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“Sorry,” I reply sheepishly. “My battery died.”
“What the hell’s going on? Mike and I are at the hospital and the nurses just told us your father’s been discharged.”
“Yes, that’s right. We just got home now.”
“But, I don’t understand—”
I rub my temples. Nowshe’sstarting to give me a headache. “Listen, maybe it’s best you come down to see us. It’s kind of a long story and probably better we talk face to face.”
“Okay sweetheart. We’ll start coming down now.”
“Great. See you soon.” I hang up. Collapsing on the bed, I take a few seconds to get my head together. I’m physically and mentally exhausted and could do with some sleep, but I know I need to square things with my mother first.
After a while, I sit up and rub my eyes, trying to keep awake. Throwing on my dressing gown, I go down to the living room, where I find Dad tapping away furiously on his laptop. It seems he’s really got his mojo back. Smiling, I head to the kitchen and make us both a cup of tea. About an hour later, the doorbell goes. Bracing myself, I hurry through the hall to answer it.
“Darling, we’ve been so worried,” Mum squeals, kissing both my cheeks Italian style. “Where’s Steve? Is he okay?”
“He’s fine,” I say. “He’s in the living room.” I wrinkle my nose. She absolutely stinks of booze.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Michael smiles, wiping his boots on the mat. “I hear a celebration is in order.”
“Yes, I suppose it is,” I grin. Tightening the belt on my dressing gown, I lead them through to the living room.
Mum gasps and covers her mouth in shock. “Good gracious! Steve, what in the world—”
Dad smirks and closes his laptop. “Hello, Katherine. Surprised?”
“Surprised doesn’t even come close…” Her voice trails off and she shakes her head incredulously. “What’s happened to you?”
He doesn’t answer, just keeps grinning.
“Wow, Steve, you look incredible!” Michael gasps. “I hardly recognise you. What the hell did they do to you at the hospital?”
Dad taps the side of his head. “Ah, but it wasn’t the hospital, was it? No, it was me. I did this. Through the Laws of Attraction, I healed myself.”
Michael frowns. “The Laws of what?”
“New Age mumbo jumbo,” Mum snaps. “Honestly, Steve, do you seriously expect us to believe that you did this all by yourself? You look like you’re wearing fake tan and had Botox.”
He shrugs. “Think what you like, but it’s the truth; take it or leave it. I’m living proof that positive affirmations work, and I’m going to share my knowledge with the world. The next book I write is going to focus on how to heal yourself spiritually.”
Michael gives a crazy laugh. “I just can’t get my head around this. I don’t know what you’ve done, but whatever you’re taking, I want some.”
My father laughs and I detect a dangerous fire in his eyes. This is starting to get scary.
Flexing my knuckles, I tilt my head from side to side. I’m like a coiled-up spring. I need to get out of here before I lose it. “Hey, do you guys want some tea? You don’t take sugar, Mum, do you?” Before she can respond, I’m already out the door and heading for the kitchen.
“I think I’ll need something a lot stronger than tea,” she murmurs, following me. “Have you got any Jack Daniels?”
“Nope.”
“Oh come on; you must have something even mildly alcoholic.”
“I don’t think we do.” And it’s true. Neither my father nor I are big drinkers so we rarely ever keep alcohol in the house. However, on reflection, I do seem to remember having a bottle of Lambrusco somewhere; an unwanted birthday present from someone at work.
Crouching down, I open the cupboard below the sink, pull out the dusty bottle and wipe it clean with a towel.
“Oooh, lovely, you’ve found something.” She rubs her hands together.
