Page 27 of What are the Risks
This was probably just an excuse for her to stop at Cherie’s place regardless. They spent most days together, and Christmas eve was no exception.
While they generally kept their cool over the holidays – even with the amount of food they prepared, mouths they fed, decorations they hung and presents they wrapped – it was still a safe bet gettingout of their way, so Ruby and I had pre-emptively made plans to hang out tonight.
I’d promised her Primos – her favourite Italian take out – and a Christmas movie. I’d even throw in some Christmas lights if she wanted. I was feeling generous. Consider it my Christmas spirit.
“So,” Mum muttered, slowly following alongside the cart. “Is Ruby still with the naughty boy?”
Though she kept her focus on her list, I caught the subtle glance she cast my way, gauging my reaction. I wasn’t biting.
“Naughty boy?” I prompted, playing dumb.
“Stefan told me what he saw over Thanksgiving.”
For fuck’s sake.
Stefan telling Mum was the equivalent of hanging a billboard in the town centre. Mum loved gossip, and sheparticularlyloved gossiping with Cherie.
“That was a misunderstanding,” I was quick to clarify. “You haven’t mentioned anything to Cherie, have you?”
Mum squared her shoulders. “No.”
But she wanted to.
Whenever people claimed Ruby and I talked too much, they clearly hadn’t met our mothers. I swear, Cherie knew more about my mother and her life than my dad did.
“Mum,” I cautioned. “Ruby’s a smart girl. Don’t meddle in her relationship, and don’t go starting rumours.”
Mum had the audacity to look surprised, as if she hadn’t pulled this stunt before.Meddlershould have been her middle name. I remembered my sister giving Mum a similar talking to when she met her now husband.
Mum hooked on to relationship drama like it was oxygen. She wasn’t exactly the forgiving type either. She held grudges.
Only once the cart was at tipping point did she steer us to the checkout. After paying and then loading up the trunk, I navigated the familiar streets to Ruby’s family home.
It was like Cherie had been watching from the window – or Mum had been giving her street-by-street updates while I drove over – because the instant I turned into the drive, Cherie was rushing out the front door and wrapping me in one of her bear-like hugs.
“Sorry we couldn’t make it to your Senior Night, hon,” she said.
I shrugged dismissively. “It’s fine. Ruby surprised me.”
She smiled, a smile all too similar to her daughter. “Ruby mentioned you had a very good game.”
I had. One of my best. I was glad I’d been able to turn it on for what was potentially one of my final college games.
Our team had scraped through to make it to the post-season, and although I had every intention of pushing the limits and fighting to the end, I knew our chances of going all the way were slim. There were some unstoppable teams out there this year, with countless draft prospects.
“So, where’s this toolbox?”
Cherie popped the trunk of her car, revealing the gift in question. It didn’t appear overly big, but it was freakishly heavy when I picked it up. What the fuck was it filled with, concrete?
After awkwardly carrying it inside, I set it below the Christmas tree as instructed, where there were already countless presents wrapped and waiting.
“Thanks, hon,” Cherie said, playfully squeezing my bicep before glancing at my mum. “Do you have time for a coffee? I bumped into Melanie Smidge at the post office.” Cherie lowered her voice mischievously. “She’s getting a divorce. Rumour has it her husband had an affair with his secretary.”
Mum’s eyes sparkled with interest. “And is it a rumour?”
“Nope. But what’s missing from the grapevine is the fact that his secretary’s name is actually John.”
Mum’s jaw hit the floor.
