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Me: I bet she doesn’t follow it up with your favourite dessert.
Callie: No one makes that dessert as well as you.
Me: Drop by the bar before you go home.
Callie: I don’t think I’ll have time.
Me: Make time.
Callie: I was wondering where bossy Luke was hiding.
Me: I’ll see you then.
* * *
“Make me a cosmo please, Luke,” my mother says as she settles on the stool in front of me. She has recently started visiting the bar more often. Dumping her handbag on the counter between us, she adds, “It’s been a bitch of a day and I need a drink.”
I raise a brow. “You haven’t had one yet?” I find that hard to believe.
She purses her lips. “Don’t be a bastard to your mother. I’ve only had a few, and that was at lunch.”
Avery moves behind me and says, “I’ll make it, Estelle. Luke’s been a moody asshole for the last hour.” She avoids my glare as she makes the cocktail.
“Why are you moody?” Mum asks.
“No rea—”
Avery cuts me off. “Oh, here she is now.”
I follow her gaze to see Callie walking towards us. When she is standing in front of me, I say, “You’re late.” She’s at least an hour late, if not more. I actually expected her not to show now.
She drops her bag on the counter next to Mum’s and takes the stool next to her. “It’s been an atrocious afternoon, Luke. You need to make me a vodka.”
My mum is watching her with great interest. When she mentions vodka, Mum nods and says, “A woman after my own heart. Make her a vodka, Luke, and make it snappy.”
Callie faces Mum. “Thank you. Finally, someone who bosses him around.”
I smirk and make the drink.
I’m not even getting involved in this. I want to see where it ends up.
“Oh, honey, I’ve been bossing him around for twenty-eight years. Anytime you want something out of him, you just come to me.”
Callie’s eyes widen and she coughs. “Oh, my goodness, are you Luke’s mother?”
“I am. And I presume you’re dating my son?”
Callie’s wild eyes meet mine. “Make that a double, buddy. You did not prepare me for this.”
Mum laughs and places her hand on Callie’s arm. “In his defence, he didn’t know I was dropping by tonight. I have to say, I’m impressed with your skills.”
“Which skills would those be?” Callie asks.
“Getting a double anything out of my son is impressive. He usually refuses to give me any alcohol, let alone a double.”
“Tell me what you want and I’ll order it for you.”
Mum extends her hand. “Estelle Ashcroft. So pleased to meet you.”
