Chapter 9
Daisy sat opposite her mother, the ticking clock echoing through the room, a potent reminder of the rapidly approaching departure time. It was now only forty-eight hours until she had agreed to leave with Yvonne, and yet she had still not told her mother about the impending adventure. It was cowardice; she knew that. She was scared of her mum’s response. Scared that it would put a wedge back between them when they were only now starting to heal their relationship. Not to mention the fact she was scared of the trip itself. And so Daisy had asked if she could come to the shop before she opened up on Tuesday morning.
‘So, it must have been very important if you needed to see me this early?’ her mother said, forcing Daisy to take in a deep breath.
‘So, here’s the thing…’ she started.
Daisy told her what she’d told the girls, almost word for word. That she was eager to spend some real time with Theo before winter set in and would need to leave now to make sure she could get back before the weather turned. She also told her how it was going to be a last adventure for Yvonne, and how Daisy was lucky she was going to be with someone experienced on the trip. However, she omitted the part about the journey being an apology to her father. If they were honest with each other, it was her mother who owed both Daisy and Johnny the biggest apology.
When Daisy finished speaking, her mum folded her arms. Her lips were pinched together and an unusual number of lines creased her face. It wasn’t the most enthusiastic expression.
Daisy held her breath as she awaited her mum’s response.
‘Right, I’m going to say this now, just so that it’s out there,’ she said. ‘I don’t think it’s healthy you chasing after a man you haven’t been with that long. This is your first proper relationship in a long time, if you don’t count that other fella. I think you’re going headfirst into this without thinking it through.’
Daisy felt a surge of annoyance sparked by pure irony. Her mum jumped headfirst into every single relationship she had, most of them adorned with red flags. Still, she allowed her to express her concerns.
And she wasn’t done yet.
‘Maybe this time apart is what you need,’ her mother continued. ‘You know, your relationship will only be stronger after it. Or you’ll find out that it wasn’t meant to be after all. And that’s before we get started on Yvonne. She might have done all those crossings before, but it was a long time ago. Besides, do you really want to spend all that time cooped up on a boat with someone you don’t even know that well? She can be quite… alternative, you know.’
‘We will hardly be cooped up,’ Daisy said, her voice tight with indignation. ‘And I know all about Yvonne’s hippy ways; I can smell the incense from here. But she and I get on well. And it’ll only be until we get to Slimbridge. If we fall out that badly, she can get a train or a bus back to Wildflower Lock. Once we’re on the main canals, I’ll be fine on my own, anyway. Not that I think that’s going to be a problem.’
Her mother hummed, clearly not agreeing. Once again, she pressed her lips together tightly before unfolding her arms, only to refold them again a moment later.
‘This should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision,’ she said. ‘Taking the boat on a trip like this. Is it even in good enough condition to do the journey?’
‘Of course it is,’ Daisy snapped back, as if the comment about the September Rose had somehow been a personal insult. ‘She’s just had the propeller fixed. And the engineer said the engine looked in brilliant nick. Of course it can make it. The Escape did.’ She realised she sounded slightly petulant, but deep down, she’d been hoping her mum would be supportive of the idea. Encouraging even, though she’d known the chances of such a response were slim.
With a sigh, her mother placed her palms together, steepling her fingers.
‘Look, love, I only ever want what’s best for you. I hope you know that. And even if I’ve got my doubts – like you and Yvonne sharing that space and whether I think the boat can actually make it – I won’t interfere in your life. I made that mistake once and I won’t do it again. But just be careful with this man. You fell hard once before, remember, and I don’t want this to end the same way.’
‘This is nothing like that,’ Daisy assured her. ‘Theo is nothing at all like Paul.’
‘Well, I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.’
Daisy let out an internal sigh of relief when a queue of customers started forming outside the hatch.
‘Sorry, Mum, I should get to work. I think it’s going to be a busy day.’
‘Oh, yes, right,’ her mother said, looking equally relieved that the awkward conversation had come to an end. ‘Just stay in touch, will you?’
‘Of course I will.’
Without speaking, her mother wrapped her arms around Daisy in a tight hug. When she broke away, she had tears welling in her eyes.
‘You know, you can always ring me, whatever happens.’
‘I know, Mum. Don’t worry. It’s going to be fine. Trust me.’