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That was when I’d told them all to stick their offers where the sun didn’t shine. I didn’t need them. I wasn’t going to let them control my destiny. I’d decided I would keep the business and work remotely.
So that was that. Soon after, I’d given birth to Leo and Robyn had stepped in with running the company, and for the first few months I’d checked in once or twice a week to see how it was all going and give advice. I’d thought it was working okay, but this past month, things seemed to have changed…
‘I see. Well, think about it, darling. There must be a way to get someone to take it off your hands. Little ones grow up so fast, and I wouldn’t want you to miss Leo’s first steps or first words because you’re wrapped up in sending emails.’ My heart sank. I definitely didn’t want that to happen. I wouldn’t let it.
‘Don’t worry. I’ve got it under control. It’ll be fine. I just need to organise my time better. Any news on when you and Dad might come over to visit?’
‘Oh, darling, you know I’m not keen on flying. Maybe in a couple of months? We’ll see…’
There went my heart again. It was so hard not having my mum just a few miles away like I used to. Especially now I had Leo and was still trying to get my head around all this motherhood stuff. I thought my friends and family would be jumping at the chance to come over to visit me, but everyone had been busy. Roxy and Bella both had a lot on with work, Harrison was stacked, heading up the digital division of my business, Marilyn couldn’t get the time off from her job and Jasmine was at uni. I missed everyone so much. But I guess, thanks to technology, we had other ways to stay in touch, so it wasn’t too bad. FaceTime had become invaluable.
Speaking of time…shit. It was twenty to two. Leo would be waking up soon and I hadn’t got half of the things done that were on my list.
‘Sorry, Mum, I better go. Marta is coming round for dinner tonight, so I’ve got to start tidying up and make the crumble.’ Plus fit in the daily walk, look over the strategy document for one of our perfume clients, work on the ambassador stuff and reply to Viktor and call Robyn…
It’ll be fine. I’ll manage.
‘Okay, darling. Glad to hear you’re doing your own cleaning…’
‘Yes, Mum.’ I rolled my eyes again. She hated the fact that I used to have a cleaner once a week when I lived in London because I was always so busy at work. She said it was toola-di-da. She needn’t worry now, though. The days of having hired help were over. I could do it myself.
‘Oh, and don’t forget to sprinkle the top of the crumble with some granulated sugar before you put it in the oven to give it that extra crunch. And to add the coconut.’
‘Yes, Mum.’
‘And I’ve been experimenting with using oats too. A teeny tiny bit less flour and more oats. Gives it a nice texture.’
Dear God.It was hard enough getting hold of bloody coconut. I didn’t need another new ingredient to add to the list.
‘Maybe I’ll try that next time. I’ll call you soon, okay? Say hello to Dad.’
‘Will do. And give my little pumpkin a big kiss from his nana. You sure you can’t wake him up a bit early just so I can give him a little wave?’
No way.There was now only fifteen minutes until he woke up and I was already behind. I had to stick to the schedule before things got even more out of control.
‘Um, maybe we can speak tomorrow or later in the week and you can say hello properly then?’
‘Okay. I’ll do the Face video thingy when Harrison comes round next and sets it up for me.’
‘It’s really not that difficult, Mum… you just press… yeah, okay,’ I said, deciding I didn’t have time to go over it with her again right now. ‘Speak then. Love you.’
Just as I hung up, Leo started crying.
Great.It wasn’t even two yet.
That was the thing with babies. As much as you wanted them to stick to the schedule, sometimes they had other plans…
