So, get thisthe doorbell goes, and suddenly my mother-in-law bursts into the flat, doesnt even say hello, and practically barges past her own son. Shes full of drama: Well, go on then, darling daughter-in-law, what secrets are you keeping from your husband?
Back up a bit, and it was a normal evening for Tom. His wife, Emily, had already told him that shed be home late because her boss had sprung some last-minute audit on them at work. When Tom got home, the place was deathly quiet. He checked the fridgedinner was a no-show. So, he sighed, put the kettle on, made himself a couple of cheese and pickle sandwiches, and then flopped onto the sofa with the telly on. He channel-hopped a bit before settling on the boxing.
But before he could even take a proper bite, in storms his motherMargaret Smithlike a whirlwind, shoving Tom aside and stomping straight into the living room. Tom, listen, and listen well! Ive just been told something shocking by Linda down the road.
Tom blinked. Mum, whats happened?
Well, she said, almost triumphant, your wife, Emily, actually owns another flatand shes renting it out! Pocketing the money for herself, if you can believe it.
Mum, honestly, why are you paying any attention to gossip from that Linda? Shes always stirring the pot with rumours and nonsense, and you just eat it up.
I know Lindas got a reputation for exaggeration, but this time Ive got proof! Because the girl renting the place now is her neighbours niece. She even told me its a two-bed flat, they pay £600 a month, and apparently, Emilys been letting it out for over two years! This isnt the first set of tenants shes had either.
Tom just sat there, thoughtful. Well, thats a surprise. I wonder why she never told me about it.
Shes obviously building herself a safety net. One day shell have enough in the bank, and youll come home to an empty house! Bare as Mother Hubbards cupboard, Margaret declared, brimming with certainty.
Emily finally arrived home about an hour and a half later, only to find Tom and his mum waiting in the kitchen. Margaret, apparently not keen to miss any drama, had taken it upon herself to make dinner and fuss about the place. When Emily walked in, both Tom and his mother gave her such a stern, expectant look.
Margaret pounced first: Right then, Emily, what secrets have you got from your husband?
Emily, a bit startled, said: I dont have any secrets, as far as I know.
Margaret went on: Nothing at all? What about that flat on Ashfield Road, number forty-three?
Emily looked genuinely surprised. Whats my flat got to do with secrets from Tom?
Well, thats where youre hiding your rental income from him, isnt it? Margaret accused.
Tom finally piped up: Yeah, Emily, honestlywhere did you get this flat from? And why didnt you tell me you were letting it out? Or what you did with the money?
Emily sighed. It belonged to Aunt Helenmy mums cousin, so more like a great aunt to me, though I still get muddled with all that. She passed away nearly three years ago. I did mention it to you, Tomyou even remarked how I wouldnt be running around after her anymore. When I asked for help with the funeral, you said you were too busy at work.
Margaret chimed in now: So why did she leave the flat to you?
Probably because I was the only one who ever went round to see her, Emily replied evenly.
So why on earth didnt you tell Tom about this inheritance?
Emily looked at her. Why should I have done? Its my inheritanceit doesnt concern Tom.
Hes your husband! Of course it concerns him! Margaret said loudly.
Emily raised her eyebrow. Does it, though?
Margaret spluttered: You cannot be serious! Money from the flat should have gone into the family pot, not on yourself!
Emily stood her ground: I used it because I have every right to. My inheritance is my personal asset. Anything I get from itwhether I sell or rentbelongs to me. I dont have to justify what I do with it to anyone.
Tom finally jumped in. Emily, I spent a fortune fixing the car last yeartwo full bonuses from workand you had all this money stashed away but said nothing? Thats pretty hard to swallow.
Emily just shook her head: Its your car, Tom. You drive it. Every time I ask you to give me a lift, you say youre either busy or its out of your way, and tell me to get a taxi. Last year, you drove me anywhere three times: once to the supermarket before Christmas, once you picked me up from work because youd forgotten your keys, and once to A&E when I twisted my ankle. So why should I pay for something I barely use?
Margaret butted in: How much have you actually saved up then? Must be thousands!
Something like that, but not millions, Emily said. Do you even remember youve got two daughters at university, Tom? When was the last time you sent them any money?
They do part-time jobs themselves, Tom said, sounding a bit unsure.
Yes, they try to get by, but if they had to cover absolutely everything, theyd never have time to study.
Tom asked: But why keep the inheritance under wraps?
Emily shrugged. Because if Id mentioned it, you lot wouldve been interrogating me just like thistwo and a half years ago! Plus, I had an example right in front of my eyes: remember how your mum persuaded your brothers wife to sell her old flat before she married him so they could buy a holiday home together?
Margaret cut in: What are you getting at?
Emily didnt skip a beat: You spent a year wearing her down. Convinced her to sell the old flat, saying itd be better for the family to get a cottage, a place to relax in summer. So, the flats sold, cottages boughtwhose name is it in? Yours, Margaret! Now, your daughter-in-law cant even visit with friends without your say-so, and all shes left with is weeding your garden beds. Thats not for me, thanks.
Margaret was fuming: You cheeky thing! All you think about is yourself!
Takes one to know one, Margaret, Emily shot back.
Tom shifted uncomfortably. Margaret whined, Tom, you hear how your wife speaks to me?
Emily turned to both of them. Lets be honest, you only came running round here as soon as you heard about the inheritancehoping to get your hands on it. Am I wrong?
Margaret huffed, I just wanted to let Tom know!
Well, now he knows. And what, you expect me just to hand over the cash? Its being used for the familybut in the way I see fit. Im not shelling out for Toms car repairs or doing up your cottage, Mum.
Margaret shot back: We couldve discussed how best to spend it together, you know.
Emily rolled her eyes. Come on, Im forty-six years oldI think I can manage my own money.
Margaret snapped: You cant just think about yourself, though!
Emily glanced at her. Who should I be thinking about? You? This is exactly why I never shouted about the inheritance. The money is for meand for my kids. Thats all.
For the record, nothings changing. So, Margaret, you might as well forget this inheritance ever existed! Emily said firmly.
Margaret narrowed her eyes. So youre just going to spend it yourself?
If thats what I want to do, yes.
And your husbandhe doesnt get a share? Margaret pressed.
Hell get what I feel is right. Itll all go to the familybut my family, as in me, Tom, and our daughters. The rest of you, well, youre relatives, Emily said simply.
In the end, Margaret didnt get a thing out of Emily that night, though not for lack of trying. Shed keep on probing, trying to get what she calls her fair share. But honestly, Emilys not budging an inch. Margarets just met her match there, I supposeas they say, Emilys not one to be pushed around.
