LITMIR.BIZ

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Hamish appeared. Behind him, looking small and exhausted, was Jamie.

      ‘Jamie!’ Ben raced towards them and bent down to him, holding him by the shoulders. ‘Are you all right?’

      ‘I – I’m okay,’ his voice sounded small. ‘Is Mum angry?’

      ‘Of course she’s not. She’s worried sick but she’s going to be so happy to see you. Come on, let’s get you home.’

      ***

      ‘I can see them! Ben’s coming with Jamie and Hamish,’ Heather called from the window where she’d been looking out while Eva paced up and down. She had come straight from her mother’s house after Douglas had relayed Eva’s phone call to her.

      ‘Look – they’re here.’

      Eva joined her at the window, hardly daring to believe Jamie was coming home. Relief flooded her body, every fibre of her being thankful to see her son. She cried out as he came through the door. Ben and Hamish following behind, all of them looking miserable and soaked to the skin.

      ‘Oh, Jamie! Are you all right? I’m so sorry – I should never have asked you to go out.’

      ‘I’m sorry, Mum.’ His voice wobbled for a moment before he gave her a small smile. ‘I’m fine, honest. Just a bit wet and cold,’ he tried to reassure her through chattering teeth. Eva wrapped her arms around him and held him close, breathing him in. He was safe. She pulled away from him, watching him closely.

      ‘What happened? Where did you go?’

      ‘You looked kind of angry so I thought I better take Hamish for a long walk. We went all the way up North Street and then along Market Street …’

      Eva bit her lip as she listened.

      ‘Then we came back down towards the beach. My hands were like really cold and wet and the lead just kind of slipped. Hamish ran off and I just couldn’t get him back. Every time I got near him, he kept running off. I think he thought it was a game. I managed to get hold of him at the dunes and that’s where Ben found us.’

      ‘Oh, Jamie.’ Eva put her hand over her mouth, half laughing, half crying.

      ‘Are you angry with Hamish?’ Jamie asked uncertainly.

      She looked at the dog who let out a little whimper and she realized how relieved she was to see him too. In that moment she knew he was part of their family.

      ‘No, of course not,’ she reassured Jamie giving Hamish a cuddle.

      Heather had swung into full maternal mode and had miraculously appeared with towels and hot chocolate for Jamie. Eva realized Ben and Heather hadn’t actually met yet and Heather was now introducing herself to him, unashamedly giving him the once-over. She turned to Eva, mouthing ‘Oh my God!’ before switching her attention to Jamie.

      ‘Right, a hot shower for you, young man. And don’t look at me like that. I’ll leave you to it, don’t worry.’

      Eva glanced over to where Ben was rubbing a towel over his hair, his eyes fixed on her. His breathing was heavy, his hair and clothes were damp, and even though she could hardly think straight, some part of her registered how wantonly gorgeous he looked. ‘Thank you for bringing Jamie home.’ She hated that her voice sounded so remote but she couldn’t help it.

      ‘Are you all right?’ he asked.

      She nodded but wasn’t sure at all. Her head seemed to be full of nightmare images of Jamie and water and her whole body was feeling weak, her eyes unable to focus properly. She blinked a few times, reaching out to try and steady herself before suddenly everything went black.

      ‘Whoa there.’ She heard Ben’s deep voice, vaguely aware of his arms reaching to catch her just as her legs gave way.

      A few moments later Ben’s face came into focus. She was surprised to find herself sitting on the floor, Ben beside her. She shook her head.

      ‘Oh God, what happened?’

      ‘It’s okay – just take it easy. You fainted, but only for a second.’

      Eva remained on the floor, feeling herself supported by one of Ben’s legs as he crouched beside her. He was studying her, concern etched on his face. ‘Eva, what happened to your finger?’

      ‘What? Oh, I cut it earlier,’ she mumbled vaguely. Ben exchanged a look with Heather.

      ‘Can I take a look at it?’ Ben gently unwound the dressing she’d applied earlier and she saw him flinch as he examined her finger. ‘That’s going to need a couple of stitches. I’m taking you to hospital.’

      Eva shook her head, which only made her feel more dizzy. ‘No way, I’m fine. I’ve just got a cold. I’m not leaving Jamie … or the guests.’ Eva attempted to stand but her legs had other ideas. Jamie came over and sat beside her.

      ‘I’m fine, Mum, honest. You look a lot worse than me.’

      ‘Thanks.’ Eva turned to him with a watery smile.

      ‘I think what he’s trying to say is you need a bit of looking after yourself,’ Heather told her. ‘I’ll stay here and get Jamie sorted and then I’m going to stay the night.’

      ‘You can’t do that,’ Eva protested.

      ‘I’ve already arranged everything with Douglas. I’ll look after Jamie and be here for the guests if they need anything. I’ll take the third guest room – it’ll be like a mini-break for me.’ She smiled but her expression left no room for disagreement.

      ‘Jamie, will you be okay? I won’t be long.’ Eva’s eyes rested on her son.

      ‘Don’t worry about me, Mum.’ He came over looking a bit sheepish and cuddled into her.

      ‘I must look bad to get a hug,’ she joked feebly.

      Heather ushered Jamie upstairs as Ben helped Eva with her jacket. She was aware how tender he was being but somehow that made her feel worse. She longed to let him wrap his arms around her but something stopped her and she felt herself tense as his arm guided her out to the car.

      The drive to the hospital took longer because of the rain. Eva glanced over to Ben, his hands gripping the wheel as he concentrated on driving. His jaw was shadowed by stubble and he looked tired. Eva didn’t know why Ben had gone to London but it didn’t seem to matter any more. She surrendered herself to the warmth and comfort of the car, almost disappointed when they finally arrived at the hospital car park. Ben swung the car into a space, pulling hard on the handbrake.

      The rain still fell as they crossed the tarmac and walked through the sliding doors into the brightly lit, sterile hospital world of the hospital. Eva gave her details to the receptionist and they made their way to the waiting room. As Eva sat on one of the plastic chairs Ben went over to the drinks machine and dug in his pocket for change. He brought over a polystyrene cup and handed it to Eva.

      ‘Try and drink this – it’s sweet tea.’

      ‘Thanks.’

      He sat down close beside her and Eva fought the urge to lean in to him. Longing and apprehension fought within her and fear won.

      ‘Are you okay?’ he asked, taking her hand in his.

      She nodded. ‘Just a bit groggy.’

      ‘Sounds like you’ve had an eventful few days.’

      ‘Yeah, you could say that.’ The morning she’d woken with him now felt like a lifetime away. ‘I’m sorry … for all of this.’ She waved a hand distractedly in the air.

      He frowned. ‘You don’t need to apologize, Eva.’ They both stared absently at the television screen mounted on the wall, and Eva felt restless, impatient to get home.

      ‘I hope this doesn’t take long. I need to get back for Jamie and the guests.’

      ‘Try

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