‘Sorry. It’s Laurence. I do need to take this.’
‘Of course. Go ahead. I’ll nip to the loo.’
He watched her as she got to her feet, and the sigh that escaped him was louder than he’d expected. Thankfully, she didn’t appear to have heard it.
‘Greg? Are you there?’ A voice said in his ear.
‘What?’ He’d already forgotten he’d answered the call. ‘Sorry, Laurence. Yes, I’m here. I was miles away for a moment. How are you today?’
‘Bruised, broken, bedridden, bored.’
‘Better?’
‘Barely.’
‘But breathing.’
‘Badly. But being brave.’
Greg chuckled. ‘Okay. I give up. Shall we move on to C? Or do you just want to tell me when I should come and pick you up?’
‘Sadly, not today. Blood pressure’s a concern, apparently, so they’re keeping me here for another night. I should be freed tomorrow. But don’t worry about coming to get me. You’ll be at work. I can get a taxi.’
‘I’ll come and get you. I can take an hour or so off. I am the boss. Just let me know what time and I’ll be there.’
‘You’re a true friend, Greg. And speaking of friendship. Even though I won’t look my best, and I’ll be hobbling around on crutches, I’ll still do the event on Tuesday evening. I won’t let you down. I know how much it means to you.’
‘Forget the event. There’s no way you can do it. You’ve just been in a massive accident and you need to rest for at least aweek. I’ll sort something out. Worst case scenario is I’ll cancel it and give the food and drink to the other bookshops taking part. Or to Naomi and Luke in Betancourt Bay Café for their ‘free meals for the needy’ table.’
‘I didn’t realise you were a doctor! I can sit and talk and then sign a few books. I’m not paralysed from head to foot, thank God.’
‘But you do have a broken leg, and even if I was okay with you coming to my bookshop, battered and broken, I don’t think my insurance company would be. Or yours.’
‘Ah. Good point. I’d forgotten the insurance side of things. I’m so sorry, Greg.’
‘It’s not your fault, as I told you on Saturday. Stuff happens. We have to deal with it.’
‘Doesn’t it just? Are you in the pub?’
‘I am. How did you know?’
‘I can hear Charlie’s voice in the background.’
‘You can hear Charlie’s voice in France. She’s on particularly good form today. I’m here with … a friend. Someone you’ll want to meet, as it happens. And Charlie has done her best to embarrass me.’
‘It’s her forte. Are you on a date? Do tell?’ Laurence was clearly excited, judging by the change in the timbre of his voice.
‘Just having lunch with a new friend. I’ll reveal all when you’re home.’
‘Tell me now. I need something to cheer me up. This place is dull, dull, dull.’
‘It’s a hospital, Laurence. It’s not meant to be exciting. Unless you’re having a baby.’ Why had he thought of that? ‘It’ll give you something to look forward to.’
‘You’re such a tease. Well, if you’re on a date, I suppose I’d better leave you in peace.’
‘It’s not a date.’
‘Whatever.’
