Page 61 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

“No, she just needs to rest, but her meds have affected her blood pressure, and it makes her too woozy and unsteady on her feet.”

I check my watch. It’s already late in the afternoon. “Are you still at work?”

“No, my manager has let me go. I’m at home now. Can I call you later?”

“Of course. And, Noah, remember to be kind to yourself too. I’ll talk to you later.” When the line goes dead, I put my phone on my desk and open my laptop. I only have about an hour’s work to do, so if I get it all done without any interruptions, I can be out of here, pick up some food, and take it to Noah’s, which will give him one less thing to worry about.

I go to my favourite Italian restaurant, the one I’ve taken Noah to, so I know he likes Italian food. I get a chicken pasta dish for his mum, their mouth-watering garlic bread, some antipasti nibbles, and a few other things. If there are leftovers, they can freeze it for another night.

We’ve shared a cab at the end of our dates, so I know where he lives. It’s a nice area. I haven’t asked if his mum is able to work anymore. Does his salary help keep them afloat? It’s none of my business, so I force any nosey questions out of my head. I park a couple of houses down and grab the takeout bags. Maybe they’ll invite me to stay. If not, I’ll go back to pick up another order and eat it at home.

I ring the doorbell, and after a couple of seconds, Noah calls out that he’ll get the door. When he opens it, he slaps his hand over his mouth, his eyes wide.

“Everett? What are you doing here?” He looks over his shoulder. Something clatters onto the floor.

“I brought you and your mum dinner. I didn’t know if you would have time to make anything. And I know you love Italian.” I hold up the bag, which is giving off the most delicious aromas.

“Who is it, Noah?” The door opens wider. A woman who looks to be a few years older than me holds the door with one hand. The other hand rests on a cane. She must be his mum. There is something familiar about her, but I can’t put my finger on it.

“It’s Everett, Mum. He’s brought dinner.” Noah sounds embarrassed, and dread fills me. Has he told her about me, about the age difference? I now feel silly.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I just thought I’d bring you something to eat. Noah said he was staying in tonight.”

“I didn’t realise he was supposed to go out with you. I’m sorry to mess up your plans. I’m Julia. Why don’t you come in? Considering the size of that bag, there’s more than enough for us to share.” She gives Noah a pointed look. “Let Everett in, please, sweetheart.”

“No, I’ve intruded. Here, take it, Noah, and I’ll call you to set up a date for another night.”

One look from his mother and I know that excuse is not going to fly. She opens the door fully and waves me in. “I’m sorry, Noah. I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” I say so close to his ear my breath brushes over the shell. He shivers.

“It’s okay.” He smiles for the first time. “I wanted to see you tonight. I can’t believe you’d do this. It’s really kind of you, thank you.”

“You should know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Noah.” I press the lightest kiss over his temple, then step back. “We shouldn’t let this go cold.”

Any preconceived ideas I had about Noah’s mum fly right out the window as she tells funny stories about Noah. She has a limp, which is why she needs the cane. But more importantly, she has a wicked sense of humour and a deep, deep love for her son. She praises him constantly and talks of his selflessness and how he came home to live without her having to ask.

“I knew your brother,” she says as we eat. “We were at school together. You were a couple of years behind us, so you didn’t hang out with us.”

That’s the mystery solved. “I thought I recognised you but couldn’t determine why or where. Phil is three years older than me and was apparently way too cool to let his baby brother be seen with him and his friends.”

“Ahh, the mean big brother act. I doubt he was like it away from school. I mean, you wouldn’t still be working together over twenty years later. You’ve done well for yourselves. Congratulations.” She raises her glass of sparkling water to me.

Even though her comment sounded genuine, I get the feeling she hinted at something more. She pointed out the huge age gap between me and her son without actually saying it. But to be fair, I don’t get any notes of disapproval, only her acknowledgement of the nearly twenty years difference. I’d rather have her approval and support of my relationship with her son, her only child, but I will continue to see Noah for as long as he’ll let me. Whether she likes me or not.

“Thank you. It’s been hard work, but it's worth it. Over the years, we’ve had our differences, simple sibling arguments, but we both wanted the same thing, had the same goal, and were prepared to work long days and years to achieve it. Phil is married and has two children, both girls. One works with us, and the other is at uni,” I say proudly.

“I’m surprised I don’t know them,” Noah says, “They must be around my age.”

“Maybe you do. Natalie is the oldest, and she’s maybe a year older than you. Caitlin is the one at uni. She’s twenty.”

Noah shrugs. “The names don’t ring any bells. That doesn’t mean I don’t know them, though. I haven’t thought much about school since I left.”

He says it casually, but I get the feeling there’s more to that story, but now isn’t the right time to dig into it. In fact,I should go. It has got quite late. Julia has yawned discreetly behind her hand. I’ve probably kept her up way longer than she planned. “I think I should go.”

“No, don’t be silly. I’m done. I’ve hit my full button. But Noah will enjoy your company without his mother hanging around. It’s been lovely to meet you, and thank you for dinner.” She stands and wobbles a little. Noah jumps up and helps her to her room.

Which gives me the time to clear up the plates and containers left over from the meal.

After only a few minutes, Noah walks into the kitchen. “Everett, thank you for everything. I haven’t seen her that perky and happy for a long time. You didn’t mention her bad day, her fall, or how bad she felt about me having to stay home. You’re amazing.”

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