Page 10 of In Just One Day

‘Today was my last day in the office.’

‘Wow, that was quick. Can you try and get another job in the meantime?’

‘Yes, but I can’t work for a direct competitor. Which, right at this very moment, is something of a relief. I have to admit, the thought of going back into the same sort of job is just too depressing.’

‘So, what are you saying? You don’t want to go back into IT?’

‘Yes… no…’ Johnny looked at her. ‘Flora, I don’t know. To tell you the truth, being made redundant has made me realise that I really don’t love what I do. At all, in fact.’

Flora felt sick. How could she tell him now that she, too, was about to lose her job?

‘Daddy…’ Tom appeared at the door, book in hand. ‘Please can you read me a story now?’

Johnny looked at Flora, briefly wiping at the corner of his eye. ‘Let me go and do this and I’ll be back.’

‘Are you sure? I’ll just check the food. Wine?’

‘Definitely.’

An hour later they sat at the kitchen table, empty plates and glasses in front of them. Flora had listened as Johnny told her the truth about the last year in his job. About endless meetings, increasingly long hours, the pressure not to be the one in the firing line. And now the whole department had gone anyway. His shoulders were heavy; he looked tired and drawn.

‘Why didn’t you tell me things were so bad?’

‘Because I didn’t want to worry you… and because I thought it would be OK in the end. Anyway, you had your hands full with everything going on, the kids. And I know how much you love working in the shop.’

‘Actually,’ Flora cleared her throat, ‘I can’t quite believe the timing of this but I’ve got some bad news on that front, I’m afraid.’

‘Oh, no, what? Is Mack OK?’

‘Yes, but he’s got to close the shop. Trade has been really slow and we just can’t compete. The bank said no to a loan, apparently. So he’s got to close and he might even have to sell the building.’

Johnny looked even more bereft. ‘But that’s terrible. Is that why you’ve been calling me today?’

‘Yes, but when you came home it didn’t seem quite such a big deal. I mean, my job barely brings in enough to pay for our food, for goodness’ sake.’

‘Flora, it’s not just about the money, it’s about a job that you loved.’ He got up and moved around the table, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

‘Shit, Johnny, what are we going to do? Will we lose the house?’

‘Listen, we’ve got a roof over our heads. We’ve got two brilliant kids. And I’ve got six months’ salary to tide us over. Things could be worse. A lot worse.’

‘And we’ve got each other.’ Flora squeezed his arms tight.

‘Yes, my love.’ He kissed the side of her cheek. ‘We’ve got each other.’

‘So there is one other thing I’ve got to tell you, and this might just push you over the edge…’

‘Go on.’

‘My parents are coming for lunch on Sunday.’

‘Oh God, really?’

‘I can put them off.’

‘No, don’t. I’ll have to tell them sooner or later. I might as well get it over and done with.’

‘Billy’s coming, too – at least he said he was. I must ring and check. I’ll call him tomorrow.’

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