So, my dads coming to visit, Tom casually mentioned after hanging up the phone.
Sophie tried not to let Tom see her grimace. Shed only met her father-in-law onceat their wedding, where hed got drunk, cracked a string of rubbish jokes, and thoroughly embarrassed himself in front of her side of the family. To be fair, nearly all of Sophies relatives are tee-total, so his antics really hadnt gone down well. Tom had lost his mum as a teenager and was brought up mostly by his gran, as his dad was away at sea much of the time. These days, Tom only had his dad left, who loved calling up the grandkids and telling them wild stories from his years at sea. Sophie wasnt a fan, but the kids absolutely loved it.
How longs he staying? Sophie asked, not bothering to hide her concern.
What sort of question is that? Tom huffed. He hasnt been here for eight years and only knows the kids through video calls. He can stay as long as he wants, weve got the spare room.
There was another problem, though. Sophies mum, Margaret, popped by all the time: taking the eldest, Ellie, to dance class and helping the younger one, Harry, with his speech (since Margarets a retired speech therapist). Margarets presence in Toms family was constantshe always insisted things be done her way, no matter how much Tom or the kids protested. Sophie was the only one who listened to her mum, after years of being worn down.
Well, whats Mum going to say? She couldnt stand your dad from the wedding onwards, Sophie pointed out.
Im not bothered what your mum thinks, replied Tom, rolling his eyes. She doesnt run my life.
Trevor arrived on Saturday, right when both kids were home. Thanks to plenty of video chats, the kids knew who Grandpa was straight away and ran for a cuddle. Trevor, ever the jolly old sailor, swept them up, spinning Harry round and letting Ellie perch on his shoulders. It was hot out, so Trevor whipped off his shirt and showed the kids all his tattoos.
Suits him finethe man looks like hes done time, Sophie muttered under her breath, but Tom heard.
Hes not some criminal, hes a sailor! Tom shot back.
Trevor rummaged through his bags and produced sweets, some fishy treats, and a bottle of whisky.
We dont really drink, Sophie said, not keen at all. Especially not in the middle of the day.
Trevor looked at her like she was mad. Middle of the day? Its gone four! Come on, love, fetch some glasses. The father-in-laws back in townlets make a proper go of it.
Sophie set out some plates but made a point of leaving the kitchen as festivities began. Margaret arrived soon after, prepared for a session with Harry, only to find the men already a bit tipsy.
What sort of lesson is this for my grandchildren? she snapped instead of saying hello. Theyve hardly seen a drop of drink around them before!
Lets keep it civil, Margaret, said Trevor, raising an eyebrow. Nothing wrong with a tipple to celebrate a reunion.
Margaret stomped out, grumbling.
Gran, cant we skip practice today? Harry piped up. Grandads here, I want to spend time with him!
Theres no need for you to witness this lot at it, muttered Margaret, but Harry wasnt having any of it.
Trevor stayed the week, and it was like a non-stop holiday for the kidsdays at the circus, puppet shows, amusement parks, ice cream, and new toys. Sophie tried not to grit her teeth, Tom was thrilled for the kids, and honestly, it wasnt every day the house felt so lively. On Saturdaythe day before Trevor was flying homethey set the table again, whisky and all, and soon enough Margaret came over for Harrys lesson.
Drinking again? Margaret shouted. This is getting out of hand! The children are watching!
Oh, calm down and join us, Trevor countered. If you dont want whisky, you can have a cuppa tea. Put your feet up for once.
Id like to, Trevor, but the kids are another story. Its been one week and theyre impossible! Our routines are upside downEllie missed two dance classes because of your outings! What are you teaching them?
Theyre on their hols! Let them live a little. Ellies at school all yearshe can skip a class. By the way, she told me between you and me, she cant stand them. You want her to be a ballerina? Forcing it isnt the way.
And Harrys been up to mischiefmaking fart noises with his arm and shrieking with laughter! Is that your doing? And dont get me started on the ridiculous riddles he tells. I nearly fainted when he asked, Gran, whats sometimes hot, sometimes cold, sometimes hanging, sometimes standing? Turns out its just the shower, but have a bit of sense! Are you not ashamed?
Oh, come off it, Margaret! Thats just banter. Your minds the one in the gutter. And anyway, why torment Harry with endless lessons? So what if hes still struggling with his Rs, loads of people do. What Ill say is thisstop meddling in our lives. Get on with your own.
Ill do as I see fit! And as for youthanks for coming, but perhaps your next trip should wait another ten years, until the children are no longer impressionable.
Well, Im not having that, said Trevor, folding his arms. Im retired now. Ill sell my old flat by the sea and buy one here, right near you lot. Margaret, youre not turning these kids into little soldiers. My boys got dragged along with all you women, but Ill make sure my grandkids get to breathe and have a bit of fun!
Yay! came squeals from the living room. Grandads moving here!
Margaret bristled, stung by the kids excitement.
And what sort of upbringing will you give them, eh? Toilet humour and whisky, like at the wedding?
I wont be giving them anyparentings for their mum and dad. Grandparents are for spoiling, quietly. As for the drink, I only have a proper one on occasion. I just know how to have a laugh, unlike your stick-in-the-mud family. Oh, we dont drink!and they sit there looking like theyre at a funeral, poking at dinner. Im only moving here to keep an eye on you, Margaret, make sure you dont take over.
And you know whatTrevor did just that. He sold his place on the coast, bought a flat right next door, and the kids were over the moon. He didnt try to run Toms household, just had the grandkids round his place for tea and a laugh, picking up the mood in his easy-going way. And, if the kids ever grumbled about Grans strictness, Trevor would be straight on the phone to sort it out. Margaret stopped popping round quite as much, and she no longer acted like she owned the placeshe knew very well not to cross the salty old sailor.
