Two days later, I nearly lost my job because of Mother. Friday had always been a busy day for us, in fact it was our busiest. I knew we’d be even busier than usual because this Friday was the beginning of a long weekend holiday. To make matters worse, Lucy was off work suffering from a bout of gastroenteritis. Tony was unable to get any temporary staff because of the holiday. Lydia, his wife, had offered to help out but, she would only be able to stay for two hours and would have to leave before the end of the lunchtime rush. I was dreading having to face an even larger than normal dinnertime crowd as the only waitress.
I had my arms full with four plates when Tony shouted out to me through the kitchen serving window. I finished serving my customers, apologised to those still waiting to be served, having already mentioned we were short staffed, then hurried through to the kitchen. In the kitchen Tony was shouting out instructions and trying to take care of half a dozen dishes himself.
“I don’t know who it is or how she’s done it, but some woman wanting to speak to you has tied up the outside line for hours. I can’t disconnect her. Get her off the phone now or don’t bother coming into work tomorrow.”
I knew apologising wouldn’t placate Tony. I simply nodded and headed into the office. I hadn’t felt anger like this in a very long time. I picked up the telephone with such force, I almost pulled it off the desk. I knew who it was.
“Mother, would you please stop calling me at work? No – no, stop calling me period!”
She ignored the remark. “I feel like I’ve been on hold for months.”
I tried to appeal to her better nature. “Mum, please, I’ll be happy to speak to you, but you mustn’t call me at work. My boss doesn’t like it.”
My words had no effect.
“I’m so cold, Suzie. I don’t think my heater is working. Could Roger come over and take a look at it for me, please?”
It was the middle of spring. The days were pleasantly warm and the nights were mild. I knew the elderly often felt cold, so I wasn’t entirely unsympathetic. I could tell Mother the reason she was feeling cold, but I knew she wouldn’t listen.
“I-I’ll ask him but…”
“Thank you Suzie, I’ll expect him over sometime soon.”