A tavolo per tre, per favore

“Boys, grab some basil off Barry Basil. We need it for dinner.”

Six pairs of hands pillaged poor potted Barry Basil last Saturday night.

The men and I plucked basil happily for our dinner party that the boys had suggested. It was exciting, our first proper dinner date, just us three.

“Dad, I need to decorate the table, okay.”

“Of course kiddo, it’s not a dinner party without table decorations…” I eyed them seriously as if I was about to unfold the Magna Carta in front of them, “… if there is one thing I can teach you, it’s how to do a party.”

I winked at them as they busied themselves on the outdoor coffee table.

I threw the iPod into the stereo and as I peeled basil leaves into the fresh sauce on the stove, Pink Martini’s neapolitan Ninna Nanna awakened the evening from a slumbering afternoon.

“Dad, this music is awesome.” Beau came in from decorating to give me a kiss as I threw in the pasta. I pecked his upturned lips as I passed him the plates to set the table.

“Gosh, you guys have done an amazing job, this is so cool.” I stood at the doorway admiring Chick proudly displaying the table with no room left on it bar three plates and cups.

“Who would you invite to our dinner party if you could?” I asked.

“Mummy!” Beau jumped up. “…and Anthony — ’cause he’s funny.”

I laughed. “Yes, I’m sure if you asked him he’d come, sweetheart.”

Each plate contained an entwined highway of pasta fighting for tomato-laced meat and herbs. The moment I placed it in front of Chicky he picked it up and took it back inside to eat at the table quoting his reluctance to dine in such confined circumstances. He waved occasionally from the kitchen table.

“Cheers, my little man…” I clinked glasses with Beau and inside with Chicky, “…thank you boys for making such a great dinner party.”

“Salut, Papa!” they smiled, spaghetti-lipped and basil-breathed.

With the men in the bath I sat down on the couch and finished my wine.

I smiled. It was one of those perfect nights.

info: You can follow John on Twitter @daddydearest_