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‘Yes, I can do that. But who will pay for the Versace hotel?’
She rolled her eyes again. ‘Mum and Dad will pay, of course.’
‘Uh. Have you asked them this?’
‘Not yet, but I will.’
‘Have you even spoken to them since last night?’ I asked with genuine concern.
‘No. Wow.’ Deb’s voice started rising again. ‘What’s with the fifty questions about my parents? Look, if worst comes to worst, I’ll throw a party here or go out to a bar or something.’
‘Mmm. Alright.’ I really didn’t have the energy to start fighting again.
‘Just make sure you get the twenty-sixth off, okay? It’s not fucking hard.’ She lifted her hands in the air to emphasise her annoyance.
I nodded as my mind slipped back to my birthday in July and how Deb’s biggest effort for me was a card and a Woolworth’s mud cake. Come to think of it, I had to remind her that morning it was my birthday and drove her to the shops so she could run in.
‘Good girl. Anyway, duty calls. My booze is getting warm, so we’ll sort out dinner later.’ She blew a kiss.
‘Sure. Let me know when you want it.’ I smiled, relieved to be able to relax again.
Deb instantly switched back into party mode as she leapt off the bed and shimmied her body as she shut the door. Indie music and the shimmy – interesting mix.
As soon as she left, I locked the door and then sank my head into the pillow. Five minutes passed, but the music was too loud for me to drift off, so I figured I might as well get started on the employment paperwork Patrick had given me.
After I finished filling it in, I dialled Mum, excited to hear her reaction to my news.
‘Naomi Jean, how are you, darling? How did your job trial go?’ Her voice was warm and curious.
‘It went so well, Mum. He offered me a full-time position! I just finished filling in the paperwork.’ I looked down at the paperwork on my nightstand and flashed a smile of accomplishment.
‘Oh, Naomi, this is so good to hear. I’m ecstatic for you! Your first full-time job!’
I could hear the joy in her voice, and I felt proud to have made her so happy but wished I could’ve heard Dad’s voice too. ‘Well,it only took twenty-five years, but, hey, I’ve finally received my pay rise.’ I frowned slightly.I just couldn’t help getting a slight dig in at myself, could I?
‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’ve seen all the effort you’ve put in! You deserve this, darling. I’m so proud of you. I knew you’d do well.’
‘Thanks, Mum. Your reassurance this morning made me feel so much more confident.’ I got into a more comfortable position by lying on my stomach, with lifted legs and ankles crossed, while my palm and elbow supported the weight of my chin.
‘I’m glad. Is Deb really excited for you too?’
‘Err, yes and no. You know how I told you that she lost her job too? Well, yeah, she’s not taking it so well.’ I sighed.
‘Why did Deb get fired too anyway? You never did tell me the rest of the story.’
I lowered my voice and cupped a hand over the phone. ‘Oh, Mum, I’m home at the moment. Deb’s here, and I don’t want her to overhear me telling you about it. She would flip.’
‘Okay, darling. Just promise me you’re still happy living at Deb’s?’
‘I am, Mum.’ I kicked my feet in the air.
She paused for a moment. ‘Mmm. Well, I better get going. Carlos and I are making grilled fish and salad for dinner. You’ll be pleased to know he went fishing this morning, and he’s feeling much better since having a few counselling sessions.’
‘Oh, Mum, that’s great. I’m glad you brought up that because I was meaning to ask you how it went. You don’t understand how wonderful it is to hear things are finally turning around for everyone. I love you both very much.’
‘We love you too, Naomi Jean. Goodnight, sweetheart.’
‘Bye, Mum.’
