After a moment, El switches the subject. “So, how come your mum wasn’t at the engagement party? I’m guessing she wasn’t, as I didn’t see any woman go up to you.”
I keep my eyes on the road. “She had a heart attack nearly four weeks ago.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“She’s fine now, she’s a tough cookie, but she’s a little fragile still. She probably wouldn’t have come anyway.”
“What d’you mean?”
I pull into the driveway. “She’s not exactly a fan of how her family earns its money.”
“Oh.”
I put the car in park and drop my hands into my lap. “It’s fine. She does her own thing. She’s a strong woman.”
She reaches over and puts her hand on my leg, it steals the breath from my lungs. “If you’re anything like her, then she definitely is.”
I smile at the statement, take her small hand into mine and give it a squeeze. “Come on. It’s nearly lunch, I’m starving.”
She gives me a sympathetic smile, then we climb out the car.
The house always looks smaller when I come here. It was huge to me as a kid. It’s still bigger than most homes, but now it seems too small even for Mum to live in.
I lead El through the front door, past the foyer and dining room.
“Mum?” I call out when I don’t spot her, nor hear anything.
Bruiser darts off into the garden, so we follow.
I gasp as I see mum kneeling over one of her flower beds. “Mum! What are you doing?!”
Mum whips her head around and her shoulders sag. “God, Alf, don’t scare me like that!”
She wipes her damp brow with the back of a gloved hand. I dash over to her. “You shouldn’t be fucking gardening right now!”
She bats my arm as I help her to her feet. “Language! I was only doing a little bit, I couldn’t bear seeing those fucking weeds any longer.”
“I would have done it! You are impossible, woman.”
She waves me off and then puts her arms around me. “I’m so glad to see you, pumpkin.”
I bring my arms around her. She feels thinner. “Good to see you too, Mum.”
“Who is your guest?” she says over my shoulder. I release her, turning back to Elodie, who’s standing at the patio doors, hugging her arm, looking adorably awkward. Mum scans her. “Are they Caden’s clothes?”
I beam at her. “This is the newest member of the family, Mum.” I lead her towards El. “This is Caden’s fiancé, Elodie.”
“This is the girl?” She points at El, turning to me. I nod. “Wow.” She turns back to Elodie. “You are simply gorgeous!”
El’s cheeks instantly flush and she lowers her head bashfully. “Thank you, I’m pleased to meet you, ma’am.”
She walks off from me, opening her arms. “Please, call me Debbie, or Deb.” She pulls her into a bear hug and El tentatively hugs her back, smiling at me over Mum’s shoulder.
Mum pulls away and holds her at arm’s length. “How come you’re in his clothes, though?”
El’s cheeks flush ever brighter.
I answer for her. “That’s a long story.”
