Page 91 of Cut up
Jill’s hand slides into mine and squeezes. Not too much. Just enough.
“You remind me of her,” I add, not quite looking at her. “Not in how you look—just… the way you are.”
Her voice goes gentle. “Then I’m honored. And if you ever need any motherly advice, I’m always here Camille.”
The tears threaten, but I smile through them. “I might take you up on that.”
Nicole, sensing the shift, grins and waves a bunch of rosemary like a wand. “No tears, ladies. This herb will not chop itself.”
“Smells like Sunday lunch at Nan’s,” she adds, inhaling. “She used to stick rosemary in everything. Even dessert once.”
“Oh no.” I grimace. “Rosemary cake?”
“She called it ‘rustic.’ We called it a crime.”
Jill snorts. “Don’t let her fool you, Camille. Nicole ate three slices.”
Nicole gasps, hand to chest. “Betrayed by my own mother.”
I laugh, slicing at the board beside them. “I think food tastes better when there’s a story behind it.”
Jill nods thoughtfully. “Food is memory. It’s love. And when you cook for someone, you’re giving them a piece of your story, even if it’s just a simple sauce.”
“I like that,” I say. “I think that’s why I love it so much. Cooking was a place Mum and I always connected—no matter what else was going on.”
Nicole glances over and nudges my shoulder gently. “You’re gonna make us cry before dinner.”
“Too late,” Jill whispers, dabbing her eye. “You’ve already got me, sweetheart.”
I spot the picture sitting on the wall in the living room. It’s a family portrait. Jill notices me looking.
“It was our last family photo. David wanted to do it before… Um, Has Lucas talked to you about his dad?”
“He told me what happened. He hasn’t told me too much though. Would you feel comfortable telling me about him?” I ask her.
“Of course. I love talking about David. He was the love of my life. It was love at first sight, we met just out of school.” She smiles, her eyes glossy. “My life will never feel right without him in it, but my kids keep me going.Actually, Lucas is a lot like David. He could be quiet and broody, but most of the time he was a jokester. He just liked to make everyone around him happy, trying to make them laugh or smile. He would do anything for the people he loved. He was so patient, caring, romantic and he was an amazing father to the kids. He would have liked you. I just know it.”
“I think I would have really liked him too. I’ll need to make sure I ask Lucas about him more often.”
“It’s important to talk about the ones we’ve lost.” She smiles. “Here darling, can you cut this up for me?” As she passes me the garlic. “Darn stuff always makes my eyes water.”
Just then, my phone buzzes on the counter. I glance down and see a text from Dad.
Dad: Got a place in Coevey. Should be back in a couple of weeks. Can’t wait to see you bug x
My heart twists. I stare at the message for a long moment, then lock the screen and slide the phone face-down.
“Everything okay?” Nicole asks.
“Yeah,” I say. “Just my dad. He got a place in Coevey Bay.”
“You thinking of moving in with him?”
“I don’t know,” I admit, softly. “I thought I would. But now… I’m not sure anymore.”
Jill glances over from the sink where she’s rinsing off a pan. “You don’t have to know just yet,” she says gently. “Sometimes the heart takes its time making up its mind. But whatever you decide… don’t choose out of guilt. Choose what feels right.”
Before anything more can be said, Lucas’s voice drifts in from outside. “Dinner’s ready!”
