Page 22 of Date with Destiny

I am unable to speak or think as he dashes off to get Toni.

I can’t make this stranger drive us, can I? But the idea of getting an Uber right now, or worse, on the tube, trying to find an unknown place with my brain disconnected like this, feels impossible.

What’s happened? Surely it can’t be serious? Diane is so young and so healthy. She does yoga and runs and laughs a lot! People like that don’t get really ill out of nowhere. Do they?

She has to be OK.

CHAPTER NINE

‘It’s a broken leg!’ Diane laughs, pointing at the cast on the bed before her. ‘It’s so stupid, it’s just my leg.’

‘Thank god!’ I shout, the relief flooding my body. Beside me, Zach reaches for my hand. ‘It’s OK,’ I turn to face him.

‘I know,’ he smiles, squeezing the hand he’s now holding as emotions zig-zag through me.

‘Your aunt is fine,’ a nurse smiles from across the room, as she approaches to adjust Diane’s drip.

‘It’s a broken leg!’ Celeste laughs and Diane is now laughing again, too.

‘It’s not funny, you guys,’ I frown. ‘I was really scared.’ They continue to laugh, hysterically now, as another voice chips in from behind me.

‘She’s OK?’ it says and I turn to find Daniel’s familiar figure.

‘Daniel!’ I can’t help the happiness in my voice. ‘You came!’

‘Of course I did!’ His puppy energy is palpable, even in a yellowing hospital room. ‘I had to be here for you.’ He grins. ‘I’m so glad Diane’s all right. And I still love you. Will you marry me, Ginny?’

I frown. ‘What? Are you serious?’ I realize I’m still holding Zach’s hand. Behind me, Celeste yells. ‘Say yes! For god’s sake, Ginny, say yes!’ On the bed, Diane is still laughing and now there’s another familiar person lying beside her. It’s the fortune teller.

‘Look who I found!’ says Diane through uncontrollable giggles.

‘Should I marry Daniel?’ I ask the big-haired woman, who looks back at me blankly. I realize it’s the nurse. The fortune teller was here, working as a nurse all along!

‘Maybe!’ she says. ‘Or maybe Zach’s your soulmate!’

I wake up with a start, disorientated and stiff. I’ve nodded off in my chair at work. I haven’t been sleeping well lately, but this is still next-level unprofessional.

‘Are you OK?’ Thankfully, it’s Toni who’s woken me up. She’s standing awkwardly in the doorway. ‘Sorry Gin, I know you’re knackered.’ She pauses. ‘It’s just that Zach’s here for your meeting.’

‘Right!’ My voice is croaky and I clear my throat, reaching for the glass of water on my desk. It’s warm. ‘I’m fine, I’ll be there in two seconds. Sorry.’

‘Don’t say sorry,’ she says quietly. Her eyebags are as deep and black as mine. ‘The dream again?’

‘Pretty much.’ I give her a small shrug and she nods, disappearing back out to the store front. I quickly pull out my compact and swipe at black mascara flecks. I briefly wonder how long it’s been since I bought a new mascara. This one is becoming increasingly flaky. Or maybe it’s because my eyes are so swollen.

I sit for another minute, breathing deeply, steeling myself. I grip the edge of the desk, thinking about the dream. It’s been waiting for me every night for two weeks and I feel like I’m starting to lose my mind.

Deep breaths, I tell myself, standing up and following Toni out.

‘Hi!’ I greet Zach from across the room with as much sincerity as I can muster. ‘Nice to see you!’

He turns, smiling warmly, and raises a hand in a small greeting.

‘Ginny,’ he replies, approaching with some formality. For a second, I think he will hug me, but instead we awkwardly shake hands.

‘Would you like a drink?’ I keep my voice breezy, checking the wall clock. ‘Our couple should be here any minute, but Toni can send them to join us in the back room.’

He nods. ‘A coffee would be great, thank you.’

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