Page 104 of If We Were Young
The older one, taller by a good few inches, pushed out of Matthew’s hold. “I thought you’d be back hours ago. Nanny’s been making us polish.”
Matthew nodded, very seriously. “Polishing duty is her most trusted job. You should be honoured.” He wouldn’t let the boy get away and tugged him back in, squeezing him so hard it must have hurt. “I had to work earlier, but I’m here now.”
His eyes flashed to my face. The strange wave of tightness and the prickling in my eyes morphed into a wave of desert heat. He could work me any time he liked.
“Ugghhh, Dad, how long is this going to take? You’ve been gone for days.” The younger boy, his hair lighter than the other asked. He’d got beautiful freckles, his face round and the kind grannies would like to pinch in the street.
“Just a bit longer.”
My chest ached and Matthew didn’t look at me.
Ignoring the drop in my stomach, I stepped closer to Matthew. “Hi, I’m Ronnie. I’m going to make sure your dad is back with you as quick as I can.”
The older boy’s gaze was as deep as his father’s as he looked up at me. “Uncle Ryan is going to be here soon.”
“Excellent.” Matthew stood and ruffled the boy's hair. “Ronnie, this is Ewan. And this,” he swept up the smaller boy, “is Jack.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You guys are letting in all the cold air.” An older lady with streaked silver hair peeped out from the open door. Dressed in a navy dress and smart shoes, a bright pink apron slashed her formal attire in half. “Oh, hello.” Her quick gaze darted over me.
“Sorry, Mam. I’ve been caught up all morning with work. You don’t mind Ronnie joining us, do you?”
“Ronnie?” A flash of confusion flickered in her eyes until she smoothed a smile at Matthew. “Of course not, Matty, but for God’s sake get in here before it snows.”
Matthew leant in and kissed her cheek. “Boys been good?” he asked.
“Yes, yes. Assuming you don’t mind walking on Lego.”
“I’ll clean it up.” Matthew grinned and gave his mum an extra squeeze. He was a mama’s boy. Funny how I never knew that.
“Well come in, come in, people will be here soon.” She bustled us inside and instantly I became wrapped up in that cosy cotton wool feeling a warm house can provide. I shivered as I recalled the chill of Matthew’s bedroom. Then I shivered again when I remembered the heat of his hands against my cool skin.
Ooh. Highly inappropriate thoughts in front of his mum and children.
Rein it in, Ronnie.
“Thanks for making me welcome, Mrs Carling.”
Matthew shrugged me out of my coat and hung it on a hook near the door. There was a tweed flat cap hanging on the peg next to it.
“Oh, you look beautiful, what a gorgeous dress.” She touched the black material and then turned me so she could see the back which was cut away, possibly more than appropriate. “Please call me Lynn.”
I gave another shiver and Lynn shot Matthew a glare, scolding, “She’s freezing. Why didn’t you get here sooner?”
“Oh, that’s my fault.” I offered her a smile. I counted in my head so I didn’t focus on the tight band in my chest. Matthew nodded slightly, just like he used to, at the very edge of my peripheral vision. It was the same motion he used to make in lectures when I spoke to a lecturer. It was always comforting and reassuring to know that he stood there ready to cut in if I lost it, but gave me space to have a try anyway.
Stupid that one woman can struggle so much for words.
From my memories, I knew his hand would land gently on the bottom of my back, and despite his mother standing there, he didn’t disappoint.
“We’ve been having issues coming up with the perfect approach for the rebrand and relaunch.”
To my surprise Lynn rolled her eyes and then batted Matthew on the stomach. Quite hard. I wondered if her fingers hurt? “I hope he hasn’t been too much of a bore; he’s a bugger with those shops.”
“Boarish. I can’t lie.” I chuckled. Jack looked up at me with big round eyes.
Matthew clutched his chest. “You wound me. Right, where’s this Lego? I’ll get it sorted before anyone else comes. Heaven forbid Aunty Annie slips on a piece and breaks her hip.”
