much attention lately. Breakfast, dinnerall on autopilot.
Were both at fault, he shrugged. Works a killer.
It is. But I want to change it.
He nodded, distractedly scrolling his newsfeed. By the time Lottie drifted in, breakfast was over and dishes washed.
Oh, she said, hesitating at the door. I was going to
Dont worry, Lottie. Have a restyoure our guest, Carol said with a gentle smile.
But I dont want to just be a guest; I want to help.
Help when I ask, darling. For now, take a showerIll change your bedding.
There was a flicker in Lotties eyes. Annoyance? Or was Carol imagining things now?
For the rest of the week, Carol made it her mission to be wife-of-the-year. She cooked Oliver his favourite dinners. Asked about his day. Butted into conversations whenever Lottie made an effort to draw Oliver in. Warmly but firmly, she kept restoring boundaries.
Lottie, you wanted to look for a flat to rent. Shall we check a few places together this weekend? she suggested on Thursday night.
Whats the rush? Lottie frowned. You said I could stay as long as I needed.
Of course. But youd like your own space, wouldnt you?
Im fine here, Lottie hugged a cushion on the sofa. Isnt that right, Olly?
Oliver, barely pausing from his laptop, said, Carols right. Youll want your own life. See friends, invite blokes over
What blokes? Lottie scoffed. After Sam, I dont want to see another man again.
Oh, itll pass, Carol said quietly.
How would you know? Lottie suddenly flared. You always had it easy. One man, one loveyour university romance.
Lottie
Im tired, going to bed, Lottie muttered, stomping away.
Oliver looked at his wife. You pushed the flat thing too hard.
Why?
She needs support right now. Shes fragile.
Support isnt a lifetime stay with us.
I didnt say forever. Just give her a bit more time.
How much? A month? A year?
He shrugged and refocused on his laptop.
Saturday night brought the work do. Carol had a new dressblue, fitted, with an open back. She did her hair and make-up; for once, she actually enjoyed it. When she came out, Oliver let out a low whistle.
Wow. You look amazing.
Havent let myself, or you, see me like this in ages, she said, grinning.
Lottie appeared seconds laterscarlet mini-dress, sky-high heels, dramatic lipstick.
What do you think? She spun.
Nice, said Carol neutrally. But its Olivers work do, with his colleagues. Maybe somethinglessshort?
This is modest. You should see my clubbing dresses!
The restaurant was busy, full of swirling people. Olivers colleagues greeted them warmly. Carol knew many from years back, but shed missed these parties for ages, citing work.
Carol! Ages since Ive seen you! said Margaret, the firms chief accountant, giving her a quick hug. And this is?
My sister, Lottie.
Oh! Double trouble! Oliver, you lucky thing, surrounded by beautiful women!
Lottie beamed at the compliment. She plopped herself between Carol and Oliver, instantly joining every conversation, laughing and dazzling everyone.
Lotties hoping for a job at the firm, Carol murmured in Olivers ear. Are you really considering it?
Why not? Theres a vacancy.
Dont you see how odd thatd be? All three of us, working, eating together
I dont see the problem, he replied.
The problem is there are no boundaries anymore!
He frowned. What boundaries? Its work Carol. Its not all about family ties.
Precisely! Which is why you keep them separate.
Girls, what are you whispering about? Lottie giggled, leaning across. Plotting?
Work stuff, Carol said curtly.
So boring! Lottie waved her hand. Olly, lets go dance!
Not waiting for an answer, she dragged him to the dance floor.
Carol watched them. Lottie clingy, laughing, head thrown back. Oliver smiling back, slightly stiff. Or was Carol imagining that too?
Your sisters a riot, said Margaret, sliding over. Like an energy drink with legs.
Shes very, umlively.
And youre birds of a feather! Though youwell, youre the sensible one, I can see.
Carol nodded, lump rising in her throat. Had she really become the sensible bore? So wedded to her career, while Lottie glowed, carefree?
Later, Lottie came back, flushed and beaming.
Havent had fun like that in ages! Carol, you coming?
Im not much for dancing.
See? You never join in! Lottie tossed her head, and her laugh was almost mean. Youre just too good nowadays. Bit boring, even.
Lottie
Joking! Dont get upset, please! Lighten up!
The rest of the evening slid past like cotton wool. Carol drank wine, tried to chat to colleagues, but her thoughts were dappling shadows. When she saw Lottie whisper something in Olivers ear and Oliver laugh out loud, something snapped.
Enough.
Back home, with Lottie up in her room, Carol shut the bedroom door and turned to Oliver.
We need to talk.
About? he said, slipping off his tie.
Whats happening.
What is happening?
Oliver, dont pretend. Lottie. Shes worming her way into our life.
Come on Carol, weve already had this
No we havent! You told me she was flirting, like a joke. You werent furiousyou actually liked it!
