James watched the two of them kiss as Valerie lay there, covered in two men’s jizz. He thought about saying something, but they seemed far too preoccupied with each other for him to want to bother them.
So, he softly slid off the bed, gathered up his clothes and got dressed in the home office, before slipping out the front door.
***
That evening James went down for dinner and found there were extra plates.
“We’ve got some guests,” said his father. “Your mother thought it would be the neighbourly thing to do.” Just then, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” said his mother, rushing out of the kitchen, opening the door and welcoming the guests, before introducing them to her husband. “And this is our son, James. He’s just back for the holidays.”
“Yes, we’ve already met.” James was gripped with a sense of panic. Surely, she wasn’t going to relay the events of the afternoon, was she? “I came round this afternoon to get a package from him.” She held out a hand for James to shake. “And this is my husband, Henry.”
“Nice to meet you,” said Henry, offering his hand.
They sat and ate dinner and passed a quiet, uneventful evening. Then, as they were leaving, Valerie turned to James and said,
“I hope it’s not rude, but I was hoping you might be able to do me a favour.”
“Of course, he can,” said his father, “always helping to lend a helping hand.”
“That’s great,” she said, “I’m afraid I don’t know how to change the delivery address on my computer.”
“We’re both useless at that sort of thing,” interjected Henry, offering a knowing smile.
“Do you want him to take a look for you tonight?” offered his father.
“Oh no, it’s late and it can wait. But,” she added turning to James, “if you’d like to pop around about three tomorrow afternoon?”
“No problem,” said James.
“Great,” said Henry. “I’ll be at work, but I’m sure you can help Valerie out. I’ve got a late meeting, but you never know with a bit of luck it might get cancelled and I’ll get to come home early. Then you can show the both of us how it’s done.”
Henry gave a little wink and both of them left.
“What a lovely couple,” said his mother.
“Mmm,” said his father.
“I just hope she doesn’t get lonely in that all alone all day,” she added.
“Mmm,” he replied.
As James went back up to his room, he doubted Valerie would get very lonely over the summer. And if she did, well he was just next door. After all, what are neighbours for?