“True enough.You need a doctor.”
There isn’t a hint of humour in his voice.
I don’t needadoctor; I needmyDoctor.
“I promised my dad I’d stay with you, make sure you eat, and take your medicine.Look, I have the list.”
He pulls a folded bit of paper from his pocket.
“I’m grand.I may as well head home.”I start to jump out of bed, then remember I’m naked.
“Please don’t.I have no desire to see anything… embarrassing.”
I let out an exasperated snort.“Why did he call you?”
“Would you rather it were someone else?”Evan sits on the edge of the bed.“He trusts me.”
I stare at him, hesitant.
“He knows I’d never tell anyone.”
I let out the breath I’ve been holding and sink back against the headboard.
“Because that’s how it works for you, is it?”
“I can’t talk to you about it, and anyway, it’s none of your business.”
“You’re talking about my dad.And my dadismy business.”
“You don’t seem to care that much about him when you’re taking the piss out of him in front of everyone.”
Evan sighs heavily, as if he’s still deciding whether to say anything.“He’s not like my mum.”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Mum is tough.No one can break her.She always lands on her feet, and even if she goes down, she gets back up on her own, even with a broken ankle.”
“I don’t?—”
“He’s different.”
I’m not sure I like this kid talking to me like this about his father.
“He gets hurt a lot.I get the feeling you’re a bone-breaker, Jamie.My dad is not a fast healer.”
“I don’t think that’s the case…”
“Why?Because I’m a kid?”
“Because it’s not respectful.”
“I’ve seen lads like you, you know.And he falls for it every time.”
“Your dad doesn’t need a duty solicitor.He’s a grown man; he can make his own decisions.You should stay out of it.”
“My dad only listens to one thing.And I don’t think you even know what I’m on about.”
He’s right, but I can’t admit it.
