No. Let's just do the show.

You texted him back.

No thanks. I'm not sure what you're talking about, but I'd prefer if you'd just do the show.

He sent back a reply immediately.

That's a shame. Alright, whatever. See you Saturday.

You went to the bedroom and went to sleep.

Friday was uneventful. You worked especially late because you didn't want to worry about anything over the weekend. When you got home, Jessica was already in bed, and had left you dishes to wash, which you did before you went to sleep.

Saturday morning, you awoke feeling slightly nervous, but you weren't sure why. You knew that it wasn't because you were seeing your family, but it was something to do with them and Jessica that made you feel on edge. As you climbed out of bed, got dressed and went into the loungeroom, you saw that Jessica left you a note on the bench.

I've gone shopping for some new clothes. Start cooking a roast chicken for lunch, I'll be back in a couple hours.

You put the note in the bin and took the chicken out of the fridge, then heated up the oven. You put the chicken in, then went to the lounge room to watch tv.

It wasn't long before Jessica got home. She was carrying a few bags, apparently full of clothes, then went to the bedroom to drop them off. You went to the kitchen to check on the roast chicken. It was cooked through, and the vegetables were done too. You took them out and let them rest on the bench. You heard Jessica walk past, and to the bathroom. You then heard the shower turn on. You walked back to the loungeroom before hearing a knock on the door. You fixed your hair before heading to the door.

You opened the door and was greeted with an overwhelming hug from your mother. Amanda was in her fifties. Her long, wavy hair was starting to grey, but she dyed it red to try and keep her youthful look, which she did quite well. She was slim and short. You let Amanda past you and into the house. Cait was next. She was wearing a nice dress, though a bit tight. She walked up and gave you a one-armed hug and kiss on the cheek. She was taller than your mother, but still short compared to you. She had the same dark red hair as Amanda, but had a fuller figure. You went down to your mother's station wagon to help Joel with the bags.

"Hey bro... Take these will you?" Joel greeted you by tossing a couple of bags at you. He flashed a familiar grin before slamming the boot shut. He was roughly the same height as you, but had a more masculine build, like your passed father. He gave you a whack on the shoulder as he walked up to the door, a couple of bags held with one hand over his shoulder. You followed him inside and closed the door.

Amanda and Cait were already making themselves at home. They were in the kitchen, preparing plates and cutlery. Joel threw the bags down onto the floor and sat down on the lounge, then picked up the tv remote and started to flick through the channels. You edged your way into the kitchen and opened the fridge, fishing out a couple of beers before you were shoo'd out by your mother and sister. You took a seat next to Joel and handed him a beer. Footy was on, so Joel's attention was already taken. You watched in silence with him as Cait and Amanda set up lunch on the table.

Jessica eventually came out of the bathroom wearing a loose fitting, summery dress. She looked very nice, though you could see plenty of cleavage. She offered a warm smile to your mother and sister, then again to Joel... A smile that you once thought to be genuine and innocent. They set up the table and called for Joel's attention. Though he probably didn't hear them, the smell of the food was enough to summon him to the table. You sat yourself next to Jessica as Joel sat at the end of the table beside you, and Cait and Amanda sat opposite you. You all began to collect food onto your plates and chattered.

"Steve, you're looking a little thin mate. You slacking off at the gym?" Joel teased you a bit.

"You know that I've always been the thinker of us two... I let the mindless muscle do what it wants." You poked back.

"He hasn't been to the gym in years." Jessica chipped in with a smirk.

"Oh, that's no good Steve. You need to stay fit and healthy!" Amanda told you sternly. Since your father, Jeff, passed away, she always worried about her kids.

"Leave him alone, he looks healthy enough." Cait cut in. She was always the one to step in when you and Joel fought. She took her role as an older sister very seriously.

"By the way..." Jessica started to speak while shooting you a smirk.

"I doubt Steve told anyone... But his old college friend, Matt, is coming over this afternoon." She said matter of factly.

"Oh yeah? I get to meet one of your friends? Didn't think you had any bro." Your brother took the opportunity for another poke at you.

You just gave him a tired look as Jessica continued to talk.

"Well, we only met up with him recently... He's a hypnotist you see. We saw him on tv, and Steve gave him a call to see if we'd be able to catch up. He gave us a private performance, and it was amazing." She emphasized the last word while smirking at you again.

"That sounds fun!" Cait smiled at Jessica as she ate.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, you got up to collect plates and wash the dishes. Your mother, brother and sister joined Jessica on the couch to watch tv and chat. You finished washing the dishes as a knock from the door sounded through the house.

"I'll get it..." You said to your wife and family, who seemed to ignore you.

You opened the door and greeted Matt with a handshake.

"Hey mate, good to see you." He looked you over with a grin.

"Come in." You said as you stood aside to let him in.

"Yeah, sure..." He said. he gazed past you casually as he murmured quietly.

"I'll make the offer again... Same as last time... Just say the word." He looked at you curiously.