23
SUMMER DAYS
MADISON
WINE NOT
Halle: Do I need to put out a missing persons report for you and my brother Madi?
Me: You literally saw me yesterday.
Halle: Yeah, for all of two minutes
Sarah: I haven’t seen you in forever
Sarah: Since Halle’s birthday, I think.
Tessa: That was weeks ago. You and Hunter need to come up for some air girl
Me: Oh my god
Sarah: She’s not wrong. I can count on one hand how many nights he’s slept here in the last few weeks.
Me: He’s been working a lot.Summer’s here, the bar’s busy.
Tessa: Sarah that’s probably a good thing. You wouldn’t want their nightly activities keeping you awake.
Me: TESS!!!
Me: In my defence, I’ve been busy too. I’m doing more of the admin side of things for Whiskey, night shifts, organizing Charlie’s going home party, volunteering at the hospital… multitasking queen.
Halle: I was just kidding Madi. I’m really happy you guys are working things out.
Tessa: We all are
Sarah: I’m glad I don’t have to kick his ass for you.
Me: Okay but I do miss you guys. Life needs to slow down.
Tessa: That’s what today’s for! Sun, water, good food and good people.
Halle: We’re still meeting here and walking down together?
Sarah: Remi is so excited to go swimming. See you girls soon.
“Sweetheart, what are you doing here? Don’t you guys have your traditional first-week-of-summer barbecue party today down at Falls Creek?”
I grin at Mom, spotting Nurse Sally behind her. “Hey, Mom. Hi, Sally.” I hug mom, then step back. “We do, but it doesn’t start for a few hours, and it’s the boys’ year to organize it. I’m heading over to Hunter’s to meet the girls soon before we all walk down. Thought I’d stop in here first, see Charlie, and sort out some final touches for her party nextweek.”
“Well, while you’re here, come get a coffee with me. I have twenty minutes left on my break, and I miss you.”
She links her arm through mine and steers me away from the children’s ward, guiding me toward the cafeteria like we’ve done so many times in the past. My heart squeezes at her words. I miss her too. I’ve been so wrapped up in… everything, so tangled in life and work and Hunter, that I’ve stopped checking in the way I should.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been around for breakfast or dinner.”
“Oh, stop.” She waves me off. “For months, I practically bribed you with blueberry muffins and pancakes to make sure you were still alive.”
“Mom,” I groan.
