Chapter 7

After the phone call with his mother, Joey's day seemed to get progressively worse. His bar staff for the evening had cancelled and he'd had to call agency staff, he had contemplated calling Lauren but decided against it, not knowing if that was something he could really ask of her. So he had to hope whoever the agency sent would be up to the task. He rushed home, taking time to quickly feed Hector (who was still in a mood) and to change his shirt to something more casual. He glanced at Laurens note long enough to know where the gift was and then he left again.

*JL*JL*JL*

He stood outside his parents' house, praying to god that some form of miracle would happen and he wouldn't have to endure the evening. Despite his unwillingness to spend time with his parents or more so his mother, Joey was actually looking forward to seeing his niece.

"Mum, Dad, I'm here" he called, pausing to hang up his coat in the hallway. He could hear the giggles of the family, Martha's sweet chuckle bringing a smile to his face.

"Joseph, you made it" Susan looked at her watch and raised her eyebrow "and on time too…we are learning" Joey rolled his eyes and kissed her cheek "in you go… Martha is so excited to see you"

*JL*JL*JL*

The whole family were in the lounge, Derek was sitting with Martha on his lap, tickling her (which is why she was laughing) Alice was setting the table whilst George was talking to Joey's uncle Jack, joey wasn't expecting him to be there, not that he minded, Uncle jack was his favourite.

"uncle Doey !" before he could move any further into the room Martha was toddling in his direction, almost perfecting a run.

He swept her into his arms and held her on his hip "Hello little lady ! you've gotten so big" he said more to Alice than anyone else. "I've got a Present for you Martha" he told her, seeing the glee in her eyes he spoke to her. Joey handed her a perfectly wrapped gift as they sat on the sofa, watching as she opened it (with a little help from her mummy) .

"Wow, Martha look at that" Alice smiled, pretty impressed by his gift choices. "What do you say to uncle Joey?"

Her toothy grin shined up at him "Fan'oo" she attempted, managing to get across what she wanted to say, as she sloppily kissed joey's cheek.

"You are more than welcome little lady" Martha was now interested in opening the box that contained the Alphabet blocks, she shook it a little, frowning when it didn't open.

"Martha, Why don't you go and ask Daddy to help you ok? And then it'll be time for dinner" Alice lifted her from Joey's lap and watched her toddle off towards George, thrusting the box into his arms and declaring it "Boken". Alice chuckled a little turning back to her brother "so what's new with you little bro ? I heard there was a girl on the scene" she raised her eyebrow at him adding "your hired help?" when he didn't answer.

"You've been speaking to mum then?" Alice nodded, of course she had, Alice was the golden child and their mother enjoyed nothing more than informing Alice of every detail of his life, in fact he was sure it was a new hobby of hers. "I didn't ask for it. Mum just employed her… I didn't get a choice, I haven't even met her" he said and Alice retracted a little "What?"

"So you've let this girl into your apartment and you know nothing about her?" her tone was shocked, obviously seeing Joey's decision a poor one.

"And ? Look she's been doing a good job, nothings gone missing, she responds to my emails, does what I say…I have no reason not to trust her. Anyway, do really think that Miss Marple over there would have employed her without researching the girl first?" they looked over to their Mother who was now in conversation with Uncle Jack, it seemed quite a light conversation, his mum was actually smiling for one… Alice didn't say anything "Exactly, It's fine and plus I quite like the apartment with clean surfaces" he laughed causing Alice to roll her eyes.

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Conversation flowed quite happily between them all over diner, even if Joey was subject to some questioning over his relationship status. His mother was determined he found himself a suitable wife, in all honesty even if he did have a girlfriend, he was sure his Mum wouldn't approve. He'd also told himself when he did meet someone, he would not be introducing them to his parents unless he was certain she was the one.

By 9pm, Alice and George had left with a snoozing Martha and Susan had gone to her friend's house for their weekly game of bridge, leaving Joey, Jack and Derek alone in blissful peace and quiet.

They had been discussing business plans for an hour when Jack gave Joey some news he'd been waiting for. "That business has been sorted by the way…" he said nonchalantly

"Yeah, When?"

Jack glanced at the clock on the wall "about 15 minutes ago, the full lot too" he said, Joey nodding in response.

"Cheers Uncle Jack, are you happy to carry on dealing with it?" Jack nodded "Thank you, it's just not my thing, but it pays good" he grinned.

"Very good" Derek laughed "What do think of this new girl your Mum hired then?" he said softly, getting up and pouring three glasses of Whisky.

"She gets the job done, and don't dare tell mum this but I can't half tell the difference since she's been there, it's only been two days and she's like organised everything I've been trying to do for the last year."

"Well so she should, the amount your Mother is paying she ought to be Mary bloody Poppins." Derek scoffed "but I'm glad to hear it… at least she isn't going to waste."

"Nope she does a good job…" his phone vibrated in his pocket and he saw it was the main London club. "What is it ?" Joey's face visibly tensed as he listened to the person on the other end. "Ok give me fifteen and I'll be there… cheers Kieran"

"Problem?" his father asked

"Yep, apparently the agency staff have no idea what they're doing, two fights have broken out and Kieran's Mrs has just gone into labour so I've got to go." He pulled his coat on and hugged his father and Uncle "I'll see you later Uncle Jack… Dad I'll call you tomorrow ye?" his father nodded, watching his son drive away, there was something different about him… maybe this 'hired help' was making a difference.

Not the disaster everyone was expecting ay? Although Joey has had to leave early and he was subject to a little questioning ! If I can get Ten reviews by 8 you can have the next chapter and it's one I think you've all been waiting for ! See you later... maybe ! Xx