But now I sleep alone

Chapter 3

James has gone to pick up the band from Manchester airport. Part of the deal for bands has always been for them to stay in the large guest house here. It's only a short drive to the studio and cheaper than the local hotels. I've stocked up the fridges in there with essentials for them and made up the beds. I've hardly slept again and I feel hungover even though I'm not. I'm just exhausted but James is due back soon so I can't stop. I get the coal fire lit - the guests seem to like it and it is warming. It's mid winter and pretty cold. The great British winter. Yeay. Not. I think everything is ready so I quickly close the door and run across to the main house. My mam is due back from the respite centre in a couple of hours so I start preparing our evening meal. I've taken over from my dad with the cooking. He loved creating tasty dishes and his cooking was the best. Mine isn't too bad though. I prepare a beef stew and get it into the large saucepan I use, making sure there's enough for the guests if they want some. If they don't, then we can have the rest tomorrow ourselves. I hear a car door slam and see James leading a group of guys across to the guest house. I'll go and introduce myself later, when mam is in bed. I stir the stew as it comes up to the boil and turn the heat down, placing the lid on. I load the washer and empty the dryer that finished earlier before sorting it all out and putting it away, glancing out of the window as I see one of the guys emerge from the house and light a cigarette. He looks familiar but I can't think where from. Tall, skinny, tattooed.
Mike?