cats don’t get it,’ I said, raising my whiskers at George.
‘Oh no, we are just lovely and fun and sweet all the time,’ George said as he pounced on a mouse which seemed to appear from thin air.
‘Good catch,’ Dustbin said, proudly. I shook my tail. I bet the mouse didn’t think George was sweet.
We dined on sardines and as always it was delicious. We had a very pleasant time with Dustbin before we left him to go back to our families. In truth I was cold, chilled to my bones actually, and George was tired. Dustbin didn’t seem to get either cold or tired, he was a super-cat. As we said a reluctant goodbye to him, I said I’d see him soon. I would put visiting more often on my to-do list.
Back inside, I began to warm up as I let the human chatter wash over my fur. A good meal had been eaten, dishes were piled up, but Franceska and Tomasz refused to let anyone clear up, saying they would do it when everyone had gone home. The children were playing in one part of the restaurant; Tommy had set up an elaborate obstacle course and the younger children were enjoying it, along with George who quickly joined in, easily shedding his tiredness, it seemed. Aleksy and Connie were watching them, but set apart from the others. Both had phones in their hands. They were talking though, laughing, and they seemed happy. The adults were enjoying drinks, and talk turned to Christmas.
‘I have so much to do,’ Franceska was saying. ‘Not only for the boys but for work too.’
‘I know, but I love Christmas.’ Claire sounded dreamy.
‘It costs a fortune,’ Jonathan huffed.
‘Bah humbug,’ Matt teased.
‘It’s going to be nice this year, all together,’ Tomasz said, then the table fell silent.
‘Are you staying in London for Christmas?’ Claire asked Sylvie.
‘Yes, I think so. My sister has invited us to go away with them, but well, Connie and I aren’t used to being here yet, so I think staying might be best. I just don’t …’ Her voice cracked and I went to rub her legs. ‘I haven’t really thought about it,’ she said. Then she tried to smile.
‘You must come to us,’ Claire suggested.
‘Only if you want to, of course,’ Jonathan quickly added.
‘We’re all having lunch together, it’ll be loads of fun,’ Polly said.
‘Well, I hate to impose.’ Sylvie sounded uncertain.
‘Why would you be imposing? The more the merrier I say,’ Matt said.
‘And you can bring something,’ Franceska added. ‘Claire and Jonathan will do the turkey, we will bring potatoes and vegetables, Polly brings pudding.’
‘That doesn’t really leave much,’ Claire pointed out.
‘I’ll bring champagne,’ Sylvie said. ‘How about that?’
‘Well we never say no to champagne,’ Polly laughed. She was right, they didn’t. They didn’t say no to wine either, to be frank.
‘Great, that’s settled,’ Tomasz said. ‘We’ll have a proper traditional Christmas.’
‘An Edgar Road family Christmas,’ Jonathan added.
‘Let’s drink to that,’ Claire said and I licked my lips. I was thinking already about turkey and all the lovely left-overs that George and I would be treated to. I really did love Christmas, it’s my favourite time of the year.
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