April 27
I pulled up in the company car right outside the gate of our semidetached house in the outskirts of Reading. Exhausted from the motorway, I lingered a moment, grabbed my briefcase, thanked the driver and, exhaling, thought to myself, Here begins the welcome home routine.
Katie surged out of the garden in a flowing, multicoloured summer dress that perfectly matched the lingering July heat. She always picks her outfits to echo the month, and this one was a bright homage to the blossoming season. As she brushed a cascade of silksoft hair over her shoulders, she quickened her step and flashed me a warm smile.
Kenny, weve been counting the days, she cooed, eyes alight. You wont believe itIve secured a brilliant landscape designer for the back garden. Hes swamped, but I managed to book him.
I wanted to blurt out, How much? but remembered the unwritten rule of the welcome home ritual: a kiss first. I obliged, planting one on her cheek.
Katie, you look radiant, I murmured, slipping my arm around her slender waist. And Ive missed you terribly.
I missed you too, she replied, leaning into me, momentarily forgetting the contractor shed mentioned.
Is Natalie home? I asked, glancing toward the kitchen.
Shes with her friend next door the Parkers daughter, Katie answered.
So its just us, I said, feeling the familiar pang of longing. I headed for the shower, then whisked Katie toward the bedroom.
She suddenly blurted, I found a boutique I loveI bought something for you. Youll adore this dress, its simply stunning.
Do we really need a dress? I teased, pulling her close. You can even go without, youre perfect as you are.
Later, after Id dressed, Katie pouted, You never even glance at my new wardrobe.
I smiled, Ill have a look later. I slipped on a shirt, hoping thered be enough food at home so we wouldnt have to pop to a restaurant.
Of course were waiting for you, my housekeeper, Mrs. Allen, called from the kitchen. Everythings ready.
I laughed, That Mrs. Allenalways keeping the house in order.
Dont I also bring the right people to improve our home, so its not inferior to the Parkers? It was my idea to get new furniture, Katie reminded me.
The old set hasnt even had time to look tired, I replied.
And the curtains? she continued, gesturing at the drapes. Look at how they complement everything.
Katie, I value all of this, and you know I never hold back when it comes to finances, I said, deliberately silent to spare her feelings.
Darling, I need to get to the salon! she declared, her face suddenly flushed.
Whats the rush? I asked.
Its a topclass salonI booked an appointment a month ago. I cant be late. Dont worry, Nina will be here soon, though she asked to come along.
Come along where?
To the salon.
Isnt it early for her? I probed.
Let the girl get used to a bit of pampering and learn to look after herself, she replied.
Let the boys do the courting, I muttered under my breath.
She snapped, Exactly, but you have to be at the peak of finesse. Her blonde hair flicked as she turned sharply.
I ate alone in the living room. Soon after, Nina burst through the front door, practically clinging to me. The welcome home ritual continued.
Daddy! she chirped, eyes wide. Wheres Mum?
She told you about the salon, didnt she? I replied.
Oh shes gone! I asked her to take me, I need my nails done.
Nina, your nails are flawless, I praised.
Dad, youre joking? Thats not fashionable now.
I bet you got that polish on three days ago, but today a new trend has swooped in, and you felt the urge to change.
She rolled her eyes.
Dad, seriously.
I tried to steer the conversation, Ive just read this book
And when do you find the time? Youre always working.
In the car, in breaks maybe you should read something too.
Sure, I read every day, different things.
I get itfashion, makeup, all that fluff
Dad, Im just a girl
Girl, girl alright, come here, I said, giving her a kiss on the crown. I still love you.
That evening Katie returned, twirling as if shed just stepped out of a runway. What do you think? she asked, eyes bright.
I swallowed, trying not to look foolish, and replied, Brilliant. Youre radiant.
By nightfall I was thoroughly spent, even though Id only been home for a single day.
Kenny, I forgot to tell you Aunt Maggie called, worried about you.
Oh, Aunt Maggie Ill ring her tomorrow.
Are you going to visit? she asked.
Well all go together, I said. Its just a fourhour drive to the market town of Cirencester.
She frowned, Thats not a village, its a market centre.
I know, but its still a change of scenery.
I was already halfasleep when I muttered, Too bad Ill have to travel alone.
Aunt Maggie was the only relative I felt comfortable calling home. Though I was often away on assignments, I never missed a chance to see her; she was like a second mother, ten years my senior.
I set off in my own car, windows down, letting the cool countryside wind lift my spirits.
Kenny! You finally made it! Aunt Maggie, now in her seventies but still sprightly, greeted me with a warm smile and a simple, uncomplicated kindness that needed no ceremony.
Sorry its been a year, Aunt Maggie, I said, You know how it isalways on the road.
She ruffled my hair affectionately, Sit down, love, Ill feed you.
I felt like a child again, the way my mother used to. The table soon filled with hearty, homecooked fare.
Sorry, Im not used to cooking like you do in the city, she said, glancing at me. You probably eat out all the time.
I prefer a quiet dinner at home, I replied. Ill bring you a little something from the office later.
She waved it off, I have everything I need.
Just a treat, Aunt Maggie, I insisted.
She settled opposite me, chin resting on her hand, pride evident in her eyes. Youve been travelling a lot, Kenny. How many miles have you logged?
Mostly up north, in the Lake District, I answered.
It must be cold up there.
I laughed, Its warm here now.
She chuckled, You come, you go, thats how its always been.
After the meal, I took her hand, leaned down and kissed her soft, chubby fingers. Thank you, Aunt Maggie. I always called her that, affectionately.
Would you like some cranberry juice? she offered.
Of courseyour juice is like a splash of life, it wipes away fatigue.
She sighed, I worry sometimesyou’re a family man, yet youre rarely home. It must be hard.
I sipped the drink, feeling a rare ease, Hard? No, the farther I am, the lighter I feel.
She looked startled, What are you saying? Why stay away?
I tried to reassure her, Dont be alarmed, Aunt Maggie. Ive never had that drink before.
Its because its made from the berries I grow in my garden, she explained. But why stay away?
If I stayed closer, Id have smothered her long ago.
Who? she asked, bewildered.
From sunrise to midnight, its always about salons, boutiques, colours, masters, makeup the latest gossip about the Parkers, the new trends all day, every day. From a distance, its easier. I arrive, drop some money, and leave again. Thats how I roll.
What about Nina? she pressed.
I waved my hand, Shes a copy of Katiesame tastes. Three years ago I gave her a home library, handpicked books, now theyre gathering dust. I prefer paper, but ebooks are handy on the road. I tried to get Katie and Nina into my worldpointless. Theyll spend hours on their phones looking for the next nail tech.
Aunt Maggie gasped, I never imagined Im always for family, but
I shook my head, No, Im not changing a thing. I chose my wife, wanted beauty, got it. I love her, even with all the fuss about interiors and salons. It works for me.
What about Nina? she asked again.
Shell be lovely, just like her mother. Shell marry a decent bloke, perhaps someone like me, and live happily.
Will you be off again soon?
This time just a month, maybe two weeks. Enough to recharge.
Yes, work is my holiday, I said with a grin.
Later that night I gathered my things, slipped a few pounds onto the kitchen tableenough for her to noticeand tucked a jar of homemade cranberry jam as a parting gift. I kissed her hand once more and drove off.
Aunt Maggie remains the only person I ever confided in about loving my constant travelling. And I know Katie will always be waiting at the front door, ready for the next round of welcome home ceremonies.
