Page 34 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
‘Are you okay? Has something happened?’
‘It’s my dad.’ He followed Alice into the kitchen. ‘Sandy’s just called me from his phone; she tried you as well.’
‘I didn’t see it, I’m sorry. Is he okay?’
‘I think so.’ Some of Zac’s tension was released in a sigh as he placed the takeaway on the breakfast bar. ‘He fell while they were out walking and she’s at A&E with him.’
‘Is it serious?’ Alice felt a tremor of fear run through her, too. Sandy wasn’t one to panic in the slightest and if Neil had needed A&E, or she’d insisted, then it mustn’t be great news.
‘He’s all right; it’s his knee. Sandy thinks he might have twisted it when he fell. She had to call out mountain rescue because he was in a lot of pain, and she was worried it might be more than just a sprain. She couldn’t support him down on her own and they stretchered him back. Apparently he wasn’t very keen on going to hospital but between the volunteers and Sandy, they managed to persuade him.’
Zac glanced at the dining area: the table Alice had set for two, a pair of glasses sitting opposite one another. ‘Alice, I’m really sorry but I have to go. He’s my responsibility; I can’t leave him with Sandy.’
‘Of course, I understand.’ She wondered about offering to keep the food warm for them but there was no point. Neil could be hours in A&E and that was assuming Zac would even want, or be able to, return. His dad was going to need some help and that came first.
‘Shall I come with you?’ Alice wasn’t even sure why she’d offered, and she quickly tried to backtrack. ‘It’s not my place, of course, I was just suggesting it in case there’s anything I can do.’
‘You don’t mind?’ Zac looked surprised but he hadn’t refused. Was that relief she read in his face now?
‘Not at all. Just let me find my bag and grab a coat.’
He was already in the van by the time she locked up and she didn’t offer to take the Porsche and follow him after her glass of wine earlier. Old habits die hard, and she’d drunk very rarely when she’d run the haulage business, always preferring to be fit to drive if she needed to. Zac was a great driver and even though he was very quick on narrow lanes in the dark, she felt completely safe, and they were in town in half an hour. After parking up at the hospital, they found Sandy waiting in A&E, still in her walking gear, without Neil.
‘Zac, your dad’s fine.’ Sandy sprang to her feet and Alice heard the air rush out of him. If her aunt was surprised by her appearance, she didn’t show it, and they shared a quick smile. ‘It’s his knee, the left one. It’s looking like nothing more than a nasty sprain, but he’s gone for an X-ray to make sure.’
‘Thanks, Sandy.’ Zac ran a hand through hair that had dried into something more untidy than usual. ‘And for getting him here – I can imagine he wasn’t the easiest to persuade.’
‘You could say that; he didn’t even want me to call you in case you were worried. But I’m well used to dealing with recalcitrant people who don’t want to do what they need to, and your dad didn’t stand a chance.’ Sandy picked up a waterproof coat, pointing to her chair. ‘Take a seat; he could be a while yet.’
‘You’re not staying?’
‘No, I don’t want to be in the way now you’re here. I’ve got my car; I followed the mountain rescue ambulance so we could get back.’ Sandy looked at Alice and she waited for her aunt to offer her a lift. Sandy must be wondering why Alice had turned up with Zac and she wasn’t exactly needed here. ‘The coffee in the vending machine isn’t bad if you both fancy one.’
‘I’ll get them.’ Zac was reaching into his pocket and Alice shook her head.
‘No, let me, you sit down. You’ve had a bit of a shock; no one likes getting those calls out of the blue.’
Sandy gave his shoulder a squeeze. ‘You’ll let me know how your dad is? He’s got his phone, but it died pretty much after I rang you.’
‘Of course. Thank you, Sandy, I really appreciate it.’
‘You’re very welcome.’ She shared a quick hug with Alice. ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ she murmured. ‘Look after him.’
She was striding down the corridor towards the exit before Alice could ask her which of the two men she’d meant. The doors slid shut behind her and Alice looked at Zac.
‘Coffee, or would you rather risk the tea in that machine?’
‘What?’ His gaze was troubled when it found hers. ‘Oh, the coffee for sure, I need it. Thanks.’
Hospitals were uncomfortable places at the best of times and at night there was a weird kind of lethargy as people waited to be seen, staring blankly at a television blaring out news that no one was really watching. One or two people left, yet more were arriving, and it wasn’t even eight p.m. It looked as though it would be a long night for everyone trapped in the hospital’s suspended stillness.
Alice wasn’t sure she agreed with Sandy’s verdict on the coffee being not bad as she sipped hers, thinking about tipping it down the toilet instead. Zac’s elbows were resting on his knees, one finger tapping an anxious beat against the paper cup.
‘I’m sorry about tonight, Alice.’
‘It’s fine; there’s no need to apologise again. It was only a takeaway and it wasn’t your fault. You needed to be here.’
‘But you don’t,’ he replied quietly.
