She gave me a long look and nodding her head, went inside
*
To my surprise, Gaston came home early that evening as I sat, resting on a seat by the window, exhausted. Schwartz stood behind him, smiling amiably and I got to my feet with some difficulty, hoisting Piers onto a hip.
‘Jim’s having a do in his place. Wanted to invite you in person,” said Gaston woodenly, his eyes flicking over my T and shorts. Like a disapproving old woman, I thought.
Schwartz stepped in and said, ‘Such a beautiful family! Ah! I envy you!”
Little Piers beamed at him as though he understood every word and at his expression, I burst out laughing, Schwartz joining me appreciatively. Gaston stared at us stony faced. The look in his face promised retribution and I quaked inwardly.