Mina and Alisha wrapped themselves around Claire’s legs, making it clear they weren’t thrilled about her leaving. ‘Mummy, stay.’ Alisha tugged at her sleeve.
‘Don’t be silly. You’ve got Grandma, and Uncle Sam, and Clara too. You’ll have the best time.’ She kissed them both goodbye.
‘Why don’t we do some football?’ Sam said. ‘Bet you can’t beat me.’
‘So can.’ Alisha ran to him straight away.
He got the ball out, and they kicked it around as Claire headed off with a wave.
Clara and Moira headed inside for a bit, still chatting like old friends, while Sam kicked the ball about with the girls, letting them get goals past him at every shot, until they were screaming with laughter that he was the worst goalie ever.
After a while, they tired of the game and wanted to go and watch TV for a bit.
Clara and his mum had come out to the bistro table again, and Sam dropped into a seat beside them.
‘I’ll just help them get the telly on.’ His mum got to her feet and followed the girls inside.
Clara smiled at Sam. ‘You’re so good with them.’
He ran his fingers through his hair. ‘I feel bad that I don’t see them very often.’
‘Yeah. That must be hard. Do they get on with Kaleb and Jacob?’
‘They sure do. It’s a riot when they’re all together.’
‘They’ve found something they want to watch,’ Moira said, coming out of the kitchen door, sitting down with a little exhale, and patting her hands on her soft grey trousers.
‘They’re probably tired out,’ Sam said. ‘That was a lot of running about.’
‘Are you tired too?’ Clara chuckled.
‘One hundred per cent.’
She looked away towards the fence and the rather overgrown neighbouring garden.
‘Right state that place,’ Moira said, noticing where Clara was looking.
‘It’s a bit of a mess.’ Sam frowned, taking in the overgrown hedges starting to spill onto his mum’s side. ‘Does anyone live there?’
‘Oh yes. Mr Bridger still has it. He’s very reclusive, barely says a word when you try to talk to him.’ His mum drummed her fingers on the table. ‘I’m a bit worried about him. Haven’t seen him outside in ages.’
‘Oh dear.’ Clara raised her eyebrows. ‘Is he an older man?’
Moira shook her head. ‘No, not as old as me. He’s maybe sixty, tops. And he doesn’t seem unwell, just not very sociable or very proactive about his garden.’
‘He probably just wants his peace and quiet,’ Sam said.
‘Maybe.’ Moira sighed. ‘But I can’t help worrying a bit. I hear all sorts of noises from the house. Sounds like he’s knocking down walls. Very strange.’
Clara pulled a face at Sam. ‘That doesn’t sound good.’
‘Anyway, enough of my gossip.’ His mum checked her watch. ‘I should get the dinner on.’
Sam and Clara got up too and helped her in the kitchen, still chatting about the neighbours, Dominic and Astrid, and some of the goings on at school. Later, they all ate together at the dining table in the back of the living room. After dinner, they spent ages playing Uno until it was time for Alisha and Mina to start getting ready for bed.
‘We should get going too.’ Sam checked his phone.
‘Say goodbye, you two,’ his mum said to the girls, nudging them gently in Sam and Clara’s direction. ‘Before you go up for your showers.’
