A/N: I haven't updated this for a while but I do intend to finish it.

I've also started a new story (attention span of a gnat, yes I know) but I hope you like this update.

Lunch at Gina's, always going to be a milestone.

If you'd be so kind to review I will respond. Ta.

Gina

I breathed in and slowly exhaled as I stared at the stone on the carpet, that's it Gina, focus your mind, this is your time. I concentrated on my breathing, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. I tried to meditate every morning, not for long, twenty minutes or so, but enough time to set me up for the day ahead.

Did I take the beef out of the fridge? I pushed the thought away as I tried to reclaim my serenity.

"Breath in and out, now is not the time to think about that, important as it is." I said quietly.

I don't think I did you know? I was going to do it then something distracted me.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

Ah yes, that'll be it, my beloved daughter. "I'm trying to meditate..."

"By having a weird staring competition with a rock?" She said with derision.

I concentrated on staying calm, "It helps if you can focus on something, allows you to centre yourself and reach a mindful state more easily."

A snort, "what a load of bollocks. I can tell you exactly where your path to enlightenment leads, the bloody kitchen, they'll be here soon."

I sighed loudly, "I might as well give up, thank you very much Naomi, thank you for ruining my moment of calm."

She actually laughed at that, cheeky sod, "help me up."

I grabbed the hand offered to me and groaned as I rose, I wasn't as young as I used to be and sitting crossed legged these days came with the all too real threat I might not be able to get back up or I'd strain something as I did.

"Are you centred? Chakras all nicely aligned?" Naomi said with a smirk.

My eyes narrowed, "I know you don't believe in this 'mumbo jumbo', but it helps me and I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat it with such contempt. Half a billion people can't be wrong..."

She put on her best contrite face, I think she was two when it started, trouble ever since.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your 'me' time."

I stared at her and we both started to laugh, "I can't believe you actually used that phrase..."

Naomi grinned, "maybe I am my mother's daughter after all."

"What is it this time?" I asked.

"Where did you put the blu tak, there's a couple of posters I want to stick up." She answered.

I rolled my eyes, "honestly Naomi, stop fiddling, the room's fine, I'm sure Daniel will love it."

"Mum, how many more times? It's Danny, or Dan, he only gets called Daniel when he's been naughty." She replied with a sigh.

I knew that but call me cruel, I liked winding her up, small victories. "It's in the draw of crap."

She looked sternly at me, "and remember, no foul or inappropriate language."

"I'll be on my best behaviour, I promise. Please stop stressing."

She snorted again, "seriously? You're telling me not to stress? A bit bloody rich don't you think?"

What? Ok, so perhaps I'd pushed the boat out a bit but I wasn't anywhere near the levels I reached the last time Emily came for lunch. I'd cleaned the house from top to bottom, had some nice wine in and ok, yes there were three courses for lunch. But the house wasn't covered in flowers like last time nor had I got the posh crockery out. It was understatedly welcoming. Despite her calm appearance I knew this was important to Naomi, so it was important to me too.

"I just want them to feel at home."

Naomi smiled warmly, "I know, me too, thanks Mum."

I shooed her away, "I'll put the dinner on and you can carry on your mammoth project. Emily's already given it her seal of approval so I don't know why you keep messing with everything..."

She bit her lip, "I just wanted to do something nice, so they'd both be comfortable. It's kind of daunting, meeting the parents..."

I studied her carefully, somehow I didn't think she was talking about today anymore. Naomi had alluded to the barbecue a couple of weeks ago chez Fitch, although she'd clearly had a good time, I got the distinct impression Emily's Mum had given her a bit of a talking to. I didn't blame her, being over protective as a Mum comes with the territory. Besides, Naomi was often prickly and somewhat an acquired taste, so I could see why she wanted to give her the once over but from what little Naomi had told me it sounded as if it ended up amicably enough.

I smiled, "Sweetheart, it's obvious to a blind man how much you love Emily and although I haven't seen you together yet, Danny too."

"That doesn't mean they like me or think I'm good enough for either of them." Naomi reasoned with a frown.

I tutted, "Actually, I'm sure how you treat their daughter and grandson has an awful lot to do with how they view you. Come on, they wouldn't have invited you on holiday if they didn't want you to be there."

