Allison checks her watch.

She wouldn't be late.

Well, she wouldn't be too late.

She hoped.

Her kid's football game was due to finish any minute, and this damn Uber was stuck in

traffic. What's going on? She asks the driver, but he only shrugs. Roadwork, I think, he says,

tapping the steering wheel with one finger. Allison sits back, chewing her bottom lip and running

through the list of things she still needed to do. Pick up the kids from football practice.

Get dinner on. Make sure the litter tray gets emptied. Oh, and the clothes need to be taken out to dry.

So, not much then.

And then there was the matter of her car, which hadn't passed its MOT, and was still in the garage.

Hence this Uber.

She groaned and pulled out her phone, sending a text to the WhatsApp group chat with the other

moms of kids and the football team. Running late, stuck in traffic, anyone able to keep an eye on

Jason for me? She chews the nail on her thumb, anxiously awaiting a reply. Eventually, three dots pop up from Poppy. Everyone's about

to leave, but Ted says he'll stay for you. Allison led out a breath just as the traffic started to move.

Okay, she thinks. Ted is there. That's good. Ted is one of the few single dads, always polite and no bad vibes, as far as she could tell.

Allison put her phone away and let the Uber driver take her the rest of the way. When she pulled up to the pitch, she could see Jason sitting on

the bleachers. His uniform streaked with mud and grass stains. Ugh, that'll need a strong wash.

Ted and his son were waiting with him. Allison got out and rushed over.

Hi! she said.

Ted looked up immediately, his face breaking into a smile.

...