Kevin pulled up in the company car, the engine sighing as it stopped in front of a modest terraced house in a sleepy English village. Exhausted from the road, he stepped out slowly, took his suitcase, thanked the driver and, exhaling, announced, The meeting ceremony is about to begin.
Emily appeared, gliding in a long, flowerpatterned dress that matched the late July sky. She loved to choose outfits that reflected the month, and today the fabric sang in tune with the blooming summer.
Her hair cascaded down her shoulders like a silk waterfall. Adjusting a strand, she quickened her pace, offered Kevin a gracious smile and said, Weve been waiting, waiting Guess what? Ive found a brilliant landscape designer. Hes swamped, but Ive managed to get us on his list.
Christopher, the boss, wanted to ask, How much? but remembered that the ceremony required a kiss first. He obliged, pressing his lips to hers.
Emily, you look radiant, he murmured, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. Ive missed you terribly.
Ive missed you too, she whispered, reaching for him, momentarily forgetting the designer for their garden.
Is Nancy home? Kevin asked.
Shes at a neighbours, the Darlings girl, Emily replied.
So its just us, he said, feeling the longing swell. He hurried to the shower, then led his wife to the bedroom.
Kevin, I also found a boutique. I bought something spectacular for you. Youll love this dressits simply mindblowing, she whispered.
Can we skip the dress? he teased, pulling her close. You could even stay naked; I already like you enough.
***
Kevin, I tried so hard, and you wont even glance at my new wardrobe, Emily complained.
Later, Ill have a look, he replied, slipping into his shirt. Hope well find something to eat without having to go to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for youMrs. Anne has everything prepared.
The everefficient Mrs. Anne, our housekeeper, he muttered.
And me? Im the one bringing the right people to improve our estate so its not worse than the Darlings. The new furniture is my doing
The old set hasnt even had a chance to age, Christopher noted.
Speaking of curtains, Emily continued, look at how they match
Emily, I value all this, and I never refuse to fund it, he began, then fell silent to avoid hurting her feelings.
Oh, Kevin, I have a salon appointment! she blurted, a flicker of panic in her eyes as she rose hurriedly.
Whats the rush? he asked.
Its a toptier salonI booked a month ago. I cant be late. Dont worry, dear, Natalie will be here soon she wanted me to take her along.
Take her where?
To the salon.
Isnt it early for her to be in salons?
Let the girl get used to beauty, learn to look after herself.
Let the boys look after her, Christopher growled.
Exactly, but you have to bethe highest art. Emily spun, her blonde hair fluttering in time with the motion.
Christopher ate alone. Soon after, Natalie arrived, clinging to his arm as the meeting ceremony continued.
Dad! she squealed. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Ohshes gone! I asked her to take me, I need a manicure.
Natalie, your nails are perfect, he praised.
Dad, are you joking? Thats not fashionable any more.
I bet you painted them three days ago, but today some new trend flew into your pretty little head and you had to change the shade, he teased.
Dad, seriously
Natalie, I just read a book
And when do you find the time? You work?
In between trips actually, maybe you could read something too
Yeah, I read every daydifferent things
I get it: fashion, makeup, the usual nonsense
Dad, Im just a girl
Girl, girl alright, come here, he kissed the top of her head. I love you anyway.
In the evening, the new Emily twirled on the spot, showing off to her husband. How do you like it?
Christopher tried to gauge what had changed, answering safely, Brilliant! Youre enchanting.
By night he was weary, even though hed been home only a day.
Kevin, I forgot to tell youMarion called, worried about you
Oh, Auntie Ill visit her tomorrow, he said.
Are you going to drive there?
Well all go together. Its not a village, its a market townjust four hours by car.
I see no difference.
Its a pity, Kevin murmured, half asleep, Its a pity Ill have to travel alone.
***
Christopher never liked long visits, but he also never stayed long at home; work kept sending him away. Still, Mariona dear aunt who was almost a second mothercouldnt be missed.
He set off in his own car, rolled down the windows, and let the headwind lift his spirits.
Kevin! You finally made it to me? Marion, at seventy, was warm and gentle, her smile and simple conversation inviting talk. No need for any ceremony here, everythings easy.
Sorry, Aunt Marion, I havent visited in a year. You know how travel keeps me.
Ah, you restless soul, she chuckled, ruffling his hair, her hand reaching up to his head. She was a head shorter than him.
Sit down, love, Ill feed you.
He felt childlike again, as his mother once had, now nourished by his aunt. The table filled with modest, homecooked fare.
Kevin, Im no chef like you are used to in the city. You probably eat out all the time
Emily and Natalie love restaurants, but I prefer home. I dont enjoy sitting in front of a display and tasting delicacies. By the way, Ill bring you some biscuits I picked up.
No need, I have everything.
Sorry, Auntie, but youre the kind of person I love to spoil.
Marion sat opposite, her chin propped on a fist, watching her nephew with pride. Hed studied well, built a career, and was responsible.
Kevin, look at you, she sighed, always on the road, crisscrossing the country.
Ive been mostly up in the North.
Its cold up there.
He laughed. Its hot now.
So you come, you go, thats all, she said.
After eating, Christopher smiled, took Marions hand, leaned down and kissed her chubby little palm. Thank you, Aunt Marion.
He always called her that softly; no one else did.
Alice, would you like some redcurrant squash? she asked.
Of course, your squash is like living water, washing away fatigue.
I still worry, Marion sighed, youre a family man but youre rarely home isnt that hard?
He savoured the tart drink. Hard? No, the farther from my wife, the easier it feels.
Marions eyes widened. What are you saying, Kevin? Why stay away?
He tried to calm her. Dont be frightened, Auntiethis squash is unlike any Ive tasted before.
Its because its made from my own berries, grown in the garden Kevin, why stay away?
If I were nearer, Id have strangled her long ago.
Who? she recoiled, confused.
From dawn till dusk, even at night, its always about salons, boutiques, colours, masters, makeup what Mary wore, what Alina chose, what the Darlings will say every day the same. So distance suits me. I come, I stay, I give money, I leave again. I work, I earn, Im content.
What about Natalie?
Shes a copy of Emilyidentical tastes. Three years ago I gave her a home library, selected books, checked rankings now they sit unread. I prefer paper, but digital is handy on the road. I tried to interest them bothpointless. Theyll spend hours on their phones hunting new nail technicians and gossiping.
Kevin, I didnt know, Marion said, surprised. Im always for family, but in that case
No, no, he waved. I wont change anything. I chose my wife. I wanted beautyI got it. And the best part is I love her. Yes, I endure the pomp of interiors, guests, salons, but I love her.
What about little Natalie?
Shell also be fine. As beautiful as her mother, shell learn to present herself well, marry a promising ladmaybe someone like meand be in the chocolate.
So youll be off again soon?
This time only for a month, two weeks at most. But thats enough rest.
You still work.
Yes, dear Aunt Marion, my work feels like a holiday.
That evening Christopher gathered his things to return home. He hugged his aunt, slipped a few pounds onto the edge of the table, and left a jar of redcurrant jam as a parting gift, kissed her hand, and drove off.
Marion was the only person to whom he confessed that his business trips brought him joy, and that his life, as odd as it seemed, was just finejust like his wife Emily. He was certain that was how it was meant to be.
