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“Pounding.”
“Have you taken some more pills?”
“Yeah, just now.”
“They should start working soon.” She places the sandwiches on a plate and pushes it over to me. “What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll make myself a coffee.”
“I’ll do it. You eat.” She starts the machine. “Are you drinking plenty of water?”
“Yes, Mum.”
She pokes her tongue out at me. “I’m only trying to help.”
“I know. I’m teasing you.” I have a bite of a sandwich. Chicken and grated cheese with pickle, one of my favorites, don’t know how she knew that.
She finishes making our coffee and passes a mug to me, then draws up a stool opposite. “How did you get on with your phone calls?”
“Not bad. I’m making a To Do list. It’s pretty long. I’m going to have to sort through everything in the house. That’s going to be hard.” I stare at the sandwich for a moment as I think about going through Maddie’s cupboards and wardrobes, her clothes, her intimate things.
“I could always help, if you like,” Aroha says.
“You’ve got enough on your plate without taking on tasks like that.” I take another, bigger mouthful of the sandwich. I’m hungrier than I thought, despite the headache.
“Well, the offer’s there.” She sips her coffee. “I was thinking about making a cake for this afternoon.”
I stare at her, bewildered. “Why?”
“You have the guys coming around, don’t you?”
“Yes, but… Aroha, you’re Leia’s nanny. All you have to do is look after her.”
“I know.” She frowns and studies her sandwich. She was trying to do something nice for me, and I’ve hurt her feelings. That’s the last thing I want to do.
I lean on the worktop and sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m extremely grouchy, and it’s not your fault.”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize. You’ve been through a lot.”
“That’s no reason to take it out on you. You were kind enough to jump in without hesitation to help me with Leia. Of course, you’re welcome to make a cake, if you wish. You took me aback, that’s all. I’ve never had a girl offer to bake a cake for me before.”
Her eyebrows rise. “Really?”
“Yeah.” I try not to laugh at the thought of asking Cassie to produce a Victoria sponge.
“Then I’m definitely going to make one.” Aroha gives an impish smile. “What’s your favorite kind?”
I eat my sandwich, watching as she takes small bites of hers. “Chocolate.”
“Chocolate it is, then.” She nods, apparently satisfied.
I finish the sandwich, then sip the last of the coffee, closing my eyes for a moment. This migraine is a humdinger. Even after taking the pills, it feels as if I have a full brass band inside my head.
“Still thumping?” she asks, her voice low and gentle.
I open my eyes. “Mmm.”
“I have an idea. Come with me.” She rises from the stool, walks around the counter, picks up Leia, and then takes my hand. I let her pull me through the living room and out onto the deck.
