Going Home

Part 82

The following Friday night Josh and Grace walked out of the TR base heading for home. It’d been a long shift and an even longer week. Looking forward to the next two days off they were both badly in need of some relaxation. As they walked home Grace said “so how about asking Margaret and Robert over for a drink when we get home?”

Josh looked over at her for a minute then nodded “okay the footy’s on and Dad will be watching it any way I’d say.”

Grace smiled and said with deliberate sarcasm “well while that sounds like fun, I’m sure Margaret and I can find something more interesting to do.”

Josh smiled, “suit yourself.”

“Oh don’t worry I will” Grace teased and reaching over put her arm around Josh’s waist.

Josh pulled Grace close with an arm around her shoulders.

Ten minutes later Josh let them into the apartment and pulling out his phone rang Margaret. As expected Margaret and Robert jumped at the chance to spend some time with Josh and Grace and Margaret told Josh they’d be there shortly.

Changing quickly out of her tracksuit pants Grace returned to living room meaning to continue into the kitchen to prepare something to eat but she had only taken a few steps out of the bedroom when the door bell sounded. Looking at over Josh, who gave her a wink, Grace changed direction and headed to the front door. Opening it Grace smiled at Josh’s parents “hi guys, come in.”

“Hello Grace, how are you? Not too tired after work?” Margaret asked.

 “I’m fine thanks Margaret, no not too tired, although it’s been a busy week. How are you Rob?” Grace said turning to Josh’s father.

Smiling Robert said “I’m good thanks, lovely to see you again Grace.”

“Thanks Rob. How was the trip down?”

“Not too bad, we left mid afternoon so the traffic was okay.” Then looking up Robert spotted his son leaning in the door way “Josh, how are you?”

“Not bad Dad, you feel like watching the footy?”

Robert said with a smile “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Josh looked at his mother “hi Mum.”

Margaret beamed at his greeting, “hello Josh.” Then wanting to prolong the moment she added “Grace was saying you’ve both had a busy week.”

Josh nodded “yeah work has been hectic, it must be the weather or something because it seems all the nutters have been out this week.”

“Well at least you have a break now.”

“Yeah a weekend off is the best.”

Grace gestured for them all to move into the living room. Josh handed his Dad a beer and turning to Margaret said “can I get you a drink?”

“Thanks Josh, just a glass of wine if you have some.”

Grace agreed “sounds good to me Josh, I’ll have one too please.”

Giving Grace a kiss on the forehead on the way past Josh organised their drinks and turned on the TV. Then watching both men take up positions on the couch to watch the game Grace said to Margaret “how about we take out drinks out on to the balcony, it will be quieter out there.”

Margaret smiled “that sounds lovely Grace. I normally stay well away when Robert’s watching the footy. He gets so involved in it I don’t exist anyway.”

Grace nodded “oh then that’s something they have in common. Josh forgets he’s not at the ground and yells at the tv like they can hear him.”

Understanding only too well Margaret smiled, as they headed outside.