Free Christmas At Leo's - Memoirs Of A Houseboy by Gillibran Brown

for my mother’s house. I would have liked nothing better than to have gone into the pub with Dave and Sara, to sit with a pint and take in the festive buzz while getting to know Sara a little better. It was, or used to be, one of the best bits about the run up to Christmas, the getting together with friends at inappropriate times of the day to drink and have a chat and a laugh.
    My heart sank as I approached my mother’s place and saw a small, smart Ford Fiesta parked outside. Frank drove a battered old Nissan Bluebird, so I knew it wasn’t his car. Besides, I knew he was at work. I offered a silent prayer for it not to be Frank’s stepdaughter Kelly. Mum had recently mentioned she had gotten a new car. I didn’t relish the prospect of my visit being overshadowed by Kelly fussing around mum, making me feel superfluous.
    I knocked on the door before opening it and calling. “It’s only me.” I put the roses and my bag down on the stairs before going into the front room.
    Mum wasn’t alone, but it wasn’t Kelly with her. It was a Macmillan nurse. Mum had mentioned she had been getting some home support. Jesus! I tried not to look alarmed as the nurse got to her feet. She was an Amazon. She looked like she could strangle a cow with one hand tied behind her back. If the FF was hers, then how the hell did she fit in it? She must fold her body like a piece of human origami.
    “I’m Sandra.” She held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Gilli. Your mum has told me all about you.”
    “Hi, nice to meet you too.” I smiled and took her hand, trying not to grimace as she shook it so hard I feared whiplash injuries to my neck and shoulder.
    “Don’t look so anxious. Mum’s fine. We’ve been having a nice chat. I’ll be off now you’re here to keep her company.”
    She gave mum a hug goodbye. I saw her to the front door, craning back my head to look at her face. “Is mum really okay? She looks like she’s lost more weight.”
    “Weight loss is common in final stage patients. Her doctor has prescribed supplementary drinks. They’re in the fridge. Encourage her to have one. They’ll help keep her strength up.”
    I must have looked stricken because she touched a hand to my face. “Try not to distress yourself. The best thing you can do for your mum is stay cheerful.” She caught sight of the flowers on the stairs, drawing a breath of admiration. “I wish someone would treat me to flowers like those. They’ll bring a smile to her face for sure. She boasts to everyone about the flowers you bring her, and that beautiful Christmas card you sent had her in raptures.”
    I waved her off and then picked up the bouquet and my carrier bag, taking them into the front room. Nurse Sandra was right. Mum gave a gasp of delight, her face lighting up at sight of the arrangement.
    “Oh, Gilli, they’re beautiful. They must have cost a small fortune. You shouldn’t spend so much.”
    “They’re from all of us. Shane and Dick send their best wishes.”
    “So kind, when they hardly know me. Be sure to thank them for me.”
    “I will. Where do you want them?”
    “By the side of the hearth where I can look at them.”
    I did as she asked.
    “I’ll make you a hot drink. You looked nithered when you came in.” She struggled to get to her feet. “Do you want tea or coffee?”
    “Sit down, mum. I’ll make it.”
    She didn’t argue. “Thanks, love. I am a bit tired today. Didn’t sleep so well last night. Don’t make tea for me. I’ve just had one with Sandra.”
    “You never said she was built like a brick outhouse.”
    Mum gave a laugh. “She’s a big woman all right, big heart too. She always cheers me up.” She settled down in her chair, leaning back and closing her eyes, as if the effort of moving had exhausted her.
    I studied her. There’d been a definite deterioration in her condition in the days since I’d last seen her in the flesh. As well as losing weight, her skin was yellowy, jaundiced