Thomas and James pushed past their parents, each giving Maggie a sheepish grin as they went.
‘Happy birthday,’ said James quietly as he passed her, and Maggie whispered a thank you.
The atmosphere between Leon and Becky was so strained that Maggie kept talking, desperately trying to paper over the cracks.
‘Drinks are in the kitchen. The food is pretty much ready, I think. Shame about the weather but there’s no guarantee of anything, is there? Angie is here somewhere. You’ll hear her.’
‘I’m afraid we can’t stay long,’ said Becky almost before she was in the house. ‘My mother’s not been well, and I don’t like to leave her too long.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,’ Maggie said. ‘Nothing too serious, I hope.’
Leon looked at his shoes and Becky ignored the question.
At least the party was in enough swing for their frostiness not to show to other guests, but Maggie noticed Becky pour herself a large glass of white wine and then stand by the window, looking out over the garden with her back to the room.
‘Have you got anything soft?’ Leon asked.
‘Of course,’ replied Maggie, and reeled off the multitude of alternatives. ‘Is everything okay, Lee?’
Leon nodded and seemed unwilling to get drawn into details.
Maggie changed direction. ‘I can’t believe how much the boys have grown,’ she said.
Leon beamed. ‘I know! We can barely keep them in school uniform, and you should see the size of their feet!’
‘And it’ll be secondary school before you know it,’ added Maggie. ‘Is Thomas still enjoying his football?’
‘Oh yes. He lives and breathes Leeds United. He’s just like my brother, in fact. And he’s still training with the academy. I don’t suppose it will come to anything, but you have to let them try.’
‘Try what?’ asked Angie, who had just appeared at Leon’s side.
‘I was just talking about Thomas and his football,’ Leon said. ‘He wants to be a professional and even though it’s so tough to get into, I feel that it’s up to us to support him to at least try.’
‘To encourage him to follow his dreams and not settle for what he thinks he ought to do?’ said Angie, eyebrow raised. ‘Yes. I definitely think that’s what you should be doing.’
Leon’s eyes rolled heavenward as if to tell her, I know what you’re saying, but let’s not say it today. ‘And James is enjoying his drama group,’ he continued. ‘He was in a little show in the spring. I know I’m biased, but he was definitely the best on the stage.’
‘I bet he was,’ said Maggie. ‘They’re a credit to you, Leon. To both of you,’ she added quickly, shooting a quick glance at Becky who was still staring out of the window.
They chatted on, exchanging news, interrupted only by occasional warnings to the three children who raced around the adults stealing food and giggling, but after what felt like no time at all, Becky began looking at her watch. She came across to where they were chatting and threw meaningful and not that subtle glances at Leon, who took the hint almost at once.
‘Well, I’m sorry Mags, but we’re going to have to love you and leave you. I’m sorry it’s been so short-lived.’
‘But you haven’t even had any food yet,’ objected Maggie, but she could see that she was on a hiding to nothing. Leon shrugged and pulled a face.
‘Let’s get together again soon,’ said Angie. ‘Just the three of us,’ she added, staring so pointedly at Becky that Maggie felt her own cheeks warm.
‘Great idea,’ replied Leon.
It took a few minutes to round up the boys and prise Romany off them but then they were ready to go.
‘Thank you so much, Maggie,’ said Becky, poised as if on starter’s blocks at the door. ‘It’s been lovely.’
Maggie didn’t even smile. What was the point? They both knew the score. Becky went to the car, taking the complaining boys with her, leaving Maggie and Leon on the doorstep.
‘Are you really okay, Lee?’ she pressed quietly.
‘She means well,’ he replied. ‘She just prefers to socialise with her own friends.’
Maggie nodded and pulled him into a hug. ‘Well, we’re here for you,’ she said into his ear. ‘If you need us. Never forget that.’
They stood there in the embrace for a moment longer until Maggie heard a sharp blast on a car horn.
‘Better go,’ said Leon, unwrapping his arms from around her. Then he took her hand in his. Maggie couldn’t remember them ever holding hands before and it felt peculiar, but not awkward.