Three Amazing Things About You (31 page)

‘You have? Yay, that’s brilliant! Why didn’t you tell me before?’

There it was again, the guilty grimace. Bea took another deep breath. ‘Look, I’m sorry, I feel really bad about this. It’s someone you know.’

OK, she hadn’t been expecting that. Hallie’s heart began to race, because there was only one person she could think of who might be causing Bea to feel bad about the situation.

Luke.

Surely it wasn’t him?

Except why would Bea feel bad, when she didn’t know about her secret feelings for Luke anyway?

Apart from anything else, Luke was with Christina now. They were a proper couple once more. So it definitely couldn’t be him.

‘I can’t guess.’ Hallie shrugged. ‘No idea. You’ll have to tell me.’

Bea swallowed. ‘It’s Ross.’

Ross. For a second, Hallie was none the wiser. Then it clicked.

‘The one at Marilyn’s birthday? Estate agent from Oxford? That Ross?’

‘OK, I know, just let me explain what happened,’ Bea blurted out. ‘I saw what was going on that night and I knew you liked him, so after you left the party I had a bit of a go at him for the way he treated you. And the thing was, he was so
apologetic
. . . he really felt bad about it, but the whole wheelchair and oxygen thing completely freaked him out. Anyway, he
was
sorry, and we carried on chatting and he seemed like a nice guy, but then he asked me if I wanted to meet up some other time and I said no way, because of what he’d done to you, and—’

‘Hey,’ said Hallie, because Bea was babbling and getting flustered. ‘It’s fine. Really. He didn’t do anything to me.’

‘Well anyway, he kept asking but I kept saying no, then he wanted my phone number so I gave it to him because I thought that was harmless enough. Then the party ended and he left and I thought that was that, I’d never hear from him again, he was just one of those flirty types.’

‘But you did hear from him,’ said Hallie.

‘He started sending me these texts. Not
those
kind of texts. Just, like, really funny and sweet messages. And after a few days he asked me out again and I suppose I was just curious . . . so I ended up saying yes.’

‘And you had a good time.’

‘Oh God, we had the
best
time. There’s just something about him that makes me feel . . . you know . . .’ Bea clapped her hand to her chest. ‘But I felt so guilty, because I knew you liked him too . . .’

‘I didn’t really,’ said Hallie. ‘I liked talking to him, that was all. He’s pretty to look at but really not my type. I promise you, it’s fine. I’m not jealous or upset or anything like that.’ She smiled. ‘He’s all yours to enjoy.’

‘Oh God, that is
such
a relief. I’ve been dreading telling you.’ Bea threw herself down on the bed, arms outstretched, legs kicking in the air. ‘It’s been horrible this last week, dying to talk about him and not being able to. And you’re right, he’s
so
pretty to look at.’

Outside the open window, a dog barked and a woman’s voice said, ‘Daley, no, stop that!’

Jackknifing into a sitting position and bouncing off the bed, Bea peered out and waved down at Christina. ‘Hey, we’re up here! What’s Daley doing?’

‘Hello! Oh, he’s being naughty and trying to chase the ducks. Daley,
sit
. Behave yourself, wicked boy. How’s Hallie?’

‘She’s good. Everything’s great.’

‘It’s quiz night at the pub this evening,’ said Christina. ‘Are you coming along?’

‘Ooh, that’s an idea. We could make up a team between us. Brilliant,’ Bea said cheerily. ‘See you later.’ She waved again, then jumped back on to Hallie’s bed. ‘That’ll be fun, won’t it? And Luke’s dead clever, so we might even stand a chance of winning. Are you completely sure you’re OK with me seeing Ross?’

‘Absolutely.’ Hallie offered her the bag of toffee eclairs and this time Bea took one.

‘Well he could come along to the quiz then, couldn’t he? He’s clever too. We can be an unbeatable team of five!’

Hallie hesitated. In due course, if her intuition told her anything, handsome charmer Ross would inevitably move on to the next girl in his life, leaving Bea in pieces and vowing never to fall for such a handsome, charming bastard ever again. For now, though, she was in the midst of that giddy, swooshing-with-adrenalin honeymoon stage. And Hallie wasn’t sure she felt like being the odd one out at a table of ecstatically happy couples.

‘I don’t know. To be honest, I’m not feeling that great.’ Was it tempting fate to get out of it by pretending to be iller than she was? Rubbing her throat and looking poorly-but-brave, she coughed a bit and said, ‘I think I might be coming down with something. Probably best if I stay in tonight.’

