by Meg MacRose
‘Right. Yeah, that makes it, well, I guess not so desirable. It must be pretty bad if you’re asking in person and it’s not even 6 am yet. Look, that’s fine. I’ll do it. If I didn’t know you better, I’d ask if Lacey had conspired with you! She’s called not even fifteen minutes ago asking for a bit of space.”
“Oh, are you okay? We can get our legal team onto it if you want to formalise the time you have with Therese.”
Nick put up his hand, his eyes wide in defence of Lacey. “No, no. Slow down. It’s nothing like that. Lacey wouldn’t put those kinds of restrictions on. No, she’s asked for some space between the two of us. Not me visiting Therese. I um. Well, I’ve kind of pursued her. She’s a good-looking kind of girl, and she’s a great mother to Therese. I thought we could kind of make something of it. I think I took it too fast. She’s overwhelmed and let me know this morning that she wasn’t interested. Problem is, I am. Maybe a bit of breathing space is what we all need. It’s been a pretty intense past few weeks.”
“Right. Not everyone is used to the way someone like us lives.” His father said quietly. “You are wealthy, she’d see that your driver drops you off each Friday. You wear expensive clothes, have a good secure job. That can all be disempowering if she feels that she’s not up to your level. She’d only have to search you on the internet to see hundreds of pictures with women, some even celebrities, hanging off your arm. Do you blame her if she’s putting the brakes on son?”
Straight away, Nick reflected on how, over the last month, he’d lavished Lacey and Therese with flowers and small gifts. He’d offered to backpay child support and insisted on paying at any cafes or even the supermarket.
“Yeah. Thanks Dad. I hadn’t looked at it like that.”
“You’ve not got a selfish bone in your body, Nick. I’ve always thought you were too good for someone like Diana. But to be honest, she was probably the pick of most of the women you’ve introduced me to. If Lacey means something more, and I get the feeling that she does—she’s the mother of your child, for goodness sake, she must mean something more—I suggest you go at a pace that she sets. Let her work things out too.”
His chest swelled as he sucked in a deep breath, because really what his Dad had just said was right. Any attempt to push her could backfire on him. And he couldn’t jeopardise the magic they had together.
“Good advice. Thanks Dad. When did you become a counsellor?”
“Now that’s what I’m not! Thanks, son, for agreeing to go. I’ll get Marian to organise the company jet. Hopefully you’ll be off by tonight.”
“Sure. No problem Dad. And thanks again for the wise words.”
Nick called Lacey back, sure that she’d have not returned to bed.
“Hey, Nick.” Her voice was hesitant.
“Morning, Lacey. I just wanted you to know I won’t be visiting your place this weekend. My Dad’s just requested that I go sort out some issues in our Eastern European offices. It’s going to take a bit of time.”
“Oh, Nick. I didn’t mean that you should not visit Therese. She’ll be really disappointed if you don’t come.”
“I know that. Honestly, my Dad has literally just now personally requested that I fly over asap. Can you let Therese know?”
“Will do. And thanks for letting me know. Nick, you know you’re still welcome to call Therese each night. If you can fit it in, of course.”
“Thanks Lace. I’ll always be able to fit her in”.
“She’ll miss you this weekend.”
“I’ll miss her. And you too, Lace. As a new entrant to this fathering thing, I must say, you guys totally rock. You’ve sacrificed your weekends to include me. I really appreciate that.” Nick stressed his words, desperate for her to know that he did value their company.
“Thanks Nick.”
“Bye Lacey.”
Nick terminated the call before he said something he regretted.
“I think I’m in love with you, Lace,” Nick murmured to the empty phone line. His mouth tightened. Now that he’d said it, he knew it was true.
