Chapter 38
Jack entered the Augusta House car park after being buzzed through. It was a warm, balmy evening, so he’d driven with the car top down. From the balcony of Tara’s apartment, he saw Calum watching and waved up at him. Calum gave a cheery wave back, clearly pleased to see him. Jack felt a touch reassured, hoping tonight’s dinner would go well. He’d brought a bottle of coke as well as wine with him, eager to include everyone.
Calum answered the door with a wide smile.
‘Hi, Jack, come in. Mum’s stressing in the kitchen,’ he joked as Jack followed him inside.
‘I’m not stressed!’ called Tara, vigorously stirring a pot, red in the cheeks.
Jack laughed, thinking it was the first time he’d ever seen her flustered.
‘She hates cooking, don’t you, Mum?’ teased Calum.
‘Oi, you, less of the cheek.’ She grinned, putting the pot in the oven. After closing the door and checking the oven temperature, she breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Time for a drink,’ she said.
Jack laughed again. It amused him how she looked more comfortable in A&E than in a kitchen.
‘Here.’ He passed her the wine. Then he turned and offered Calum the bottle of coke. ‘Fancy some of this?’
‘Yeah, thanks, Jack,’ replied Calum, taking it off him. Tara went to the fridge where the prosecco was chilling.
‘Let’s start with this,’ she said popping the cork.
‘Hmm, something smells good,’ commented Jack, making Calum giggle.
‘Yeah, right,’ he muttered with mirth.
‘Hey, you, I’ve made my signature dish tonight I’ll have you know,’ Tara told him with faux indignation.
Jack smirked at the banter between mother and son, reminding him of his own mum.
‘So, cooking’s not really your forte then?’ he asked with a grin.
Calum snorted. ‘You could say that.’
Tara’s eyebrows raised. ‘I’m not that bad, but thanks, Calum.’
‘What are we having tonight?’ Jack asked, leaning against the kitchen worktop, winking at Calum.
‘Chicken curry,’ she announced proudly.
‘With half chips, half rice,’ added Calum.
‘Ah, my favourite,’ lied Jack to an unconvinced Tara and Calum.
Truth be told, Tara was a little apprehensive about tonight, especially knowing how good a cook Jack was. And yes, whilst Calum had exaggerated her lack of skill in the kitchen, she had to admit, she didn’t enjoy cooking. Not one bit. She hated having to think, prepare and make a meal. It just bored her. She lacked the imagination and incentive to rustle up something different every day. Usually, after a hard shift, she’d opt for the quick and convenient option – bangers and mash was a staple meal. Luckily, Calum liked it too. Tara did, however, appreciate being cooked for and had thoroughly enjoyed Jack’s creations. She loved his enthusiasm for producing good food, how he moved with ease about his kitchen, never ruffled.
‘Dad’s a good cook,’ stated Calum casually whilst pouring himself a coke. Jack’s eyes met Tara’s. ‘Mel’s crap though,’ he continued, making them exchange a smothered snigger. He looked up at Jack. ‘Game of Gran Turismo?’
‘Yeah, if we’ve time?’ He glanced at Tara.
‘Sure, dinner will be ready in half an hour,’ she replied, glad that Calum had asked Jack to join him on his PlayStation. He was obviously comfortable with him and this pleased her.
Whilst busy in the kitchen, Tara could hear cheers and shouts of laughter coming from her son’s bedroom. It had been a while since she’d heard that. Once the curry was ready, she popped her head around the door to see both Calum and Jack intensely operating their hand controllers, eyes fixed on the screen. Calum’s tongue was sticking out the side of his mouth in concentration.
‘It’s ready,’ she said.
‘Just a minute, Mum,’ replied Calum, not taking his eyes off the game.