She stared at me then sighed, "That's what I keep telling myself, but I can't help feeling daunted by it. You should see the villa Mum, it's huge, massive infinity pool, it's like something off Cribs. I've never stayed anywhere like that before."

I let her garble and gently took her face in my hands, "my darling girl, what have I always told you?"

She sighed, "material things don't matter, it doesn't make you better or worse than anyone else, it's what's inside that counts."

"Exactly, and you are perfect so why stress?"

She blushed, "Mum, do you have to?"

"What? You'll always be my baby and I love you."

Naomi shook herself away, "please God, don't embarrass me today."

"As if!" I exclaimed, "I was just trying to make you feel better, next time I won't bother."

She rolled her eyes, "I know, but seriously, lay off the gushing pride ok?"

"Fine, I'll be as mean as I can." I said sulkily as I handed her the blu tak.

She checked her watch and went into a panic, "Shit, they're due any minute. Stall them if they arrive before I've finished."

I saluted her and she smiled sarcastically as she left the room. Honestly, I knew she was nervous, we both were I suppose, but being told how to behave in your own house was a bit much. I looked in the fridge, sure enough the meat was still on the shelf.

This was all Naomi's fault, making me panic unnecessarily, I'd cooked more Sunday lunches for the various waifs and strays over the years than most people had... well hot dinners I guess. Although, to be honest, I hadn't been around kids for quite a while. When Naomi was little and it was practically an open house they ran amuck. I'd change babies, pick them up when they tripped in the garden, read them stories, but it was different when you were all pitching in.

This Danny sounded far too clever by half and I admit I was a bit worried in case he thought our little rickety house was small and a bit rubbish I suppose. He was used to all sorts of nice things, here? Here he'd get a perfectly cooked lunch, some tatty books and an accident old portable tv but not a lot else in terms of new technology or the modern world. I shook myself, not only wasn't I following my own advice, I was also being unfair. He sounded lovely if a little inquisitive and if Emily was anything to go by I'm sure he'd be an absolute sweetie.

I was glad we'd met again yesterday because it got the awkwardness out of the way. I found the two of them giggling in the kitchen eating some pasta when I walked in. Emily swallowed slightly nervously and began to blush almost as soon as I got through the door. Even Naomi picked up on it so she squeezed her hand before asking if I remembered Emily. I nodded as the redhead rose and replied of course I did. She half smiled and held out her hand before saying it was good to see me again. There was another awkward pause as I stared at her outstretched arm before I pulled her into a tight hug and told her it was lovely to see her too. I felt her relax into the embrace, clearly she was worried in case I was standoffish or hostile, but why would I be? She and Naomi had worked things out and I was just glad she was making my daughter happy again. I poured us some wine and we sat for the next half an hour chatting easily and laughing until she had to go. I said a cheery goodbye and left Naomi to see her out, needless to say it was sometime before my daughter came back with a soppy grin on her face.

I'm interrupted from my thoughts by a sharp ring of the doorbell, I looked at the clock and practically threw the meat into the oven. I went into the hall but Naomi beat me to it as she clattered down the stairs and flung open the door.

"Hey, come on in."

"We're not too early? Someone, who shall remain nameless, insisted we came round as soon as we could." Emily said with a well practiced eye roll.

"Bang on time." Naomi paused and frowned , "where's your ba..."

Emily's eyebrow shot up, "I thought it might be better if we got the introductions out of the way and you gave Danny your surprise first..."

Naomi paused, "oh right... Of course..."

I stared at the wild haired little boy, he was shuffling from foot to foot, barely able to contain his excitement.

"I can't wait, I might wee myself I'm so excited..." He said with glee as he burst through the door into Naomi's arms.

She laughed, "I sincerely hope you don't do that..." She put him down and turned to me, "Mum, this is Danny."

I smiled, "Hello, I've heard such a lot about you."

He smiled back, "Hello Naomi's Mum." He looked expectantly at my daughter, "now can I have the surprise?"

"Ahem, Mrs Campbell has gone to a lot of effort today, so I expect you to be a bit more polite than that please." Emily said gently but firmly.

He looked contrite as he held out his hand, "sorry Mrs Campbell, I'm Danny, it's very nice to meet you."

Just as I'd done with Emily, I gave him a big bear hug, "it's very nice to meet you too, you're every bit as cute as Naomi said."