Chapter 10
Drat, her last client meeting in Islington had taken what felt like forever. Her clients, though lovely people, had been very indecisive. Their decision making had dragged on and on, and now she was running later than she had hoped. Lacey adjusted her red helmet and listened to the gentle revs as she turned the key. Fingers crossed that she had missed the Friday night peak hour traffic. Friday’s were always busier, but late Friday afternoon could be a nightmare. She checked in her rear-view mirror as she rode out of the driveway. Lacey noticed to the right of her that there was a car with tinted windows idling on the road, just next to the driveway. She was sure that she’d seen the same car earlier. It was the first time in many years that she’d looked twice at a car that seemed suspicious. Since leaving her parent’s house six years ago, she’d enjoyed the freedom of being anonymous, unassuming and not worrying about the fear of kidnap or paparazzi taking snaps. She wove between the cars towards the M1, checking for the car in her rear-view mirror again. She’d lost it. Thank goodness for that. She couldn’t quite put her finger on why she was feeling nervous at seeing the same car twice. Maybe she was being delusional. She had been gripping onto her handlebars that extra bit harder, and her heart had added in a few additional beats too. She chided herself for being paranoid. It’s not like anyone would gain anything from following her anyway. She didn’t live a secret life, just a quiet one. A small voice in her head reminded her that Nick was still part of that privileged world.
She slowed down and rounded the corner to enter the M1 and let out a groan. How on earth would she make any progress with traffic like this? Even on her motorbike, it was going to take forever to get home. The Bluetooth system through her helmet activated, and Lacey directed her phone to make a call.
“Call Nick.”
“Hey Lacey. What can I do for you? Are you counting down the minutes until you are home?”
His honey sweet voice made her yearn for home. Back to Therese. Back to Nick. The thought unsettled her a bit. Therese was her life. Not Nick. And yet, home was synonymous with both of them. She’d missed him last week when he was in Prague. He’d called every night and spoken with Therese before she went to bed. And then he’d call again after he was sure Therese was asleep and spoken with her. Their conversations had remained impersonal. Friendly and light-hearted, but impersonal. But she was glad that he made the effort to call her.
She was pleased that he was coming back to her home this weekend to visit. He’d sent through his booking confirmation for a local B & B in the village.
“Nick. I was late leaving a job in the city. The traffic is atrocious. How far are you from home? I won’t be able to pick up Therese from the after-school care. Are you able to pick her up?” Lacey knew that her voice pleaded, but if Nick was unable to, then she’d have to start calling up some of her neighbours. They were great support, but they all had their own lives and families, and she hated to burden them, especially on a Friday night. Louise often commented that she was too independent for her own good, and maybe she was. Her fingers were crossed that Nick would get there in time.
“No problems. We’re just passing Holmsvale now. How about Therese and I make a surprise dinner for you? How much longer do you think you’ll be?”
Lacey let out a sigh of relief. She didn’t realise that her helmet microphone had picked it up until Nick spoke again.
“Honest, Lacey. It’s no bother. I’ll pick Therese up in no more than a few minutes. In fact, I’ll be early for the afternoon bell. We’ll be fine.”
“Cheers Nick. I appreciate it. I hate leaving the city late, but the Williams’ took forever deciding the theme that they wanted through their house. Traffic is bumper to bumper. It’s going to take a while.”
“Hurry back. The clouds are black and somewhat ominous over here, so hopefully you get home before the storm hits. Don’t be too late, we’ll miss you.”
“I m
iss you guys too.” Lacey spoke the truth. Despite Lacey putting the brakes on their relationship, and Nick not visiting last weekend, Lacey was really looking forward to his return. Last weekend had been flat for both her and Therese. It had been empty. Weekends seemed more special than what she remembered prior to Nick entering their lives.
It was just the three of them hanging out. But they always had fun. Tonight, board games were on their agenda. There were some that were kid-friendly, and they’d play them with Therese. After Therese had been tucked up in her own bed, Lacey planned to pour herself a glass of red wine, then she and Nick would get out a few of the other board games. Nick’s bottle of vintage Scottish whiskey was still half full and waiting on the kitchen bench from a few weeks ago. Lacey had spotted a variety of board games in a window display at the village op-shop and hadn’t been able to decide which game to purchase, and so much to the delight of the elderly lady volunteering in the shop, she’d bought all the games. It had been years since she’d played board games. The last time she remembered playing them, was in her late teen years when at the University Halls of Residence, board games were fashionable as drinking games. She laughed out loud at the memory of her carefree student days which combined many alcoholic drinks with board games. Her mother would have had a fit had she known what happened on campus outside of school hours.
