Page 89 of The Rescue

“You’re welcome.”

We both laugh together.

I hesitate to leave her alone, but she gives me a look of reassurance. I give her one last smile before I head out the door wondering how the hell I’m going to tell Rabbie about this.

32

Rabbie

Since my mum and I had that difficult conversationin the kitchen last week,things have gotten better between us. We’ve had many positive conversations when she’s on shift, and I’m happy to let her help me clean in the kitchen. We use that time to talk, being busy with our hands helps distract the hard topics and tension of some of the conversations and makes it flow a lot easier. I can really see she’s making the effort, she still hasn’t gone to see my nan but I think they both need time. My nan isn’t a forgiving woman, and she can be hard on most people so I can imagine my mum is scared to face her. If she hasn’t gone to see her soon, I might suggest she come with me to have a cup of tea with my nan, on the basis that my nan will be okay with it first. I’ll make sure to ask her first. The thought of my nan makes me feel guilty for not seeing her for a couple of weeks. Our usual Sunday dinners have been neglected since I’ve been so busy.

“I can’t believe how many Christmas puddings you’ve made,”my mum says in shock looking at all the orders stacked up on the shelves in the corner.

“Aye, I know. I never expected to be this busy. I’m beyond grateful for everyone’s support.” I say as I wipe down the stainless steel island, smiling to myself from the vivid memory I get every time I look at this thing.

“You should be proud of yourself, Rabbie. It’s really something,” she looks genuinely happy for me.

Her compliment warms me from the inside, I’ve been craving her approval for years, and it’s as sweet as I expected. I know she’s not been the best mum, but for me to move on with my life I can’t keep holding that against her.

“Thanks, I couldn’t have done it without my friends, and of course Nellie, David and Crystal.”

My mum shifts a little at the mention of Crystal. I can tell she’s wary of her, Crystal has had her defences up when it comes to my mum and has protected me fiercely. I know she has her reservations about my mum, but I hope that will ease over time.

“I’m happy for you. You balance each other out,” she gives me a soft smile.

The smile is gone quickly, and I can tell it must be hard for my mum to talk about good relationships because she’s never had a partner who respected her. I don’t like that look on her face, it makes me want to cheer her up.

“I’m having a launch party for the website at the end of the week, I would like you to come seeing as you’re part of the team now.” I wring the tea towel in my hand, I don’t know why I’m nervous for her answer, but I would really like her to be there.

She looks away, and I catch a glimpse of her glassy eyes.

“The whole town will be there, so only if you’re comfortable.”

Her head snaps to me. “The whole town can hate me, I don’t care what they think of me. I only care about you and nan. I’ll be there,” she wipes her eyes.

“Thank you, it means a lot,” I say, and I really mean it.

I look at the clock and it’s time to close. Nellie is out the front doing the last little jobs. My mind wanders to Crystal, she went out for a run and told me she wasn’t going to be long, but that was over two hours ago. Usually she’ll text me if she’s going to Thistle Down, and I haven’t received any texts or calls from her. Panic starts to set in, not that I think she’s left me, but I’m worried she’s fallen and hurt herself or got lost on one of the trails. You don’t want to get lost in the Highlands in this cold weather. I grab my phone from the shelf and open it to call Crystal when she comes through the backdoor of the kitchen. Seeing her does nothing to ease my anxiety, the look on her face tells me that something is wrong.

“Rab, I need to talk to you.”

My legs feel like jelly, no one ever likes to hear those words come from someone they’re in love with. I move for her when Nellie comes rushing in the kitchen.

“Rabbie!” Nellie’s voice is shaky.

Great, now I’m about to have a full blown panic attack. Crystal is frozen in place, and my mum looks between Crystal and Nellie who both look pale.

I don’t know which one to tackle first, but I know I’d rather talk to Crystal in private.

“What is it Nel?” I turn to her.

She’s wringing her fingers, and shifting on her feet.

“I can’t find the tip jar anywhere, it’s gone missing. I can’t remember the last time I saw it either. It’s got over three hundred pounds in it,” she says a million miles an hour.

Nellie looks like she’s going to cry, and I see Crystal’s eyes shift to my mum. They quickly land back on Nellie, but it was too late. I’d already caught her making the assumption that my mum took the money.

I hold my hands up to calm the situation. “I’m sure there’s a simple explanation. I’m sure they will turn up,” I try to remain calm.

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