Emily, guess what? Mark and Claire are popping over this weekend! James said, phone in hand and a grin plastered on his face.
Seriously? It’s been ages five years? she laughed. Well, well have plenty to chat about.
Yeah, theyve been itching to get away. Mark keeps moaning that everythings going downhill back in their town. We managed to get out, and theyre still stuck in that bog.
Where will they crash?
Honestly, I suggested they stay with us straight away. Youre cool with that, right? James squinted playfully.
If theyve already decided without me, Im in. Lets give them a proper London weekend: a walk, a show, the works. Let them see what a bit of effort and a decent job can do, Emily replied, a hint of pride sparkling in her eyes. Theyd moved, found work, and were doing just fine, despite all the naysayers who said provincial folk couldnt make it.
The flat was gleaming for the guests arrival: Emily had scrubbed every surface, pulled fresh sheets from the wardrobe to lay out on the sofa, even bought a cosy throw so the visitors wouldnt get chilly, and added a couple of new pillows for extra comfort. They were treating the visit like a family reunion rather than a casual sleepover.
Saturday morning, the intercom buzzed. A minute later, Mark and Claire stood in the hallway. Mark was in a tracksuit that would have been out of fashion in London a decade ago; Claire wore oddly tight jeans and a snug top, looking a touch sour and scanning the corridor.
Come in, you lovely guests James greeted.
Wow, even better than I imagined, Mark said, kicking off his battered trainers and flashing holes in his socks to the world.
Claire slipped deeper into the flat, silently taking it all in before asking,
Is this your place?
No, its ours. Bought on mortgage, James replied. Shall we head to the table? Tea, coffee?
Coffee, Claire said.
Ill need something stronger. Mark patted James on the shoulder.
An hour later the atmosphere had loosened. The friends swapped updates.
Honestly, life here feels entirely different, Emily said.
Even the air smells different. And people seem to smile more, Claire nodded.
Why wouldnt they? Theres at least something to live for, Mark added. Back home its zero salary, no work. Blah.
Emily set a bowl of fruit and a homemade cake on the table, baked especially for the guests.
Listen, James, Mark began over dinner. Any openings at your firm? Im ready for anything. Im fed up slogging for peanuts.
Ill have a look, James said. Were actually recruiting right now. Ill do what I can, but I cant promise.
Would you consider moving? With kids? Emily asked, surprised.
Well Claire tried a bite of the cake and thought awhile. Wed love to move the whole family, but you know, two kids, the older just started nursery, a decent one weve been fighting for. And were short on cash for a move.
If needed, Mark could move first. Theres a staff flat where the lads share twoperson rooms. Theyre not complaining, James said.
Emily glanced at her husband, catching a flicker of doubt, but he brushed it aside with a smile.
We dont want to end up living apart, Claire murmured. Its all about prospects and pay.
The following Monday the guests left. Mark sent his résumé, James put in a good word, and within a couple of weeks everything fell into place.
Mark was hired quickly. James kept his promise, talking to the bosses and recommending him. Mark got a probationary contractnot the top slot, but a decent salary in pounds and room to grow.
Mate, I owe you one, Mark said one evening, showing up with a bottle of wine. This is my chance. Back home theres zero options. Lets celebrate!
Just dont let us down, James replied, uncorking the bottle.
Emily watched from the sidelines. At first everything seemed normal: Mark would pop round now and then, sip tea, chat about his new job. He didnt stay the night, got used to the temporary shared flat with his colleagues.
Mark, hows Claire? How are the kids? Emily asked out of habit.
Kids are great. I sent them money for new toys. Moms helping but Claire isnt thrilled Ive moved. Im glad, though I get a break from her constant nagging, Mark confessed after a few glasses.
Ah, the longdistance thing, Emily snorted. At least youll miss each other.
Mark eventually left.
The next weekend he turned up not alone, but with Claire and the two children.
Were back for the weekend, Claire announced, as if it had been prearranged. Weve missed you! The kids havent seen their dad in ages! And we havent seen you in forever.
Emily froze, surprised. It had been a year or two not two weeks. Still, she didnt shoo them away.
