“Just popped in. I was passing and thought I’d come and see you. I haven’t seen much of you since you went on holiday.”
I mash two tea bags in a teapot for her, as she won’t have it any other way.
“I hope you’ve used Earl Grey and not that cheap nonsense you had last time.”
“Yes Mum, I have Earl Grey. I buy it especially for you. Don’t fret.”
“Shall we retire into the dining room?”
Placing the teapot on a tray along with some custard creams, I carry the tray through to the dining room and set it on the table next to my huge flower arrangement.
Mum’s mouth drops. “These are stunning. Did Justin buy you these?”
“Yes, they are beautiful, aren’t they?”
Her face beams. “You’re so lucky to have such an amazing man for a husband, aren’t you?”
Am I? The way she dotes on him, you’d think she wants to marry the bloke herself. It’s friggin’ annoying. I smile and pour her tea into a china cup. She picks it up like she’s the queen of England and has a dainty sip.Queen of Sheba more like it.
“You should thank your lucky stars. He’s so generous and thoughtful.”
He’s bought me flowers twice the entire time I’ve known him. What is she pissin’ talking about? I nod and shove a custard cream into my mouth, hearing the crunch as I chomp on the biscuit to drown out my mother’s ramblings about Justin. “How’s Samantha? I haven’t seen her for a few weeks.”
“Good. They’ve booked a holiday to the Bahamas.”
“Nice. Well, they can go wherever they like with no kids, can’t they?” I take another biscuit as she now brags about Sammy. When she comes up for air, I hold up the packet. “Biscuit?”
“No, and I think you’ve had enough, too.”
I roll my eyes and take another just to piss her off.
“I really think you should re-join your slimming group. You’re not getting any younger.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You want to keep your man happy, don’t you?”
“What’s me going to a slimming club or losing weight got anything to do with Justin’s happiness? If he’s not happy, I suggest he take up a hobby.”
She shakes her head and sips on her tea, sticking her little finger out. She really thinks she is the queen bee.
“Hello, Nanna.” Cassie walks into the kitchen wearing a floral summer dress, coincidentally one that my mother bought her.
“Hello, my little darling. What are you up to?”
Cassie looks at me. “What are we doing today?”
“Nothing. Cleaning and ironing,”
She huffs. “You’re always cleaning and ironing on a weekend.”
“Well, if you lot didn’t make such a mess and have three outfit changes a day, I wouldn’t have to, would I?”
She stomps her foot. “Nanny, can I come to your house?”
My mother smiles. “Ask your brother if he wants to come, too.”
* * *