Kevin drives his company car up the driveway and, exhausted from the journey, steps out at the front gate. He grabs his suitcase, lets the driver go, and exhales, saying, The welcome ceremony is about to begin.
His wife Kate appears in a flowing, floral summer dress that matches the late July bloom. She always picks her outfits to suit the month, and today the colours echo the peak of the season. While smoothing the silklike fabric over her shoulders, she quickens her step and flashes him a gracious smile.
Kevin, weve been waiting forever You wont believe it, Ive found an amazing landscape designer. Everyones lining up for him, but I managed to get us a spot, she says.
Kevin wants to ask, How much?, but remembers the tradition that a kiss must precede any question. He leans in and kisses her.
Kate, you look stunning, he murmurs, wrapping his arm around her narrow waist. Ive missed you.
Ive missed you too, she replies, leaning into him and forgetting for a moment about the designer.
Is Natalie home? Kevin asks.
Shes at a friends nearby you know the Millers daughter, Kate answers.
So its just us, Kevin says, feeling his longing intensify. He heads for the shower, then pulls Kate toward the bedroom.
Kevin, I also found a boutique. I bought something I think youll lovea dress thats absolutely breathtaking, she says.
Can we skip the dress? he teases, pulling her closer. Youre perfect even without it.
***
Kevin, Ive put so much effort into my new wardrobe and you dont even look? Kate pouts.
Later, Ill take a look, he replies, getting dressed. Hopefully well find something to eat without having to go out to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for you. Mrs. Anne has prepared everything, Kate adds, referring to the housekeeper.
Anne, the everefficient housekeeper, Kevin mutters.
Am I not bringing the right people to improve our home, so it rivals the Carters? Isnt it my credit that we have new furniture? Kate asks.
Our old furniture hasnt even had time to age, Kevin remarks.
And the curtains? Look at the combination of colours, Kate continues.
Kate, I value all of it, and I never refuse to fund your whims, Kevin says, choosing to stay silent so as not to offend.
Oh, Kevin, I have an appointment at the salon! she exclaims, her voice trembling with urgency.
Whats the rush?
Its a toptier salon I booked a month ago. I cant be late, so dont worry, loveNatalie will be here soon. She asked to come with me.
Bring her where?
To the salon.
Is it too early for her to start going to salons?
Let the girl get used to beauty and learn to look after herself, Kate replies.
Shell grow up and the boys will chase her, Kevin grumbles.
Exactly, but it takes the highest skill, Kate says, turning sharply, her light hair fluttering with the motion.
Kevin eats alone at the kitchen table. Soon after, Natalie bursts in, clinging to his arm as the welcome ceremony continues.
Dad! she cries. Wheres Mom?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Oh shes away! I asked her to bring me because I need a manicure.
Natalie, your nails are perfect, Kevin praises.
Dad, are you joking? Thats not fashionable now
I bet you painted them three days ago, but today some new trend has swooped in and youve had to change the shade, he jokes.
Dad, seriously
I read a book on that today
And when do you find the time? You work all the time
In the car, in the breaks hey, maybe you should read something too, he suggests.
Yes, I read every daydifferent things, she replies.
I get it: fashion, makeup, all that fluff
Dad, Im just a girl
Girl, girl alright, come here, he says, planting a kiss on her forehead. I still love you.
Evening arrives and a freshly dressed Kate spins around, showing Kevin her new look. What do you think?
Kevin, trying to gauge the changes and avoid saying something foolish, answers neutrally, Brilliant! Youre radiant.
By night hes weary, even though hes only been home for a day.
Kevin, I forgot to tell youMrs. Mary has called, worried about you, Kate mentions.
Oh, Auntie Mary yes, I should visit her. Ill call tomorrow.
Will you go to her?
Well all go together. Not just me.
Youre joking? Whats there to do in that village?
Its not a village, its a market townfour hours by car.
I dont see the difference.
