James
“So, what are you doing over Christmas?” asks Michael.
“I’m going back over to Spain for a few days, to see my mother again.” I bite down on my words. No need to say more….
“Ah, that’s great. I did wonder.” His smile is sunny and enthusiastic; classic ‘Michael’. “I was going to ask if you wanted to join us. There’ll be all my family. It gets a bit crowded, there being so many of us, but I thought you might like to muck in…. Still, if you’re seeing your own family….”
“I’ll be fine…”
No need to spoil his Christmas….
“She must be getting on a bit, your mother?”
“Yes, she’s in her nineties….”
“Well, I hope you have a great holiday.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll be in touch for the New Year….” He knocks his drink back, slapping me on the shoulder.
“Yes, of course. When I hear from Charlot
