Ron?
Audrey stared at him. “I didn’t know.”
“First time I met her, all she did was talk about you.” Ron pushed one of the brownies toward her. “She loves you a hell of a lot, but I guess you know that.”
She hadn’t known that. Not really.
Audrey ignored the brownie. If she ate any more sugar she’d end up being admitted to this hospital herself. “I—I love her, too.”
“I told her that, but when you’re drinking your brain can play tricks on you.”
Audrey still couldn’t believe it. “You still go to meetings after ten years?”
“Yes. And your mum has already promised to come to a meeting with me.”
“She has?” Hope blossomed. “I hope that happens.”
“I feel bad you came rushing back. Maybe I shouldn’t have called you. Did I do the wrong thing?” He finished his coffee and scrunched the cup in his hand. “I’ve never had a daughter. Not that I’m pretending I’m your dad or anything. That’s why I called. I didn’t think it was my place to keep it from you.”
“I’m glad you called.” Audrey gave up on her coffee. It tasted like poison, especially after Grace’s coffee. Ron’s stomach must be lined with lead or something. “And I’m glad you told me everything. Shall we go and see her now?”
“If you’re up to it.” Ron stood up. “Just to warn you, she doesn’t look too good. She’s a bit bruised. I don’t want you to freak.”
Audrey made a mental vow to keep her freaking internal. “I’m okay.”
Ron squeezed her arm. “That’s my girl. I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but everything is going to work out. We’ll figure it out. You know what I always say—”
“—as long as no one is dead, it will be fine.”
“Exactly. If everyone is still alive, then there are things we can do.”
Audrey choked on a laugh. That response was totally Ron. He was so laid-back he was practically horizontal. He was perfect for her mother. Why hadn’t she seen that before?
They took the lift up to the ward, and Grace chatted to Ron. Did he need fresh clothes? Could she fetch him something? Was there anything practical she could do while he and Audrey visited Linda?
“I like your friend,” Ron said as Grace vanished to call David.
Audrey nodded. “She’s the kindest person I’ve ever met.” It occurred to her that he must be exhausted. “If you’ve been here all night, you should have a break. Go home, get some sleep or something.”
“Plenty of time for sleep later.” Ron paused outside the entrance to the ward. “I’ll stick around, if that’s all right with you. We’re a family now, aren’t we?”
“Yes. Yes, we are.” Audrey felt a pressure in her chest. Family. It was surprising how good that one word sounded. How good it felt.
A nurse showed them where her mother was, and Audrey was grateful that Ron had given her warning because the bruising on her face was scary.
“Hi, Mum.” She leaned down to kiss her, and when her mother started to cry, Audrey’s stomach knotted. At first it felt like every time before, and then it became clear that this time was different. This wasn’t a drunken sobfest, these were genuine tea
rs of regret and hopelessness. And although seeing her mother cry broke her heart, Audrey no longer felt that horrible guilt that the whole thing was somehow her fault. It was one of the many things Grace had taught her. She wasn’t a bad daughter. She hadn’t done anything to cause this. The only person responsible for her mother’s problems was her mother.
“Don’t cry, Mum.” She hugged her mother gently. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m so ashamed.” Linda clutched her. “I only meant to have one drink, but then it turned into two and then three.”
“It’s okay, Mum. You don’t have to explain.” Audrey eased away and sat down on the bed. “I’m just pleased you’re going to try to do something about it.”
A look of panic crossed Linda’s face and she turned to Ron. “You told her?”
“Yeah, I told her. She needs to know what we’re doing. We shouldn’t have secrets.”