Splotches of rain were starting to fall from the blackened sky. The traffic was easing ever so slightly, and Lacey’s fingers gripped tight around her handlebars. A driver in a green sedan passed the car in front in a dodgy manoeuvre by swerving onto the wrong lane, forcing Lacey closer to the embankment.
“Drat.” Lacey cursed under her breath. She managed to stay upright on her bike and continued. Traffic was going to be worse than ever. People were taking risks to get home before the weather changes. She wanted to get home too, but not through dangerous driving.
Her phone rang through her helmet.
“Mummy. It’s us. Daddy and me. Daddy’s back from his work trip! We’re at home. We’re making a special meal for you. But I’m not going to tell you what it is. It’s a surprise for you. Love you Mummy.”
There was a clunky sound. Therese had probably dropped the phone.
“Hey Lacey. Therese wanted to let you know that she was home safe and sound.”
“Thanks Nick. I will be another forty minutes or so.”
“No problems. Just drive safely, okay? Dinner will be almost ready to serve when you get home.”
“Sounds great. I’ll … oh shit. Nick there’s an accident ahead of me. I’m …”
###
“Lacey are you still there? Are you okay?” Looking down at Therese’s worried face, he wished he hadn’t said that so loudly. He held his hand out to his daughter and brought her in close to him. Her presence comforted him as he called out “Lacey. Lacey.” He knew he was shouting her name, but there was no response from her end. It may just be the phone connection. But she’d mentioned an accident. He swiped his phone onto speakerphone so that he could leave the phone on the breakfast bench had free up both arms to put around his daughter. He didn’t want her frightened, but his own anxiety for Lacey’s wellbeing was so real that he wasn’t sure that he could do anything to hide it. In a very short space of time Lacey and Therese had become his anchor. He looked forward all week to coming to stay with them. Not something he could ever attribute to Diana. But there was something very natural about Lacey’s innate character, and she had to be the sexiest woman he’d ever met. The thought that something could be wrong filled him with dread. He eased down on the breakfast bar stool and picked Therese up so that she snuggled in against his frame. Both of them waited with bated breath for Lacey to respond.
“Lacey, are you there?” Desperation had him repeat himself time and time again. He lost count of the minutes that they sat there huddled together, his voice calling out to Lacey.
“Hello, are you still there? I heard a voice coming through from the helmet when we took it off the girl.” A lady’s voice answered, but not Lacey’s voice. Therese sat up straight, her back rigid as soon as she heard the stranger’s voice. “Hello?” it repeated.
“Who are you? Where is Lacey? What’s happened?” He pulled Therese closer as they waited for the response. Her furrowed brow mirrored his own apprehension in the agony of not knowing.
“My name is Melissa. I’m a nurse. But I’m off duty. Lacey, what did you say her name is? Lacey’s been in an accident. There’s been a massive pile up of cars. I saw her come down. She was swerving to avoid the crash in front of her but didn’t see the cars behind her also swerving. Some idiot accelerated at the same time and swiped Lacey off her bike. She’s not conscious but she is breathing. I think she’s broken a few bones. I’ve called through for an ambulance for her. It’s not a pretty sight.”
“Where will the ambulance take her? Which hospital?” Nick barked out in desperation to the only person who could tell him anymore. His heart had stopped ever since this woman had mentioned the accident, and the overwhelming level of worry was like none he’d ever experienced before. Lacey’s condition was paramount, but so was the safety and comfort of his little curly haired girl who sat immobile on his knee.
