Dear Diary,
Yesterday Robert burst into the kitchen, phone in hand and a grin plastered across his face. Claire, can you believe it? Paul and Evelyn are driving up for the weekend! he announced.
I laughed, Seriously? Its been ages five years, maybe? I smiled back. Well, well have plenty to talk about.
He nodded. Theyve been desperate to get out of their town. Paul keeps moaning that everything there is getting worse. We managed to break free, but theyre still stuck in that swamp. He squinted playfully. Where will they stay?
I thought we could put them up at our place. Youre okay with that, arent you? he asked, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
If theyve decided without me, Ill go along. Well give them a proper London weekendshow them the city, take them for a stroll, let them see what life can be if you put in the effort. I felt a swell of pride for both of us. Wed moved, settled, and were getting along just fine, despite what the naysayers in the provinces said.
The flat was sparkling for their arrival. I had given every surface a thorough clean, swapped out the old duvet for fresh linen, and even bought a cosy throw so the guests wouldnt feel the chill. A couple of new cushions were added for extra comfort. We were treating their visit like a family reunion.
Saturday morning the intercom chimed. A minute later Paul and Evelyn stood in the hallway. Paul was in an outofdate tracksuit, Evelyn in tight jeans and a snug top, looking slightly irritable and scanning the corridor.
Welcome, you two, Robert said, opening the door.
Even better than I imagined, Paul said, kicking off his battered trainers and flashing socks with holes.
Evelyn slipped deeper into the flat, took a quick look around and asked, Is this your own place?
No, we bought it with a mortgage, Robert replied. Shall we head to the kitchen? Tea or coffee?
Coffee, Evelyn said.
Ill need something stronger, Paul muttered, tapping Robert on the shoulder.
An hour later the atmosphere had relaxed. We swapped stories.
This is a completely different world, I said.
The air feels cleaner here, and people seem to smile more, Evelyn agreed.
Why wouldnt they? Paul added. Theres something to live for here. Back home were stuck with no decent wages, no jobs. Its maddening.
I placed a tray of fruit and a homemade cake on the tablemy little welcome treat.
Robert, Paul began over dinner, any openings at your firm? Im fed up earning pennies for endless hours.
Ill see what I can do, Robert said. Were actually hiring right now. Ill put in a good word, but I cant promise anything.
Youd consider moving? With the kids? I asked, surprised.
Evelyn tasted the cake, thought for a moment. We could relocate as a family, but you knowtwo little ones, the older just started nursery, weve fought hard for that spot. And we dont have the cash for a big move.
If need be, Paul could move first. We have a spare flat where colleagues share rooms; they manage fine, Robert offered.
I caught a flicker of doubt in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile.
Evelyn murmured, I dont want us living apart, but its about prospects and pay.
Monday they left. Paul sent his résumé, and Robert passed it along. Within weeks everything fell into place.
Paul landed a job quickly. Robert kept his promise, spoke to his manager and recommended him. He got a trial contractnothing senior, but a respectable salary in pounds and room to grow.
Mate, I owe you one, Paul said one evening, arriving with a bottle of red. This is my lifeline. Back home theres no chance. Lets make it work!
Just dont let us down, Robert replied, uncorking the bottle.
I watched it all from the sidelines. At first everything seemed normal: Paul would pop round for a cuppa, share updates about his new role, stay in the shared staff flat with his mates.
Paul, hows Evelyn? The kids? I asked out of habit.
The kids are great. Ive sent them money for new toys. Mums helping, but Evelyns not thrilled Im away. Im glad, honestlysome peace from her constant checking, he admitted after a few glasses.
Longdistance relationships are tricky, I replied, but youll both miss each other.
A few weeks later Paul returned, not alone but with Evelyn and the children.
Were here for the weekend, Evelyn announced, as if it had been arranged weeks ago. Weve missed you! The kids havent seen their dad in ages, and we havent seen you lot either.
I was taken aback. It had only been a year, not two weeks. Still, I couldnt turn them away.
Come in, weve got a roast chicken in the oven, I said. Where are you staying?
