Page 110 of Five Summers

“How much are they paying you?” I can’t help but notice her snarky tone.

“Once the tour is over, they will pay me two hundred thousand.”

She stays silent for a moment, and I can tell that she is somewhat taken aback by the substantial sum of money. She knows how money can make a difference - she inherited her grandmother’s life savings not long after Alex was born and she quit her job.

“Mom, getting this money means we can finally leave the apartment and move into a house,” I say, trying to emphasize the importance of how things could change for us. “And as you cansee-" I don't even get to finish the sentence because once again she interrupts me.

“So, which band wants you to go on tour and what will you even be doing since you don't have any skills?”

I hold back my response to her snarky comment, opting to bite my tongue. Thank goodness Alex's stay will be short and then he can return to the apartment with Mrs. B. For the time being, I prefer to remain silent, as I’m not prepared to engage in a heated argument with her.

“It’s him, isn’t it? That lowlife,” she says when I don’t answer her previous question. “It all makes sense now. He was here two weeks ago. Because who else would offer you something like that.”

“It’s Xander’s band, yes, but he has no clue that the label is paying me to go.”

“So, what will you be doing while you’re there?” she asks. “It’s obvious you’re back with him. Why else would they offer you a position?”

There was no way I could tell her about what happened with Xander’s dad and that I was the only one who could get through to him, because I knew she would only mock it. Anything to do with Xander and she doesn’t listen.

“No Mom. I promise you, it’s not at all what you think. I’m not back with Xander.”

“I still can’t figure out why they’d want you.”

That’s the thing about my mother. She’s never been my biggest supporter.

“So, do you think you could look after Alex for a few days until Mrs. B comes home?”

By now, Alex has moved out from behind my legs and is looking around the room. My mother stares at Alex for a long time before she looks back at me.

“Well, I guess so,” she says. “It'll be nice finally getting to know my grandchild since you always keep me away.”

I’m about to open my mouth and tell her I never stopped her from seeing him, but I decide against it. Engaging in an argument with her in front of Alex is something I want to avoid.

“So, when do you leave?”

“In three days. And trust me, Mom, I have no desire to be with someone who hasn’t even made an effort to get to know Alex.”

She gazes at me for a moment and then nods as if believing the truth in my words.

"Okay," she says, glancing at Alex, who stands next to me staring up at her.

"Hey Alex, do you like milkshakes?” she asks, smiling as she moves back around the kitchen cupboard and comes to stand in front of us.

It's surprising to see her like this because I haven’t seen her smile like that since my dad was around.

Alex looks up at me as if asking for my approval. I nod, giving him the go-ahead.

He moves over and my mother holds her hand out for Alex to take.

I stand there watching as they walk back around the other side of the kitchen counter.

I move onto one of the stools, watching the interaction between my mother and her grandson.

I send Ace a text with the new address for the car to pick me up. My mother’s address. I've been spending time with my mom so she and Alex can bond. He's way more comfortable with her now than when we first came back here. She's been good with him. The only time she brings up Xander is when she's talking about how Alex looks.

When we came back the next day, my mom told me she got in touch with a handyman to build a sandpit for Alex in the backyard. She didn't have to do that, but I'm so thankful. At least Alex will have something to do while I'm gone.

He's really excited to come to my mom’s today because the sandpit is finally done.

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