Dear Diary,
My daughter asked her grandmother to keep an eye on the little one today.
I heard the tale from a mate of mine. His wife, Emily, had just welcomed a son into the world six months ago. James, her husband, is a delivery driver and usually doesnt get home until after six in the evening. On this particular night his van broke down, so he was forced to hand it over to the garage.
James immediately guessed what the problem was. At the workshop in Birmingham they spotted the fault, but the required part wasnt in stock. They promised to have it by the following afternoon. His boss gave him permission to head home early, which delighted James, and he decided to surprise Emily by slipping back without a word.
He turned the key in the lock and slipped inside quietly, careful not to make a sound because his baby was still asleep. After half a day crawling under the bonnet, James felt far from fresh, so he headed straight for the shower. He stripped off his work clothes, never even wrapping a towel around himself.
While James was away, Emily thought it wise to see a doctor and asked her mother, Margaret, to look after the infant. Margaret, together with her husband Robert, settled in the living room, admiring the sleeping grandson, when suddenly James burst in, completely naked. An awkward hush fell over the room. James stared, mortified, at Emilys parents, who stared back in equal surprise.
Good evening, James muttered, hurriedly covering his modesty with his hand.
Evening, evening, his fatherinlaw replied, trying to keep the mood light.
James lingered a moment, then dressed and dashed to the corner shop. Ten minutes later everyone was gathered around the kitchen table, each with a glass of Scotch in hand.
Id really like this little mishap to stay our private secret, James whispered to his inlaws.
Whats that about? Margaret asked.
My wife didnt notice a thing, Robert added, supporting his soninlaw.
Thank you both so much, James said, relieved.
The moral, I suppose, is to always give your partner a headsup before the inlaws swing by, lest you end up in a similar embarrassing situation.
End of entry.
