Linda, youve come back? Youre not telling me youre working with us again?
The entire office buzzed as soon as Linda stepped through the door. Colleagues turned away from their screens, curiosity sparkling in their eyes as they took in their former coworkers return.
Not at all! I just missed you all and thought Id pop by, Linda laughed.
She looked radianther hair freshly styled, a chic dress in the latest London fashion, a lovely new handbag slung over one shoulder. But admiration didnt last long: Rita and Julia swooped over, each taking an arm, as they spirited her away into the corridor.
No point letting them pick you apart like old hens, Rita quipped, tossing her auburn curls. Alright Linda, spill it! Why did you vanish without a trace when you got married? Not even a phone call! Where did you two end up? Do you have children?
I married, moved to Manchester, and yes, I have a sonhes five now. Another thing: Mum fell ill, so we sold our flat and moved closer to her. Bought a new place so I could help care for her. Theres not much else to say really. You must come over tonightIll lay the table and well have a proper natter.
Just us, or can we bring our other halves?
Just us, best keep it girls only, Linda replied, a little shyly.
All three friends had edged past thirty. Rita brimmed with mischief and tactlessness, forever saying the wrong thing and occasionally bruising feelings. Julia, in contrast, was gentle and considerate, always wanting to phrase things delicately. Each had a daughter from a previous marriage and was now establishing new relationships. That evening, Rita and Julia arrived clutching a bottle of prosecco, their voices echoing down the hall.
Shhh! Linda whispered, finger to her lips. Keep it down, lovelies. My husband and son are working on something in the living room. Come through to the kitchen.
The kitchen table was set with an array of nibbles, and pride of place was a large cherry pie, its crisscross pastry glistening under the lights.
Simon made it, Linda admitted, smiling. I just stoned the cherries, that was my entire contribution. Hes the baker in the familyIm hopeless.
Oh, go on! Introduce us to this diamond who not only helps with the boy every evening but also bakes! Rita joked, waggling her brows.
No, nolets pour the fizz instead, Linda laughed, waving her hands dismissively.
They slipped into gossip and laughter for almost an hour before Simon finally appeared.
Evening. Hello. His curt nod was his only greeting as he filled his glass with water, then disappeared as quickly as hed come.
Rita leapt up, mimicking Simons bear-like stride, his grumpy look as he poured water, then vanished again. The friends howled with laughter.
Well, yes, thats himnever the affectionate sort, Linda conceded, a soft fondness in her eyes.
So youve ended up with a grump? Julia asked carefully.
Not at all, Linda shook her head firmly. Hes never once raised his voice to me. He just doesnt do the words, you know? Tells me he loves me quietly, just a handful of times since we married, and never in front of anyone. No soppy gestures, no public hugs or kisses. Hes all action, not talk.
Lindas voice grew steadier, full of gratitude: When I was pregnant and all aches and waddling, he took over everythinglearned to bake so I could have my cravings. When our son was born, he was up every night, not me, and he still went to work the next day. He remembers every date that matters to us, even the day we first metalways brings a thoughtful gift. Never flowers though, I told him theyre a waste of money, but he knows my shoe size, picks out dresses I actually like, fetches our son from nursery, reads with himMarks only five and he already loves books. And most of all, Simon makes learning playful, so Mark cant wait to learn with Dad.
At that moment, Mark charged in, barely pausing to say hello before thrusting his book at Lindaa new story he and his dad had just finished. When he bounded out, she continued:
My mum got very ill, and Simon didnt hesitatehe sold his own flat, found one so Mum could be as close as possible. He picks up her prescriptions, makes sure she has everything she needs. He lost his own mum youngbrought up by her aloneand thats why he cares so much for others. His job? Transferred to the Manchester branch, so no pay cut either. Not many loving words, but every day theres proof he cares.
Are you planning to start working again? Julia asked.
Yes, as soon as Ive unpackedlook at the boxes everywhere! I just want to settle us in first, Linda replied.
Come back to us?
Not a chance, not with that witch of a boss, Linda joked. You understand! Ill find something local. No point making Simon drive across town to fetch me and burn through petrol. Theres plenty of work round here for someone with my training.
Later, as she warmed milk for Marks bedtime, the friends rallied to leave.
Linda, wed better be off now, Julia said, rising. Rita followed.
Oh, dont rush! I was only getting milk ready for Marks nightcaphe cant sleep unless hes had it. Lets have a cuppa before you go. But her friends were already slipping on coats in the hall.
Out on the street, still buzzing from the reunion, they waited for a cab and launched into heated debate: Is it really better to be with a man like Simon? Julias eyes welled up as Rita teased her about her own ex-husband.
At least mine never pestered my friends! Julia shot back.
Please, he was all mouthnever did anything he promised. Still, Lindas husband is a real odd one.
A sulky silence descended as the cab drew near. Then, suddenly, Simon rushed out of the doorway, holding two large parcels.
You missed your tea, but I baked for you. Youve both got daughters waiting at homeIm sure theyll love a bit of cake. Take these, would you? He handed over the parcels and returned inside before they could thank him.
The friends looked at each other, stunned. For once, there was nothing left to argue about.
The Unloving Husband
