“No, there were three of us. I feel good about it, though. I played well. Did everything they asked, and then a bit more.”
“So much like your mother.” Billy laughed.
“Which one?” Imogen grinned back. “I’ve two very resilient women to look up to.”
The words hit Billy in a way she hadn’t expected, her throat choking with emotion.
“Mum says I shouldn’t call you Billy anymore. I kind of like it, but I get it…you’re my mum too.”
Wiping away the tear that threatened to fall, Billy finally found her voice. “I think I’m good with you calling me whatever you want to, as long as you know I’m your mum.”
Imogen laughed. “I’ve always known that. Mum was very clear about the fact that I had two mums.” She shrugged again. “I guess I just followed Mum’s lead, and when she called you Billy, I went with it.”
Someone shouted Imogen’s name and she turned and waved. “I’d better go get changed.”
“Alright, I’ll wait right here.”
“Can we get pizza on the way home?”
“I think your mum’s probably cooked.”
“Yeah, true. She won’t mind, just call and tell her.” She made a pouty face and then sprinted away.
Billy pulled her phone free and rang Rosa.
“Hello? What’s wrong?” Rosa said.
“Nothing. Our daughter wants pizza and I’m calling to see if you’ve already cooked.”
“Of course I’ve cooked,” Rosa answered. “Why does she want pizza?”
“I’ve no idea. Maybe she’s just excited. So, I was thinking, shall I bring her home, or pick you up and we can all have pizza and celebrate with her?”
Rosa sighed. “I guess I can freeze this. Are you indulging her again?”
Billy chuckled. “I’m asking you, not deciding for us. So no, I’m not indulging her…I’d quite like to spend more time with you both.”
“I don’t know, I wasn’t expecting to—”
“What did you cook?”
“Mac and cheese.”
“God, I love that. With the little bacon bits?”
“Of course,” Rosa said, her voice now sounding lighter and more upbeat. “I even made garlic bread.”
“With cheese?” Billy’s mouth was watering.
“Yes, it would have been.” Rosa went quiet for a moment. “Do you want to eat with us?”
“Are you inviting me to?”
“Are you going for pizza?” Rosa threw back.
“Not if you’re inviting me to eat with you.”
Rosa chuckled. “Do you think you can manage disappointing your daughter?”
