Page 53 of Knotting Hill
“Sit,” JP says. “We’ll find out what’s going on.”
I nod, torn between helping my mum and taking responsibility for this situation. But I need a minute. My dad and I, while not super close like Josh and his dad, we aren’t cold like JP and his. It’s a middle ground. Normal parent, youngest son relationship. He worked all hours, and still does, to provide for his family, but he was always there when it counted. Birthdays, school plays, Under 12’s football. I stopped playing after that. I thought I was too cool, but that meant that I didn’t see Dad. It’s my fault for not making sure I spent more time with him.
Tears prick my eyes, but I sit beside Mum and take her hand. “JP and Josh are going to find out.”
She nods.
“Did you ring Boden?”
She nods. “He is on holiday. He’s on his way back whenever he can get a flight. There’s bad weather…”
I grimace. It doesn’t surprise me that Boden is away again. My older brother and his pack love their holidays abroad to every party island they can find.
It’s only as I sit there processing that I register what she said. “Stanley Rivers?” I murmur. Storm’s dad. I know this because of the research we’ve done on her.
She nods. “Yes, your dad has been seeing him for a while with angina, but we didn’t expect this.”
“He is the best in the city,” I assure her.
She gives me a weak smile. “I know.”
I return it, and we sit in silence again.
Josh appears with two steaming cardboard cups. “I bought you both some tea,” he says. “JP is talking to his old school friend who works with Dr Rivers. We’ll have something for you soon.”
I nod and accept the cup he’s holding out, and so does Mum. She squeezes my hand and tries to gather her strength. “I’m glad you have them. They’re good boys.”
“Yeah,” I agree.
Time ticks away. JP’s friend comes to explain what he can about Dad’s case, and this time I make sure that Mum understands the procedure, asking the pertinent questions.
“It’s going to be hours,” I murmur. “Why don’t you try to get some sleep?”
She nods and curls up on the soft leather sofa. I know she won't sleep, but at least she will rest.
I lean my head against the soft stuffing of the armchair, glad this private hospital provides decent waiting rooms, and sigh. I want to think about Storm’s kiss and what it means, but I think I’m supposed to focus all of my thoughts on Dad. I can’t help it, though and place my fingers to my lips with a smile.
JP and Josh have gone home to get a change of clothes for me so I can stay here with my mum.
“Who’s the omega?” my mum asks suddenly into the silence.
“Hmm?” I lift my head to look at her.
“Cherries,” she says. “That’s not your scent.”
I snort. “She is special.”
“Is she? You’re serious about her?” I hear the cautious tone and know it’s because of Emma.
“Yeah, we all are.”
She sits up, startled. “Oh?” Her curiosity almost makes her look like her usual self.
I grin, and for one moment, we share the exciting news before reality crashes back down.
“When do I get to meet her?”
“Not until we make it official. It’s complicated.” I sigh.
