Chapter 22

* * * *

“Thank you, Mrs Rodgers, for a lovely meal,” Martin said, pushing back his plate.

“Please call me Avril, or better still, Mum.”

“Thank you, Mum,” Martin said, swallowing the lump in his throat. “It’s nice to have a meal which I haven’t had to cook myself.”

“Our Colin’s no cook, is he?”

“No, but he has other qualities,” Martin said cryptically.

Colin nudged Martin with his foot.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to serve up any Brussels sprouts. I could have sworn I’d bought a bag of them,” Avril said.

“Please don’t worry about it. Mrs…um, Mum.”

Martin took Colin’s hand under the table and gave it a squeeze.

* * * *

“It’s been great having you, Martin,” Harry said, leaning into the open passenger window. It was the day after Boxing Day and Colin was ready to drive back north. “I’m glad you and Col have sorted out your differences.”

Martin smiled. “Me, too.” He reached for Colin’s hand. “And thank you for having me. It’s been a bonza Chrissy, as Matt would say.”