‘I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not.’

Lisa giggled. As she pulled Nathan into her arms for the fortifying hug she needed, Lisa wanted to ask the questions on her mind –why are your parents so familiar with Sam and Alex, and what did your mum mean about Uno rescuing you?– but decided itwasn’t the time. What if she didn’t like the answers given? Tonight was about sharing their special news; that was all that mattered now, wasn’t it?

The door buzzed.

Lisa stepped back. ‘We’re not expecting anyone else, are we?’ She looked at Nathan.

‘Why don’t you see who it is, and I’ll check on Mum and Dad?’ Nathan took the wine from the fridge.

Lisa wondered at the smile hegave her, and went to the intercom. As she pressed to enquire who was there, it whistled and squeaked. ‘Bloody thing.’ Fixing the intercom system was one of the jobs intended for after the renovations were complete on the whole building. Lisa could hear voices responding to her but couldn’t make out what was being said. She walked out into the hallway and down the stairs. Walking past Sam’s door,she rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to stick out her tongue, knowing it would be just her luck to get caught.

The nearer she drew to the bottom of the stairs, the faster she went. She couldn’t be completely sure through the stained-glass panels and with the evening light outside casting silhouettes, but she thought she recognised who it was. With a broad smile and fighting back tears,she opened the door.