Nigel
‘I might have overdone it today.’ The extra cardio session was helping his tennis performance, but it wasn’t doing his joints any good. ‘How come you keep trim without putting in any effort?’
‘Good genes. Lots of sex.’
‘I obviously inherited the duff metabolism genes. And don’t mention sex.’
‘How are things going on the matrimonial front?’ Mark asked.
‘How does it look like they’re going? I’m still here, and my beloved wife is still ignoring me from three thousand miles away.’
‘No contact at all?’
‘Only via my attorney.’
‘Nice. I hope Luce and I never end up like that.’
Nigel sighed. ‘Don’t ask me for tips. I clearly haven’t got a clue when it comes to relationships.’
And it wasn’t just Madison. Helen was still making it clear at every opportunity that they were friends only. Meanwhile, after two months of being in one another’s company several times a week, Nigel loved her more than ever.
Lucy joined them. ‘Hard morning at the gym, Nige?’
‘Yeah,’ he said as he loaded his kit into the washing machine.
‘Have you asked him yet?’ she said to Mark.
‘No, I was working my way up to that.’
Nigel slammed the washing machine door and turned the dial. ‘Asked me what?’
‘We’re after a bit of a favour,’ Mark said. ‘What are you planning to do for Mother’s Day?’
‘When is it?’ Nigel asked.
‘A week on Sunday.’ Lucy started stroking her belly. ‘My mother’s invited Mark and me to go over to her and Dad’s place in Italy. It’s all very last minute - she’s not a planner. It’s probably the last chance I’ll get to see the two of them before the baby’s born. I’ll be too pregnant to fly soon.’
‘And I didn’t want to let Luce fly on her own.’
‘So you’re after a lift to the airport?’
‘No, I’m going to drive,’ Mark said. ‘We just wondered if you’d make sure you’re at home with Mum? She’ll be on her own on Mother’s Day otherwise because Klaus is away too.’
‘Is he?’ He really should pay more attention to everyone’s comings and goings.
‘Mark was oblivious as well until I pointed it out.’ Lucy laughed. ‘Klaus is spending the weekend in Helsinki. It’s his son’s birthday, so they’re off to a footie match together. Funnily enough, Nancy didn’t fancy that. She’s leaving them to have some father and son quality time.’
‘I hadn’t got any plans. I guess Helen will be busy with her sons. So, yeah. I’ll take Mum out for a meal or something.’
‘It might have to be something,’ Lucy said. ‘All the decent pubs and restaurants round here will be booked up already.’
‘Looks like I’ll be cooking then.’