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“In pain. Where did you put the painkillers?”
“Here, I’ll get her some water too.” I take her coffee and pills and leave him to sort the water. Jeremy joins us shortly after and we all settle into the living room. So much for a relaxing evening on the village green.
Emily,Beau, and I are all bundled up on the sofa the following morning. We decided on a pyjama day after yesterday's antics, and we are glued to the screen watching some god-awful unicorn programme.
Someone knocks on the door.
“I bet that's Jeremy.” I'm starving. He phoned first thing to check in on us and offered to bring breakfast over. After a chaotic evening and eventful night with Beau waking up repeatedly, I'm exhausted. I wasn’t about to pass up a free brekkie.
“Surprise!” my mother’s voice reverberates through the house. I snap at Emily, confused. Shit, was she coming? Did I forget?
“Hi!” Marcus’s voice follows.
“Oh, wow. Hi.” I smile, unsure of the sudden visit. I tighten my robe and Beau whips past me. When we last spoke, I reiterated how busy I would be this first week with the shop.
“Mamar!” she cries, throwing herself at her immaculate form. Marcus appears and frowns at my attire.
“Oh heavens, Holly, you do look a mess. Go and get cleaned up.” Margaret, my mother, gestures to the stairs.
“Hello, Mum, how are you?” I mutter and find Emily pressing her lips together.
“Very good, thank you. Yes, hello, my little button.” She hums at Beau, dropping down to hug her. “We thought we wouldsurprise you both and go out.” She turns with a practised smile, the smile that leaves no room for argument.
“We’re having a jama day!” Beau announces. “Emily has a poorly leg.” She grasps their hands and swings in the air, making them both jolt forward.
“No human swings, dear!” She gives Beau a polite pat on the head. “Come on, Holly, go get some clothes on.” She looks at me expectantly, her lips pursed.
“I'm sorry, we’ve not eaten yet and I'm looking after Emily. We had an eventful day yesterday,” I tell them both. They peer past me to see Emily on the sofa, her leg propped up and in a support.
“Good grief, what on earth happened?” Margaret presses her hand to her chest.
“Dan shouted and,” Beau gives Marcus a big push, “he did that to Emily.”
“What!” My mother’s shriek makes Marcus’s eyes twitch.
“It was a misunderstanding,” I assure, and Emily scoffs. “Maybe we can spend the day here instead?” I suggest, throwing Em an apologetic smile.
“Hi,” Emily waves in greeting.
“Oh god, sorry. This is Emily. She works with me at the shop,” I explain. “Emily, this is my mother and Marcus.” My mother gives her a pinched smile and I want to crawl up the stairs and hide. Marcus nods politely.
“Mamar, come look at my new riding shoes.” Beau says as Marcus closes the door.
“Can I get you both a drink?” I offer, hoping to break the ice.
“Perhaps go put some clothes on first?” She suggests coolly. I snap back, affronted. It’s barely nine in the morning, a Sunday morning at that. We’re all shattered, and it’s my house! “Oh, don’t look at me like that, child. You have guests, go clean up,” she tells me quickly.
“But our jamas?” Beau whines. The door knocks again, and I sigh in relief but groan, knowing my mother will complain about our attire even more now that Jeremy is here.
I tug the door wide and Jeremy holds up a few bags that smell of thick syrup and pancakes. “Breakfast has arrived!” he announces and lowers the bags when he finds my mother’s sharp glare pinning him to the front step.
“Morning, Jeremy, thank you. Come in.”
“I would have gotten more if…” He looks to her and Marcus, waiting for another introduction.
“No, it’s okay. I didn’t know they were coming,” I explain quickly, and he looks confused.
“Oh, I do apologise. Should I book an appointment next time?” my mother drawls.
