It's All About Him by Colette Caddle

sweets, convinced that they are causing his health problems." He makes me sound like a right monster .'
    'I don't think so,' Lisa soothed, 'he's just a single guy who doesn't understand the responsibility involved in childrearing. Other mothers will understand.'
    Dee tossed the paper down on the hall table and headed for the kitchen. 'Oh well, today's news, tomorrow's fish and chip wrapper! I need to go and make lunch.'

Chapter 6
    Sheila had finally had her way, tonight was the girls' night out and Dee wondered if there was any way she could get out of it. Sheila had booked them into a fancy restaurant and between drinks and taxi fares and the cost of a babysitter it was going to be an expensive night. Dee had offered to drive but Lisa had vetoed that idea straight away. 'You wouldn't be able to drink which kind of defeats the purpose.'
    'I can have fun without alcohol,' Dee had argued.
    'You are not driving. Anyway, that rust-bucket of yours wouldn't get us down the road.'
    And Dee had reluctantly agreed. At least Conor had offered to drop them into Dublin so they would only need to pay for a taxi home and she would be careful what she ate and drank. She still hadn't had a chance to talk to Lisa. No, that wasn't strictly true. She'd been finding reasons not to talk to Lisa. Maybe she didn't need to. If she tightened her belt just a little bit more . . . no, that was ridiculous. All she needed was one more problem – like, for example, her car giving up the ghost, and she would be in a right pickle. She had all the facts and figures to show Lisa and her friend would understand. Dee resolved to talk to her on Monday. Tonight, however, she might as well enjoy herself.
    Lauren had insisted that they were going dancing after dinner. Her mother had offered to take the twins overnight and she was determined to make the most of her freedom.
    'I haven't been dancing since I was pregnant and that was a very weird experience,' she'd told Dee. 'I can't wait to strut my stuff on the dance floor.'
    Dee could just imagine it. Lauren was a wild woman when she got going and the prospect of not having the babies to look after when she got home meant she'd really let her hair down.
    'Take care of her for me, Dee,' her husband, Phil, had joked. 'No stripping, no snogging and nothing illegal.'
    Lauren had made a face. 'I may as well stay at home then!'
    Dee had sometimes envied Lauren and Phil's relationship, especially when the twins had come along. Phil was a hands-on father who helped out every chance he could, despite putting in long hours as a taxi driver. Dee didn't think Lauren appreciated how lucky she was. Phil was handsome, fun and devoted to his wife and when she got annoyed or irritated or just plain moody, he'd ignore it and keep out of her way until she calmed down.
    Conor wasn't quite as good at reading Dee's moods, in fact, he was lousy at it. Usually, when she was annoyed she just sulked but he never seemed to notice. Occasionally she'd lose her temper and tell him to get lost and he did – it was very annoying. He never shouted back, he just disappeared from her life until she finally gave in and called him. And she always called. Sam's constant whine of 'Where's Conor?' would finally wear her down and she'd pick up the phone. Sometimes, Conor would play it cool for a couple of days but then things would be back to normal until the next time.
    'Mummy?' Sam's high-pitched, excited squeal came from downstairs. 'Conor's here.'
    'Coming.' Dee put on her gold chain, hoop earrings and bangle, eyed herself up in the mirror and added a last touch of lip gloss. 'You'll have to do,' she told her reflection.
    'Very nice.' Conor whistled appreciatively as she walked into the room. 'You should wear dresses more often.'
    Dee twirled, and the silky burgundy material swirled out showing off her long, slim legs clad in opaque tights. 'I hope I don't break my neck in these shoes.'
    'Are they new?' Conor eyed up the black stilettos.
    'God,