Page 2 of Don't Point at the Moon

“I wanted him to get out and socialise more. He’s always been a bit of a loner. And the coronavirus years haven’t helped. He’s far more insular than Peter and Jules. I want him to take this time out and see the world. How would you feel about him coming to visit you?”

Mitchell had been hypnotised by the lights on the tunnel walls as they flashed past, and her question caught him off guard. How would he feel about sharing his space with someone?

“Here?” he asked, rather inanely.

“For part of the summer.”

“How long?”

“A week. Maybe two. He can be with you at the beginning of June.”

“A month’s time?”

“If it’s convenient.”

Mitchell’s mind went blank.

“I—I don’t really know him, sis.”

Referred to as the gay uncle who lived abroad, Mitchell had spent precious little time with his niece and nephews. On Ellie’s advice he sent them cards and deposited money into their savings accounts for birthdays and Christmases. On his last trip back five years ago, twenty-year-old Peter had talked his ear off about rugby, while eleven-year-old Julie had asked a stream of questions about living in China.

Zane had all but ignored him.

“Isn’t that the point? For the two of you to get to know each other? I’m worried that if he stays home he’ll spend the summer in his bedroom glued to the internet or playing those mindless bloody computer games.”

“Have you spoken to him about this?”

“Of course I have.”

“And?”

“And he said he’s okay as long as you are.”

Mitchell had no idea what they’d talk about or how he would entertain Zane. As though answering his prayer, he glanced out of the window just as the taxi passed a giant billboard for the Ocean Park theme park.

“Just him? No friend?”

“Just him. I’m not sure he has any close friends. I thought he could stay until the twenty-third.”

Three weeks, then.

“I’ll have to work, Ellie.”

“He’s almost twenty, Mitch. He doesn’t need babysitting. Just somewhere to set up camp. Give him a house key and he can find his own way around. And maybe the two of you can hang out at the weekend. If you can find the time.”

He chose not to rise to the bait of the innuendo in her final words. He wouldn’t have hesitated if she had suggested Peter, a nephew who could at least hold down a conversation. What did he know about Zane? Not much. Although he was sure he’d once overheard Jules talking to him about his work backstage on a school play.

“Okay, look,” she said, clearly sensing his hesitation. “Cards on the table. Rob and I need to drive up to Newcastle to help move his mum into a care home and sort out her house, which is likely to take at least two to three weeks. Peter’s holidaying with his girlfriend for a fortnight at the end of the month while Rob’s sister’s taking Jules to Spain with them over half term. Zane says he’s happy to stay home and look after himself, but I want him to use this time, Mitch. And what better opportunity than bonding with his fabulous Guncle. Please say yes.”

Mitchell took a moment to consider her plea.

“And I’ve managed to reserve cheap flights. All I need is a yes from you before I press go.”

And there it was, the crunch. Mitchell sighed dramatically. Ellie loved a bargain.

“Yes, then.”

“Fantastic. I’ll send you the details—”

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