As I hang up the phone, I grimace. “Shit. Hungary.”
“Yes?” Senna replies.
“Rosie’s ill. I must look after her and Tabi, but I am flying to Hungary tomorrow. I need to be here for her. Nothing matters like she does. Can someone else drive?”
I’d give up my last race in Formula One for her.
I’d give up everything if she asked, not that she would.
Senna’s eyes soften. She and Connor would give up everything for each other as well.
“It’s Tuesday. As long as you’re in that car in Hungary on Saturday for qualifying, we’ll make this week work. Mum and Dad could take over on Saturday if she’s still unwell. Go to her,” Senna tells me. I grab my stuff. “This is your gesture.”
I skid as I bolt through the door. I turn to Senna. “Can I try hugging you?”
Senna nods, her lips trembling. It’s not quite a hug like the old days, but I wrap my arms around her tentatively. Her chest shakes as she weeps.
“I’ve missed this,” she says between sobs. “I love you.”
“It’s not the bear hugs I used to give you, but it’s progress. I love you, too.”
“Now go to Rosie, and don’t forget the masks in your kitchen cupboard.”
CHAPTER 73
Rosie
Istretch out in my bed. My throat’s raw from throwing up over the last couple of days. Tabi’s bug only lasted twenty-four hours, but I’m not as good at fighting viruses.
A fresh glass of water sits by my bed. I’ve not seen Sasha in ages, as I was so out of it, but she’s cared for me so well this week.
I haven’t heard anything but giggling and singing from Tabi.
I check my phone. It’s Thursday. I’ve lost nearly three days. I hope Niki’s okay and made it to Hungary. I miss him so much. I don’t want it to be over between us, but he ditched me because he found something he wanted more. I can’t compete with that.
So why did he resemble a man who’d lost everything when he waved me goodbye at the park? We must talk it out properly. We need to talk about Scott’s arrival and our future, but caring for Tabi took everything I had.
I compose a message when the scent of bacon and pancakes fills my apartment.
My stomach rumbles.
“Find simple food and then message him,” I mumble, still weak from the past days.
“Thank you,” I whisper at the paracetamol by my bed before swallowing it. It’s another heavenly gift from Sasha. She’s a better nurse than I thought.
Everything aches as I throw on the fresh clothes at the end of my bed: ironically, a shirt with Niki’s name on it and fleecy joggers that comfort me instantly.
I stumble towards the kitchen as I relish the luxury of my joggers. When did I buy these? I try to check the label, but twisting makes me woozy.
Tabi’s giggles mix with a male chuckle.
I freeze at the edge of the kitchen.
“Niki,” Tabi says, “Is Belle still your favourite princess?”
Niki stands at the hob, flipping pancakes. A glittery tiara sits on his head. It matches the pink one on Tabi’s. She’s wearing Belle’s princess dress, which she’s wanted for forever. It’s always been sold out when I’ve tried to buy it. Graham sits in a dog bed on the floor, wearing a matching tiara.
“Yes,” he replies, “I love her.”
