Evan wasn’t so happy, though, and she could tell his heart wasn’t really in it, even though he’d been making an effort to join in. He’d had no contact with his dad since coming home, and she knew it was getting him down, especially today, but he was too stubborn to make the first move. So, after dinner, she had forced his hand by ringing Frank and passing the phone to him.

He had gone into the kitchen to talk in private, and she’d hovered in the hallway, praying that it would go well and he’d cheer up. It didn’t sound like it had, though, and when he went quiet, she went in and found him sitting at the table with a glum look on his face.

‘How did it go?’ she asked, as if she hadn’t been listening.

‘He wouldn’t talk to me.’ Evan sighed. ‘Told you it was a waste of time.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Marie squeezed his shoulder. ‘I only rang him because I know you’re missing him, and I thought he’d be missing you.’

‘Clearly not.’

‘Don’t let it get you down, love. It’ll get sorted eventually.’

‘I hope so,’ Evan said miserably. ‘Hearing his voice made me think of all the good times, and I don’t want to lose him over a stupid misunderstanding.’

‘Want to talk about it?’ Marie asked, hoping that he wouldn’t clam up like he usually did when she tried to broach the subject.

‘Nah.’ Evan shook his head. ‘I’ll go over tomorrow and talk to him face to face. But let’s not go on about it today. You’ve put a lot of hard work into this, and I don’t want to ruin it for you.’

He smiled, but Marie could tell it was forced, and she said, ‘Why don’t you go over there now, love? He’s probably sitting on his own feeling as miserable as you, so go talk to him.’

‘No, tomorrow will do,’ Evan insisted, getting up and taking a can of beer out of the fridge.

Outside, the dog had heard Marie’s voice and started whining and scratching the door.

‘Pack it in!’ Marie yelled.

‘Let him in,’ Evan said, tearing the tab off the can.

‘You sure?’ Marie gave him a dubious look. ‘He’ll only start begging for leftovers and sniffing crotches.’

‘Good,’ Evan said, leaning down to add, in a whisper: ‘It might make your lot push off faster.’

‘Don’t be so mean,’ she scolded.

‘Only kidding,’ he grinned. Then, taking a swig of beer, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve, and said, ‘Right, come on, you. It’s Christmas, so let’s give that family of yours a party to remember.’