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It’s enough for them. I listen as they change the subject and chat away while I wipe the surfaces, grab dinosaur plates and volcano napkins, and lay the table.
We call the children in shortly after and a relieved Jack walks through the house in the dinosaur costume. It’s fun to watch the mess and fun of a children’s party unfold. I am on crisp and juice duty and enjoy every minute of it. After cake, more dinosaur time and the kiddie guests are picked up, Em puts the birthday boy in the bath while Louisa and I clean up. Em reappears with Alfie, fresh from the bath, in dinosaur pyjamas, smelling of toothpaste and bubble gum shower gel. His big brown eyes shine under his thick, curly wet hair. He looks sleepy, but is clearly fighting it.
‘Where’s Caleb?’ he asks Louisa.
‘Ugh. Goodness knows.’
She shoos him away with her hand. I bend down next to him. He is a beautiful little boy, at that stage all kids go through when their two front teeth are humongous next to the rest of their milk teeth.
‘I think he’s with Daddy in the living room. Would you like me to take you?’
‘S’okay.’
‘Okay.’ I smile at him and stand.
‘He won’t go to bed when Caleb’s around.’ Em follows her son with her eyes.
‘Only because he gives them ice cream for dinner.’ Louisa rolls her eyes. ‘Children are cheap dates.’
‘Thanks for today, Ariella,’ Em says, finally sitting down and plonking some bubbly and fresh glasses on the kitchen island.
‘It was so much fun. I’ve never been to a children’s party.’
‘So, what’s the deal with you and Caleb?’ Louisa drains her drink.
‘Ignore her, she’s tipsy,’ Em reprimands. Louisa turns to Em like I am not there.
‘Moving her in is new, but he’s going to dump her, like everyone else.’ Louisa turns to me. ‘If I were you, I’d run; leave your bags if you have to.’
‘Louisa! I’m so sorry about this, Ariella.’ Em shakes her head exasperatedly as she snatches Louisa’s drink.
‘We’re just flatmates.’ I laugh.
‘There’s nothing going on between you two?’ Em clarifies, curiously.
‘No. We’re friends, that’s it.’
‘How can you be friends withthat?’ Louisa points in the direction of the living room.
I feel the need to defend Caleb. He isn’t perfect, but he is my friend. ‘I think he’s a great person, Louisa,’ I disagree gently as I sip my drink.
‘Are we talking about the same Caleb?’ Louisa spits.
‘Yes.’ I nod. ‘He takes a bit of getting used to, I know.’
‘She’s sleeping with him.’ Louisa addresses Em, for the third time that evening, like I am not there.
‘I’m not. He’s kind to me. We’ve had the usual teething problems, but that’s to be expected.’ I shrug.
‘Did those teeth belong to different women?’ Louisa cackles.
‘If you want to know about Caleb’s private life, it might be best to ask Caleb,’ I say, beginning to feel quite uncomfortable.
‘Why are you defending him?Surelyyou’ve seen what he does?’
‘I understand that your relationship with Caleb may be different, Louisa,’ I say, pushing back. Maybe we aren’t going to be friends after all.
‘Lou, leave it.’ Em tries to rein her in.
