If I Only Knew(58)
“I know, I don’t know what’s come over me, but she’s amazing and brilliant. When I’m away from her I want to be near her. When she’s close, I don’t want to leave.”
Mum sniffs and then starts blubbering. “Oh, darling. I’m so happy for you. It’s just . . . it’s wonderful.”
“So you’ll come here for a visit?”
“Yes. I want to meet this girl,” she laughs. “I’ll ring you soon.”
“Goodnight, Mum.”
“Goodnight, Milo. I love you very much, no matter what you think of me.”
She disconnects the phone before I can reply, but it makes me happy to know she’s on board.
I send a quick text to Callum.
* * *
Me: Mum is going to come for holiday.
* * *
Callum: How did you manage that one? She told me to sod off.
* * *
I smile at the opportunity he’s given me.
* * *
Me: Because I’m the favourite. She just wanted to pad your ego by letting you think you were better than me. News Flash: You’re not.
* * *
Callum: Fuck off.
* * *
Me: Mature, brother. Anyway, I’ll let you know when I have more information.
* * *
Callum: Sounds good.
* * *
I have something else I need to talk to Callum about. Instead of doing it over the phone or text, I think it should be done in person.
* * *
Me: Can I stop over?
* * *
Callum: Is everything all right?
* * *
Me: Yes, you fucking nosey bastard, can I come or not?
* * *
Callum: Yes, fine, come by.
* * *
Such a prick.
I get in my car and drive the ten minutes to his house. He and Nicole live in a similar flat. He’s just closer to the water.
Nervous energy fills me as I get to his door. I’m going to quit—again.
The first time went down like a lead balloon. I can’t wait to see how this time goes. Even though the bastard has been hoping for this moment, he only seems to prefer it when it’s on his terms.
I knock once, and Nicole answers. “The prodigal brother returns.”
“Hello,” I say and then kiss her cheek.
“I hear your mom is coming to see us?”
Good news travels fast. “I asked her to come over Fourth of July. She’ll stay with you of course.”
Nicole laughs. “Of course. Not like you have room or complete quiet. She should definitely stay here with our full house. Maybe she’ll sleep on the couch?”
Callum walks in rubbing his neck. “Enough, Nic. We have plenty of room.” He kisses her temple. “Plus, I get to enjoy watching you behave for once while she’s here.”
“Yes. I love having to be nice to you because that woman scares me.”
“Our Mum? She scares you?” I laugh. “That’s ridiculous.”
Nicole glares at me. “Yeah, she doesn’t love me like she does you two idiots.”
This is true, but she’s far from scary. She’s sweet, when you’re on her good side.
“Give her time. She’s old and set in her ways,” I tell her.
“Whatever,” Nicole huffs. “I’ll let you two talk, I’m going to take Colin for a walk.”
“Be careful,” Callum’s voice is sharper than before. I can see the protective instinct start to rise inside him.
She rolls her eyes. “Relax, it’s Tampa and . . .”
“And your best friend’s husband was shot here not that long ago,” Cal finishes.
“That wasn’t random, babe, but okay. We’ll be careful.”
Nicole winks at me and then struts out of the room.
“Want a pint?” Callum asks.
“Sure.”
We head inside and once again I’m amazed at the way this place looks. Mine is simple and has very little furniture, where Cal has more shit than he could ever want. I’m sure if my wife were an interior designer, I’d be living like this too, instead of the bachelor pad I’m currently occupying.
Still, no matter how many times I’ve been here, it knocks you on your arse.
Callum pops the top and hands it to me. This is going to be bloody painful. I drain the drink in less than a minute, almost slamming the bottle down.
“This can’t be good,” he says as he scratches his head. “Out with it.”
“I quit.”
Subtlety was never my strong suit.
“You quit?”
“Yes.”
He shakes his head. “Okay. Why?”
There are a multitude of reasons, but Callum in all his faults has always been honest with me. I feel I owe him the same in this instance.