37
“Dad, there’s some man sending Mum flowers,” Ben said on their way home from volleyball.
Paul kept his voice steady. “Is that so?”
“The second bunch arrived this morning, but Mum hasn’t said who they’re from.”
Paul worried the cuticle on his thumb. “And what’s your mother’s reaction?”
Ben opened the car door. “I didn’t see the first lot arrive, but this morning she blushed. Haven’t seen her do that for ages and thought you’d want to know.”
He did indeed. Paul leaned forward to peer out the open door. “See you next week at Berowra Waters.”
“My friends are all looking forward to it.” Ben slammed the car door.
Paul put the car into gear and headed towards home. Wendy had chatted to him on the phone about Ben’s party. She’d been dubious about mixing boys and boats, but he’d assured
