Spark (30 page)

“Thank you for dinner, that was delicious. I forgot how good a roast can be.”

“Pleasure, dear. I had to cook Aidan his favourite.”
Good to know.

Taking a break before dessert, Aidan shows me around the house, and I can’t help but sticky-beak at the photos littered throughout, trying to find out more about him. There’s a lot of photos of Aidan when he was little with just Lillian, and some with an older couple, who he tells me are his grandparents.
Lillian’s parents
. There’s not a single photo of Aidan anywhere in the house with someone who might be his father.

Aidan says one day he’ll take me out to the farm to meet his grandparents, but we’d need to set aside a full day. Apparently, they feed him from the moment he arrives—morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea—and they always send him off with bags full of home-grown fruit and vegetables, and freshly laid eggs. He speaks very fondly of them. I can’t wait to meet them myself.

For dessert, Lillian proudly brings a glossy chocolate tart to the table. She serves us each a slice, with a dollop of double cream and fresh raspberries. I’ll definitely need to run tomorrow to work this off.

Aidan helps himself to seconds … again. It’s good to know he has the same love of chocolate as I do. As much as I want to, I couldn’t fit in another bite.

After dinner, Aidan and Frank move into the pool room for a game.
Probably why he kicked my arse at pool the other night. Plenty of practice.

“Let me help you wash up, Lillian,” I say, stacking mine and Aidan’s dessert plates.

“That’s okay, dear. I’ll get to them later.”

“No, it’s the least I can do for such a lovely dinner, and I can’t stand leaving the dishes.”

She smiles. “Okay, and then we’ll have a cup of tea.”

Lillian washes, and I dry. I tell her a bit more about home, and what kind of meals I used to cook while Mum was recovering. She laughs out loud when I tell her I’m used to cooking for an army, and how when cooking for just Crystal and I, we end up with leftovers for a week.

I ask a bit more about her parents and the farm, and her eyes light up as soon as she talks about her mother’s cooking, and the myriad of jams and preserves her mother makes from what they produce in their orchard. It sounds as though they are pretty self-sustainable.

“You know you’re the first girl he’s brought home to meet us. He usually such a private person. But I’m just his mother, he doesn’t really tell me anything. It’s like pulling teeth to get information out of him.”

“Well it’s kinda the first time I’ve met someone’s parents, so I guess we’re in the same boat.”
And I have to say, this has gone pretty smoothly.

“You know I’ve never seen my son smile so much.”
I’ve probably never smiled so much.

I smile at her, and meet her eyes. I don’t know what to say.

She takes off her rubber gloves, and turns her body to face me. “It’s love, isn’t it?” She raises her eyebrows. Heat rushes to my cheeks, betraying my thoughts. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Yeah,” I reply shyly.

She hugs me tight. “It might as well be written all over your faces. Nothing could make me happier.”

“Well I don’t think I’ve been happier. He’s just wonderful … you must be so proud.”

“Every day,” she says simply. She puts the gloves under the sink, and then stares at me. “You know, I’ve always wanted a daughter.” She smiles gloriously.
Whoa, why don’t you tell me what you really think?

“Are ya right, Mum?” Aidan’s powerful voice behind us makes us both jump. “Are you trying to scare her off?” Aidan frowns, the corner of his mouth curling on one side.

She winks at me, and places her hand on my arm. “I don’t think she’s going anywhere, son.”

****

A couple of weeks later Crystal and I go out for dinner for her birthday with some of her work friends. Just the girls. As keen as some of them are for a big night, I’m taking it easy. Aidan and I are going for a 12km run tomorrow, so I can’t afford to feel dusty. I’m determined to keep pace with him. Even if it kills me.

After a lovely dinner, the six of us squeeze into a booth at the pub, Crystal and I beside each other. The chatter between us gets progressively louder, some having drunk a lot more wine than others at dinner. Crystal and I have only had a couple of drinks. I
so
do not want a hangover tomorrow.

Since Aidan and I started seeing each other, I’m not going out nearly as much. We usually hang out either at his place, or at mine. It certainly helps with my budget, anyway.

