Page 89 of Play of Love
I brought my knees to my chest as I sat by the window in my room and gazed out at my family and friends having fun in the back garden.
While Tristan and his friend, Peter, stood behind the barbecue serving burgers, my little cousins ran around with their black Labrador in tow. Alecia, the oldest of the children, had just taken Uncle Tom’s toupee, again. The kids thought it was hilarious; Uncle Tom, on the other hand, was well and truly annoyed.
That was the fifth time that the kids had taken his hair right off his head and he was now too tired to chase them, and the dog too. It was funny. My family had a way of creating their own drama and entertaining themselves. I could see Cynthia and Larissa, my friends from high school, killing themselves with laughter.
It was nice. Everyone had turned up,
It was Sunday, and Sunday always meant a big get together. This particular Sunday was special, though, because it was the first get together since Mom had gotten sick.
Mom was doing remarkably well, and even though she still required a lot of care and support, I could see the massive difference in her. I’d been here now for eight weeks and had witnessed her getting significantly better each day. It was actually the healthiest she’d looked in years.
A new heart was definitely what she needed. A strong new heart that would save her and give her the chance for a longer life with all the happiness she deserved.
The whole family had turned up today for this grand BBQ my brother and cousin had done. Music played and everyone was having a real good time.
I, however, couldn’t join them.
I couldn’t bring myself to join in the celebration because my mind was on Josh.
Having my mother look so alive and healthy was the best thing I could ever ask for, but I missed Josh so much it made my heart ache.
Over the last few weeks we’d messaged and called each other as often as we could, but that probably wouldn’t last.
The football season started in ten days. I’d really wanted to be there to support him and watch him play.
Everything was different now. I hadn’t been his PA in eight weeks, so I was sure he had someone else. And…I had to be realistic, he was Joshua Mancini. I was certain he’d had someone else in other respects too. I wasn’t his girlfriend. Men like him didn’t have girlfriends, and if they did they’d always have someone on the side. I wasn’t like the walking Barbie doll types he’d been with, and that told me everything I needed to know. I didn’t fit into his world.
“There you are.” My mother came into my room with a tray of food from the BBQ.
“Mama, you shouldn’t be serving me. I should be taking care of you.”
“Sweet girl, that is all you’ve been doing this whole time, and all your life.” She set the tray on my desk and sat on the edge of the bed. I turned to face her .
Jill, my sister-in-law, had cut my mother’s hair so that it was now shoulder length and had what I called Farrah Fawcett flicks. Mom looked good, younger even with the great hair style and peach summer dress that hugged her figure.
“I’m supposed to look after you.” I smiled.
“You do and I love you for that. But I’m supposed to look after you too. So, talk to me. I know what’s up with you, but I’m just going to ask anyway.”
Mom’s deep southern accent was always refreshing to hear. That and the animated expressions she’d make as she talked.
“It’s nothing.”
“Nothing? No girlie, I know the look of pining all too well when I see it. I also may have been off my face on anesthetics, but when I saw your football angel I knew you weren’t just his PA.”
I hadn’t exactly told my mother about my relationship with Josh. And it seemed like I might not have to.
“I’m that transparent, huh?” I twiddled my fingers and looked down at the plaid pattern on my bed sheets.
“It wasn’t you. It was him.” My mother smiled.
I looked up. “Him?”
Her smile brightened and her green eyes sparkled with delight. “Oh yes. So the question is what are you going to do?”
I didn’t follow what she meant. “I’m not sure what you mean. Things have changed a lot. I’ve been away for a while.” Any woman could have landed in Josh’s lap and then they’d end up doing the wild dance.
“That shouldn’t matter. I wish that I could have someone look at me like that.” Mom looked away and I knew the sudden lost look in her eyes was for my father. “But my time has passed.”
