Operation Fake Relationship - Jay Northcote Page 0,25
Nick asked. “Maybe he just washes them and puts them back before you notice they’re gone.”
“Oi!” Adrian protested. “I’ll have you know I never borrow her knickers. They’re too small for me, so I had to buy my own.”
Everyone fell about laughing at that, even Seth, although he clearly had no idea what the joke was.
Nick had picked gifts for Jackson that he knew he needed or wanted. A new game, a stainless-steel water bottle for the gym, and some running socks because Nick had noticed his old ones had holes in.
“Perfect, thank you. I’d been meaning to get some for ages but I kept forgetting.”
“You can finally bin the old ones now.”
It didn’t take long for everyone to finish opening all their presents. Seth had more gifts than anyone else, but he had his parents to help. Predictably, Seth was more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes than their contents.
“Right.” Nick’s dad stood. “That soup should be ready by now. I’ll go and blend it. Can someone set the table for lunch?”
“I’ll do that.” Nick’s mum got up too. “Please can you lot tidy up in here? Make sure you put the paper in the recycling.”
After lunch there was a lull in the day. The turkey was in the oven, and there was nothing else that needed doing immediately for dinner. Seth got taken upstairs for a nap, and Maria and Adrian disappeared along with him and never came back.
“I expect they’re napping too,” Nick’s mum said with a yawn. “I don’t blame them. He was up early, the little monkey.” She yawned again. “Golly, I’m going to end up falling asleep on this sofa if I don’t move. I fancy some fresh air and a stretch of the old legs. Does anyone want to join me for a walk?” She stood.
“Not me,” Nick’s dad said. “I need to baste the turkey again in half an hour, and I want to try and finish this damn crossword.”
“Oh, go on then.” Pete uncurled himself from an armchair. “It’ll probably make me feel better. I can walk off the remainder of last night’s toxins before we open the wine later.”
“Nick, Jackson? How about you?” his mum asked.
“Yes, I wouldn’t mind a walk.” Nick took Jackson’s hand, enjoying the sensation of Jackson’s warm skin against his as he interlaced their fingers. “Do you fancy getting out for a bit?”
“I’d love to, but I want to call my family, and now is probably a good time. Do you mind if I stay here?” He said it in a teasing tone, but he squeezed Nick’s hand gently and his eyes asked the same question in a more serious way.
Nick pressed his free hand against his heart. “Well, it’ll be tough being without you all that time… but I’ll find a way to cope.” He leant across and kissed Jackson lightly on the lips, feeling a little thrill at the contact. “See you later, babe.” He stood, releasing Jackson’s hand. “Send my love to the family.”
“Will do. Have a good walk, hun.”
Pete made a puking sound. “You two aren’t helping my hangover.”
“You’re just jealous,” Nick said as they left the living room.
“Nope. I’m very happy being young, free, and single, thanks.”
“You’re not as young as you used to be, dickhead.” He aimed a playful poke at Pete’s ribs. He and his brother had spent so many years winding each other up that it was second nature to slip back into that pattern, like putting old comfortable shoes on.
Pete jabbed him back. “Thanks for the reminder, penis breath.”
“Now, now, boys. That’s enough,” their mum said from behind them.
Nick stuck his tongue out at Pete, who responded in kind by grimacing and crossing his eyes.
“Honestly. You two. I’d forgotten what you used to be like.”
Their mum’s tone of exasperated amusement made them both laugh.
“I blame the parents.” Pete winked at Nick and held his hand up for a high five.
Nick grinned and slapped his hand, suddenly realising that he’d missed Pete, even though he was a dickhead.
Jackson went upstairs for some privacy while he video called his family. It was lovely to see their faces and talk to them, but it made him miss them even more than he already did. It felt so wrong not being there for Christmas this year. He could hear the kids playing in the background, excited shrieks and giggles.
“We miss you so much, honey,” his mum said. “And Nick too. It’s not the same without you here.”
“Yeah. It’s not,” his