Ch 12

Billie's emotions

Russ pulled out a chair for Henrik. "Sit. Relax." Russ took the chair adjacent. "Shall we tuck in then?" He handed a plate to Henrik.

They spent the next few hours grazing over the food platter and reminiscing about years gone by. Time just flew by. It was just so easy.

Denver was very mellow. Russ was very attentive. Henrik was just happy to be in a family environment. He had been solitary for so long he had forgotten; or never really experienced, if he were being honest, the warmth of family life.

It got to about 2pm and the conversation had turned to a conference back in the 90's. Russ held up his hand, "Hold on!"

He disappeared for a few minutes and came back with something in his hand.

"I do believe Mr Hanssen, that we had a tournament going..."

Russ placed a backgammon board on the table and opened it up.

Henrik laughed, " Ah, so we did. But as for the standings, well I know you are going to say you were winning."

"Naturally." Russ said with a smirk.

"I am not having a bar of it." Henrik said with a smile. "I propose that we start afresh. Give you a chance at least." They both laughed as Russ set up the board.

"Best of three?" Russ offered.

Henrik smiled and nodded.

The afternoon flew as they played several games, whilst eating. At some point Russ had got the wine out. Henrik believed that this was a ploy to get him a little inebriated so that Russ could sweep in and win at backgammon.

Henrik was confident that a little wine would not affect his backgammon skills.

Henrik was winning, again, as his phone rang. He looked and it was Max. He looked apologetically at Russ. "Sorry, I do have to take this."

Russ waved his hand, "Go. Go. I promise not to tamper with the board."

Henrik smiled and stood to take the call, "Henrik Hanssen."

He walked away from the table down to the bottom of the garden.

Whilst Henrik was on the call Russ checked on Denver. He sat back down and took a sip of wine.

Henrik had been on the phone about 15 minutes. Russ did not mind given that Henrik was here now, with him. So small sacrifice.

Russ was fussing over Denver as Billie came home. She walked through the house and saw that dad was outside. She went out and went over.

"Hey dad."

"Bilbo!"

"What's all this?" Billie held her hand out at the spread.

Russ pointed down the garden to Henrik, who had his back to them. He was still on the phone.

Billie's jaw dropped. She pointed and mouthed, "Henrik!"

Russ smiled and did a nod.

Billie held up her hand and waved it in Henrik's direction. "No suit!" She said in hushed tones.

Again Russ smiled and nodded.

Billie tipped her head. She pointed between her dad and Henrik. "You two?" She took two fingers from each hand and put them together in a cross type sign and she did kiss motions with her lips. She gave a knowing nod.

Russ blushed and gave a little nod.

Billie smiled widely as she did a little clap. Russ took this as approval and instantly relaxed.

Henrik finished his call and walked back to the table. "Oh hello Billie, good day at college?" He took his seat next to Russ.

Billie waved her hand, "Never mind that Henrik Hanssen. What is all this?" she says with a laugh pointing at him and making a large circle.

Henrik sat there looking awkwardly like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Billie put him out of his misery. "It's a good look for you, less stuffy. You look relaxed... . For once."

"Well I rather think I am." Henrik smiled.

Billie gave a nod. "Just glad you took my advice."

"Advice?" Russ chimed in.

"Yeah. He's here isn't he?"

Russ took Henrik's hand and gave it a squeeze. Henrik was not sure how to react. He was not used to much affection, never mind public displays.

Denver started to cry so Russ got up and picked him up. "I'm going to see if I can get this one down for a nap. Bils do you want to finish my game of backgammon for me?"

Billie was stuffing her face, she held out her hand for the notepad on the table that was denoting the tournament standings. Russ pulled a little face apologetically, "Not winning I'm afraid."

"So I see. What have I told you about using the doubling dice. Don't!"

Henrik laughed.

"I just can't help it. It's a weakness." Russ admitted sheepishly.

Billie pushed her chair back and made her way round to Russ' chair.

Once Russ was gone Billie picked up the pad again. "I mean really." She shakes her head. She looks at Henrik, "Question?"

"Go on."

"You and dad. You are going to give it a go? You will be coming back up?" She tips her head waiting for an answer.

Henrik pauses. Not because he does not know the answer. He very much knows the answer, but how to word it. "I, I um. Yes. I want to make this, whatever this is, work."

"Correct answer." Billie picked up the pen and wrote 'Forfeited' next to Russ' name. She turned the page and wrote 'B' and 'H' at the top of the page. "Set them up then. Be prepared though. I learned to play backgammon from my pops."

Henrik smiled. He felt a big relief that Billie not only approved of Russ and he pursuing some kind of relationship, she was actually championing it.

They started to play and Henrik soon realised that she was a bit of a shark. She played aggressively and tactically. There was banter as they played. It was enjoyable.

"Henrik."

"Yes."

"I'm glad you're here. Just needed you to know that."

"OK." Henrik said a little perplexed at the statement.

"I'm just glad to see dad happy. It has taken a while but I'm seeing my dad back. How he was when Ami was alive."

"That is all I want Billie, for your dad to be happy."

"He is. I promise. I'm stoked that you came back and stayed."

Henrik pulled that lop sided smile, "Me too. Thank you for the pep talk."

Billie threw the dice and made her move, putting Henrik on the bar. "No problem. Just the right thing to do."

Henrik looked at the board. Billie had put him in a difficult position. He could see she was smirking. "You have not won yet young lady."

Henrik took a sip of wine and threw the dice. He was amazed that all of this just felt so comfortable. He was waiting for the 'but'. Waiting for the rug to be pulled from under his feet. Waiting for the reality that things like this did not happen to him.

But for now he would bask in the sun. Enjoy the moment and hope that his bravery would remain rewarded.