Page 41 of Doc Rock
Therewas no record of her anywhere.
She'd vanished off the face of the earth.
That was the day he accepted she was gone, most likely dead, and tried to move on with his life.
Chapter 17
Mai
Mai pulled the chain out from under her dress, on which her wedding ring hung, and showed it to Gloria.
“You’ve worn that every day for sixteen years?”Gloria reached out and examined the simple silver band.
“Yeah. I thought about taking it off so many times, but Icouldnever bring myself to. Iwatchedfrom afar as they got bigger and bigger, and he got further and further away from me. My ring was the only part of him I had left.”
“Why didn’t you go back?”Gloria touched the silver band.
“Too much time passed. Too much water under the bridge. Everywhere I looked, Isawpictures of Ford with girls hanging all over him.”Mai blinked back the tears.“I couldn’t go back. He moved on without me.”
“Oh, honey.”Gloria pulled her into her warm embrace, and Mai lay her head down on the older woman’s shoulder, tears trickling down her cheeks.“Did you ever move on?”
Mai shook her head.“I’ve had a few boyfriends, nothing long-term.”
“They weren’t Ford?”Gloria guessed.
“No. I tried so hard. I made myself a whole new life.It wassixteen years ago when I left him, and I still can’tgetoverhim. I’m so pathetic, spending my life pining after a rockstar that I can’t have.”Mai took her glasses off and rubbed her eyes in exhaustion.
“I won’t try to tell you it’ll all be okay, because I don’tknowifit willbe. I’m here and happy to be a shoulder for you to cry on if you need one.”Gloria hugged Mai tighter.
“Gloria, that’s so kind of you. I couldn’t possibly–”
Gloria cut her off.“I always wanted a big family and only ended up being able to have Taylor. I’m now collecting bonus children who need a parent. I’m telling you that I’m here if you need me.”
Mai wiped her eyes again and relaxed into Gloria’s arms. It had been so long since she lost her mum and dad that she had almost forgotten whatit waslike to be held by someone like this.
“Thanks,”she mumbled through her tears.
“I quite like the idea of adding a musician to the family. Taylor is talented, but have youheardhim sing?”Gloria made a face.
Mai shook her head, offering a watery smile.
“Lucky you. It’s appalling. I say this as a mom who loves her son a lot: he should stick with acting and never take on any roles again that require singing.”
“Again?”Mai’s interest was piqued. She'd seen a stack of Taylor’s movies, but never one with him singing.
“He was inCats.” Gloria giggled.
“NO!”Mai pulled back and chuckled, even as her tears still flowed. She loved all things music-related, including musicals, and went to the cinema toseethat travesty of a movie.“I don’t remember him.”
“No. Thankfully, most of his part with him singing and wiggling his fluffy butt was left on the cutting room floor. So, like I say, I’d love to add a musician slash doctor to my family.”
Gloria’s voice was so genuine that Mai found herself replying,“Thanks. I’d like that. I’ve not been part of a family in a long time.”
“Fantastic. Do you like champagne? My daughter-in-law can’t drink at the moment, for obvious reasons, so I need a friend to help me annoy Taylor by drinking his good champagne.”
Mai laughed at that and dabbed at her eyes until the tears stopped.“I am partial to champagne, especially pink.”
“Excellent. We’ll take a detour via the main house to‘borrow’some, and give you a chance to freshen up. Will you be able to rejoin the party?”