Aidan is travelling back from Sydney, and will pick me up later tonight. I’m sure he’ll be exhausted after his race today, but I can’t wait to get back to his place, and make the most of the rest of the weekend. I hope he did well. I’m sure he did. One day, I’ll have to go with him and watch, although right now all I seem to be thinking about is undressing him, all hot, sweaty, and dirty. Mmm, we could start with a long, hot shower … perhaps a bubble bath. We haven’t had the
pleasure
of one of those yet.

My phone buzzes. Ironically, it’s a text from Aidan:

I’m about an hour away baby, have you finished dinner yet?

I reply.

Yes, we r at Suburban. I’ll wait here for you x

With any luck, I’ll be snuggled with my man by eleven.

I slowly sip on my vodka as we chat about boys. A few of the girls from Crystal’s work are single, and don’t hide their attempts to check out a few guys near the bar. Those guys have
nothing
on my man. I wish he were here already.

Not interested in the drivel of the others, I tell Crystal about the time Aidan walked me home, when I told him that Rob had a man-crush on him. Crystal laughs out loud.

“It’s funny because it’s true.” Crystal giggles. “I’ve told him more than once that he’s obsessed with him.”

“Well, you tell Rob that I’m onto him.” I wink, and laugh with her.

From behind, someone puts a hand on my shoulder, and on Crystal’s. We turn around to see Dean standing behind us.

“Hey girls,” Dean says with a crooked smile. “Rob told me you ladies were having a night out, and I was in the area so I thought I’d drop by.”

I should ask him if he’s packing a vagina in those jeans. A girl’s night out means no dicks. And he is
definitely
a dick. I hold my tongue.

“Hi Dean,” Crystal says, beaming.

“Happy birthday, Crystal,” he says, pecking her on the cheek.

“Hi,” I mutter, giving him a half-hearted smile. By the look of his bloodshot eyes, he’s already had a bit to drink.

“Hey, Eevie. Long time no see,” he says, his hand rubbing my shoulder. “Can I get you girls some drinks?”

“I’m okay, thanks.” I hold up my half-full glass.

“I’ll have a champagne, please,” Crystal chirps.

Dean crouches down and speaks into my ear. “C’mon, Eevie. Let me buy you a drink. I didn’t get a chance to do it at Rob’s birthday party. I wanna apologise for my behaviour that night at the Orchid Lounge.”

“No, you don’t have to. It’s fine,” I say. I guess this is his way of apologising. I really hadn’t given that night a second thought since I saw him last. I’ve had bigger and better things to focus on.

“No, I do. What am I getting you?” He stands up. I know him well enough to know he‘s not going to take no for an answer. I probably should just let it go. Life’s too short to hold grudges.

“Okay, vodka, lime and soda thanks.”

Dean winks at me, and walks towards the bar.

“Doesn’t Dean understand the concept of a
girl’s
night out,” I whisper to Crystal.

“Yeah, weird, hey?” Crystal replies. “Well, he might as well make himself useful while he’s here.” She waves her hand towards the bar and giggles.

Dean returns a short time later with a champagne, a beer, and a vodka. I look closely at the vodka, which has a dark tinge to it.

“What is it?” I ask Dean as he passes me the drink.

“It’s a vodka lime bitters. Is that what you wanted?” He frowns.

“No, vodka, lime and soda, but that’s okay, I’ll drink it. Thanks.” I finish off the rest of my drink, and stack my empty glass with another on the table. I’m glad I kept up the water with dinner. I’ll wake up fresh.

“Sorry about that,” he says, and pulls up a chair at the end of the booth next to me. I take a sip. It tastes okay, but it’s a little salty. I’ve never had bitters in a drink before. Don’t think I’ll have it again in a hurry.

Crystal, Dean and I chat at the end of the table for a while, but I can’t help but notice Dean watching me. He barely takes his eyes off me, even when Crystal is talking to him. He’s lost some weight since I saw him last, his face gaunt with dark circles hanging beneath his eyes.
Maybe he’s had one late night too many
.

“Where’s Aidan?” Dean asks as Crystal chats with one of the girls.

“Um, he’s away,” I say flatly, and take another sip. I don’t go into detail. I would rather be talking to the girls right now on this
girl’s
night. Instead I’m stuck in mind-numbing chatter with Dean. I’m tempted to check the time on my phone to see how long before Aidan arrives, but it would be impolite to look so disinterested in the conversation … even though I am.

“I guess he travels a lot, huh?” Dean comments.

“It goes with the territory,” I reply bluntly.

