No Way Back

Ros faced her parents across the dining-room table. ‘I’ve decided to leave Nic,’ she announced in a steady voice. ‘But before I break the news to him, I’ll need to work out a strategy. That’s why I asked you both to sit down with me tonight.’

‘Oh, Ros.’ Cath Munro clutched a hand to her throat. ‘I knew you were unhappy, but I never thought it would come to this.’

‘Are you sure?’ Ros’s father added.

‘Quite sure,’ Ros answered, her chin set. ‘Now I’ve put space between us, caught up on my sleep, I can be more objective. And looking at things from this distance, well…’ She sighed. ‘Doesn’t look like there’s any way back.’

‘But,’ her mother protested, ‘what about Max?’

Ros pulled a face. ‘I know.’ She pictured her son lying asleep upstairs, not a care in the world. ‘It’s a dreadful thing to do: take a child away from its father. And Nic does love that wee boy, I know. But…’ She broke off, her voice faltering. ‘When I look back over our marriage, there’s a pattern to it: the constant criticism, cutting me off from my family, my friends, wearing me down to such an extent that I’d do anything to appease him. Then, when I think I can’t take any more, turning on the charm.’ She put her head in her hands. ‘It’s a cycle that I should have recognised.’ She raised her face to her parents. ‘Would have recognised, if I hadn’t been blinded by love. Not even love…’ Her mouth twisted. ‘He was so different, Nic, from all the men I’d ever known. I let myself get carried away. Infatuated, if you like. If I’m brutally honest with myself, I think I panicked when I hit thirty, decided I wanted to get hitched, do the whole mummy thing.’

‘I did wonder,’ Phil Munro said.

Ros raised a small smile. ‘I know you never took to him, Dad.’

‘Well…’

‘Oh, come on, you’ve never seen eye to eye.’

He held up his hands. ‘I’ve had my doubts, I must admit. But that’s mainly because of the way I’ve seen him treat you, pet. Nobody should have to put up with that.’

‘I know. At least, I can see that now. But the way it was at home – in Aberdeen that is – seemed like it was me that was always at fault.’

‘The guy’s a control freak. Not only that…’

‘Enough,’ his wife cut in. ‘We’re not here to sit in judgement. The man’s not here to defend himself, and who knows what goes on behind closed doors.’

‘Are you defending him?’ Phil demanded angrily.

‘Not a bit. But there’s no point indulging in character assassination. What’s needed, as Ros says, is a plan of action.’

‘You’re right, Cath.’ He reached to pat her hand. ‘Practical as ever.’

With a look of forbearance, Cath Munro shook him off.

‘First thing should be talk to a solicitor,’ he went on. ‘I can give ours a ring in the morning, if you’re agreed, though he’ll suggest a specialist divorce lawyer, no doubt.’

‘And the first thing any divorce lawyer worth their salt will propose,’ his wife added, ‘is mediation.’ She turned to Ros. ‘Before you take such a drastic step, have you and Nic considered counselling?’

‘I’ve brought up the subject more than once,’ Ros answered wearily. ‘But he won’t hear of it.’

‘Why not?’

‘He doesn’t see that there is a problem, that’s why. I’ve tried everything, believe me. And…’ Her voice faltered. ‘It’s no use.’

‘Well, if that’s the case, the best thing for now is to seek impartial advice,’ her father grasped Ros by the hand. ‘And the sooner the better.’

‘And you don’t have to worry about Max,’ her mother chipped in. ‘He’ll be happy with us.’

‘Thanks,’ Ros murmured, close to tears. ‘It’s such a relief just to be here with you, I can’t tell you.’