Page 18 of Highland Stars
“Alright.” I take the few steps across my downstairs and set the soup on the stove.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Robertson,” I hear Makenna say.
Mam sits and puts her hand on Makenna’s knee. “Lovely to meet you too. You can call me Davina.”
“Have you moved your bowels today?” I ask.
Makenna’s eyes go wide at the same time as Mam yells, “Malcolm! At the dinner table?”
“I’m sorry. It just popped into my head, and I didn’t think about the fact that we’re eating.”
“She is not currently your patient. If she’s having any sort of troubles, I’m sure she’ll let you know.”
“I’m not having any sort of troubles,” she says, looking sheepish.
“Good.” I blow on my soup and try to forget how pretty the pink looked just now on Makenna’s cheeks. It really made her bonnie eyes stand out.
“This soup is fantastic. Thank you again.” Makenna looksat my mam, clearly not wanting to look at me and my bowel questions. I can’t believe I asked her that while we were eating dinner.
“I’m so glad to help you, darlin’. In a bit I can help you shower,” Mam offers.
Makenna’s face flares again, and I look down at my soup to hide my smile.
“I’m not sure I’ll need help.”
“Nae point risking straining yourself by taking off and putting on clothes. I’ve been a nurse for years. I worked until we had our second child, Ailsa. Then, when the kids didny need me as much I went back part-time, and now I work if someone calls in sick and I’m available. I’ve helped many people change in and out of clothes, you don’t need to worry.”
“Umm, okay. Thank you. It would definitely be nice to shower.”
“I thought it might.” Mam smiles and sips her drink. “Malcolm tells me you’re a wedding planner.”
“I am. Or I was. It seems I got too good at my job, and my boss didn’t like that clients were requesting me and not her.”
“Oh no. How terrible.” Mam’s face is appalled.
“That’s not right. If it had been bothering her that you were doing better, she should have worked harder,” I say.
Makenna shrugs. “Maybe so, but I’ve made peace with it. I’m seeing this as an opportunity for something new andbetter.”
“That’s a good attitude to have,” Mam says.
“It took me a few days to get here,” Makenna admits.
“Well, that’s to be expected.” Mam pushes her bowl back. “So what kind of new and better thing are you looking for?” She has a twinkle in her eye that I recognize. Her wheels are turning as she tries to figure out if Makenna would want to move here.
“I don’t know. I’m pretty flexible. I’d like to continue planning weddings, or large events, but who knows? I’d like to stay near my mom because it’s just the two of us.”
“That makes sense. You’re a good daughter. What does your mam do?”
“She’s also a nurse.” Makenna smiles, the love and admiration for her mother clear in her eyes.
“Ah. I like her already. You know, I could use another friend.” Mam grins. “There are nursing jobs here.”
Makenna laughs as if Mam isn’t dead serious. “You know, I haven’t told mom what happened. I was afraid if I did she’d be on a plane over here. It’s not that I wouldn’t want her to be here, but she doesn’t have the time off.” She shrugs. “I’ll tell her tomorrow.”
“Tell her Malcolm’s taking good care of you.”
Makenna laughs. “I’m afraid that might freak her out worse.”
