I’m about to ask whether he’s sure that’s a good idea. But then realise it could work out really well for us. ‘So we could travel together after all?’ I offer.
He gives a tight-lipped smile. ‘No. It’s OK. You should get off. Honestly. I’m only going to hold you up.’
‘Hal, stop being a martyr. Mum gave me the number of the private car hire place she used. Pretty sure she hasn’t been blacklisted after your stunt!’ I give him a grin, but the smile he returns appears forced. ‘It makes sense to share one, right? With our matching broken legs.’
He shakes his head. ‘Wouldn’t it be better, if?—’
‘Hal, come on. It’s just a lift. It’s not a marriage proposal.’
He flushes and I wish I’d used any other comparison. ‘Well, maybe. But I’m paying,’ he says.
We talk a bit about Louis and the wedding, and Mum and her meddling. I ask again whether he can remember why he was chasing me, but he’s still drawing a blank.
An hour on, he gets tired and I decide to leave him to it. I’ll pop back later. I grab myself a drink in the hospital café, and give Mum a call, as I’ve promised her an update.
‘How’s the poor lad?’ she asks the minute she picks up.
‘Yeah. I think he’s pretty good, considering.’
‘Not too cut up about that van of his?’
‘Not at the moment. I’m trying not to mention it too much. You know.’
‘Yes, seems rather cruel. Although maybe now he can get himself a decent car,’ she says, her voice brightening at the thought.
‘Maybe.’ I think it’s more likely Hal will pick himself another camper, but I’m too exhausted to get into it.
‘Well, give him my love,’ she says.
‘Aren’t you going to ask me howIam?’ It sounds a bit churlish coming out of my mouth, but in fact I’m trying to do what we promised we’d do. Rather than resent the fact she hasn’t asked me, I’m pointing it out.
‘I’m sorry. Howareyou?’
‘I’m OK.’
‘Glad to hear it.’ Mum’s smiling. ‘And, you know… well done.’
‘For what?’
‘Forcing the question. You know, I don’t know what’s wrong with me sometimes.’ She goes silent for a moment. ‘Your father used to be the one in the background, giving me prompts when I slipped up.’
‘It’s OK.’
She’s silent. Then, ‘And has Hal managed to speak to you at all?’
‘Oh. Yes. He’s chatting away. Nothing wrong with his speech.’
‘No. I didn’t mean… I… Has he spoken about anythingsignificant?’
‘We had a chat about Louis?’
She laughs. ‘Not quite what I had in mind.’
‘What are you getting at?’
‘Haven’t you thought to ask him why he was chasing the car in the first place?’
Does she know something?‘Of course I have. I asked him. But he’s had a bang to the head.’
