“Mum, Dan’s been working hard and he needs a good feed.” Alison cut her off. “Come and help me get something prepared.” She put her hands on her mother’s shoulders and propelled her through the back door.

“What was Diane on about?” Dan asked.

“Don’t ask,” Paula said. “What was your hold up?”

Dan nodded towards the dual cab. Paula looked over the fence to see one front headlight smashed and a large dent and scrape along one side. “What happened?”

“Don’t ask.” Dan mimicked her response as he bent to tickle Oscar who was still tugging on his arm. “Come on kids, let’s see what Grandma is making us for lunch.”

Paula took another look at the damage to their new vehicle before she followed him inside. She wondered what had happened this time. It was only six weeks since they’d had it fixed after Dan’s roll over.

* * *

Dan sank under the covers of the bed and groaned. He’d been home for lunch and then he’d made the effort to be in at a reasonable hour so he could join everyone for the evening meal. A couple of beers and a half a bottle of red wine, combined with Diane’s roast beef and then chocolate pudding, were just what he’d needed.

He smiled as Paula pulled off the boob tube she’d taken to wearing instead of a bra. She wasn’t overly excited about her expanding breasts but he didn’t mind. She pulled on a t-shirt, switched off the light and slipped into bed next to him. He reached for her and kissed her neck.

“You smell nice,” he murmured.

“So do you,” she giggled softly.

He nibbled at her ear and suddenly he didn’t feel tired at all. His hands were busy exploring her warm curves.

“Dan, what happened today?”

“Mmmm?”

She turned over to face him. “With the dual cab. What happened?”

“Ohh, it doesn’t matter.” He tried to draw her in close again.

“Of course it matters. I want to know.”

He buried his face into her neck. “Tom ran into a tree.”

“What?” Paula sat up and turned on her bedside lamp.

He groaned and flung a hand over his eyes.

“Is he okay?”

“He’ll live.” Dan reached for her again.

Paula gripped his roving hand in hers. “Dan, be serious. Was he hurt?”

Dan flopped onto his back. “No. The only damage was to the dual cab. I’d like to do Tom some damage though. He wasn’t concentrating. He’s had too many near misses lately, it was only a matter of time before something went wrong.”

“That’s not like him. Perhaps he’s not well.”

“He’s not well all right. He’s lovesick. He’s had his head in the clouds ever since that new bird from the bank agreed to go out with him.”

“Louise? Oh, Dan, that’s wonderful.”

“Is it?”