Page 43 of Captivating Anika
She’s not wrong, but he’s more than that. I’m only now starting to learn how much more.
“Hey, is Kim there?” I change the topic.
“She just went out back to dump the garbage.”
“Oh, okay. How is she holding up?”
“She’s been okay. Detective Evans was in here earlier to talk to her.”
I was going to give her an update on what I’ve heard so far about Chris, but that kind of information is probably better coming from Evans. He’ll know more than I do anyway.
“Oh, I’m glad. Tell her I’ll touch base with her in the morning. I’ll be in early.”
“Will do.”
The clock on my dashboard says it’s a few minutes to seven when I pull into my driveway, but it feels a hell of a lot later. It’s been a long, stressful day, on top of what already was a pretty eventful week, and I’m going to make this an early night.
Inside, I head straight for the kitchen. Meds first, and then I dive into the fridge for something to eat, when I spot the leftover container of last night’s Chinese food. The extra chow mein Hog got me. I’m going to enjoy that in bed, watch a little bit of Food Network, and crash.
I barely get myself comfortable under the covers with a pile of pillows in my back, when my phone rings on the nightstand. A glance at the screen shows my mother calling. I want to ignore it, but I’m afraid she’s going to keep calling until I pick up.
I’m pretty sure I can guess what happened. Bodhi probably talked to them to let them know what happened, and mentioned I was at the hospital. Now she’s going to want to know what I was doing there and why I didn’t call her. Whether or not Bodhi said anything about Hog and me, I’m not looking forward to this conversation.
To be honest, Bodhi surprised me earlier. I didn’t expect him to talk to me, let alone show me to Hog’s room. Granted, he didn’t talk much, other than to say he was fine and Hog would be too, but the fact he took me to see him said enough.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Oh, you remember who I am, that’s progress.”
“Mom…”
“You didn’t think to let us know your brother was hurt?”
Yep. I expected that. I can hear Dad trying to moderate in the background. He’s not a fan of conflict and has tried to play referee before.
“I didn’t know he was hurt, Mom. Not until I got to the hospital and Sumo told me Bodhi only had minor injuries. I didn’t see the point in worrying you needlessly, and after I found out, I figured he’d probably want to call you himself.”
“I’m his mother, don’t you think I have a right to know?”
“Honestly, Mom? No.”
I know I’m sticking my neck out, but her reaction goes a long way to why I haven’t been upfront with her about my diagnosis. I’m making a point she’s not even aware I’m making.
“We’re adults,” I continue. “Bodhi has a wife, a son. We have our own homes, jobs, lives. Of course we’ll share with you but, Mom, it’s not our obligation.”
To my surprise, it stays quiet on the other end for an extended period of time.
“Mom?” I prompt, wondering if perhaps the connection got lost.
I know it didn’t when I hear her firm statement.
“Sunday dinner. No excuses this time, Anika. I want you here.”
Wonderful. Just what I need.
“Fine, Mom. I’ll be there.”
I’m about to hang up when she takes the wind out of my sails.