"Then I went backpacking across Thailand, then I lived in Australia for a few months."
"Why did you come back?" Joe asked, pouring another plastic glass of champagne. They were both propped up on the grass, surrounded by the remains of the picnic Joe had made. It was strange being back on Home Farm land. Rebecca felt like her dad or Chrissie could walk around the corner at any moment.
"Oh, family, you know." Rebecca took a sip of bubbles. "So what was it like growing up in New Zealand?"
"Well, I didn't really grow up there. I came back to England to go to school when I was eleven."
"You spent holidays there, though?"
"Yeah. My Auntie Zoe had a villa."
"Doesn't she now?"
"I don't know. We haven't spoken for a while."
Rebecca didn't push this subject.
"How's Seb?" Joe asked.
"Robert and Aaron are still looking after him. I can only spend time with him when someone else is there." Rebecca pushed her hair back from her face. "I wish I could be a proper mum to him."
"You're a great mum. I've seen you with him."
"He's all I've got left." Rebecca didn't realise she was crying until Joe reached out, concerned. "I'm okay," she said, wiping her face. "Just being stupid."
"That's the last thing you are."