Page 144 of Tied to You

Janette waves a hand dismissively. “No, you’re right. I need to stop trying to do everything.”

I place the teabags in the mugs, then walk to the fridge for the milk. “What have the doctors said?”

“They’ve given me opioids and suggested I start therapy sessions. Failing that, surgery is an option, but I don’t think I like the idea of it.”

“What do they do in surgery?” I pour the water in the mugs as I listen.

“Replace the damaged joints.”

“They can do that?”

“Apparently.” She shrugs. “But I’m probably too old for that now.”

I drop the teaspoon. “Shit, I almost forgot!” I step to her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you,” she says flatly.

“Oh, come on. Fifty-two is the new thirty.”

“Piss off,” she half laughs.

I pull back, pulling her gift from my back pocket. “Well, maybe this will cheer you up. Tah-dah!”

“Oh, Mollie. You didn’t have to.” She looks at the envelope.

I give her a look. “I wanted to.”

She smiles at me, her face beaming but she remains still.

I quickly realise why she’s not taking it from me. “Fuck,” I whisper, stepping closer. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Just open the bloody thing so I can see what you’ve got.”

My lips curl up. “Actually, this was Travis’ idea.” My fingers begin opening it.

“Really?”

I hum my response, pausing when I catch her staring at me. “What?”

Her face is beaming again, her eyes lighting up like the sun. “I’m glad he found you.”

“Me too,” I say, the smile breaking on my face, actually hurting.

“I can tell you really love him.”

I carry on with my task, ripping back the paper. “He has the ability to drive me crazy,” I lift my shoulders, “but then I look in his eyes and my heartmelts, you know?”

Janette gives a little nod. “I know.”

My fingers slip the card from the envelope, and I give her a little nudge with my elbow. “Anyway, Mrs, you are going…” I hold out the little card, letting her read it.

“Holiday? I’m going on holiday?” Her voice is squeaky and high. “Oh, Mollie! What?” She jumps up from the chair.

I smile wide. “Yep! Travis wanted you two to have a break.”

I’m dragged into the tightest hug I think she’s ever given me. And for the strangest of reasons, I cry. I don’t think she’s ever been on holiday.

When she pulls back, her eyes are glassy, my face now being squashed in her hands getting a good look at her. “Thank you.”