Page 144 of Jonesing for a Spy

“Hello?”

“Diane? This is June Jones, Mirren’s mom. How are you?”

“Well, hi.” The water in the background shuts off. “It’s early. Is everything okay?”

“Of course. We’re at the hospital, but…”

“Is Strider having a flare up? I thought everything was okay. I haven’t heard from him in a couple of days, but he knows the signs and symptoms and—” Her panicked voice hurts me to hear.

One mom to another, I know that worry. I live with that worry. No matter how well I know my daughter and her skills or how much I trust my sons, I’ll never not be their mom first.

“Oh. I didn’t mean to worry you, Diane. Truly. It’s Mirren. It’s her knee. She fell on it awkwardly, and we’re having it seen by a doctor. I’m sorry I didn’t lead with that. Strider is with my son somewhere in the hospital, probably scouting breakfast.”

She exhales, and there’s a slight tapping in the background. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions. I always worry about him. And you’re right about finding food. The girls weren’t light eaters, but feeding a boy, especially one who’s active, that’s a whole other bear. And he’s never stopped.”

“Tell me about it. I have five boys plus Mirren. And I still do for family dinners. Speaking of, I need some of Strider’s favorites so, as we include him, he has a taste of home.”

“Mirren has his favorite cookie recipes, but I’ll get you some of his others. That’s so kind of you, June. Will you do the same for me with Mirren? I know it won’t be as frequent…” Her voice trails off as sadness laces her tone.

“Something to know about us… we’re a big, loud family. We’re not the us four and no more kind either, so plan on visiting. You always have a place with us.”

“That’s. Wow, that’s so nice. This whole thing happened so fast, and I have to tell you, it’s a little scary. Or it was. But your girl… she’s special. Every mother-in-law’s dream actually. Loves my boy. Wants the best for him. I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you, June, for sharing her with us.”

“You took the words out of my mouth. I mean it. Now after the holidays—or before if you want—plan a trip down. We need to get to know each other. Do you practice yoga?”

Our conversation continues for another twenty minutes. She doesn’t ask how I got her number, presumably because she figures Strider gave it to me. She’s extremely easy to like even if I get the vibe that we’re not similar.

Once we disconnect, I switch to my messaging app and update Harry. He’s not a worrier, per se, but he’s not exactly settled knowing Mirren’s op went sideways. Or that she needed surgery.

Mirri is good. They should be calling us back at any time. Thanks for lining up all we need for getting our girl home.

Harry

Of course. Besides, I need to get *my* girl home. Miss you, Wildcat.

Miss you too! I’ll keep you posted here. I’m dead on my feet but needed to make sure Scooter was okay.

It’s okay to rely on people, you know. Hambone would take watch. So would Bootsy. Don’t put the world on your shoulders.

They needed their rest.

And you didn’t?

You know what I mean.

And you know what I mean. I’d hate to have to lock you up so you can’t leave the house next time.

I’d like to see you try. {winking emoji}

Oh, I know you would. You like when I restrain you.

“Mrs. Jones?”

I fumble my phone before catching it midair.

“Mirren’s awake and ready to see you.”

I look around, searching for Jamie and Strider. Hefting my bag onto one shoulder and throwing Mirri’s backpack over my other, I follow the nurse to see my girl.