"That'll do nicely," thought James as he looked at his reflection in the mirror by his front door. He was dressed in grey chinos, with a white shirt and blue blazer, finished off by a pair of black loafers. Nicely informal but still smart, just what was required for Easter Sunday lunch with his son and new wife in their new home. It was the first time James had been formally invited to eat there, although he was no stranger to the house having spent many hours over the last few months pretty much redecorating the place on his own. He remembered what it was like being newlywed, other things took priority over decorating, like shagging each other senseless all weekend! Peter and Jo had decided to run out their lease on their rented property until the new house was ready, and although they did help out, most of the burden had fallen on James.
To be fair, James had time to spare at the weekends, his own place was immaculate, and he found decorating a welcome change for his day to day stressful job. The simple act of mindlessly wielding a paint brush or roller beat going to the office any day. His divorce was five years past him now and although he'd had his fair share of one night stands, some of which had turned into weeks or months, he'd not found anyone he felt he wanted to settle down with. To be honest he wasn't really looking for another life-partner, being content with his own company, although most mornings he did miss waking up with a warm body beside him.
He picked up the bottle of wine he'd selected and remembered the flowers purchased from the florist at a frightening price the day before, then left the house, locking the door behind him. He settled into his car and drove the relatively short distance to his son's house. It was a small semi-detached, three bedrooms, although one of those was really no more than a box room, with a small garden.
Peter and Jo's cars were squeezed on the drive and parked across it was another car he didn't recognise. Either an inconsiderate neighbour or another guest he surmised. Finding a parking place a few doors down he walked back and rang the doorbell which was answered promptly by his son. James handed over the bottle of wine then shook his son's hand, morphing into a man hug. "Welcome Dad, come on in." Jo appeared seconds later, dressed in a form fitting dress which showed off her figure well, although it was currently half obscured by an apron, on which she wiped her hands as she accepted the flowers and planted a kiss on James's cheek, then pulling him in for a hug. He felt her breasts squash against his chest, envying his son for a brief moment for having found such a gorgeous wife.
"We've got another guest," announced Peter, "hope you don't mind?"
"You haven't invited your mother have you?" enquired James.
"No, that wouldn't have been a problem though would it? From the way you two were getting on at the wedding I almost thought you were getting back together again!"
"There's no chance of that Peter, that ship sailed a long time ago, but you're right, we are getting on better now that we have done for many years." So much so, he didn't add, that he and Sophie ended up sleeping together after the reception, enjoying a night of nostalgic sex.
"No, Mum's having lunch with Bill's family, so couldn't make it. They've been together for about six months now so it must be getting serious." James thought back, so she was seeing Bill when they had slept together. James continued, "We've invited Marie, she's looking forward to seeing you again." Marie was Jo's mother, an attractive lady his own age, always immaculately turned out on all the occasions when James had met her. He got on well with her, finding her an interesting person to talk to. She was a school Deputy Head teacher and currently lived on her own, her husband having died some years earlier leaving her comfortably off.
Marie was waiting in the open plan living area and she stood as James entered. She was dressed in a pale green skirt and bolero type jacket over a white blouse, her short well cut hair showing off an elegant neck. It was easy to see where Jo had got her figure from. She greeted him warmly, leaning forward as they air kissed, her hand resting briefly on James' arm.
It wasn't warm enough to go out in the garden, so they sat in the lounge area having pre-lunch drinks as Jo finished off the preparations for lunch, aided by Peter from time to time. The delicious small of roast lamb permeated the ground floor and James found his mouth watering at the prospect. Lunch was served and the four of them chatted away over the tasty meal, reminiscing over the wedding.
"Have you thought about a summer holiday yet?" enquired Marie.
"Peter's done nothing but rave about the holidays he had in the South of France when he was a kid with James and Sophie, so we're going to go there. We've found a great looking camp site, and although we can't afford a mobile home like you used to have, the tents these days are really quite luxurious."
"I always loved those holidays," said James, "your mother always complained they were hard work for her, but the freedom and relaxed atmosphere on those camp sites was a wonderful way to wind down. The drive was always a bit of a pain, but once you were there...." he gazed wistfully into the distance.
"Well that's partly why we've invited you today Dad, you've been so helpful in decorating for us and given us so much of your time, we wondered if you'd like to come with us? We'd treat you, well for some of it anyway, but it'd be great to have you along."
"Peter, Jo, that's so kind of you, but I really don't think I can accept such generosity. Anyway I'd be a bit of a spare pri..., sorry wheel."
"Rubbish James," interjected Jo, "we want you there. And Mum, you've always said you'd like to have gone to the South of France, and as you helped us financially with the house, we'd like to invite you too."
Marie looked round the table, "Well, I'm not much of a camper, sleeping on the ground at my age seems a bit like asking for a bad back."
