29 - Time

                                    

                                          
Matthew smiled when his phone vibrated. He had been deep in work, but kept wondering if Victoria would like his gift. He gambled, knowing it could alienate her, but he couldn't shake the idea once it had formed. He wanted Victoria to curl up to him in front of a movie.
He relaxed when she joked about rom coms. He wasn't opposed. It could be a perfect research opportunity. His story had evolved and rather than reflecting his heart break with Penelope, it had elements of Brady's pain. Maybe if he could successfully write a story of forgiveness and second chance, Brady and Lily would have a chance. Victoria was determined to bring the former couple together.
Matthew leaned back and stretched. His desk chair was inexpensive and the manufacturer never heard of the word ergonomic. 
A niggling feeling grew as he sighed. "I hope this isn't for naught." 
Kendall had kept Lillian busy and away from The Point. At first it gave Matthew confidence, but he wondered if Kendall had already rejected his novel. He planned to read what he had written to ensure he hadn't gone off the rails. The three months Kendall agreed to were up at the end of July. 
Time was going by fast. Soon it would be July. His plan had been to write away from the distractions of life. Without trying, he found a life, a friendship with Victoria. Between their walks, OTL discussions, volunteering, and working out at the gym with Brady, he had a full life. He wanted to spend more time with Victoria, but he hadn't made progress on that front. At times, she looked on the verge of kissing him, but always left him disappointed.
When his phone rang, he felt elation followed by disappointment; it was his mum. 
"Mummy." He teased her. Martha still favored the endearment of small children.
"Sweetheart. I miss you."
He stood to stretch and walked around his small flat as they spoke.
"I miss you too. How's everyone? How's Dad?"
"Working hard. He misses you, although it's nice having the girls at home. He knows I hate a quiet house."
Matthew chuckled. "And he complains about the noise the girls make." 
"You kept the peace."
It was hard to imagine Millie and Martha spent nine months together in the womb. They were at odds except when their twin bond overpowered them.
"Mum. I didn't live with you."
"You came to visit."
"I know, but you're visiting me." Excitement waved through his heart.
"About that."
Excitement receded. Those two words could mean anything, but Matthew suspected it meant bad news. "Yes."
"My father thought some time at the seaside might be nice."
Matthew laughed. "The Dale's in America."
"I'll believe it when I see it. As far as I know my father has never been on a plane, nevermind left England."
"And he's coming to Maine?" Matthew laughed. 
His mum's family wasn't sophisticated but loads of fun. As a lad, Matthew thought Grandpa Joe in Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka was modeled after his grandfather, also called Joe. He was street smart, having never attended school past age fifteen. Joe Dale had a sharp wit, but could shock without warning. When he was happy, he broke out the soft shoe. He was larger than life and always made Matthew laugh.
"I know. It'll be something. Your father keeps asking if the house is large enough."
"I may stay above the fish market. I need the quiet to write. Have I told you, I've been going to a gym?"