‘Oh no, poor you! Shall I cancel Ross? If you want me to stay in and keep you company, I will.’

She would, too. Hallie smiled, because Bea was a good friend, and she loved her. She shook her head. ‘No, don’t cancel him. I’m going to have an early night. You all have fun at the pub and win the quiz as an unbeatable team of four.’

Arriving home from work, Tasha found Rory asleep on the sofa, looking sicker than ever. OK, this was the fourth day now. No more excuses. She gently shook his shoulder until he opened his eyes.

‘Hmm? Oh, hi. How was work?’

‘Never mind me. How are you? Did you make that appointment with the doctor?’

Rory grimaced and shook his head. ‘There’s no point. It’s just flu.’

‘Maybe, but you need to get checked out.’ A warning signal was niggling away inside her. She flipped open her phone. ‘I’m calling the surgery now.’

‘I don’t need to see a doctor. You’re just making a fuss over nothing. Give me a couple more days and I’ll be fine.’ As she began to make the call, he protested, ‘I won’t go.’

‘OK, now listen to me. You’re
ill
.’ Tasha gave him a look to show that this time she really meant business. ‘You either see someone at the surgery, or I get one of the doctors to come here.’

Rory closed his eyes in defeat. ‘OK, OK. Make an appointment. I’ll go.’

‘Thank you.’ Exhaling with relief, Tasha disguised her growing concern with a weak grin. ‘It’s like a miracle – man agrees to see GP. I’ll alert the media.’

‘Very funny,’ croaked Rory.

‘Luke? Before you go, Dr West wants a word.’

Luke nodded at Susie on reception. ‘OK, thanks.’

It was telling that everyone else in the surgery called each other by their first names but he was the only one brave enough to call Jennifer Jennifer. And it still didn’t come naturally. He was sure she’d probably rather be referred to as ma’am.

‘Come in,’ said Jennifer when he knocked on her office door. ‘Ah, Luke. Sit down. I have something to tell you.’

‘OK.’ Was there a problem of some sort? Had there been a complaint made against the practice? Jennifer’s customary brisk manner and general lack of warmth meant it was impossible to tell.

She removed her reading glasses and blinked in that intense bird-of-prey way of hers. ‘I’m leaving Carranford, leaving the surgery. Leaving the UK, in fact.’

Crikey.

‘Wow,’ Luke said aloud.

‘Yes, yes.’ Jennifer waved her hand in a dismissive fashion. ‘I’m sure you’ll miss me terribly. Anyhow, you clearly need to know, which is why I’m telling you now. I’ve tendered my resignation and obviously need to work my three months’ notice. We’ll have to find a suitable replacement, of course.’

‘Of course,’ murmured Luke. A less terrifying one, with a bit of luck.

‘And by mid September I’ll be gone.’

He was still struggling to take in the news. Somehow he’d assumed Jennifer would be here until the day she retired, efficient and soulless to the very last.

‘You haven’t asked me why,’ said Jennifer.

‘Sorry. Why?’

‘I’m sick and tired of having to deal with people who aren’t properly ill.’ She crossed her thin legs and shook her head. ‘Men complaining that they’re overweight but refusing to exercise or eat less. Parents bringing their children to me because they stay up past midnight playing computer games then can’t be bothered to get up for school. Women wanting me to refer them to cosmetic surgeons because they don’t like the way their jowls sag. And don’t even get me started on the ridiculous twenty-something girls wanting boob jobs and Botox.’

‘That’s not
all
of our patients, though,’ said Luke.

‘It’s enough of them to drive me to distraction.’ Jennifer pursed her lips. ‘Anyway, I’ve decided there’s more to life. To be honest, everyone talks about this village being such a friendly place to live, but I can’t say I agree; I haven’t found that at all. Half of the villagers are whingeing hypochondriacs and the rest just drink too much.’

Was there any point in attempting to explain why she might not have made too many friends during her time here? Luke decided on balance there probably wasn’t.

‘So, you said you’re leaving the UK? Do you know where you’re going yet?’

‘Of course I know where I’m going, Luke. If I didn’t, I’d be a complete moron. Africa.’ Jennifer’s tone was crisp. ‘Specifically, Uganda. I’ve volunteered my services at a hospital there. Can’t wait. I’ll be using my skills to treat patients who genuinely need my help.’

Luke’s phone buzzed to signal the arrival of a text, and he felt rather than saw Jennifer’s momentary eye-roll as he glanced at the screen:
Hi, just put salmon in oven. Home soon? Also, don’t forget quiz tonight – we’re teamed up with Bea and Hallie! Xx

It was Christina, waiting for him at the cottage. The mention of Hallie and Bea gave him a jolt.

