Page 55 of Saving Ren

“My mind is blown, Ryde. I’ve no clue what’s going on with him, but as long as you’ve got the business under control, I’m happy.”

“I’ve got things covered, Mum, it’s you we need to worry about. What are you going to do? Where will you live?”

“I don’t know, I’ve got a lot to think about. I’m staying with a friend Dad doesn’t know until he calms down, then I’ll probably go to Jo’s and stay with her until I get back on my feet.”

“Is there anything you need? You need money?”

“I’m okay right now, I’m just gonna lay low, but I might need some help in the week.”

“Just let me know, anything you need I’ll get it sorted out before I go away next week.”

There’s a moments pause before he asks, “You will be all right if I go away right? I can cancel if you need me here.”

Ryder has a two week holiday in Thailand booked. I knew it was coming up, but wasn’t sure of the exact date.

“I’ll be fine. What about work though?”

“Work will be okay. I’ve got it covered. Just let me know what you need.”

“Thanks, mate. I love you. Try not to worry about me, I’ll be okay, and please don’t fight with your dad over all this.”

“Yeah, I can’t promise any of that. Love you, Mum, call me if you need anything, I mean it, and call Sonny, he needs to know what’s going on.”

“I will, promise. Love you.”

I end the call, stand, lean against the balcony rail, and look out at the view across the bay. The door slides open and closed behind me, but I don’t turn. Gabe presses against my side and hands me a coffee.

“Black, half a sugar, right?”

“How’d you know?” I take the mug from him and question while still looking out at the water.

“Didn’t want to interrupt your call, so I messaged Jo. She’s on her way here.”

I nod slowly and take a sip from the steaming mug but don’t respond with words.

“You talk to your kids?”

“Just Ryder. It’s a bit late to be calling Sonny, he lives in England.”

I feel him shift beside me, but I don’t turn to look at him as I speak.

“He’s a professional rugby player, his girlfriend’s a paediatrician, or about to qualify as one. They both have British parents, so applied for UK passports, and decided to live over there for a bit before they come back here and eventually settle down.”

“You miss him?”

“Of course. Ryder only lives up the road, and I still miss him not being at home. I love being a Mum.”

He’s quiet for a moment. I hear him sip at his own drink as we both take in the view.

“I’ve got some shit for you inside,” he breaks the silence and says, and I finally turn my head and make eye contact.

“You got some shit for me inside?”

“Yeah.” He nods, sips from his cup, and turns his eyes back towards the bay.

“What kind of shit?”

“Girlie shit.”