Page 2 of The Good Neighbour
Josh took a step toward him but Winston stomped over to the door.
“Where are you going?” Josh asked.
“Aren’t we going toyourfriend’s house to discussmynews? I’m sure she’ll go on and on about my supportive husband too. She thinks the sun shines out of your arse after all.”
“She’s my friend. We like each other. That’s how it works.”
Winston didn’t bother with friends. He had many acquaintances. No real friends. Josh had found that strange from the offset. He would be lost without his.
“Come on,” Winston said as he snatched his coat from its hook. “Don’t keep the diva waiting. You know how she gets.”
He had a point. Madeline hated it when people didn’t arrive on time. Even so, surely, she would forgive a little faux pas on a day like today. Josh also didn’t want to go round to her place with an atmosphere. Madeline would home in on like a hawk. He’d never been able to keep a secret from her.
Josh hurried across the room and put his hand on Winston’s muscular shoulder. Thanks to all those obsessive trips to the gym. Winston had a huge issue with the fact he was nine years older than Josh. He countered this by keeping in tip-top shape. Not that Josh had seen much of Winston’s body in recent months.
“This is a good day, Winston,” he said softly. “Let’s not argue.”
Winston pulled away. The temperature in the kitchen appeared to have dropped.
“This film is important to me,” he snapped. “I need to get it finished. What’s the point in releasing something about my cancer journey if it’s old news? You know how long it takes me to edit as well.”
Josh didn’t have a clue how this had become his fault. Over the years, he’d grown used to Winston’s rages. They’d been a fixture of their marriage long before the dreaded diagnosis. Although in the last twelve months they’d taken on epic proportions. Josh found if he ignored them, things would usually right themselves quicker than if he tried to fight his corner.
With that in mind, he dutifully followed Winston down the hallway and out onto Queens Crescent. The row of grand Georgian townhouses never failed to give him a kick. He had worked so hard to take his place on this street all those years ago.
They walked up to Madeline’s in silence. Josh hoped Winston would have time to work out his annoyance before they got there.
It’s intense to hear the words we’ve been hoping for. He needs space to process it all.
As an A-list movie star, Madeline was seldom at home. Josh had been good friends with her ever since he’d arrived onQueens Crescent. She’d proven herself a true friend on more than one occasion.
Winston didn’t know some other neighbours were waiting too. Madeline had insisted on a full dinner party to celebrate their happy news. Her social media influencer son, Mercury, would be there to capture it. Winston could use it in his film.
Josh grinned to himself. He’d thought of everything. This would be perfect to show Winston how many people were behind him.
“One drink and home,” Winston said as he stomped up the steps leading to Madeline’s front door.
“One drink,” Josh repeated, trying to keep the smile from his face.
The door swung open and there she stood. Resplendent in an ink-blue maxi dress, her raven hair falling loosely around her face, Madeline Morrison looked incredible. Then she always did.
“Darlings!”
Winston allowed himself to be hugged and ushered inside. Josh followed and beamed at Madeline.
“Thank you,” he mouthed.
She winked.
“Go on through, Winston. Mercury’s here.”
Winston walked into the dining room. A chorus of celebration rang out. Josh saw him go rigid. He dashed to his side and instantly placed a comforting hand in the small of Winston’s back.
“What on earth is going on here?” Winston spluttered.
“Darling,” Madeline shouted, squeezing in next to him and taking his hand. “Josh told me your wonderful news and I thought you would like to celebrate with your friends. And guess what? Mercury has captured it all for your little film.”
Mercury held up his phone.
