Page 76 of Cream & Sugar
There’s a rattle of a kitchen drawer as Mum clears her throat. “And how’s, you know, everything else?”
She’s referring to my break-up with Lara, and the subsequent spin of depression it sent me on.
“Fine,” I say. “Better, actually.”
“Oh love, I’m so glad. I always said she was a bit of a princess, that one. Very charming but didn’t give you much in return—”
“Mum…” I cut across her.
“Alright, alright, I’ll leave it at that. You deserve better, that’s all I’ll say.”
A dense, slapping sound crackles down the phone—a noise I’ve heard a thousand times.
“What are you making?” I ask.
“Just bread.”
“What kind?”
“Stilton and walnut.”
“Mmm,” I salivate at the thought. “You know, if you put a tablespoon of treacle—”
“Do you think I was born yesterday?” Mum teases. “Who taught you that trick, again? Remind me.”
A slight pause as I swallow my pride. “You.”
“Look at that, he remembers! I still think you should have named that place after me, what with all the old recipes I taught you.”
“I could change it,” I suggest with a smirk. “What about Nutty Nel’s Bakehouse?”
“Watch it, sunshine,” she teases. We chuckle and, for a fleeting moment, I forget what I called to talk to her about. “So what else is going on with you, love?”
Whoosh. The nerves come flooding back. I don’t know what I’m more nervous about: being told what I’m doing is wrong, or that it’s not. Either way, it’s time to bite the bullet.
“I, er, had to hire a new barista actually. His name’s Freddie.”
“Oh? What happened to Kyle?”
“Something gruesome, hopefully,” I say, trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “He got an acting job. Up and left with no notice.”
Mum tuts. “Oh for goodness sake! You know, that’s the thing with these creative types, theyneverstick around. No respect for contracts or the business or anything. Aw, I’m so sorry that happened, love. What’s this new guy like? Is he nice?”
“He’s a musician,” I say.
An awkward pause.
“Right…” says Mum, clearly in disbelief that she gave birth to such a moron.
“I know, I know. But honestly, he’s great! Really great.”
“If you say so, love. I just don’t want you getting hurt again on top of everything else.”
If only she knew the half of it.Come on, Shaun. Be brave.
“Mum?” I say, my voice small but serious.
“Yes, love?”
