‘I did it myself.’ Like the self-reliant queen I am.
‘You probably missed bits. You can’t reach between your shoulder blades. You have disproportionately short arms.’
‘Thank you,’ I snap, trying to remember whether I did, indeed, miss that bit.
Mum wraps her long hair in a bun on top of her head and secures it with the band around her wrist. She has this innate ability to always look put-together even when she hasn’t done anything. She’s wearing pyjamas, reading glasses, and her face is make-up free, and she still looks every bit the model she was before I came along.
‘How was the flight?’ she asks.
‘Fine. Long.’ I forgot how brutal long-haul economy is. Bloody TV budgets.
‘And the hotel? Are you in The Langham? We always loved The Langham.Gloriousviews of the city.’
‘Erm, no.’ I look around at the functional room with its crisp white sheets and tiny window. ‘Press don’t stay where the drivers stay, Mum.’
‘Right.’
‘We’re outside Melbourne, and get a bus to the track.’
‘An F1bus?’
‘Yes, but the room’s clean, there’s space for all my things, and I also have a lovely view of,’ I peer outside the darkened window, ‘a car park!’ I finish as brightly as I can.
When I look back at my phone, Mum’s brow is deeply furrowed. ‘Right,’ she mumbles.
‘Frown lines!’ I growl, and her forehead unravels. ‘So, what’s new with you?’
It takes a moment for her to soften. ‘I do actually have news.’
‘Spill.’ I shuffle on the bed to get a comfier position.
‘The puppies were born last night.’
I nearly bob up and flash my naked chest. ‘What?!I can’t believe I missed it! How do they look?’
‘Like… little blind moles.’
‘And Coco? How’s Coco?’
‘Fed up with them already. She’s already scrunched her nose up twice this morning.’
‘Can I see them?’
Mum exhales. ‘Fine, but you best appreciate this. It’s a nightmare trying to keep the others out.’
She tiptoes lightly from the kitchen, but being stealthy is impossible in that house. A trail of dogs immediately start following her like the Pied Piper.‘Go and lie down. All of you: go and lie down!’she orders.
She slithers into the dining room unaccompanied. In the middle is a big pen with a stirring Coco and seven tiny black and brown border collie puppies. I can’t even.They’re the most adorable things I’ve ever seen. We’ve had ten litters (from six dogs) since my mum became a professional breeder, and you’d think it would get old. It doesn’t.
My hand claps over my mouth.‘OH MY GOD,’I breathe. ‘Thecuteness.’
Mum smiles indulgently as she rubs behind Coco’s ear.
‘Did they all make it?’ I whisper, and hold my breath.
‘They sure did. It was touch-and-go for the runt at around two, but she pulled through. At least I think she’s a she. The vet’s coming this afternoon and he’ll confirm.’
‘Sorry I can’t be there to help.’
