While the cat' s away
There was a party raging at Chrissie' s, but who was the culprit?
Imagine how he'll feel if you just go barging in. Who knows what they might be doing.
James topped up her wine glass. Stop checking your watch, Chrissie. He' ll be fine he' s old enough to look after himself. This is the first time we' ve gone out for a romantic meal since¼' he reached for her hand. It' s so long ago I can' t remember. I love you, Chrissie. Say you' ll move in with me soon.'
As usual, Chrissie shook her head.
I love you too, very much, it' s just¼' she took out her phone. I worry about him. He' s been acting a little weird lately.'
James smiled. Tell me about it. The other night he asked me if we could go to the gym together.'
See? That doesn' t sound like him at all.'
James chuckled.
It doesn' t sound like me either. I' ve never been to a gym in my life. You need to stop worrying about him.
He' s stronger than you think. Right now, he' s probably crashed out in front of the TV eating pizza. He won' t even notice you' re not there.'
In her heart, Chrissie knew that was true, but she still checked her phone.
Nothing. No texts. No emails. It' s not like him to be so quiet.'
That' s good, isn' t it?'
James smiled. If he needs to get in touch, he knows what to do. I vote we go see a late movie after we' ve eaten.
Make a night of it.'
Chrissie nodded and put her phone away.
For the next few hours, she forgot about her worries and concentrated on having fun.
James made her feel so alive. After being on her own for 19 years, Chrissie had never expected to feel that way again.
It was one of those magical evenings when everything is just as it should be was food, great film, great company. When they emerged, blinking from the cinema, she felt so light, she could have floated home.
It' s OK' , James said, when they reached the bus stop. You can check your phone now. I know you want to.'
She gave him a quick kiss, and checked for messages. There' s nothing.' That' s good, isn' t it?' James said. Means he' s perfectly fine.'
She nodded, but she wasn' t convinced. To her, the silence sounded ominous.
I' d rather not wait hours for a bus. Let' s just catch a cab home.'
As the cab turned into her road, Chrissie' s phone rang. It was her grumpy neighbour.
When' s the noise going to end?' he barked. It' s been going on for hours.' What noise?' Are you joking? The party. Music. People dancing in the garden. If it doesn' t stop soon, I' m calling the police.'
He rang off before she
could think of a sensible reply.
What was that?' asked James. Your face has gone bright pink.'
It was the miserable old man who lives next door He was complaining about the noisy party.'
James laughed.
Well I never. We go out and he invites people round. I used to do that when my parents went away.'
It' s not funny,' Chrissie replied. He didn' t say anything to me about a party.'
They could hear the music before they got out of the car. Inside the house it was too loud to think straight. Chrissie marched into the living room and turned the music down.
Where is he?' she demanded.
Upstairs,' a man replied. With a woman.'
Chrissie was about to go and confront him when James stopped her.
Don' t. Imagine how he' ll feel if you go barging in. Who knows what they might be doing.' He paused. If I were you, I' d enjoy the party. We' ll keep the music down so Mr Grumpy doesn' t complain.'
Chrissie took a deep breath, then nodded. You' re right. I should be glad he wants to party.'
James smiled.
And taking a woman up to his bedroom?'
That too,' she said.
Now I think about it, we could spend the night at my place. That way he won' t be embarrassed in the morning.'
As they went outside, Chrissie sent a text. Hope you're O K. I'm spending the night at James's . I'l l call you tomorrow lunchtime.
When the cab arrived, Chrissie had a better idea. Why don' t I stay the whole weekend?'
James nodded. Suits me. You can stay as long as you like, you know that.'
Chrissie smiled. Now that her father was enjoying life again, it was her turn. She could hardly wait.