Page 64 of Playing for Keeps
Steven wasn’t the exact image of his mother. As her expressions changed, he saw flashes of him in her face. He knew they were close and understood that. He would be lost without his mum.
The way that Diane considered him was equally as unsettling as when her granddaughter had given him the once-over. They were an intense family.
“I’m glad that Steven has a friend,” she said.
Does she know? Has she worked it out already?
Udo shifted position.
“He’s been very kind since I arrived here.”
“That’s my son.”
“I can tell that he’s been brought up properly.”
Her face lit up. “Flattery will get you everywhere. You must miss your own mother.”
“I’ve gotten used to it,” Udo replied. “She manages to come over for the important games.”
“We never used to miss them either.”
Udo glanced over. Steven was teaching Hanna how to use the tongs. They turned the meat over on the barbecue. Hanna got it immediately. Steven hugged her and she absolutely beamed.
“Shall we?”
Diane pointed to the table where two chairs awaited. It appeared that she wasn’t done with him just yet. Udo complied and sat opposite her.
“We’ve never properly met any of the players before,” she said, still studying him.
“Steven knows that I’m new in town. I can only go to the gym so many times.”
“I hope you boys talk about something other than that game. It’s not healthy to be so obsessed.”
“We do.”
“He’s a good son,” she continued. “All a mother wants in life is to see that her children are happy.”
Udo had no idea how to respond to this. It appeared he didn’t need to.
Diane leant forward. “I wish you well, Udo.”
“Thank you.”
Thankfully, Andrew appeared at his side.
“Mum,” he said. “Will you have a word with Steven? He’s doing unseasoned chicken.”
Diane leapt to her feet. “He’d better not be.”
With that, she scuttled off to supervise the cooking. Andrew sat down in her chair and swigged from a bottle of beer.
“You looked like you needed rescuing.”
“Thanks. She’s a wonderful lady.”
Andrew nodded. “She is and you survived the interrogation. You’re part of the family now.”
The rest of the afternoon went swimmingly. Although Udo made a concerted effort not to be cornered by Diane again. Hanna was a welcome distraction.
