“Mum, what are you wearing?”
Her mother trilled. “I’m going bowling. Can you believe it? I’ve bought this lovely lawn bowls outfit.”
Mum panned the camera so Taya could see the entire thing. She blinked. “Um… Mum. That skirt is so short I can almost see your underwear.”
“I know, isn’t it cute? I’ve got my first game in a couple of hours, and I’m getting in some practice moves. Apparently, you have to bend down and sweep your leg to the side and, oh dear. I’m going to fall over; I can already tell. This is harder than it looks.”
“Please don’t fall. The last thing I need right now is for you to break a hip. I’m heading overseas for two weeks; you’ve got to stay safe and healthy at least until I get back.”
Mum rolled her eyes. “You’ve become a bit bossy lately, sweetheart.”
Taya huffed. “You’ve become…”
“What?”
“Never mind.”
“No, go on. You can say it.”
“A little young.”
“You don’t think I’m acting my age? Taya, that is such a nasty thing to say to someone. Didn’t anyone ever teach you manners?”
There were so many retorts that popped into Taya’s thoughts, but instead she knew the best way was simply to let it go. Maybe she was maturing after all.
“I’m sorry, Mum. You’re right, that was rude. It’s not up to me to police the way you act. You’re a grown woman.”
“Have been for a lot of years, my darling.”
“I know… I feel very protective of you.”
“And I appreciate that. But you’ve got to stop mother-henning me. I’m fine, honey. I don’t need a mother; I need a daughter and a friend.”
“You have me, I’m not going anywhere. Well, I am going somewhere, but only for work. I’ll be back in two weeks.”
“You mentioned that.” Mum cocked her head to one side. “Dad would’ve been so proud of you.”
“I hope so. I finally feel as though I can do this.”
“Of course, you can. You’ve always had it in you, but sometimes we have to be thrown into the deep water before we learn to swim.”
“So, you’re joining a lawn bowls competition?” Taya grunted. “I never thought I’d see the day when my mother would put on an all-white uniform and go to a lawn bowls club.”
“It’s fun… Well, I think it’ll be fun. Joan says they have a great time. And besides, we’re going to coffee afterwards.”
“That’s more like it,” Taya replied. “I knew there would be a reason.”
“Coffee and cake. Gets me every time.” Mum winked. “You have fun on your trip, my darling. I’ll see you when you get back. Will you come to dinner that Friday night?”
“I’d love to. I’ll be far too exhausted to cook and entirely sick of restaurant food.”
“I’ll make a pork roast.”
“Sounds delicious.”
“Camden and her boyfriend will be here too,” Mum said.
“Will they? I don’t think Camden told me about that…”