Dean finishes his beer, and stands up. “Come on, Eevie. Drink up, and I’ll get it right this time.”

I finish the last mouthful. It’s a struggle. I need something to wash the taste out of my mouth. “No. I’ll just have water thanks.”

“Sure.” Dean taps Crystal on the shoulder to get her attention. “You want another, Crystal?”

“Yeah, thanks Dean,” she replies.

Dean moves over to the crowded bar. At least this time he didn’t put the pressure on me to have a drink. I really just want to go.

I remind Crystal that I’m running tomorrow, but will be home for Sunday dinner. Crystal tells me about what she’s planning to cook. I think she feels like spending an afternoon in the kitchen. I’m more than happy for her to take over.

I wipe the sweat from my forehead, and notice my top sticking to me. My stomach flips, and I try to control the urge to be sick.
Did I eat something funny?
Dean still isn’t back with our drinks, so it’s probably a good time to get some air.

“I’m just going out the front for some air,” I say to Crystal as I stand up, holding the edge of the table to steady me.

“Are you okay?” Crystal asks.

“Yeah, it’s just a bit hot in here.” I take my bag with me, my hand slippery on the leather strap. I’ll call Aidan when I get outside, and see how far away he is. I need to get home.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Crystal asks, but I can tell she’d rather stay put.

“No, you chat with your friends. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Did I just slur my words?
Maybe I’ve had too much to drink.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Something beeps. It beeps again, a pattern forming. Beep. People are talking faintly in the distance, but I don’t recognise their voices.

Beep … Beep

Did I forget to turn off my alarm?

A male voice speaks louder.
Aidan?
The voice compels me to open my eyes, and when I manage to pry them open, a bright light blinds me. A deep grumble escapes my throat as my head throbs.
What the hell? Do I have a migraine?
I haven’t had one for years. I try to move my body, but it feels like it’s encased in lead.

As my eyes focus on the light, Aidan leans over me. His face is pale and pasty. His ice-blue eyes have never looked at me like this before. Something is seriously wrong. It sends chills deep into my core.

“Eevie … fuck … I’m here, baby. You’re gonna be okay,” Aidan says, his voice choking with each word. A whole world of pain is in his eyes, and his voice sounds slightly relieved. “I’ll get the doctor.”

Huh? Doctor? What does he mean he’ll get the doctor? Where am I?

Afraid to move my head, my eyes dart around the room. Faded green curtains hang from the ceiling in a rectangular-shape above me.
I must be in hospital … what the fuck?
Aidan returns with someone and sits beside me. He holds my hand, smoothing his thumb frantically over my knuckles.

“I’m Doctor Taylor. You’re in hospital. Can you tell me your full name, please?” Her voice is stern, reminding me of my high school principal.

I move my head towards the sound of her voice, and wince as the pain becomes more apparent.
Think, Eevie, think
.

“Genevieve … Paige … Lawson,” I respond slowly, my voice croaky. I’m almost out of breath. The doctor is tall, with blond hair flecked with grey. Her expression is flat, without a trace of a smile.

“What’s your date of birth?” she demands.

I take a moment to process her question. My date of birth. Piece of cake.

“Miss Lawson, your date of birth, please?” she asks again, impatiently.

Give me a break, I’m thinking.

“Um, January 31,” I stammer.

“I’ve already given you these details,” Aidan snaps.

She glares at him. “This is procedure, Mr Stone, and we ask these questions for a reason. Now, let me do my job.”

“Why am I here?” I ask softly, interrupting their heated exchange.

Aidan opens his mouth, but the doctor holds up her hand to silence him. Aidan scowls at her, his face flushed.
This must be serious
.

“You were brought into the hospital unconscious about three hours ago. Your heart rate was extremely low, as was your body temperature. We’ve already taken some bloods, but we will need a urine sample for further tests for any drugs in your system.” She says it all so matter-of-factly.
Unconscious? Drugs?
I don’t take drugs. I am so anti-drug it’s not funny.

“Unconscious?” I question, tears welling up in my eyes as I search Aidan’s face for answers. He’s not giving anything away.

“Yes, Miss Lawson, you were unconscious for a significant amount of time, and we had to intubate you until your respiratory function returned to a more acceptable level.” I lift up my heavy arm, and rub my hand down my throat.
Oh God, they had tubes stuck in me?