Page 32 of King of Jokers

“Tonight, man. Having dinner with the folks first but I should be home by about Midnight if all goes well.”

If I don’t quit my job and refuse to leave.

“Can we go see Jackson and Winterson tomorrow?” Violet asked and Jay said something I couldn’t quite understand.

“Next time she’s in town I will bring her over,” I said and she nodded happily. “I’ll give you a buzz tomorrow, Jay.”

“All sweet. Safe trip home, yeah? Tell Winterson we said bye.” He added with a humorous tone.

Disconnecting the call I reached for Winter’s hand and pulled her up before engulfing her in a hug.

“I’m going to miss ya, Win.” I said honestly, with a kiss to the top of her head.

“Me too, Jackson.” She mumbled against my chest with a heavy sigh and I chuckled at her use of the name.

“Let’s go eat,” I said, before reaching for the suitcase with a final glance around the house which had brought each of my dreams to life.

“When are you back next?” Mum asked and I looked towards Win as if she might hold the answer.

“Not too sure. Maybe over Easter?”

“Oh, good. We should have the renovations finished by then.” Dad affirmed as we all continued to ignore the sawdust lining his hair after he had commenced yet another letterbox, adding further delays to his indoor restorations.

“Win is going to come help us next week, aren’t you, darling?” Mum said with a warm smile which Winter returned in her direction. I was glad she felt comfortable with my parents, especially when her own were on the other side of the country.

“Sure am. Although I’m not sure I will be much help.”

“Nonsense. You seem to do more of my crosswords than I do these days.”

“What?” I questioned the shock evident in the rising of my voice. “Since when?”

“What is it, Winnie, maybe the last six months or so? Finally discovered she has a knack for it.” He said with a pride he usually reserved for my older sister and I.

“Well, well. You’ve kept that little gem hidden.” I said jokingly to them both.

“I never see you anymore so I had to replace you with your parents. I’m not even sorry.” She said, quick as a whip and my parents both laughed.

“We like having her here. Darcy rarely calls now because she is so busy and you are always with the team. It’s nice to have someone else to chat to, especially while Mike and Deb are gone.” Mum added with sincerity.

“Oh, and what am I, chopped blooming liver?” Dad asked, appearing horrified.

“I love you, Dean, but I couldn’t give a shit about helping you do those crosswords. That’s all I’m saying.” And I chortled at the look of faux annoyance on Dad’s face. Mum was always able to keep him firmly in check.

When I glanced at Winter, she was staring at her plate, a small smile on her features and she remained that way for the rest of dinner. Engaging as needed, just enough so no one would suspect anything was amiss, but I knew what was bothering her. Because I felt it too. The foreboding of a goodbye neither of us was ready to say. She hadn’t broken a rule and I hadn’t tried to make her. Even the idea of me extending my trip was now gone. Why when it would only prolong the inevitable.

After a meal which would leave me fed for days, I joined Dad on the back patio while Mum sat with Winter on the lounges looking at photos of the tandem biking duo.

“You all packed?” Dad asked

“Yeah. Packed before we left. I can’t believe Summer is over, it’s gone so quick.”

“I bet. Time flies when you’re having fun.” I nodded before looking out over the ocean where only a month ago, I’d thrown caution to the wind and had my first taste of Winter.

I leant on the bannister before standing and stretching.

“Six letters. Clue: Having limits.” I groaned, not in the mood for a test.

“I don’t know, Dad, I’m tired.” I wasn’t tired at all. I was sad but I couldn’t tell him that without opening a can of worms I had no energy or time for.

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