Free Homecoming by Catrin Collier Page B

stayed in bed.’
    â€˜I could have taken a little disturbance.’
    â€˜Can I take that as permission to do just that on some future occasion?’
    â€˜We’ll discuss it when you’re clean.’ She wrinkled her nose at his grease-spattered and oil-stained overalls.
    â€˜I don’t even get to sample anything,’ he complained, eyeing the trays.
    â€˜I’ll feed you two of anything you want on condition you stay that side of the door.’
    â€˜Fine way to treat me after I’ve spent all morning working on the car you ride round in.’
    â€˜Is there any oil left in your car engine or did you pour it all over yourself, Martin?’ Sam peered over his shoulder.
    â€˜Don’t you ever knock?’
    â€˜I heard you talking as I came up the stairs.’ Sam stared at the trays. ‘Oh my! And all I was hoping for was a slice of apple flan.’
    â€˜And that’s all you’re getting,’ Lily warned. ‘Marty?’
    â€˜You can put one of those pasties in my mouth.’
    â€˜Wonderful, he gets fed and I have to beg for yesterday’s leftovers,’ Sam complained. Martin demolished the pasty Lily held out to him in two bites.
    â€˜You can eat all you want, Sam,’ Lily slapped his wrist as he reached for the nearest tray, ‘tonight, at Helen and Jack’s.’
    â€˜More please,’ Martin mumbled through a full mouth. ‘A cheese straw this time.’
    â€˜Want me to get that?’ Sam asked, as the doorbell rang.
    â€˜Please. I’d better have a bath before I contaminate any more of the house.’ Munching a mouthful of cheese flavoured pastry, Martin headed for the stairs as Lily attacked a greasy finger mark he’d left on the kitchen door with a cloth and neat Quix.
    â€˜Lunch will be ready in half an hour,’ Lily called after him, ‘so don’t start reading in the bath.’
    â€˜I won’t.’
    â€˜And don’t you dare touch any more paintwork until you’ve washed your hands.’
    â€˜Turned out bossy, hasn’t she?’ Sam said to someone behind him. He moved and Lily stared, dumbfounded.
    â€˜Think she recognises me.’ Brian Powell nudged Sam with his elbow.
    â€˜It’s been a long time,’ Sam mocked. ‘Over two and half years – Jack and Helen’s wedding.’
    â€˜Sorry I couldn’t make yours,’ Brian apologised to Lily.
    â€˜Thank you for your present.’ The phrase ‘speak of the devil and he appears’ sprang to mind, as she recalled the conversation she’d had with Judy only the night before. ‘The towels were just what we needed.’ She pulled him into the kitchen. ‘This is such a surprise, but it’s lovely to see you. Martin will be thrilled. He’s been complaining that he hasn’t heard from you in months.’ She hugged him and he kissed her cheek.
    â€˜I see you were expecting me,’ Brian joked, indicating the trays of food.
    â€˜These are for Jack’s homecoming party tonight.’
    â€˜When did he get back?’
    â€˜Last night.’ She handed him a chair. ‘Sit down; I was just about to make a meal. You will join us?’
    â€˜If this is any indication of what’s on the menu, I’d love to.’
    â€˜Great,’ Sam moaned. ‘He comes back after years away and gets an instant invitation while you make your lodger, who pays his rent every week without fail, beg for crumbs from your table.’
    â€˜If you made yourself useful instead of grumbling, Sam, I’d invite you as well.’ Lily pulled down the flap on the kitchen cabinet and stacked the trays of food inside.
    â€˜I’m putting the kettle on even as I speak.’ Sam went to the stove.
    Lily pushed a casserole dish into the oven and switched it on. ‘So, what are you doing in Swansea, Brian? Are you down for a couple of days, or longer? Are you still working in