Page 93 of In Step

“How is she taking things?”

“Pretty devastated, obviously, but surprisingly matter-of-fact, as well. It’s going to take some time to sink in though. Con is going back to talk to the doctor on his own in a couple of weeks. We’ll work up a list of questions and I’ll video in for that. But Mum was very clear that she doesn’t want either of us to be responsible for her care and that she doesn’t want to move twice. She made Con and me look at some residential care options while we were there, taking her with us. There was one place which was head and shoulders above the rest. It would need Con and I to cover some of the costs the government doesn’t, but that’s fine. It just means I have to put my plans to chuck in my job and backpack the world on hold for a bit.”

I squeezed his hand as he hesitated and swallowed hard.

“She was really good, you know? I don’t think I would be that strong. She was trying to stay upbeat about it all, but it’s just fucking heartbreaking.” He banged his head a couple of times against the passenger window and then covered his face.

I pulled to the side of the road, killed the engine, and slid my seat back so I could lean across and wrap my arms around him. “I’m so fucking sorry, Abe.”

He clung to me, his hand fisting my shirt, holding me close, burying his face in my neck. “We’ve got time until she’ll need to move,” he murmured, his breath hot on my skin. “But it feels like we’re already losing parts of her. And as much as I’ve struggled with Mum over the years, I love her. She’s my mum, you know?”

I pulled back a little so I could see him better and cradled his face. “I know. She is. I know.” I kissed him softly, tasting the tears on his lips, and then I just held him against me until he was done.

Once he’d emptied himself and settled, we got back on the road and he immediately changed the subject. “Have you heard back about the restraining order?”

“Not yet. Ashley has filed it, which means a copy will go to my father and he’ll get a chance to object. But considering we have both videos now and the fact I had every right to be at the farm since it’s still my legal address, Ashley doesn’t think he has a leg to stand on. And his lawyer has sent the documentation on my farm claim back with some questions but no outright refusal so far, so that’s promising.”

“Thank God. You deserve a break. And how did last night’s community dance lesson go?”

“It was a blast.” I grinned at the memory. “Judah did great. I lent a hand when he needed me and then helped the mums get supper ready.”

He sent me a questioning look. “You didn’t dance?”

I simply shrugged. “It wasn’t the same without you.” I left it at that, but I didn’t miss the worried look.

“I want you to continue when I’m gone,” he said, again avoiding my eyes.

“You don’t really get a say in that,” I said just as firmly. I couldn’t imagine dancing without him. The memories would be too painful.

It was my turn to change the subject. “Patrick brought that cutie with him again—Kelly, I think his name is—so I guess they’re a thing now. Judah put the sign-up sheet on the board for the ten-week summer dance course, describing it as an intro to all the major dances, and it had sixteen names on it by the time the class finished.Andthe high school principal has asked for a meeting with him about dance classes before the next senior ball.”

Abe managed a genuine smile. “That’s exactly what I hoped for. Couple dancing is making a huge comeback, thanks toStrictly Come Dancingand all those shows. It’s another string to Judah’s bow. Has Tank gone home?”

I chuckled. “Yes, and the owner seemed very impressed at Tank’s svelte, boyish figure.”

Abe laughed and the sound brought joy to my heart. “Boyish?” he scoffed. “Man, the guy must’ve had some huge cats if he thinks Tank is boyish.”

“Truth. And I, um, got offered a job... by the vet.” I glanced sideways, barely able to hide my excitement.

“What?” Abe jerked around, delight written all over his face.

“Yeah, Gavin asked if I’d be interested in working as his assistant slash vet tech. His current one is leaving for a job in Auckland next month, and he said I’m a natural with the animals, so...”

“And what did you say?” Abe looked almost more excited than I was.

“I said I’d think about it. I mean, I don’t have any training, but Gavin said that if I decided I wanted to get qualified, the practice would sponsor me.”

Abe leaned across and planted a smacking kiss on my cheek. “That’s amazing. And kind of fucking perfect for you.”

My face split in a wide grin. “I know, right? It’s not a job I’ve ever really thought about seriously. I always thought I’d do something with English, and to be honest, my sciences suck. But Gavin says the science stuff is all pretty low-level and that I should manage fine, and he’ll help me if I need it. I haven’t mentioned it to Leroy or anyone though. I wanted to see what you thought.”

“Me?”

I turned to face him. “Yeah, you.”

“Well, I think it’s a perfect fit. Better than the mussel farm.” His smile slipped. “I have some good news too.”

“You do?” I frowned. “You never said anything. Tell me.”

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