“Well…
just get another big client or a few small ones,” I said.
“And don’t tell them you’ve got a personal assistant when you haven’t.”
“I know I know,” Mum said.
We got home and Mum offered me a ‘spritzer’. “
You deserve a drink after all you’ve been through.” she said as she filled a glass with three-quarters soda and one-quarter wine.
She poured herself a glass but with opposite proportions,
took a sizeable glug, then lit a cigarette.
“Mum…
what are you doing?” I asked.
Mum never smokes inside the house.
Her expression suggested that she didn’t really care
but then she relaxed,
opened the back door, and stepped outside.
“Do you want one,” she asked, pointing an erect cigarette in my direction.
I gulped and shook my head.