Chapter 3 #3
‘Umm, well, I was going to ask if you minded me shooting off a bit earlier today. I want to get to the flower shop before they close.’
‘Planning a night of passion with delightful Deanna?’
‘No. Deanna and I are done.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’
‘Don’t be. It was perfectly amicable. Things had just run their course. And tonight’s with someone a lot more special.’
‘Really? Going to tell me who?’
‘Nope.’ He grinned cheerfully.
‘Spoilsport. But yeah, feel free to clear off.’
‘Thanks, boss. Have a good evening.’
‘You too, Aiden.’
It didn’t take him long to cash out the till, walk to the tiny florist’s, and find the perfect bunch he’d been hoping for.
When he got home, he wheeled his bike into the garage – taking care not to scratch the car – and let himself in.
He followed the delicious smells to the kitchen and smiled to see the petite blonde-haired woman humming along to the radio as she chopped vegetables, pausing every so often to dance a couple of steps.
Her movements were slightly stiff and out of rhythm – but happy, and all the more lovely for it.
He waited until she put down the knife, and swept her up in a big one-armed hug then kissed the top of her head, just like he’d done for years.
‘Hello, love. Good day at work?’ She wiped her hands on the towel flung over her shoulder.
‘Yeah, pretty good, thanks. I got you something.’
‘You shouldn’t have.’
‘I shouldn’t spoil my best girl? You know I’m going to.’ He produced the flowers from behind his back.
‘You are soppy.’ She laughed and took the bouquet, burying her nose amongst the soft pink tulips and sunny daffodils. ‘But thank you.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘Do you want to stick the kettle on while I arrange these?’
‘Sure. Do I smell what I hope I smell?’
‘If you’re hoping for steak and ale pie, you do.’ She filled a vase with water.
‘You’re too good to me.’ He dumped the tea bags into the pot, knowing she’d pull a face if he dared to make tea straight in the mugs like 99 per cent of people did.
‘Says the man bringing me flowers. Is there really no one – no lucky lady – you’d rather be buying them for instead of your decrepit old mum?’
‘No.’ For a second, Mia’s face flashed into his head. ‘At least no one who’d appreciate them. And less of the decrepit, thank you very much.’
‘I don’t know how you’re still single.’ She shook her head at him. ‘You’re a catch, Aiden. And yes, I know I’m biased, but I don’t think I’m that biased.’
‘Guess I got lucky and took after you then.’
She snorted laughter. ‘I know I nag, but I worry. I’d feel a bit better if you had someone to look after you as well as you look after me.’
‘But I haven’t met anyone who cooks as good as you,’ he teased.
‘If that’s the only thing stopping you, find yourself a nice girl and I’ll teach her myself!’
‘Sure, Ma. I’ll keep an eye out.’ He chuckled and opened the fridge for the milk.
He jumped at a crash, and winced when cold water splashed up his jeans.
‘Are you OK?’
‘Oh, Aiden, your beautiful flowers. They’re ruined.’
‘Nonsense. The flowers are fine. Come here.’ He reached out to steady his mum. ‘Let me clean up.’
‘I’ve made such a mess. I’m so dratted clumsy. I’m so sorry.’ Her apology dug into his heart, twisting and biting painfully.
‘I told you, the flowers are fine. But let me pick them up. You’re not hurt, are you?’
‘I’m fine.’ She rubbed away tears. ‘I just hate it when things like this happen.’
‘It’s OK.’ He wrapped his arms around her tightly.
‘I’ll have it cleared up in a jiffy. Come on now, if you’re not supposed to cry over spilled milk, it’s definitely not worth it over water.
How about you go find something good for us to watch, and I’ll finish up out here.
Sound good?’ He stepped back to peer down and check her shaking and tears had stopped.
‘We can be naughty and eat off trays in front of the TV rather than sit at the table.’
‘OK.’ She nodded and headed to the other room.
Sighing, he bent down and started clearing up the mess, throwing down towels and old rags to soak up the worst of the water while he carefully separated the flowers from glass.
By the time he was done and the flowers had been dumped in another vase, the vegetables were ready, so he dished up dinner and carried a tray through to his ma.
‘Thank you, love.’ She smiled at him from her armchair. ‘For my flowers, for clearing up, and dishing up. And just looking after me so well. Thank you for everything.’
‘You don’t need to thank me. Not ever.’ He put the flowers on the mantelshelf and flipped out the legs on the tray in a practised move. ‘I never mind looking after you. Now, what are we watching?’
‘Modern or classic?’
‘Lady’s choice.’ He gave her a silly bow, making her smile.
‘Classic?’ She waited for his nod. ‘How about Some Like it Hot?’
‘Glamorous ladies plus perfect comedic timing? Sounds good. You set it up, and I’ll grab my dinner. Which smells amazing, by the way. Thanks for this. You really didn’t need to.’
‘I never mind looking after you either.’ She caught his hand and gave it a quick squeeze before he headed back to the kitchen.