He blushed and then stared at me as I pulled away. He continued to scrutinise me, head tilted to one side. I got a bit unnerved when he peered into my eyes, "if you don't mind me saying so, you don't look mad."

"Danny!" Emily snapped.

"But Naomi said... when I told Ellie she said they look normal but you could always tell by the mad eyes...but Mrs Campbell's don't..."

I stared questioningly at my daughter who suddenly found the floor very fascinating.

"Gina, I'm so sorry..." Emily began falteringly as she reddened.

"Pft, it's not you who should be apologising love." I said sharply.

"Are you on drugs? Ellie said you might be, to control your..." Danny enquired. "Mental episodes" he whispered the last bit.

"Daniel Jonah, if you're not careful not only won't there be a surprise I'll be frog marching you straight back out to the car."

He looked horrified, "oh please Mummy..."

Finally Naomi stepped in, "Mum, it's my fault, obviously I used some flowery language to describe you. Dan, my Mum's quite sane, I was just making a joke."

He frowned, "It's not very funny..."

I turned to my daughter, "out of the mouths of babes eh?"

"I'm very sorry Mrs Campbell, I didn't mean to be rude, I was brought up better than that." He said sincerely.

I couldn't help but smile at him, he really was adorable, "No harm done sweetheart, you were just being inquisitive, in fact you remind me of another seven year old I knew once.."

He was about to ask a question when Naomi bundled him towards the stairs, a classic diversion tactic if ever I saw one. There was still plenty of time to get my revenge, after that little stunt she could forget anything about me not embarrassing her, stories and photos were coming out in force after lunch.

"Why don't you go with Naomi and when you come down lunch will be ready."

He gave me a beaming smile, "goody, I didn't have any breakfast just so I could eat lots."

Emily tutted, "What he means of course is that he refused to eat the healthy porridge I gave him in case he couldn't fit in all of the Yorkshire pudding I told him about."

My eyes widened, "oh God, the yorkies."

"Dan, go up with Naomi and see your surprise."

They ran upstairs, soon enough there were the sound of excited squeals.

Emily smiled, "I'll get the bags in unless there's anything I can do to help?"

I shook my head, "you're a guest love, it's all in hand."

She left and I sighed as I fussed in the kitchen. I turned the potatoes and peered through the door at the Yorkshire puddings.

I heard a thundering down the stairs and Danny ran back in just as Emily reentered the house. "Mum, it's ace, it's the best bedroom ever."

Emily narrowed her eyes, "I spent three weekends painting yours at home."

He smiled sheepishly, "I love my bedroom, but this is awesome."

Naomi entered the room, Emily smiled at her and she blushed, "it's ok then?"

Emily nodded, "apparently it's far better than his bedroom at home."

Naomi bit her lip, "sorry, I..."

Emily cupped her face and kissed her, "that's a good thing."

"Ewwww, stop kissing, gross, gross, gross."

I coughed, "right who's for a nice beef lunch?"

Danny whooped, "yeah, me."

They sat down and I placed the meat down, I put the dishes of vegetables next and finally the yorkies.

"The plates are in the oven, Naomi?"

She got up and took them out with a tea towel, "they're hot Dan, be careful."

I sliced the meat, put a few pieces on the plate and Naomi and Emily dished up the rest. Soon the room was filled with satisfied munching.

"Mrs Campbell, this is one of the nicest things I've ever eaten." Danny said sincerely.

Emily smiled, "I did say Gi... Mrs Campbell's lunches were legendary."

We finished in silence, cutlery scraping and then being placed down.

Danny rubbed his stomach, "this is the best day ever. My room is brilliant, the food was even better than Brendan at Grandma's and he gets paid to cook for them. If Naomi and Mummy get married can I call you Grandma Gina?"

Naomi suddenly started to choke, Emily hit her back and rubbed it as my daughter coughed. "Long way off Danny."

"What's wrong?"

Naomi stared at him, her eyes watering, "big step Dan, let's get the holiday out of the way first, then we'll see eh?"

I cleared away the plates and could hear whispered discussions in the background.

I entered the lounge with coffee and some squash for Danny. "Now who wants to hear some stories about Naomi?"

Danny giggled, "are they embarrassing?"

I nodded, "very."

We spent the rest of the afternoon laughing and joking, Naomi had her head in her hands a lot but Emily and Danny insisted, honestly they did. I got some photos out and Emily studied them carefully.