Its a pity, Kevin murmurs as he drifts toward sleep. Its a pity, he whispers, Ill have to travel alone.
Kevin never enjoys long trips for visitors, and he rarely stays at home because work sends him away constantly. Yet he feels its a sin not to see Aunt Mary, whos almost like a second mother after ten years of caring.
He drives his own car to the town, rolls down the windows, and lets the headwind lift his spirits.
Auntie Mary! Did you really make it to me? Mary, at seventy, is warm and kindly, her smile and simple manner inviting conversation. No need for any ceremony here, dear.
Sorry, Auntie Mary, its been a year since I visited. You know how my job takes me everywhere.
You restless soul, she says, ruffling his hair as she did when he was a child, though shes a head shorter than him now.
Sit down, Kevin, Ill feed you, she offers.
Kevin feels like a child again, being fed by his aunt just as his mother once did. The table slowly fills with uncomplicated homecooked dishes.
Kevin, Im not great at cooking like you in the city. You must eat out at restaurants, dont you?
Kate and Natalie love restaurants, but I prefer home. I dont enjoy watching chefs present delicacies. In fact, Ive brought you a little gift from my tripsome biscuits.
No need, I have everything, Mary replies.
Forgive me, Auntie, but youre the sort of person worth spoiling, he insists.
Mary settles opposite him, propping her chin with a fist, watching her nephew with pride. Hes studied well, built a solid career, and is responsible.
Kevin, look at you, she sighs. Youre always on the roadhow many more miles can you put between yourself and home?
I mostly travel up north, through the countryside.
Its cold up there, she notes.
He laughs. Its warm here now.
So you live at home only when you cancome, go, return, she says.
After eating, Kevin smiles, takes Marys hand, leans in, and kisses her soft, chubby palm. Thank you, Auntie Mary.
Hes always called her that affectionatelyno one else does.
Alice, would you like some berry squash? Ive made it from red currants.
Of course, your squash is like a revitalising drink; it wipes fatigue away.
I worry, though, Mary sighs. Youre a family man, but youre rarely at home. Isnt that hard?
Kevin savours the tart drink. Hard? No, the farther I am from my wife, the easier it feels.
Mary shivers. What are you saying, Kevin? Why stay apart?
Dont be frightened, Auntie Mary, he says, kissing her hand again. Ive never tasted squash like this before.
Its because its made from my own gardens berries So why keep your distance?
If I were closer, Id have smothered her long ago, he jokes.
Who? Mary asks, startled.
From sunrise to midnight, its all about salons, boutiques, colours, masters, makeup which coat Mary should wear, which dress Alina picks, what the Carters will think all day, every day. Its easier from a distance. I come, I spend a bit, I give money, I leave. Thats all I need. I work, I make money, Im satisfied.
What about Natalie? Mary probes.
Shes just a copy of Katesame interests. Three years ago I gave her a home library, handpicked books, checked the ratings now they sit unread. I prefer paper, but digital is handy on the road. I tried to get Kate and Natalie into itpointless. Theyll spend hours on their phones hunting new nail technicians and gossiping.
Kevin, I didnt know Mary admits, surprised. Im always for family, but in this case
No, no, Im not changing a thing. I chose my wife. I wanted beautiful, I got it. And the best part is I love her. I tolerate the fuss with interiors, guests, salons, but I love her.
What about little Natalie?
Shell be just as lovely as her mother. Shell learn to present herself well, marry a promising mansomeone like meand will be in the chocolate.
So youll be off again soon?
This time only for a month, a fortnight at most. Itll be fine.
You still work.
Yes, dear Auntie Mary, my work feels like a holiday.
That evening Kevin packs to head home. He hugs Mary, slips some cash onto the edge of the table, and tucks a jar of homemade currant jam as a gift. He kisses her once more and drives away.
Mary remains the only person with whom he confides that his business trips bring him joy, and that everything in his life suits himjust like his wife Kate. He is convinced that this is how things can be.
