Page 63 of People Skills

‘I’ve started a draft of something new,’ he says.

This silences everyone. I have no idea if he’s lying. Surely I would have noticed if he was writing. His laptop sits in our no-screens box a lot of the time.

‘Well, that’s something,’ Graham says.

‘That’s wonderful, Xavier, honey!’ Hillary says and she looks so happy, so relieved, I am hoping against hope that he’s not lying.

‘It’s still very rough but I think it might be…might be something,’ he says.

I’m sure he’s lying now, the way his eyes are looking between his parents. He’s ten years old again, wanting to stop the arguments.

James looks relieved.

‘A short story maybe,’ Xavier adds. ‘Or a novella.’

Some of the excitement goes out of the room.

‘Well, it could be the beginning of a collection. Let’s see where it goes,’ Hillary says.

‘Anything is better than nothing,’ Graham says. ‘Are we having dessert, Hil?’

Hillary hates that he calls her Hil, I can tell.

‘I have cheesecake,’ she says.

‘I hate cheesecake,’ he says.

‘That’s a shame. I thought it was pavlova you hated.’

‘Never mind, I’ll still eat it.’

‘Can’t be a very strong hatred then, Graham,’ Hillary says.

‘I am remarkably good at putting up with things,’ he says. ‘It’s a skill I honed over the years.’

James and Xavier reach for their wine in unison, both taking a large gulp.

Despite all his talk of drinking, I think Xavier’s only had two glasses. I’ve only had half a glass because I’m scared of not having my wits about me.

Hillary brings out the cheesecake and we all quietly eat it, tension rippling between everyone.

James yawns. ‘I think I’m going to turn in,’ he says. ‘I have to get back early tomorrow.’

‘Are you going into the office?’ Graham asks.

‘I might.’

‘You need to take inspiration from your brother’s work ethic,’ Graham says to Xavier. ‘Fifty-hour weeks, the office on a Sunday.’

‘Going to the office on a Sunday is not inspirational,’ Xavier says.

‘I agree with that,’ James says.

‘Creativity doesn’t work like that,’ Hillary says.

Oh good, we’re back on this.

‘You are too soft on him,’ Graham says. ‘You always have been.’