"You were a beautiful child." She said with a smile.

Naomi shrugged, "What went wrong eh?"

Emily beamed at her, "not a lot, you're still beautiful now."

She blushed, "I thought my Mum was going to be the one who embarrassed me the most today..."

"Naomi what's this?" Danny asked as he picked up a box.

"It's a pocket watch my Dad left me." She replied honestly. "it's one of the most accurate in the world."

He stared at it, "do you miss him?"

Naomi sat down on the sofa and pulled Danny onto her lap, "Sometimes..."

I was intrigued, Naomi very rarely spoke about her Dad, she definitely never asked me much.

"We're the same aren't we? Our Daddies both left us?" Danny stated.

Naomi smiled sadly, "yes they did but I'm pretty sure your Dad would still love to be here if he could. Mine didn't, he didn't die, he just left."

"Then he's silly, because you're brilliant."

Naomi hugged him, "Thank you, you're pretty special too."

"Can I take the watch in to school?"

Emily walked over, "you know the compass Gramps gave you?"

He nodded, "the one from dad?"

"Yeah, it's the same sweetheart. The watch is from Naomi's Dad, she can't let you have it because it's what she has from her Daddy too."

He sighed, "oh ok, but it's cool."

Naomi smiled, "you can play with it anytime you want."

Emily stared at him, "I think it's time someone went to bed in that lovely room."

"Awww, Mum..."

"Danny, you've got school tomorrow." Emily stated.

He stared at me, "will you read me a story?"

"Dan, Gina's probably tired."

I stood up, "come on then, although I'm not very good at stories."

He took my hand, "I can help if you like?"

I led him upstairs, he brushed his teeth and ran into the bedroom before he climbed under the duvet.

I ran my fingers across the books, "what do you fancy?"

"You decide." He said sleepily.

I picked out a book and sat down. "I used to read this to Naomi when she was little."

He smiled, "I'll like it then."

I opened the cover, "Sophie couldn't sleep. A brilliant moonbeam was slanting through a gap in the curtains. It was shining right onto her pillow."

His face lit up, "it's the BFG, Naomi reads this to me."

"She does?" I said as I swallowed.

Danny nodded, "it's her favourite."

I read a few more chapters and his eyes closed, I kissed his forehead and wrapped the duvet around him. "Night sweetheart."

I went back downstairs, Emily and Naomi were cuddled on the sofa watching tv. "What's this then?"

"Sherlock." Naomi informed me.

I watched for a bit, every now and then I'd frown.

"Mum, if you want to be annoying and ask, do it." Naomi stated.

"So who is she?"

"Watson."

"But she's a woman."

Naomi unfurled herself from Emily, "it's a modern take, Watson is a girl in this, an ex doctor but a scientist."

"Oh, ok." I replied.

"I wish you wouldn't do this. Either watch it and enjoy it, or don't bother." Naomi said exasperatedly.

"Naoms, don't be mean. If your Mum hasn't seen it how's she to know?" Emily soothed.

Naomi held her hands up, "But she always does this. Pretends not to be interested and then asks questions all the way through."

"I'm not asking anything." I responded indignantly.

"Let's watch it in bed, we need to get up anyway." Naomi said slightly narkily.

Emily got up and hugged me, "thanks for lunch Gina, it was lovely."

She kissed Naomi, "I'll check on Danny, bring us up some water?"

Naomi smiled, "yeah sure, see you in a minute."

I stood awkwardly as my daughter ran the tap, I took a deep breath, "I won't be offended if you want to find your Dad."

She turned and stared at me.

"I understand it's important to know who you are, I'll help if you like? I have a last address for him..."

"Why would I do that? One mad parent is about as much as I can take." She said with a smile.

I shrugged, "I just... I..."

Naomi held out her arms, and for the first time in ages she hugged me as I gripped her tightly back, "you're the most irritating person I know, but you've also made me who I am and for that I'll always be grateful. I may not tell you often but I love you Mum, I don't need a Dad who doesn't want to be around, you've more than made up for it."

I pulled back, "stop it you sentimental thing..."

She coughed, "right after that outpouring I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

I kissed her forehead, "night sweetheart. See you tomorrow."

"Night Mum."

I wiped the surfaces after she left, quietly humming to myself. Emily was right, I was tired but I knew I'd sleep more soundly knowing Naomi was happy at last.