Page 60 of Fireworks at Pennycress Inn
Polly bit down on her bottom lip as she felt the rush of embarrassment flood her face. He’d been talking about her to his gran? So it was true what he’d said about pushing her away because he hadn’t wanted to hurt her.
‘And I hope he’s taking good care of you, too. If he doesn’t, send him my way and I’ll sort him out for you.’ Maeve glanced at Zac and gave him a nod.
‘I will.’ Polly laughed.
‘I’m being serious, love. I want my Zac to be happy and with happiness comes responsibility. I hope he’s been buying you flowers.’
Zac cleared his throat. ‘Not yet, Gran. It’s kind of early days for us.’
‘Don’t take that for an answer.’ Maeve patted Polly’s hand again. ‘It’s never too early for flowers.’
‘I won’t.’ Polly smiled as Maeve let her hand go and turned back to her grandson.
‘I’m proud of this boy, I am. He gave up a job in the city, a big wage, a nice apartment, to work towards his dream in conservation.’ Maeve indicated Polly’s sweatshirt. ‘I can see you’re a kind one, too. You work for the same trust as him.’
‘I do.’ Polly nodded.
‘That’s good. I knew you were a good’un when Zac began talking about you.’ She pointed at them both. ‘I have a good feeling about this. I think you’ll be as happy as me and my Ned.’
‘Gran, we’ve really not been together long.’ Zac turned to Polly and mouthed, sorry.
‘Oi, don’t you go apologising for me.’ Maeve tutted and looked back towards Polly. ‘I’ve not embarrassed you, have I, love? I’ve not scared you away?’
Polly grinned. She’d done nothing of the sort. She could see where Zac got his kindness from now. ‘Not at all.’
Nodding, Maeve clutched the sheets as she shifted further up the pillow. ‘Good, because I’m never wrong when I have one of my feelings. Now, go back to work and keep that wildlife safe.’
‘Are you sure, Gran?’ Zac took Maeve’s hand in his. ‘Do you need anything before we go? A drink? Magazine?’
‘Unless you’re offering me a stiff port, I’m fine, thank you. Go on, loves, be off with you and send those parents of yours in.’
Leaning down, Zac kissed his gran on the cheek before walking to the end of the bed and indicating Polly to go ahead.
Polly waved at Maeve before heading through the curtain and towards the door. She smiled as she felt Zac’s hand on the small of her back. Turning, she whispered to him, ‘She’s really lovely.’
Zac grinned. ‘She is. Even if she is a bit full on. Sorry about what she said.’
Polly looked at him sidelong and smiled. ‘You mean about you talking about me to her?’
Running his fingers through his hair, he dipped his head to the floor as they walked out of the ward. ‘Ha, yes, that too.’
‘I think it’s really sweet. It shows you do actually care.’
Halting in his tracks, Zac turned to face her, waiting until she was looking at him before continuing. ‘I care. I really care. In fact, I can feel myself falling for you and I know that sounds daft because of everything that’s happened between us, but?—’
Polly lifted her finger to his lips, placing the pad of her index finger against his soft skin. ‘It’s not daft.’
‘You mean…?’
‘Where is she then?’ Zac’s dad’s voice sounded behind them, and Polly dropped her hand and turned around. Sure enough, Alan was walking towards them, his newspaper tucked beneath his arm as his wife walked beside him, her mobile clutched in one hand whilst she carried her handbag in the other.
‘In the bed at the end,’ Zac answered before turning to his mum. ‘We’re going to get back to the office now. You’ll let me know if there’s any change, won’t you?’
‘Of course.’ Miranda nodded before giving him a quick goodbye hug.
As they continued out of the ward, Polly slipped her hand into his. Now they knew his gran was safe and on the road to recovery, all she wanted to do was to get out of here, out of the hospital and away from Zac’s parents who didn’t seem to realise just quite how brilliant their son was.
34
