Youre not his wife, youre a maid. Youve got no children!
Mum, Poppys staying here. Were redoing the flat, its uninhabitable. Theres a free bedroomwhy should she be left to gather dust? James said.
The idea clearly didnt faze James, but his mother, Marge, was a different story. Marge could never warm to a daughterinlaw.
I have to work, I cant be stuck here, Poppy whispered.
She worked from home, so she needed quiet. James spent the whole day at the office, making it tricky to share a roof with Marge. Poppy was used to being the only one at home, so any interruption felt like an intrusion.
Poppy stared at Marge, at a loss for words. Marge didnt want Poppy in her house, but apparently there was no other option. They all sat down at the kitchen table for dinner.
Poppy, could you pass your famous salad? James asked.
James, dont eat that chemistry. I made you a different one, its healthier, Marge protested.
Poppys expression shifted. James was allergic to tomatoeshow could Marge forget? When James was a lad, Marge never bothered with his allergies. Shed always said, No point running to the doctor, just give him a pill and hell be fine.
Hes allergic. Why did you toss tomatoes into the salad? Poppy demanded.
What are you on about? Its just one tomato, nothing to worry about, Marge retorted.
Hell get sick.
Poppy, calm down. He isnt allergic. His own mother knows him better than you.
Im his wife. I look after my husband.
Youre not a wife, youre a servant. No kids! If you ever have any, well have a chat then.
Poppy leapt from her seat and bolted to the bedroom. Marge always hit the sore spot. James hurried over to comfort his wife.
James, Im sorry. Ill go back to my parents place or the office. I wont live under your mothers roof.
Let me talk to her. Shell stop!
No, weve gone round this a million times. We wont sort it out sharing a roof.
So they rented a flat in Salford for a while, paying £1,200 a month, just to dodge another family fiasco. Marge, of course, made a fuss, but she had no choice. Meanwhile, Poppy couldnt help but feel grateful for a husband who was as understanding as he was patient.
