Page 90 of The Best of Times
“I know it sounds awful. The more I found out, the more I wanted to know. So I asked about your conversations.”
“And Dad folded under interrogation.”
“Pah,” she said. “He’s never been able to resist.”
Aron grinned despite having serious reservations about where this conversation was going.
“I know I ruined our relationship as mother and son,” she said. “But if you could see your way to maybe accepting me on Facebook, I promise I won’t comment or anything. I’d just love to be able to share in your triumphs. Even in that small way. I have no right to ask you. I realise that.”
She fiddled with a tissue in her hands.
“I can do that,” he said quietly.
She wiped a tear from her eye. “Really?”
He nodded. “I can’t pretend that everything will be okay,” he said. “We’ve both said some awful things. Let’s start as Facebook friends and see how it goes.”
“Thank you,” she said. “Now what about this man?”
Aron groaned. “What about him? We have a wedding to get going. He’ll have to go on ice for now. Come on, let’s go and see the blushing bride. I’ll be in trouble for being missing in action all this time.”
They set off down to the drawing room.
Could he put Paul on ice again? Or was it simply dead?
He had no control over that. He found it did feel nice to have had a conversation with his mother. Perhaps this Christmas, he had received a wonderful gift.
Like everything. Only time would tell.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
By the time Aron and his mother got to the drawing room, he had managed to pull himself together somewhat. The only focus he had now was on his grandmother. He would be damned if he’d let Paul Higgs ruin this special day on top of everything else.
In their absence she had put the suit on. They were on the final stretch.
He was sure his tears had subsided. Even so, he kept his distance from Granny as she inspected her outfit for the final time. She would sniff out any upset in a heartbeat.
“We should take our seats,” his father said.
He strode over and shook Aron’s hand.
“Thank you, Dad.”
“You’re so welcome. I love you, son.”
“I love you too.”
Aron glanced at his mother. It would have been too much if they’d said the same to each other. Instead she nodded. There was a whisper of a smile on her face as she walked past him. One that he returned.
As far as first steps went, they’d taken a big one. It was terrifying. Maybe that meant it was worthwhile.
Most of the people began to leave the room. The hairdresser was still perfecting Granny’s bouffant.
“I think that will do,” Granny said. “I’d like a minute with my grandson before we leave.”
Once they were alone, Granny patted the seat next to her.
“I think you’ve been having quite the morning.”
