Chapter 6

I saw my mum rushing through the door and over to me.

“I’m so sorry I'm late, Erin.” She puffed.

“It’s alright. Are you alright?” I asked concerned by the look on her face.

“Yes, yes. I am alright, my neighbour had a fall this morning. We had to call the ambulance; she’s broken her hip.”

“Oh no. Is that the older lady?”

“Yes, I think she’s 82.”

The waitress came over and took my mums order. We spoke a while longer about the lady next door, before she decided she was hungry. We knew the menu like the back of our hand as it was our regular meet up place, but each time we still picked up the menu and perused it over. I settled on the tuna melt while mum chose the club sandwich. She insisted on paying against all my protests.

The food was delicious as always, but once again I found myself distracted by the events of the night previous.  

“Earth to Erin.” Victoria called.

I was still away with the fairies until my mum waved her hand in front of my face. I shook my head and brought my consciousness back into the room.

“There you are.” She joked. “What has you so distracted today?”

“It’s nothing, I apologize. What were you saying.” I tried to divert the subject quickly.

“No, no, no. Come on, spill. What it is.”  

I sighed, feeling silly. There was no reason for me to be so distracted.  

“Cleo and I went out for a few drinks last night; I guess I might have had a few more than I realised.”

“Erin Williams, I am your mother, you cannot lie to me. I know every tell you have, remember.”

I rolled my eyes with another sigh as I picked at the side salad on my plate.

“Fine,” I grunted. “Something happened while we were out last night.”

I saw panic flash on her face, “Are you alright?” She quickly grabbed my hand and started inspecting every inch of me she could see.

“I’m fine,” I replied, pulling my hand back, “there was some guy who got a little handsy and tried his luck. I told him no, but he pushed the issue. Next thing I know this other guy steps in and stops him.”

I could see her intrigue at my vague description but also the tone of my voice was piquing her interest.

“How did he stop him?” She raised her eyebrows.

“He told him to walk away essentially. That was all.” I shrugged my shoulders like it was nothing.

“What happened next?” She pushed.

“Nothing, the guy pressing his luck quickly scrambled and the guy who helped me walked away also.”

“That’s very strange. Normally they would at least offer a drink or give you their name or something. Was he handsome?”

I nodded as I blushed.  

A small chuckle escaped my mum's lips, “Erin having to guys fighting over her attention. No wonder you are distracted then.”

I managed to change the subject as she could see me getting annoyed. We talked for a while longer before it was time for us to leave.  

“Same time next week?” Victoria proposed.

“I’ll be here.” I smiled.

It was a weekly ritual for us to meet up. At least if we were both so busy in the week, we got to see each other on the weekend. It also made it easy as neither of us had to cook or wash up. Cleo phoned while I was driving home.

“I need your help.” She sounded flustered.

“I’m on my way home, do you want me to come to yours?” I offered.

“Yes please.”

I took the next turning that would change my direction and headed over. I knocked gently on the door, and it flew open. Cleo was bouncing, and I could see an air of excitement to her.