Homecoming by Catrin Collier

If she didn’t, what the hell had she been doing with him for the last eighteen months?
    â€˜The beer was delivered this afternoon, thank you.’ Jack took John’s overcoat and hung it in the hall cupboard.
    â€˜Katie’s idea, not mine.’ John watched Helen settle his wife into an easy chair with a cushion at her back.
    â€˜I thought you might have come with Martin and Lily.’
    â€˜We travel everywhere alone these days in case we have to make a dash to the nursing home.’
    â€˜Helen said the baby could come at any time.’
    â€˜A week to go according to the midwife.’ John gave his wife another anxious look. ‘I’m not so sure. Does Katie look well to you?’
    â€˜Tired,’ Jack said, ‘but that’s only to be expected, isn’t it?’
    â€˜I suppose so.’
    John looked so concerned, Jack searched for something reassuring to say. ‘Katie’s always been stronger than she looks.’
    â€˜I hope you’re right.’
    â€˜Glass of beer.’
    â€˜Yes, please,’ John nodded, as he joined Katie in the living room.
    â€˜Surprise.’ Martin pushed open the front door and walked in with Lily, Brian, Roy, Joy and Billy, whose head was lolling sleepily on Roy’s shoulder.
    Helen rushed over to them. ‘I’ve a bed all ready made up for Billy upstairs. I’ve piled bolsters around the middle so he won’t roll anywhere.’
    â€˜Thank you, Helen, that’s thoughtful.’ Joy took Billy from Roy.
    â€˜Third door on the right,’ Helen whispered, following Joy up the stairs.
    â€˜Good God, Jack, where did they change you?’ Brian looked his old friend up and down. ‘You used to be such a skinny little runt, I had to be careful not to tread on you when I walked around the flat.’
    â€˜One more comment like that and I won’t pour the beer I was about to offer you.’
    â€˜I see you’ve picked up more cheek too.’
    â€˜Come down from the Smoke especially to insult me?’ Jack jibed.
    â€˜Of course. Couldn’t risk you getting too big for your boots, now could I?’
    As Jack went into the kitchen to get the beer, Brian accompanied Martin and Lily into the living room. ‘Helen,’ he kissed her cheek as she returned from upstairs, ‘you look more beautiful than ever. Any time you want to run away from your husband, give me the nod and we’ll go off together.’
    â€˜Not when I’ve just got him back. It is good to see you, Brian. Thank you for coming.’
    â€˜Thank you for allowing me to gatecrash.’ He glanced round the room.
    â€˜Looking for someone?’ Helen asked.
    â€˜No, the old crowd are all here.’
    â€˜Except Judy and she’s always late for everything these days.’
    â€˜Any reason.’
    â€˜Haven’t you heard? She’s running the salons now.’
    â€˜Salons,’ he repeated in surprise.
    â€˜She and her mother own eleven.’
    â€˜Good for her. They must keep her busy.’
    â€˜They do,’ Helen agreed, as he looked round again.
    â€˜You have a beautiful house and fantastic views.’
    â€˜Thank you.’
    â€˜Don’t suppose you’d like to show me round,’ Brian asked Jack, as he carried a tray of glasses and bottles of beer into the room.
    Jack looked at Brian in surprise. Martin gave him an almost imperceptible nod. ‘Just as soon as I get rid of these.’
    â€˜We’re going to be late,’ Sam grumbled, staring out of the lounge window of Judy’s flat.
    â€˜I know.’ She opened her bedroom door and twirled around in front of him. ‘But I hoped you’d say the wait was worth it.’
    He walked towards her. ‘You look good enough to eat.’
    â€˜Can you eat me when you bring me home? I won’t mind you messing my hair or smudging my lipstick then.’
    â€˜Promises, promises.’
    â€˜Emily’s