Graham strode into the Home Farm kitchen, heading purposefully for the coffee machine.
"Morning," he said to Joe, who was sitting at the table.
"Don't 'morning' me." Joe spun around and held out a gift bag. "Happy birthday."
Graham took the bag with a sigh. "I was hoping you'd forgotten."
"I've got an excellent memory."
"I've noticed." Graham looked inside the bag. "I'm a bit too old for birthday celebrations."
"C'mon, you're only..." Joe wrinkled his brow. "How old are you?"
"Never you mind."
"Go on, open it."
Graham pulled a card out of the bag and opened it. Joe had got him the slushiest card on the shelf and signed it with a row of kisses to wind him up.
"Very nice."
"Open the present."
Graham unwrapped the box, revealing a complicated looking model aeroplane set.
"To add to the collection," Joe said. "And to help keep you zen after I've driven you crazy all day..."
Graham looked at Joe and could see the sincerity in his expression. "Thank you. That's very thoughtful."
"So will you come to the Woolpack for a drink tonight?" asked Joe. "I promise there won't be a surprise party..."
"Fine. You can buy me an orange juice."
The doorbell rang at that moment and Joe jumped to his feet. "That'll be your cake."
Graham shook his head as Joe ran to the door, but couldn't hold back a smile.