Page 74 of Mayfair Madame
Ellie
To say I was worn out was an understatement. I’d stayed for two days and two nights and longed for my bed. Or Naomi’s. I wasn’t fussy at this point.
True to her word, she’d purchased another first-class ticket, and Iwasn’t going to lie, it was worth every single penny, even though it was a short journey.
I’d promised to pay her back, although she’d told me not to, but train tickets weren’t cheap. Okay, she could probably afford it, but I wasn’t a charity case and normally could pay my way.
The trip home gave me time to ponder the few days I’d spent with my sister. We’d spoken more about Naomi. I’d confessed the strength of my attraction to her. How she made me feel, how she thought I was beautiful, even though I couldn’t see it.
Lucy told me to stop being so fucking stupid and listen to the woman. I’d tried to describe Naomi, but my words didn’t do her justice. I promised Lucy I’d take a picture and send it to her, or else she’d come down to London and see for herself!
As for Mum, I’d visited her twice. Lucy deserved a medal for putting up with her. She was rude and dismissive with the nurses to the point of racism, and we’d cringed as she’d talked about the staff as if they weren’t standing right there next to her.
I was trying to put it all out of my mind. How would she react when she learned I was dating a black woman?
We’d apologised profusely, but the nurses laughed, telling us they were used to it, that the oldies were usually the worst. Didn’t make it right, but a lot of it was a generational issue. When they were growing up, political correctness wasn’t a thing. Thankfully, times had changed, although some thought it was still acceptable.
But Mum was embarrassing, and we couldn’t wait to get out of there. The doctor had visited and told us she’d be out in a few days. They wanted to keep her in a little longer to make sure she was all right. She’d voiced her displeasure, of course, but eventually agreed that that was the best course of action.
“I’m going to die here. I just know I am. I’ll definitely not see another Christmas.”
“Of course you will, Mum.” I’d patted her hand. “You’ve plenty more years left in you.”
Lucy had been muttering under her breath, and I could imagine what she was thinking. We loved our mother—we really did—but sometimes she wore both of us down. I’d promised tocall more, if not Mum, then Lucy. If I couldn’t be there, I’d support from afar.
The great idea I’d had to move closer soon disappeared. My visit had cemented the fact that I wasn’t cut out to do what Lucy did every week. I made a mental note to buy her an expensive gift for her birthday and Christmas,maybe even a quick break.
The steady rhythm of the train lulled me to sleep, but I awoke the moment we pulled into the station.
It was Sunday, and if I thought the station would be quiet, I was mistaken. But there was no mistaking Naomi standing out amongst the crowd.
With her cropped blonde hair, tight leather trousers, and high heels, she cut an impressive figure in a sea of ordinary people.
Many stared, especially men, but the moment she saw me, her face lit up like the Fourth of July.
“Ellie! Over here!” She waved enthusiastically.
As if I could miss her beautiful face.
Before I could get to her, she hurried toward me and threw her arms around me.
“God, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve only been gone for two days.”
“Two days too long. Here, let me look at you.” She held me at arm’s length and looked me up and down. Not that she could see much through the jeans and hoodie I wore.
“You look amazing,” I said dreamily as if I were seeing her for the first time.
“And you look tired. Come on, let’s get back to my place so you can rest. How is your mum?
“She’s doing well. Rude as usual. She should be out in a day or so, and then the fun begins. Well, for Lucy anyway.”
“And your sister? She’s okay?”
“She knows how to handle her better than I can, but I feel guilty leaving her to it. If I weren’t going back to work tomorrow, I’d have stayed longer.”
“You’re what now? Didn’t the doctors tell you to stay off for at least a week?”
