Page 23 of Musical Games
Sam was now facing away, gesticulating as if auditioning for a medical drama. ‘There’s a perforation risk if we attempt to remove the object via endoscopy. That’s why we’re prepping Mr McDougall and the colorectal surgery team for a laparotomy.’
No, no, no, no!He could still fix this. He needed to get to his phone. He thrashed to free himself from the sheets, but his legs were still caught. He was already near the edge of the bed and before he could stop himself, he rolled off and landed on the floor with an almighty thump.
‘Yes, of course, I’ll make sure he gets the message. The object? Well, I’m not at liberty to divulge any details, but let’s just say Mr McDougall now knows the correct purpose for a deodorant stick. Okay, bye now, Mr Andrews.’ Sam finished the call and turned to face him, a huge smile on her face that dropped off when she saw the look on his.
He was shaking with rage and shame. ‘What the fuck have you done?’ he growled.
Sam chewed her bottom lip. ‘I, I got you time off work.’
‘By telling my boss I shoved a deodorant stick so far up my arse it got stuck?’
She laughed nervously and blushed. ‘I, er, um, I—’
‘Get out!’ he yelled. ‘Go!’
She scurried out and he pushed himself to his feet, untangling the bedclothes and throwing them angrily to the floor. He looked down at his cock, still wanting Sam despite everything she’d done.
‘Fuck off!’ he roared at it.
It responded by bobbing as if to remind him it wasn’t going anywhere.
‘I said, “FUCK! OFF!”’
He sat on the edge of his bed and sank his head into his hands. How could he ever fix this?
Twenty minuteslater Jamie was standing outside his sister’s front door, his heart racing. He’d thrown on his clothes and stalked out the back door, slamming it behind him, then ran to get away.
Fiona opened the door and her face fell.
‘Jesus Christ, Jamie. What’s happened? Why aren’t you at work? Is it Mum? Is Mum okay?’
‘She’s fine. Everything’s fine.’
Fiona slapped him on the arm. ‘Don’t you ever do that to me again, you big lump,’ she yelled, her chin wobbling.
‘Fuck’s sake, Fi, I haven’t done anything!’
She hit him again and swiped at her eyes. ‘Then why are you here with that look on your face? Jesus, Jamie. You can’t do that to me.’
Duncan appeared behind her, holding Liam. He stroked Fiona’s shoulder and kissed the top of her head. ‘Hey, Jamie, what’s up? Wanna come in?’
Jamie shook his head, trying to communicate he needed help that didn’t involve his sister.
Duncan nodded at him, then turned to his wife. ‘Fi, love, why don’t Jamie and I take Liam for a walk? There’s a cup of tea and a biscuit with your name on them inside. Go enjoy a bit of peace and quiet for half an hour.’
Fiona nodded, gave him and Liam a kiss, shot a dirty look at Jamie and went back inside.
Duncan grabbed the pushchair, strapped Liam in and they set off, walking slowly.
‘Have you had any breakfast?’ Duncan asked.
Jamie shook his head.
‘Let’s head into town.’
Jamie stopped and shook his head more violently.
‘To the café. I’m not taking you back to your mum’s.’
