The problem was, Mack had been on her own too long before Godfrey had met her. She was used to thinking for herself, and about herself, and he doubted if she really understood that there was more than her needs to be considered now. They were a family. He was willing to give up occasional afternoons, and weekends were  understood. But when she got like this, he seriously wondered.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a good time or not. They want me back now, Godfrey. If I don’t go, they may not ask me again.”

“Do you know that? Have you asked them? Surely they must understand that you have two children now? One a baby?” What were these people thinking anyway? They just can’t expect her to drop everything. “I mean, how did they contact you? What did they say, exactly?” He doubted she was making it up, but he did know she was keen to get back to her job. That wasn’t the point, though.

“Oh, so it’s my fault. I’m sorry that our son was premature and needed me to be there for him. Fuck, Godfrey. What was I supposed to do? Abandon him?”

“Now that’s just silly, Mack. I’m not saying it was your fault for goodness sakes. That would be like blaming Thomas. But it did happen. And it did require that I practically shut up shop for two months. It isn’t a matter of blame, love. It’s just hard facts.”

“And if I work,” she said, trying to mimic her husband’s calm tone, “we will have money. The debt will be cleared. It’s not like I’ll be working for free.”

“This is true. I’m not denying it. And I will be bankrupt, darling.” He couldn’t put it any plainer.

“I know how important your business is to you. You know I support that, right? You’re so hard-working, and I love that about you. You’re dedicated.” She kissed his lips. “I don’t want it to go under. You know I don’t.”

Godfrey sighed. “It isn’t just important, Mack. It’s my life! I’ve been building up this business since I was in bloody school! I mean, I know you and the kids are more important, but I’ve shown how much I’m willing to do already. And I know you support me. But I’m not willing to flush everything I’ve built up down the loo the first time somebody snaps his fingers at you!”

“Then have your parents bloody watch them. Or mine! That’s what they’re for.”

“What? Full time? Because that’s what we’re talking about you know. Seriously, Mack, I don’t think I can take any time off at all. Not if I’m going to be able to go after new customers. And though my mum loves Chrissa and Thomas, I don’t see her coming up here every day.”

Because in spite of what Mack said, Godfrey quite frankly dissagreed. You could ask grandparents to help. You couldn’t just dump your family on them every time somebody found a third century BC grave site.

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Not Getting Any Younger