Celebrate

'When we get home, I’m going to celebrate,’ said Joe. ‘I thought my number was up at one point in that van.’

‘I don’t really understand what’s going on. Why did they kidnap you?’

Joe shrugged. ‘No idea. I can’t work it out. These last few days have been the most bizarre of my whole life, even if you count our first date-’

Kim made a mock slap at him.

‘Our first date was not bizarre, don’t be mean.’

‘Depends on your definition of weird, I guess. I think being someone’s plus-one at a cat’s funeral is fairly unusual…’

‘But I explained about that and anyway that was just the beginning. We had a good time after that didn’t we?’

‘I guess. Although my aspirations weren’t all that extravagant, aged seven.’

‘You were eight, don’t exaggerate.’ She smiled at him. They had known each other almost their whole lives, and she knew their relationship was deeper than most people’s.

‘But it has been a strange time lately - and I have a feeling it’s not over yet. How much longer do you think we should wait for Xavier and Jean-Claude?’

‘About ten seconds - Xavier’s just come out of that door,’ said Joe, watching as the young man loped towards them on his long legs.

‘Where’s Jean-Claude?’ said Kim.

‘He’s going to stay at the warehouse - he’s missed a couple of days and things probably need his attention.’ 

Xavier’s explanation was true although incomplete, but he was relieved to see it was accepted fairly easily. 

‘I expect he’ll be in touch later, won’t he?’ said Kim.

‘I don’t know, he didn’t say.’ Which was true.