Page 84 of Love In Provence
‘Make a home.’ Graham beams.
‘In that case, I’d better come and see you soon.’
‘We’d love that.’
‘Because there’s someone I want you to meet,’ he says. ‘This is Alexandra, my girlfriend.’
Keith’s hands shoot up to cover his mouth.
‘I’m sorry I haven’t been home of late. I’ve been a bit busy,’ we hear him say. ‘We met in the lunch queue at uni and haven’t been apart since. I just didn’t want to say anything before we were … y’know … official.’
‘Oh, my God! That’s wonderful! Hello, Alexandra! I’m Dad.’
‘And I’m Dad,’ says Keith.
‘I’ve heard all about Bobby’s two dads. He’s so proud of you,’ says Alexandra. ‘You brought up the man I’ve fallen in love with so that must make you pretty special. I can’t wait to meet you in person.’
They talk animatedly together and to the young woman with Bobby on the screen. Then Graham turns to us. ‘Everyone, this is our son, Bobby.’
‘And his girlfriend, Alexandra,’ says Keith, a blubbering mess.
‘And this is thebrocantewhere we’re holding supperclub!’ Keith takes the phone and holds it up for Bobby to see.
‘It’s exactly how you described it in your emails, Dad,’ he says to Keith. ‘Sorry, I should have sent more back. But I loved getting them. I felt I was there! I can’t wait to visit the new house.’
‘And bring Alexandra.’
They blow kisses and we all shout goodbye as they finish their call.
We sigh, the music plays, and Keith tops up everyone’s glass when a woman standing by the gates, waving, catches my eye.
‘More customers?’
Fabien shrugs. ‘No idea.’
‘Budge up, everyone! Make room. There’s plenty of food left,’ says Jen, welcoming them in.
This time it’s Ed’s jaw that drops. ‘Mum, Dad, what are you doing here?’ He stands and walks towards them.
I look at Fabien, who shrugs again.
‘Mum, Dad? You don’t fly! You don’t even leave our town!’
‘They do a lovely panini on the plane! Even had a glass of wine.’ His mum is smiling, her cheeks rosy.
‘And we thought maybe we should come and see this place that seems to have caught your interest,’ his dad says, clearly proud of himself and his wife for having made the trip. ‘We thought we’d meet youbefore you travel home. Just in case you were feeling worried about coming back or anything.’
‘Actually, Mum, Dad, there’s something I need to tell you,’ Ed says.
‘It’s all right, son. We know – we’ve always known,’ says his dad.
‘What?’
‘That you’re different,’ he says. ‘Not like me and Mum.’
‘Hang on, I don’t know if you’re on the right track here.’
‘I’m just saying we need to accept you for who you are.’
