Kevin pulled up his company car in front of the modest cottage, the driver stepping out as the engine fell silent. Exhausted from the long drive, he lingered for a moment, collected his suitcase, released the chauffeur with a sigh, and murmured, The meeting ceremony is about to begin.
His wife, Katherine, glided into view wearing a flowing floral dress that seemed coloured by the late July sun. She always chose her outfits to match the calendar month, and now the fabric sang in perfect summer harmony. With a cascade of silklike hair spilling over her shoulders, she quickened her pace and offered him a gracious smile.
Keen, weve been waiting forever Guess what? Ive found a brilliant landscape designer, his schedule is packed, but Ive managed to secure a slot for us, she announced, adjusting a lock of hair.
Charles Whitaker, Kevins longtime friend, wanted to ask, How much? but remembered the ritual required a kiss first. He obliged, pressing his lips to Katherines.
You look radiant, Kate, he said, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. And Ive missed you terribly.
I missed you too, she whispered, reaching for him and momentarily forgetting the designers blueprint for their garden.
Is Nia home? Kevin inquired, glancing toward the kitchen.
Shes at a friends nearbyyes, the Darlings daughter, Katherine replied.
So were alone, Charles said, a grin spreading as he hurried to the shower, then led Katherine to the bedroom.
And I discovered a boutiquelook, Ive bought something youll love, a dress thats simply mindblowing, she said, eyes sparkling.
Do we have to wear the dress? he teased, pulling her close. You could be naked and Id still love you.
Later, in a dreamlike haze, Katherines voice drifted: Ive tried so hard, and you wont even glance at my new wardrobe.
Later, Ill see it, Kevin replied, slipping into his nightclothes. Hopefully well find something to eat without trekking to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for youMrs. Annabel has prepared everything, she added, referring to the housekeeper.
Annabel, that relentless housekeeper, he muttered.
And what about me? I bring the right people to spruce up our estate, so it rivals the Darlings. Isnt it my fault the new furniture looks so fine? Katherine pressed.
Our old furniture hasnt even aged yet, Charles observed.
And the curtains? Look at how they complement everything, she continued.
Kate, I value it all, and I never refuse to fund your whims, he began, then fell silent to avoid offense.
Kevin, I have an appointment at the salon! she gasped, a flicker of panic crossing her face.
Whats the rush? he asked.
Its a toptier salon, I booked a month ago. Dont make me late. Soon Nia will be hereshe asked to come with me.
Where with her?
To the salon.
Isnt it early for her?
Let her learn beauty, learn to care for herself, Katherine insisted.
Let the lads court her when she grows up, Charles muttered under his breath.
Exactly, but you must reach the highest level of finesse, she declared, her light hair swaying with the motion.
Charles dined alone. Soon Nia appeared, clinging to him as the ceremony continued.
Daddy! she cried, eyes wide. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Oh shes gone! I asked to be taken with her, I need a manicure.
Your nails are perfect, Nia, Kevin praised.
Dad, thats not fashionable now, she retorted.
I bet you put on polish three days ago, yet a fresh trend has swooped into your head and youre desperate to change the shade, he chided.
Really, Dad
I read a book today, Kevin said.
And when do you have time? You work
In transit, in breaks maybe you read too?
Yes, I read every day, different things
So youre into the latest fashion, makeup, all that nonsense
Dad, Im just a girl
A girl, a girl come here, he kissed her forehead. I still love you.
That evening Katherine returned, twirling in place, showing off her new look.
How do you find it? Charles asked, trying to gauge the change and keeping his answer safe.
Brilliant! Youre dazzling, he replied.
By nightfall Kevin was weary, though hed only been home one day.
Katie, I forgot to tell you, Aunt Miriam called, she was worried about you, he said.
Oh, Aunt yes, Ill ring her tomorrow.
Are you going to visit her?
Why going? Well all go together.
Youre jokingwhat would we do in that village?
Its not a village, its a market townfour hours drive.
No difference to me.
Its a pity, Kevin murmured, eyes drooping. Ill have to travel alone.
Kevin never liked long trips for visitors, yet he never lingered at home either, always off on business. Still, Aunt Miriam was a dear relative, almost a second mother after ten years.
He set off in his own car, rolled down the windows, and let the wind rush in, his heart light.
Kevin! Have you finally arrived? Aunt Miriam, at seventy, greeted him with a warm smile and simple charmno ceremony needed for her.
Aunt Miriam, forgive me for not visiting this year. You know Im always on the road, he said.
You restless soul, she teased, tugging a strand of his hair, though she was a head shorter than him.
Sit, love, Ill feed you, she offered.
Kevin felt like a child again, nourished by his aunt as his mother once had. The table filled with modest, homecooked fare.
Sorry, Im no city chef. You probably eat out at restaurants
Katherine and Nia love the restaurants, but I prefer home. I dont enjoy sitting in grand dining rooms tasting delicacies. Ill bring you some treats later.
Why bother? I have everything, she replied.
Sorry, Aunt, but youre the kind of person who deserves a little pampering.
Miriam perched opposite him, chin propped on a hand, watching the grownup nephew she was proud ofwelleducated, selfmade, a responsible man in his firm.
Youre always travelling, Kevin. How many more miles will you log around the country?
Mostly up north, in the highlands, she sighed.
Its cold up there.
He laughed. Its warm here now.
And how long do you stay at home? You come, you go.
Kevin, having finished, smiled, took Miriams hand, leaned in, and kissed her plump little palm. Thank you, Aunt Miriam, he whispered, the name a soft endearment only he used.
Would you like some redcurrant squash? she offered.
Of course, your squash is like living water, it lifts any fatigue.
I worry, she sighed, youre a family man yet youre rarely at home it must be hard.
Kevin savoured the tart drink. Hard? No, its easier the farther I am from my wife. The distance makes things light.
Miriams eyes widened. What do you mean, Kevin? Why stay away?
Dont be alarmed, Aunt Miriam, he said, kissing her hand again. Ive never tasted squash like this before.
Its because its made from my own berries, grown in the garden So why stay away?
If I were closer, Id have smothered her long ago.
Who? Miriam flinched, unsure if he was serious.
From dawn till dusk, and even at night, its endless chatter about salons, boutiques, colours, masters, makeup what Mary wore, what Alina chose, what the Darlings will say Every day. So distance suits me. I come, I stay, I give money, I leave. Thats my rhythm. I work, I make money, Im content.
What about Nia? she asked.
Shes a carbon copy of Katherine. Same interests. Three years ago I gave her a home library, picked the books myself, checked the ratings It sits unread now. I prefer paper, but digital is handy on the road. I tried to get Kate and Nia interesteduseless. Theyll spend hours on their phones hunting a new nail artist, gossiping with friends.
Kevin, I didnt know, Miriam said, surprised. I always support the family, but
No, no, Kevin waved his hand. I dont want to change anything. I chose my wife. I wanted beauty and got it. And I love her. I tolerate the pretence of interior design, guests, salons, but I love her.
What about little Nia?
Shell be just as beautiful as her mother, learn to present herself well, marry a promising mansomeone like meand live in bliss.
So youll go away again soon?
This time only for a month, two weeks at most. Itll be fine, Ill have time to rest.
You still work?
Yes, dear Aunt Miriam, my work feels like a holiday.
That evening Kevin 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. He kissed her hand and drove away.
Aunt Miriam was the only person to whom he confessed that the constant travel delighted him and that his life, just as his marriage to Katherine, was exactly as he wanted it to be.
