Going Home

Part 76

Two days later Josh and Grace were watching tv after dinner when Josh’s phone rang. Grace, who was curled up next to him, sat up as Josh picked it up.

He looked at the caller id. and Josh had to stop his immediate negative reaction and remind himself of his visit to the farm. Then pushing the call button he said “hello.”

“Hello Josh, it’s mum.”

Still awkward about greeting his mother, Josh just said “hey.”

Grace could tell who it was from Josh’s demeanor and she watched him as she listened to his side of the conversation. She knew things had changed for Josh in regard to his parents, but she also realised Josh was still getting used to those changes.

Margaret was a little disappointed at her son’s impersonal greeting but trying not to let it worry her she got straight to the point of the call. “Josh your father and I are thinking of coming into town next weekend will you be working then?”

Silent for a minute Josh contemplated this then looking at Grace he said “no we finish Friday night next week.”

“Oh wonderful, did you have any plans?”

“No we don’t have any plans.” Josh said but he was a little wary as he wondered what his mother was about to suggest.

“Great well we’d like to spend some time with you and Grace.” Margaret said, her tone up beat.

“Sounds okay” Josh answered but without much enthusiasm. As much as he was happy with being reunited with his parents, all this family contact was new to him and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

Margaret sensed his hesitation and she was worried. She didn’t want to push too hard too fast but she couldn’t back out either. So determining to take it slow when they saw him, to give him space, she got down to details, “that’s great Josh we’ll be in town on Friday then. I think we’ll stay at the same hotel I met you at last time.”

“Sounds good” he said.

“Okay then I’ll ring you when we arrive or is it easier if you could ring when you’ve finished work?”

“Probably easier if I ring you, work is unpredictable.” Josh said.

“Okay Josh well we’ll speak to you then. We’re looking forward to seeing you both again.”

“No worries” Josh said.

“Thank you Josh, Bye.”

“Bye.”

Grace studied Josh’s expression as he put the phone down. “So what’s going on?”

Josh looks at her, “they’re coming here, next week end.”

Smiling Grace said “that’s good.” Then looking at his worried expression she said “isn’t it?”

“I guess so.”

“But?”

“I don’t know it’s just I haven’t seen them in fourteen years now I’ll be seeing them twice in less than fourteen days. I’m not used to it I suppose.”

“Well it looks like you might have to get used to it” she said with a smile “I don’t think they intend to let you slip away again. Not that I can blame them of course, I know I certainly couldn’t let that happen.”

Smiling Josh pulled her into his arms, “well there’s not much chance of that where you’re concerned anyway. I have no intention of going anywhere.”

Looking serious all of a sudden Grace said “good to know.”

Raising an eyebrow quizzically at her expression Josh said “but you knew that right?”

“Yes, I guess I did but it’s nice to hear you say it.”

Worried Josh sat up. He asked “Grace what is this?”