‘Well, you’re obviously busy.’ Straightening a pile of papers on her desk, Jennifer continued, ‘Anyway, now you know what’s going to be happening. Please don’t mention it to anyone else at the moment – there’s no need for it to become public knowledge just yet. And another thing, when the time does come, I really don’t want one of those ghastly surprise leaving parties.’

‘Right, got it. I won’t let that happen.’ Luke nodded seriously and somehow managed to sound sincere. ‘But well done on the voluntary work. It sounds very worthwhile.’

‘I’ll be making a real difference,’ Jennifer agreed. ‘Treating the Ugandans and educating them in health matters.’

She would too; she was a fine doctor. Luke said, ‘Good for you.’

And good luck to everyone in Uganda
.

The Tiffany ring had been tight before. Now, just ten days later, it was loose. Tasha turned it around and around her finger, counting the number of times the diamond reappeared. It wasn’t as sparkly as it had been. She took it off and held it up, viewing it against the background of the fluorescent ceiling light.

‘Everything OK?’ said the nurse.

‘It used to be sparklier than this. It’s gone all dull.’

The nurse pointed to the antiseptic hand gel dispenser. ‘That’s what’s done it, endlessly putting that gunky stuff on your hands. Give it a good scrub with detergent and an old toothbrush and it’ll be as good as new in no time.’

As good as new in no time. If only they could say the same about Rory. Tasha swallowed and leaned forward in her chair to study his half-closed eyes, those beautiful light green irises and the long dark lashes she loved so much.

Except it was unfair to single out the eyes; she loved every aspect of Rory, every last detail of him. From his toes to his shoulders to his ear lobes to the silky-soft skin on the insides of his wrists . . . she loved
all
of him.

Reaching for his hand and easing her fingers between his, she gave them a squeeze and felt the tiniest squeeze in return. Just at the moment it was all he could manage, the limit of his strength.
Dear God
.

It still seemed completely unbelievable that this could happen to someone like Rory. After a lifetime of daredevil antics and deliberate risk-taking, how was it possible that a tiny,
microscopic
virus could lead to a situation like this?

But it had. The bug had turned out to be real flu after all, then niggling discomfort in Rory’s ribcage had grown into severe chest pain and breathlessness. Always super-fit, he’d become too exhausted to take more than a few steps at a time. By the time Tasha had succeeded in persuading him – typical man – to see his GP, the virus had worsened and so had the chest pains. Urgent admission to hospital had followed and the diagnosis had been made.

Most people caught viruses and felt a bit unwell for a few days, then the body’s wonderful immune system magically dealt with the virus and everything returned to normal. But in Rory’s case, the virus had ruthlessly attacked his heart muscle. It was a rare complication, but it occasionally happened and he’d been one of the unlucky ones.

Rory had myocarditis, and not the mild kind. His signs and symptoms were severe, including a fast, irregular heartbeat, tiredness, shortness of breath and pyrexia. Following admission to hospital, he’d undergone a torrent of chest X-rays and blood tests, an echocardiogram, ECGs, and an endomyocardial biopsy. As the results had come in, the medical staff’s expressions had grown more sombre. This was serious, far more so than they’d initially thought.

And it just kept on happening, like the worst kind of nightmare you couldn’t wake up from. Tasha, desperate to lean on Rory for support, had to manage on her own, because Rory was so ill it was as much as he could do to lie there in the bed and carry on breathing. Pain medication and sedation meant that most of the time he didn’t have the energy to speak. His body was covered in wires and tubes, and surrounded by hospital machinery. Other people in the cardiac ward were similarly accessorised; some awake, some not. Most of them were older than Rory.

And then there were the hospital staff, all incredibly hard-working and kind. They explained everything they were doing and encouraged Tasha to take regular breaks and look after herself. They were lovely, but the one thing they couldn’t do was promise her that everything would be fine and Rory would make a full recovery.

Which was really the only thing she wanted to hear.

Tasha swallowed; it wasn’t only her who wanted to hear it. Everyone who knew Rory was willing him to get better. His parents might be dead, but his Aunt Mel, the one who had broken her leg just before Christmas, was beside herself and visiting daily. As was Joe, who had been an absolute rock and would be here again – she checked her watch – any minute now. Initially the staff had been reluctant to allow him on to the unit, until Joe had said with feeling, ‘You let brothers in? Well, we’re more than that; we’re closer than any brothers. You have to let me see him.’