"Hello?" A soft, warm greeting. One that made Adam smile for the first time today.
"Hey, mum. It's me. You ok?" The words were familiarity masking the length of time since he'd called his mum.
"Oh, hello, Adam. To what do I owe this pleasure? It's been so long since I've heard from you." Carol was genuinely surprised. Adam gulped down the line, as the guilt tried to crawl out of his mouth.
"Yeah it's been a while. Nothing much, got the day off work so I thought I'd check in. Hey, whilst I've got ya, can I be cheeky?" His voice tightened.
"Oh how lovely. I can't remember the last time you said you had a day off. Probably your wedding day! haha Oh love, it really is nice to hear from you. Anyway, go on, son, what can I do for ya?" Carol moved to the kitchen table and sat down to listen.
"I know this is going to sound crazy but... Do you remember the gift Elle's dad gave me, after he found out I proposed to her?"
"I do, that was such a lovely thing for him to do. Who'd think watches could last that long!"
"Well...I've only gone and lost it. I know, I know. I'm an idiot!"
"Oh Adam, how did you-"
"But, I know where I lost it-sort of- and I'm sure it's only a matter of time til I find it. But, if Elle finds out, she will kill me. That thing in today's money is likely worth millions. I've found this retailer, that does perfect replicas."
"You're going to buy it to cover the fact you lost yours? You are a sneaky one Adam Ashworth. I have no idea where you get it from!"
"Right! But, even the replica is expensive as hell-"
"Adam, language!"
"Heck. But, if I take the money out of our savings she will see it, and then I've got to explain why I withdrew the money and...Yeah, I know I'm being super cheeky but..."
"Don't be daft, how much do you need?" Her voice was steady and unwavering.
He gripped the edge of the counter to brace himself as he said, "fifty grand." The figure cut through the air on both sides of the call.
"Fi... fifty grand? Adam... that's a lot, honey. How would you even get it back to me if you can't let her see-" Carol's warmth and kindness gave way to sadness and concern.
Her son transformed into 'Boardroom Adam' to convince her. "Got a plan! I'd already booked us a holiday away for when the schools reopen. Two weeks in some unpronounceable paradise on the other side of the world. It's all paid for already. All I'll do is tell her I've paid for everything from the joint savings. She might be mad but, the holiday will sort that out. I just transfer you the money and, bish-bash-bosh, I get the watch, you get the money back, and I get to live long enough to enjoy our first holiday since our honeymoon."
"...OK, love. I'll try. It's just, I don't have much cash to hand myself. I'd need to take it out of mine and ya dad's savings, and if he finds out, he'll kill me. But he's stupider than Elle." Carol spoke plainly about her husband, factual, not malicious.
"Hey look, I genuinely just called to check if you're ok. I didn't mean to go down this path, but when you asked if everything was ok. Just, one thing led to another and...It's fine, don't worry about it. I'll sort it." Adam was still on the other end of the call. Listening to every breath, every change in Carol's voice.
"No, love. You've asked me for help. If your mum can't help ya then" Carol trailed off in thought. She'd finally processed the request fully when she asked "When do you—"
"Tomorrow. Well, today, honestly, if possible. It's why I'm off work, trying to come up with a plan. If you can get me the money today, I can get to the watch store before Elle gets home and have a drink to calm my nerves! ha!"
"ha, ha. Yeah. Ok, I'm going to go out for a bit, so your dad can't hear or see what I'm doing. I'll transfer what I've got from the savings and have it ready by tea time for you. Just do me a favour, will you come see your dad once you've got the watch. He's missed you. We've both missed you."
"I will. Thanks, Mum. Love you."