Right come in then. Ive roasted a chicken, she said, forcing a smile. Where are you staying?
In a hotel, Claire sighed. Its pricey, but we cant afford anything else. We have to meet up now and then, otherwise my husband forgets what I look like and brings someone else home.
Claire, who am I supposed to bring?! James joked, his hospitality turning into routine.
Red or white? Emily asked, halfheartedly.
Oh love, we wont be long. Could you look after the kids for a bit? Mark and I need some time alone you know how cramped a singleroom flat is with children.
James looked at Emily, shrugged. He understood Marks plight but babysitting strangers wasnt his idea of fun.
We wont be long, honestly, Claire pleaded, hands clasped.
Fine, one times a charm. Go on, have a cuppa. The third cup might even pay for a new flat, Emily laughed. They say a good cup of tea can work miracles.
Mark and Claire chuckled and left, the kids staying with James and Emily. Nothing disastrous happened. The young couple was a little more exhausted than usual, but they felt like heroes for not abandoning their friends.
The oneoff turned into a regular thing. Claire started popping over almost every week, always asking to mind the kidsnot just for an hour, but for an entire afternoon or even a whole Saturday.
My husband lives up north, shed say. I need these visits. Please look after them; youre childfree, after all! Practice makes perfect!
Emily grew irritated and, after the third request, snapped,
The nurserys closed. We have plans.
Really? Youre moving out? Claire gasped, then brightened with a plan. Perfect! Hand us the keys. Well crash here for a week or two. Hotels are too expensive, my husband wont foot the bill, says my trips cost him a fortune.
No, that wont do. Were only away for a night and then well be back. Where do you expect us to stay? Emily retorted.
Youve got two rooms. We wont be in the way. Were practically family.
That comment nearly sparked a fight between Emily and James.
Did you hear what she said? Wed have to move so they can be comfortable!
Maybe shes stressed kids, moving, husband maybe PMS.
Its not stress, its boldness! We dont have to host them! Im against it. Call Mark and tell his wife to stop being so pushy.
Listen, thats not right.
Are they behaving?
James shrugged. Later he called Mark, and Claire backed off a touch, or so it seemed. She switched tactics, texting James instead.
Hey, could you do me a favour? I need to check his phone He isnt texting anyone?
When James refused, Claire wrote again.
Then at least drop by his flat. See if any womens stuff is in his room.
James seriously! Talk to him. Hes pulling away, Im scared. I think hes got someone else! You trust him?
At first James gave short replies, then started ignoring her. Claire kept calling, leaving voice notes, sending tearfilled messages, threepage texts full of pleading emojis.
James never mentioned it to Emily. He hid the messages, deleted them, sometimes slipped into another room to take calls.
One evening, while James was away with his phone, Emily peeked over his shoulder and saw a long message from Claire:
Visit him tomorrow. I feel ignored. Im sure hes found someone. Check his phone if you can.
Emilys face flushed.
What are you hiding? Is she now your friend? Or are you spying for Mark?
Im not spying! James flustered. She just wont stop. She writes, calls, complains. I thought, well, shes a friends wife, maybe I should help
Help? Shes using you as a errand boy, and you keep quiet? Thats because you cant say no. You gave her permission, now youre paying the price! And youre hiding it like a guilty cat! Shame on you!
Youre right, Im sorry. I should have told you and ended this. James deleted everything and blocked her number.
After that, Claire finally got through to James and he told her he wouldnt take part in any more investigations. She took offense, blaming Emily for ruining things. She warned James shed tell Mark if he kept meddling.
Only then did Claire back off.
Meanwhile, Mark learned of the texts from Emily. He was furious, realising how far it had gone, and one night said to James:
Shes been chewing you out, huh? Sorry shes that nosy. Im tired of it too. I thought distance would help, but nope. Ill sort it out.
Two months later, both Claire and Mark vanished from the friends lives. James and Emily slipped back into their routine, took a holiday, visited their parents, and ran into Claire back in their hometown. She passed by without a greeting. Rumour had it she and Mark had split. Supposedly, Claire found someone while Mark was in London The jealous wife turned out to be the unfaithful one. It happens.
