‘I do. You’ve seen it.’ As I start the engine, I turn to look at her.My girlfriend.The mother of my future offspring. My future wife, if I’ve got anything to do with it.I can’t believe I get to see this woman naked whenever I want. Within reason, of course.‘You know I don’t catch the bus carrying that helmet, don’t you?’
When she smiles, I smile. When she giggles, it feels like a contact high or something. I pull out into the road feeling like a fucking king.
We go to Camilla’s London bolt-hole, aka her apartment and escape from the bucolic boredom of her country house. Charity ducks in and picks up clean clothes before we head over to the hospital.
‘Cam, it’s overcast out there. It’s going to rain.’ Chastity sighs with an air of long suffering. ‘There really is no need for sunglasses.’
In answer, Camilla swirls her Burberry poncho thing over her shoulder, catching me in the face with the fringe.
‘Don’t worry, darling, it’s cashmere,’ she says by way of apology. ‘Now, lead on, Charlie, get me out of this godforsaken place.’
Chastity smiles apologetically at the ward sister, taking the notes for the GP and further appointment cards that Camilla appears to have no intention of taking. She begins jogging along behind her aunt.
‘Must be the trauma,’ I say as I pick up her abandoned bag.
‘Hmm. I expect so,’ replies the ward sister with barely a smile herself.
Once restored to her rightful place, Chastity fusses over her aunt. I’m beginning to wonder why Camilla is her favourite, to be honest. She seems a bit of pain in the arse.
‘I’m sure you must have other things to attend,’ Cam insists. ‘I’ve called Doctor Randolph and he’ll be here this afternoon to discuss this hellish experience.’
‘It could’ve been much worse,’ Chastity replies sternly.
‘Yes, the ambulance could’ve taken me to that awful place. You know; what’s the name of that hospital again?’
‘You know fine well that’s not what I mean. You gave me an awful fright, Cam. You have to take better care of yourself. For youandfor me!’
For the first time today, Camilla looks chastened as she takes her niece in her arms. ‘There now. There’s no need to be upset. You aren’t getting rid of me quite yet. I have the last of your uncle’s wine cellar to deplete before I pop off this mortal coil.’
‘Cam!’
‘It was a joke. You know I’m living until at least one hundred and fifteen. I’ve too many things to do. Off you go now,’ she says, turning Chastity in the direction of the door. ‘I’m sure you have lots of naughty things to get caught up on at work. And thank you, Flynn, for taking care of my favourite niece.’
‘Your only niece,’ Chastity grumbles.
‘Semantics,’ she replies with a vague wave of her hand. ‘Can we expect to see you around more?’
‘Absolutely,’ I say with a grin. ‘I’m almost part of the furniture now.’
~*~
‘I didn’t think you were coming in today.’ Keir barely looks up from his laptop as I throw myself onto the leather sofa in his office. ‘I tried to ring you earlier.’
‘I’ve lost my phone.’
‘Shit.’
‘I need to cancel the sim and get a new one.’ But first things first.
‘How’s Chas doing today?’ Keir asks, concern showing in the pinch of his brows.
‘Myloving girlfriendis very . . . loving. And also doing fantastic.’ Well, she’s as okay as can be expected for someone who’s still fretting about losing her favourite relative.
‘It’s like that, is it?’ he says, looking up. ‘You finally pinned her down to absolutes?’ Too fucking right, not that he needs to know the exact details of my morning. ‘I thought you were losing your touch.’
‘My touch is just fine,’ I answer, rubbing my hand through my hair. Past complaints have been aimed at my lack of heart, not touch. But not this time. This time I’m all in—heart, head, fingers, dick—everything.
‘So you blinded her to your many faults and moved into the serious zone. Well done, young padawan.’