In a hotel, Evelyn sighed. Its pricey, but we cant afford anything else. We need to meet now and then, otherwise hell forget what I look like and bring someone else home.
Who am I supposed to bring? I laughed.
Red or white wine? Robert asked, his hospitality turning into routine.
Honestly, we wont be long. Could you watch the kids for a bit? Paul and I need some time alone, Evelyn giggled. Onebedroom flat isnt exactly romantic with kids around.
Robert looked away, shrugged. He understood Pauls situation, but babysitting strangers felt odd.
Well be brief, promise, Evelyn pleaded, hands clasped.
Fine, one night wont hurt. Go on, enjoy yourselves, I said, smiling. They say theres good money for looking after a child maybe enough for a flat someday.
Paul and Evelyn laughed and left, the children staying with Robert and me.
Nothing disastrous happened. The young couple was exhausted but felt like heroes for not abandoning us. Their visits turned into a regular thing. Evelyn began dropping by almost every week, asking us to look after the kidsnot just for a couple of hours, but for whole days, evenings, even entire Saturdays.
My husband works in Manchester, she explained one day. I need these visits. Youre childfree at the moment, so could you practice babysitting?
I grew irritated and, after the third request, told her it was enough.
The nurserys closed. We have plans.
Really? Youre moving out? Evelyn was crestfallen, then a thought sparked. Great! Hand us the keys. Well stay for a week or two. Hotels are too expensive; my husband refuses to pay, says my trips cost him too much.
No, well be away for a day and then back. Where do you want us to stay? I asked.
You have two rooms. We wont be a bother. Were practically family.
That conversation almost sparked a fight between Robert and me.
Did you hear what she said? She wants us to move so she can be comfortable! I snapped.
Maybe shes stressedkids, moving, her husband maybe PMS, Robert tried to calm me.
Its not stress, its cheek! Were not obligated to host them! Im against it. Call Paul and tell his wife to stop being so pushy.
Listen, thats not right, I muttered.
Are they behaving? Robert asked.
He shrugged. Later he called Paul, and Evelyn seemed to back downat least for a while. She changed tactics, messaging Robert.
Hi, could you do me a favour? I need to check his phone Does he talk to anyone else?
When Robert refused, she wrote again.
Then at least drop by his place. See if there are any womens items in his room.
Robert honestly, talk to him. Hes pulling away, Im scared. I think hes seeing someone else and he trusts you.
Roberts replies grew short, then stopped. Evelyn kept calling, sending voice notes, flooding me with threepage texts and countless pleading emojis.
Robert never told me. He hid the messages, deleted them, sometimes slipped into another room to take calls.
One evening I caught a glimpse of his phone as he stepped away. A long message from Evelyn was open:
Go to him tomorrow. I think hes ignoring me. Im sure hes found someone. Check his phone if you can.
My blood ran cold.
What are you hiding? Is she now your friend? Or are you spying on Paul?
Im not spying! Robert stammered, rubbing his forehead. She just keeps pestering, calling, complaining. I thoughtshes a friends wife, maybe I should help
Help? Shes using you as a errand boy and you stay silent? Thats because you cant say no. You gave her permission, and now youre paying the price, hiding like a guilty cat! Isnt that shameful?
Im sorry. I should have told you and ended this nonsense. He deleted the chats and blocked her number.
After that, Evelyn finally got through, and Robert told her he wouldnt partake in any more investigations. She sulked, blamed me for ruining things, claiming true friends never act like this.
If you keep pushing, Ill tell Paul she threatened.
Only then did she back off.
Paul eventually learned of the messages from me. He was furious, realizing how far it had gone, and confronted Robert one night:
Shes been feeding you nonsense, hasnt she? Sorry shes being such a pest. I thought distance would help, but no. Ill deal with it.
Two months later both Evelyn and Paul disappeared from our lives. Robert and I returned to our routine, took a short holiday, visited our parents, and ran into Evelyn back in our hometown. She passed us without a word. Later we heard theyd split; rumors said Evelyn found someone while Paul was in London. Apparently her jealous wife turned out to be unfaithful herself. Such things happen.
Now the flat feels quieter, but the memories linger, reminding me how fragile hospitality can be when boundaries blur.
