Page 64 of Be More Capybara

Nigel laughed. ‘If you say so. Anyway, I am relieved it’s all out in the open.’

‘No more secrets.’

He scuffed the grass with one of his trainers. ‘No more secrets.’

Why didn’t that sound convincing?

‘Anyway.’ He started walking again. ‘I’m under strict instructions to invite you to lunch on Sunday. I’m hoping you can come, because she’ll blame me if you don’t.’

‘I’d be very honoured.’

‘Good. I take it that’s a yes then.’

‘Yes.’

‘And Rocky’s invited too. I suspect Mum’s going to spoil him with the best bits of the chicken like she used to do with Basil.’

‘He’s not going to object to that.’

‘And she’s under strict instructions not to try any matchmaking.’

Helen smiled. ‘We’ll see how that works out.’

48

NIGEL

Nigel finished pouring gravy over his Sunday roast.

‘I heard some good news yesterday,’ Em said.

‘Oh yes?’ Nancy put the dish of roast carrots on the table and sat down.

‘Freya and Matt have finally set a date for their wedding.’

‘That’s lovely. Did you hear they’ve got a new history teacher at the secondary school?’

Mark looked at her, puzzled. ‘Are you feeling alright, Mother? You love a good wedding chat. Why did you change the subject?’

‘We spend too much time discussing weddings.’

Nigel caught her eye and raised an eyebrow. She looked away. ‘Can you pass me the salt, please, Klaus?’

Klaus obliged. ‘Bobby, what have you been up to at nursery this week?’

‘Drawing.’

‘He’s taking after his mum,’ Jack said. ‘You love drawing and painting, don’t you, Bobs?’

Bobby nodded as he put a big chunk of roast potato in his mouth. Nigel hid a smile as Bobby concentrated on chewing it without opening his lips.

‘Shall I show Uncle Klaus and Auntie Nancy the picture of the capybara you drew for me for Mother’s Day?’ Em asked.

Bobby nodded.

Em passed her phone over to Klaus, who looked genuinely impressed. ‘Very well observed, Bobby.’

Nancy was enthusiastic, too. ‘That really is very good. I love how you’ve drawn all the hairs.’