Strange how much she likes tomato soup now. Maybe it’s just easy for her to make. She gets so tired so easily. Josh and Keegan know how to make the casserole I mentioned, and they know how much Mom likes it. Or liked it. She didn’t seem very interested in it this time. Regardless, why can’t my brothers make it for her? She has to eat something. It makes me so mad that none of them will lift a finger to help her.
After dinner, I get another bottle of cheap wine and more chocolate, then head upstairs to change into my bikini. I plan on hanging out in the hot tub until I look like a prune.
I sit on the wood deck of the jacuzzi with my feet dangling in the water and take another look at the photos Randy took of me on the slopes. I can hardly believe I actually went snowboarding. Itwas fun to share the experience with Mom. Thinking of her, it bothers me that she won’t eat, and that gives me an idea. I bring up Riggs’s number.
Maddie:Hey, how was your drive to LA?
Riggs:Sucked. I hate LA traffic. How was your day?
Maddie:I went snowboarding. It was fun. Ash was teaching Rhonda when I left the slopes.
Riggs:Ash is a pretty good snowboarder. He has no fear, as in none whatsoever.
Maddie:I’m not surprised. Hey, can I ask you a question?
Riggs:Of course.
Maddie:Did your mom lose her appetite during treatment?
Riggs:Yeah, getting her to eat was a real struggle. After her treatments, it seemed like she didn’t like anything. She was losing too much weight, but we ended up trying all kinds of things until we found meals she would eat.
Her appetite changed? It makes so much sense now that I think about it. Why didn’t I see that?
Maddie:What kinds of things did you make?
Riggs:You’ll probably need to try a lot of different things. Mom loved barbecue everything before cancer, but after chemo she hated it. Eventually, we found out that she liked anything pickled.Before, she wouldn’t have touched a pickled egg if you put a gun to her head, but then she loved them.
Maddie:Interesting. I’m so glad you’re telling me this.
Riggs:Sure. Let me know when, not if, you have more questions. I might be able to help.
Maddie:Thanks, I will. And I really do appreciate this.
Riggs:No problem. Heading into a meeting now. Take care.
I’m so glad I texted him. And I can’t wait to try some different things. Getting her to eat more would be such a relief.
I take a sip of wine and ease into the tub. It feels so damn good. If I ever win the lottery, this is how I’ll spend my evenings.
But to increase my odds, I should probably start buying the occasional ticket.
CHAPTER 17
Riggs
Some days, you regret getting out of bed.
It’s only Monday, and this week is already starting off hectic. Elsie gave me a mile-long list of things I need to get done before the executives and their families arrive from the ski lodge. Ash and I are supposed to start the outdoor activities tomorrow afternoon, but I’ll be happy if he makes it here by tomorrow night. Come to think of it, why shouldn’t he be here today? I pull my phone out.
Riggs:Rhonda is catching a flight back to Oregon today, right?
Ash:She and Maddie are already home. They had an early flight.
Riggs:When are you planning to be here?
Ash:I’m on my way. I picked up a rental car and just stopped for gas. Did youpick up Betsy?
So, he’ll be here today. That’s a bonus.
