Page 16 of In Just One Day

The following year Billy joined Flora in the city as soon as he got a job. They lived about a mile apart, meeting up pretty much every week in the pub at the end of Flora’s road for a catch-up over a few drinks, sometimes with friends, sometimes just the two of them. They tag-teamed when it came to calling home, each covering for the other if their mother complained about a lack of communication from either side.

When Flora went to meet him after telling him about Johnny’s proposal and their impending parenthood, Billy had been ecstatic. ‘But don’t you think it’s a bit quick? I mean, we’ve haven’t been together for that long.’ Flora knew her brother would be honest.

‘That’s because the previous ones weren’t the right ones. But if this feels right then do it. He’s so good to you, Flora. He clearly adores you. And he’s definitely different from the rest of your ex-boyfriends. God, some of them were dire.’ Billy rolled his eyes dramatically, then grinned at her.

‘You make it sound like there was an army before Johnny! There weren’t that many.’

Billy opened the packet of crisps between them, one of four. He could never buy just one packet. ‘Look, he’s just… he seizes opportunities. And I think that sort of freaks you out because you like things to happen, well…’

‘What are you trying to say? I can be spontaneous if I want to be! I mean, I’m having a baby! That wasn’t part of the plan, not yet anyway.’ Flora laughed.

‘Come on, Flo, you know what I mean. Just don’t overthink it. But for the record, I think he’s brilliant. And I think he’s kind of perfect for you.’ Billy picked up his now empty glass and pointed at hers. ‘Time for another lime and soda?’

Every other month Flora and Billy always made the trip home together to see their parents for Sunday lunch. Flora loved those journeys. They’d always stop at the same service station before they’d even left London, usually both a little hung-over, loading up on drinks and snacks in an attempt to feel better before they reached their parents’ house about two hours’ drive away. Kate would make a great fuss of them coming, only to make them feel they were putting her out almost as soon as they got there.

And even though Flora was now the host, officially a grown-up with children of her own, she still couldn’t bring herself to confront her mother about her behaviour. Instead, when they were together they all reverted to their assigned roles – Billy the kid, Robin gently reassuring – whilst Kate peppered the conversation with digs wrapped in conversational tissue paper at Flora. At least, that’s how it felt.

* * *

‘I’m so sorry but I’m going to have to make a move.’ Billy leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. The children sat on either side of him in their pyjamas, sipping hot chocolate. They’d talked into the early evening, discussing ideas for the wine shop. Flora sat with her notebook in front of her. Tomorrow she would talk to Mack about their ideas, and see what he had to say.

‘Please don’t go, Uncle Billy!’ Tom pleaded.

‘Come on the trampoline with us!’ Pip begged her uncle, hoping he could execute the backwards somersault he’d managed the last time he’d been down to see them.

‘I really don’t think I can.’ Billy patted his stomach. ‘I’m still stuffed. Sorry, Pip – next time, I promise.’ Billy held up his little finger to Pip. ‘Pinkie promise, isn’t that what you always say?’

‘Pinkie promise.’ Pip hooked her little finger round Billy’s, shaking it and nodding her head earnestly.

‘Well, we’re just pleased you made it, Bill.’ Johnny stood up, picking up a few empty plates as he did.

‘I know, for a minute I thought you might bail on us,’ said Flora.

‘Never!’ Billy grinned at his sister.

‘OK, well, listen, we’ll do this again soon. And next time, maybe you might want to bring a friend…?’ Flora couldn’t help herself.

‘I think we all know that’s not going to happen.’ Billy stood up, his tall frame towering over his big sister. He hugged her, lifting her up from the floor. ‘Thank you, Flo.’

‘Not so late next time, please.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ Billy bowed his head, solemnly. He turned to his brother-in-law. ‘Thanks, Johnny… and let me know what happens with the shop. I can help if you need to do some kind of refit… with any contacts you might need.’

‘Thanks, Billy. That would be great. We’ll let you know.’

As they stood on the front step of their house, waving him off, Johnny put his arm around Flora. They watched his car disappear in a cloud of dust. ‘You miss him, don’t you?’

‘I really do. It was so lovely to see him. I just wish we saw more of him.’

‘He’d bug you if he was here all the time. That’s what little brothers do.’ Johnny laughed gently.

‘I guess. Still, I miss him.’

Johnny tightened his arms around her shoulders. ‘Come on, you get them into bed, I’ll clear up. Then we’ve got a business plan to write.’

‘Now? Really?’

‘Not the whole thing, just enough for you to take Mack through tomorrow, so he knows we’ve really thought about it. We need him to see we’re really serious about this.’

---