“I won’t leave you alone until we find out what’s happened to your Mum. I promise Therese. Okay? I’ll be here with you for as long as it takes. “
“It’s hard to say. It depends on the condition of any of the drivers who were hurt. I’m going to stay with her. I’m pregnant, and don’t want to go near the smoke of the other vehicles caught up in the crash. I’ve pulled Lacey to the side of the road, and I’ll stay with her, make sure she’s still breathing. Have you got a pen; I’ll give you my number so you can call me direct? I can hear ambulance sirens coming now so it won’t be long.”
Without a word and using her intuition, Therese jumped off his lap and raced over to grab a pen and scrap of paper, almost throwing them to Nick in her bid to not waste any time. He jotted down the phone number with very shaky writing. After a deep breath, he counted to three and turned to face Therese.
“Well kiddo. At least your Mum’s breathing. And sounds like she’s got the best person with her. Nurses know what they are doing.” His voice sounded hollow, and he hadn’t convinced himself that Lacey was alright, let alone their daughter.
“I think we’ll leave the steak for another time, eh? How about we pack you and your Mum a bag? I’ll ring Carl to come and pick us up and take us to whichever hospital that Melissa tells us your Mum is going to, okay?”
His phone vibrated, Lacey’s name showing on the screen. Suddenly, his entire being hoped that Melissa had the wrong person, and that it was Lacey on the phone.
“Hi this is Melissa again. Just to let you know that the ambulance is taking Lacey straight to the Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital. She’s in the ambulance now. I’ll follow in my car. Oh, and just to let you know that Lacey’s personal belongings are all in the back of my car. Her bike though is a complete write-off. I have to get going, but I’ll meet you at the hospital.”
“Daddy, do we have to wait for Carl? He’ll take too long. Mummy’s car is in the garage, and her key is in the top drawer. I know you can’t drive, but there’s lots of neighbours who can.”
Had it not been for the severity of the situation, Nick would have laughed at her earnestness, determined to not waste a minute.
“You know what, can I let you in on a secret? Not many people know this, but I can drive!”
Therese’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Then why do you get Carl to drive you everywhere?”
“Well sometimes I need to work, so Carl does the driving. I guess I’m a bit lazy. But I agree Muffin. Can you get me your Mum’s keys and I’ll bring up the hospital address on my phone’s GPS? We’ll pack some stuff and leave straight away. You’ll need some warm clothes on. Your Mum will want to see you as soon as she wakes up.”
Therese ran straight to her room, and the sound of drawers being yan
ked open and slammed shut reverberated in the quiet cottage.
“I’ve packed my bag. I’m going to do Mummy’s now. But I don’t know what Mummy will want. Do you think she wants her favourite blue dress, the one with all the lines on it?”
Nick looked up. He’d already located the Urgent Treatment Centre, and for the briefest moment wondered how it differed to a typical A & E department in a hospital.
“That’s great Therese. How about we pack for your Mum together?”
A fleeting nod of the head, and she’d darted into Lacey’s bedroom. By the time Nick had pocketed his phone and strode across the room, she had an assortment of items waiting on Lacey’s bed. A book that he recognised from her bedside table, an interior design magazine and a pair of socks. It was an interesting combination, and not what he had been intending to pack.
“How about you find a small bag for your Mum’s stuff, and I’ll get a few more things ready?”
Without waiting for an answer, he pulled open Lacey’s top drawer. Folded up in meticulous lines were rows of delicate silky underwear. “Don’t single mothers wear plain cotton undies?” He groaned as the softness evoked images of Lacey choosing her sexy underwear each morning. He picked out a couple of pairs and set them down on the bed.
“Oh Lacey. Please be okay.” He pleaded to whoever was listening to him. Sitting down, he looked around her room. He’d stayed in here often enough that the room was as familiar to him as his own. “We’ll bring you back home soon darling. Just hold on, you’ll be fine.” His whispered plea went unanswered in the void created by her absence.
“Daddy? Daddy? Are you okay? Are you sick?” Therese’s face was construed with worry, her hands placed on his knee.
His heart dropped even more. “Here, can I have a hug? I’m not sick, just worried about your Mum. Just like you are.”