Youre being ridiculous.
No. You love the attention. From someone younger. MY sister. And youre encouraging it!
Im not. Im just being polite to someone living in our house.
Someone, really? Its Lottie. And shes crossing the line!
Or maybe youre just jealous. Is that it? Shes younger, brighter, more fun?
The words stung.
You really comparing us?
Just saying it how it is. Carol, youve become robotic. All work, house, repeat. Wheres the emotion, the spark?
Because I do everything! I work, I cook, I sort the house, and you
And I what? Dont earn? Dont provide?
Provide? What for, a family? We havent got one! You dodge every talk about kids.
He paled.
Dont
Why not? Im thirty-two! We cant wait forever. You always say, not now, lets wait and I sit, and hope, and
Im not ready.
Youll never be ready! Its convenient for you like thisno responsibility, no extra effort. Now with Lottie here, youre basking in attention like some vainglorious rooster!
Carol, youre overreacting.
No, Im telling the truth! You enjoy two women dancing around you. But Im done. No more!
She left him there, retreating to the dark living room, curling into the sofa. She didnt sleep, didnt think.
In the morning, Oliver was already getting ready, leaving for a Sunday meeting. He left without saying goodbye.
Carol made coffee and sat by the frost-laced window.
Caz? Lottie, still in pyjamas, peeked in. Everything alright?
Didnt sleep.
Heard you arguing. Was it me?
Its not your concern.
Lottie sat down, quietly.
Carol, if Imif Im making things worse
You are, Carol said, meeting her eyes. Youre making a mess of my marriage.
Pardon?!
Lottie, tell me honestly. Why are you doing all this?
What do you mean, all this?
Making Olly breakfasts. The revealing outfits. The touches. Pushing for that job. Lottie, do you want him?
Lottie went sheet-white.
Carol, thats mad!
Just answer. Honestly.
Silence. Then, very quietly, Lottie said, No.
I dont believe you.
I promise Im not her voice trembledI dont want your husband. II want to be you.
What?
You have everything. Husband, flat, security. Youre smart, beautiful, successful. And Imdivorced at twenty-four. Ruined. When I moved in here, I felt safe, wanted. Maybe I tried too hard, clung too much. Not because I want your husband. Because I want your life.
The tears flowed.
Lottie
Im sorry, Carol. I never wanted to ruin things. I was jealous. Just trying to be closer, to change, to be liked, so youd both want me around.
Carol reached out, hugging her. They both cried, holding tight.
My life isnt perfect, said Carol at last.
But at least its a life. Mines wreckage.
You can build again. Better this time.
They talked for hours. Lottie wept, told her how lost she felt. That Oliver only reminded her of the feeling of stability shed lost.
Ill find a flat. This week. Promise.
No rush. Butlets have some boundaries?
Absolutely.
When Oliver came home, the mood in the house was gentle. Lottie scrolled rental listings in her room. Carol made dinner.
Hello, Oliver entered softly.
Hi.
About last night
I want to talk too, Carol said, wiping her hands. Oliver, we need therapy. Marriage counselling.
His eyes narrowed.
Why?
Were not managing on our own. This isnt just about Lottie. Its us. Were living as strangers.
He was silent.
I cant do this anymore, Carol continued. I want a real family. Children. Love. Trust. If you dontplease say so, now.
I He buried his face in his hands. I dont know Carol.
Then lets figure it outwith help.
He nodded, slowly, hesitantly.
Lottie moved out two weeks later, renting a little flat a few streets away. Carol helped with the move, bought her pans, bedding.
Thank you, Lottie hugged her. For everything. And sorry.
Im sorry too. For not seeing how lost you were.
I still feel lost. But nowat least I know I have to learn who I am single, not just as someones other half.
Youll do great.
Carol and Oliver started therapy. It was hard. Messy, painful, necessary. They learnt things theyd avoided for yearsresentments, unspoken fears.
Im scared to be a dad, Oliver admitted in one tense session. My father was hopeless. Im scared Ill be the same.
And Im scared Im not good enough, Carol replied. That Im dull, unlovable. So I over-compensate as some perfect wife, but forget to be myself.
Bit by bit, they learnt to talk, listen, begin again. Perhaps there was no fairytale ending, not exactly. But at least it was honest.
And Lottie? She met someone at a yoga class six months later, and phoned Carol in delight.
Hes so calm, and kind! Nothing like Sam!
Im glad for you, Lottie.
Carolremember when I stayed with you? That was my wake-up call. I was jealous for all the wrong reasons. Needed to shape my own life.
Clever girl, Carol smiled.
She put down the phone and looked at Oliver, reading quietly on the sofa. He glanced up at her, smiling.
What are you thinking?
That another life always seems brighteruntil you realise the value in your own.
He nodded and reached out. She sat beside him. And that was enoughnot perfect, but honest, and that meant a great deal.
