‘Hmm, look how the news of Felix Paschal got out,’ countered Jasmine, not totally convinced.
‘No, that was different. This is personal to me, to us, and Jack wouldn’t betray that,’ he assured.
So, with that in mind, Robin was trying to find the right time to tell Jack. They were working on the roof, up on the scaffolding. One of the main, crucial jobs was to get the building watertight. It was late morning and they were due a tea break. Robin stopped to take in the city skyline. The vista was impressive up there high on the scaffold; the castle and its turrets, the priory spire, the dome roof of the Williamson Park monument, Georgian sandstone architecture and ancient cobbled roads – a true historic city.
‘Fancy a brew?’ he called to Jack.
‘Good idea.’
They downed tools and sat on the wooden planks, legs dangling. After pouring coffee from their flasks, Robin glanced sideways and Jack, sensing he had something to tell him, turned to Robin.
‘What’s up?’
‘Come summer, we may need to get someone new in.’
‘Why?’ asked Jack, startled.
‘Because… I’ll be a dad by then.’ Robin couldn’t keep from smiling; he just couldn’t help himself. The words made him tingle inside.
‘Oh, mate!’ Jack held out his hand.
‘Thanks,’ said Robin, shaking it, ‘but it’s hush-hush for now. We’ve not told anyone, not even our parents yet, early days, you know.’
‘I won’t breathe a word,’ Jack told him with certainty. ‘When is Jasmine due?’
‘Early July.’
‘Wow.’ Jack smiled and nudged Robin’s elbow. ‘Well done, mate.’
‘So, I’ll have to have some time off,’ said Robin, eager to warn Jack.
‘Of course you will.’
‘Not too long, but I want to be there for Jasmine and—’
‘Listen, it’s fine, honestly,’ cut in Jack, putting Robin totally at ease.
‘Thanks,’ he nodded.
Jack genuinely was pleased for Robin, of course he was, but still a small part of him also envied his friend, because that’s what he wanted too, deep down. He may come across as Jack-the-lad, having a reputation as a bit of a lady’s man, but… well, things change. After seeing how happy Robin was with Jasmine, he realised that he essentially wanted the same – a loving, stable relationship.
‘You all right?’ asked Robin, eyeing him carefully.
‘Yep, fine,’ replied Jack with a forced smile.
‘Sure you’re OK with me taking time off?’
‘Absolutely. It’ll be a precious time in your life, Rob,’ he almost choked.
