Page 144 of Tied to You
Janette waves a hand dismissively. “No, you’re right. I need to stop trying to do everything.”
I place the teabags in the mugs, then walk to the fridge for the milk. “What have the doctors said?”
“They’ve given me opioids and suggested I start therapy sessions. Failing that, surgery is an option, but I don’t think I like the idea of it.”
“What do they do in surgery?” I pour the water in the mugs as I listen.
“Replace the damaged joints.”
“They can do that?”
“Apparently.” She shrugs. “But I’m probably too old for that now.”
I drop the teaspoon. “Shit, I almost forgot!” I step to her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. “Happy birthday!”
“Thank you,” she says flatly.
“Oh, come on. Fifty-two is the new thirty.”
“Piss off,” she half laughs.
I pull back, pulling her gift from my back pocket. “Well, maybe this will cheer you up. Tah-dah!”
“Oh, Mollie. You didn’t have to.” She looks at the envelope.
I give her a look. “I wanted to.”
She smiles at me, her face beaming but she remains still.
I quickly realise why she’s not taking it from me. “Fuck,” I whisper, stepping closer. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Just open the bloody thing so I can see what you’ve got.”
My lips curl up. “Actually, this was Travis’ idea.” My fingers begin opening it.
“Really?”
I hum my response, pausing when I catch her staring at me. “What?”
Her face is beaming again, her eyes lighting up like the sun. “I’m glad he found you.”
“Me too,” I say, the smile breaking on my face, actually hurting.
“I can tell you really love him.”
I carry on with my task, ripping back the paper. “He has the ability to drive me crazy,” I lift my shoulders, “but then I look in his eyes and my heartmelts, you know?”
Janette gives a little nod. “I know.”
My fingers slip the card from the envelope, and I give her a little nudge with my elbow. “Anyway, Mrs, you are going…” I hold out the little card, letting her read it.
“Holiday? I’m going on holiday?” Her voice is squeaky and high. “Oh, Mollie! What?” She jumps up from the chair.
I smile wide. “Yep! Travis wanted you two to have a break.”
I’m dragged into the tightest hug I think she’s ever given me. And for the strangest of reasons, I cry. I don’t think she’s ever been on holiday.
When she pulls back, her eyes are glassy, my face now being squashed in her hands getting a good look at her. “Thank you.”
