There was nothing for it but to tell her mother she had a date in the morning and would need the car again, and accept the third degree.
“A pastor? Not a catholic then?” Her mother sank into her recliner with a hearty sigh.
“No mom, but she’s very religious.” Milla kicked back on the couch, stomach full of the last of the apple pie. “It’s just a date. I don’t know her that well.”
“Do I get to meet her?”
“Maybe. I promise if she turns out to be special, I’ll share. Do you want to start the movie?”
Her mother put her head back and seemed like she would fall asleep. “In a minute.”
Milla decided to go for it — she was worried. “Mom, when’s the last time you went to the doctor for a general checkup?”
“I’ve been too busy. Yes, let’s start the movie.”
She knew evasion when she heard it. “If something’s not right it won’t fix itself. Are you checking your blood sugar regularly?” So far she hadn’t seen her mother do it after the meals they’d shared.
“I’m know what I’m doing, Milla.” Her mother looked pointedly at the blank television screen.
She braved her mother’s annoyance. “I know you do, Mom. I know you’re tired, though, and heck, when I’m tired I forget to do stuff that’s important. I have a deal for you.”
She got a suspicious look.
“If I make an appointment for you and you go and we get you all tuned up, I’ll give you your birthday present early.” Her birthday fell just after Milla was due to report back to Letterkenny.
Her mother gave her a narrow, considering look and Milla realized all at once that the brown eyes were exactly like the ones that stared back at her from the mirror. “Depends on the present.”
“A trip to a spa and I’ll even go with you. Mani-pedis and haircuts. I’ll need a trim by then.”
She saw her mother’s chest rise and fall with another deep sigh. “That does sound nice. But I can’t let you spend all that—”
“It’s your birthday, Mom. I saved up and I’ll get a Groupon.”
Her mother relaxed but it didn’t really assuage Milla’s fears. She must not be feeling well to have put up so little of a fight.
“Okay, then.”
She made a mental note to find the phone number for doctor’s appointments. She’d make it when her mom wasn’t around and tell the nurse it wasn’t just routine. Hopefully that would get them in sooner rather than later.
She’d do that right after breakfast with Tyna.