AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Angie still could not believe it. Her mother... maybe dying. What would she do if she died? What would Bud do? And Dad? Dear God, Dad wouldn’t be able to cope. Not at this stage. It was too soon. A hundred years too soon!
‘For pity’s sake grow up, Bud, and get your priorities right,’ Lance suddenly snapped. ‘What in hell does it matter if Angie and I spent the night together when your mother might be dying? Now, get your butt into your car and start driving up there. And don’t damned well speed! It won’t do your dad any good if you wrap your stupid bloody neck around a tree.’
Angie blinked at the forceful tone in Lance’s voice. She was surprised, and impressed, despite everything. He was normally so easygoing and laid back in his dealings with Bud. Crises sometimes brought out the best or the worst in people. It was clearly bringing out the best in Lance.
‘No, don’t waste time coming in here to pick Angie up,’ he resumed, in that same masterful tone. ‘I’ll drive her up there myself. And you’ll keep your mouth shut about Angie and me if you know what’s good for you. If you say one derogatory word about us to your parents, I’ll skin you alive. You’ve pushed our friendship as far as I can take it this weekend, Bud, and I won’t take any more!’
He reached over Angie and slammed the receiver down, his tough expression melting at the sight of her tear-stained face. ‘My poor darling,’ he crooned, taking her in his arms and rocking her gently back and forth. ‘I know what your mother means to you... to all of you. She’s a grand woman.’
Angie was touched by his sympathy, and had to battle not to break into further sobs. Eventually, and reluctantly, she extricated herself from the comfort of his embrace.
‘You...you’ll really drive me all the way up there, Lance?’ she asked. ‘Don’t you have to go back to Melbourne today?’
‘I should, but I’m not going to. How could I possibly leave you at a time like this? You need me, Angie.’
Her eyes filled again. ‘Yes... yes, I do. Lance, I—’
‘No,’ he cut in abruptly. ‘Don’t say any more. This isn’t the right time. You’re all emotional at the moment, and what you feel might not be real. Now, pop up and have a shower, love, and I’ll order us some breakfast. I dare say you’ll want to drop in at your flat on the way through to pick up some clothes, so shake a leg. Time might be of the essence.’
Lance’s last remark sent Angle’s mind flying back to her mother, lying ill and possibly dying in hospital. The thought that she might never see her mother alive again sent her hurrying out of bed and into the bathroom.
Less than an hour later, she was letting herself into her flat. As she walked into the living room the clock on the wall said twenty-five past six.
‘Is that you, Angie?’ Vanessa called from the bedroom.
‘Yes. It’s only me.’
Vanessa appeared, bleary-eyed and nightie-clad. ‘I... I hope you’re not mad at me,’ she said worriedly. ‘I wasn’t going to tell that pompous brother of yours where you were, but when he told me about your mother I just had to.’
‘Of course you did.’
‘Where’s Lance?’
‘He’s waiting for me in the car. He’s going to drive me up home.’
‘I suppose this isn’t the right time to ask you how it went with you two?’
‘No,’ Angie returned stiffly. ‘It isn’t.’
Vanessa nodded. ‘Is there anything I can get you? A cup of coffee or anything?’
‘No, nothing.’
‘I hope your mum pulls through,’ she said, hovering while Angie stripped off and pulled on some white shorts and a black and white striped top.
‘I hope so too,’ she said, slipping her feet into a pair of black sandals.
‘She always sounds so nice on the phone.’
‘She is.’
‘My mum’s a right bitch, and I still love her.’
Angie’s chin started to wobble.
Vanessa came forward and put her arms around her. ‘It’s all right, sweetheart. Cry. You don’t have to be brave around me.’
Angie cried.
Ten minutes later, she was back in Lance’s car and they were speeding north.
