by Jill Mansell
Zack stretched and sat up. ‘Is there anything else you want?’
She hesitated. After so much sleep she was actually feeling a tiny bit better. ‘Maybe… could you do, um… cheese on toast?’
Zack grinned. He rose and pointed to the sofa. ‘Here, you sit down. Are you asking me if I know how to make cheese on toast?’
She managed a brief smile in return. ‘It’s OK if you don’t. Just Shredded Wheat would be fine.’
Ellie sat with her feet up on the sofa, her head resting on the cushions Zack’s own head had rested against minutes before. It was silent outside the flat. Here they were in the middle of the night and it felt as if they were the only two people awake in Primrose Hill.
Then Zack came back with two plates of cheese on toast, grilled to perfection. He’d cut hers into strips to make them easier to eat. He’d also made himself a cup of strong black coffee. Together in the living room they shared a mini picnic in weirdly companionable near silence. When the toast was finished, Zack brought her a strawberry mousse. Somewhere in the distance a siren wailed. As dawn broke, birds began to sing to each other in the trees at the back of the house. Car sounds started up. Ellie’s eyelids grew heavy and the exhaustion overtook her once more. From what felt like a great distance she was aware of Zack adjusting the sofa cushions to make her more comfortable. It was like being five years old again, cared for and cosseted. Her head was pounding but it didn’t matter. She smiled and murmured, ‘That feels nice… you’re so lovely…’
***
…And awake again, hours later, with a start. Still on the sofa, alone in the flat and suffering the most hideous of flashbacks.
That feels nice… you’re so lovely…
Oh God, had she really said that? Had those words actually come out of her mouth whilst she’d been in her enfeebled, almost-asleep state? She hadn’t meant to say them, had possibly thought that it had felt lovely and he had been so nice, but it had all got hopelessly muddled en route from her brain and she’d never intended him to hear any of it anyway.
Investigating some more, Ellie discovered she was wrapped in her duvet; at some stage Zack must have fetched it from the bedroom and covered her with it. And there on the coffee table, secured by her phone, was a note in his distinctive handwriting:
Morning. How are you feeling? I’ve gone to take Elmo for his walk and catch up on some paperwork. Back by eleven at the latest. Anything you need, just give me a call.
See you soon,
Z.
The Z ended with a little squiggle that might or might not have been a cross, a cartoon fish, or a kiss. Ellie found herself concentrating on it, studying it, trying to work out which of these he could have meant it to be. OK, stop it and get a grip, he hadn’t written her a love note. It was just a squiggle.
Also on the coffee table was her alarm clock, the packet of Ibuprofen, a glass of water, and another unopened can of Sprite. He’d thought of everything. After her inane burblings last night it was a wonder there wasn’t a straitjacket.
Ellie swallowed the painkillers and drank some water. Everything still hurt and dozing off again was a tempting option. But it was nine thirty, Zack could be back in an hour, and she needed to get clean.
The water hit her skin like bullets, the pain was intense, and she hadn’t realized standing up in the shower could be such hard work. Even lifting her arms to shampoo her hair was exhausting…
Right, concentrate, just get through it, let the shower rinse out the shampoo. Her legs were feeling weak and the heat of the water was making her head muzzy… oh, and now there were dots dancing in front of her eyes, this wasn’t good, dots getting bigger… OK, out of here, sit down before you fall down… oof.
***
‘Oh God, how did this happen? What did you do?’ Zack was looking at her in horror.
Ellie told herself it could have been worse. She might have been knocked out completely. Zack could have let himself back into the flat and found her lying in a wet naked heap on the bathroom floor. At least she was wearing her dressing gown and had made it back to the safety of the sofa.
‘I fainted in the shower. Well, half out of the shower.’ She pressed the handful of tissues to her temple; the bump had swollen to impressive proportions but the bleeding, thankfully, had almost stopped. ‘I hit my head on the edge of the radiator. It’s OK, I don’t need stitches or anything.’
Zack closely inspected the injury. ‘I think we’ll get a second opinion on that. I can’t believe you thought having a shower was a good idea. For crying out loud, you’ve got the flu.’
‘Sorry. I just wanted to feel better.’
‘And didn’t that work well. You could have cracked your skull open. Right, that’s it, I’m not leaving you here on your own again.’
‘It’s OK, I promise I won’t have any more showers.’
He probably wouldn’t want to know this, and she wouldn’t dream of telling him, but he was gorgeous when he was exasperated. Ellie lay back as he disappeared into the kitchen, and listened to the rattley noises emanating from the freezer.
He returned moments later with a packet of frozen sweet corn wrapped in a clean tea towel. ‘Here, don’t move, let me do it. You’re as white as a sheet.’
‘Are you always this bossy?’ She closed her eyes as the icy parcel covered the egg-sized lump on her temple.
‘Always.’
‘But you can’t stay here all the time.’
‘I know. But you need looking after.’ Zack wiped a trickle of water away from her neck. ‘That’s why you’re coming back to Ancram Street with me.’
***
Zack brought his car round, double-parking it outside the flat and not even allowing her to make her own way down the staircase. Instead, he lifted her up and carried her in his arms.
Who said the flu didn’t have its compensations?
‘I feel like I’m being kidnapped.’ God, it felt fantastic. Ellie had to keep her eyes averted in case he could tell what was going through her mind.
‘Can’t have you falling down the stairs and breaking your neck.’ Zack’s tone was brusque. He was just being practical. Her head felt like a bowling ball; it was a struggle to keep it upright. Giving in, Ellie rested it against his shoulder. That was even better. The sensation of his soft cotton shirt against her hot cheek was just blissful.
‘I hope I’m not heavy.’
‘You’re fine. We’re almost there. Mind your feet.’ He reached the downstairs hallway and maneuvered her with care out through the door.
Two minutes later they arrived at Ancram Street and the process was repeated in reverse. Ellie closed her eyes, remembering the time after their wedding when Jamie had ceremoniously carried her over the threshold of the Hammersmith flat. He’d pretended to buckle under her weight, she’d jabbed him in the ribs, and they’d ended up laughing so much he’d almost dropped her.
OK, don’t think about it. She didn’t have the energy to get emotional now. She was carried over a whole different class of threshold and up the stairs. Past the living room. Along the corridor and through the door at the end.
Twenty minutes later there was a knock at the door, then it was pushed open.
‘Only me.’ Geraldine came in, leaning on her walking stick. ‘Oh, my darling, you do look poorly. Zack asked me to come and check you over. That’s a pretty impressive bump you have on your head there.’
Ellie was wiped out. She allowed herself to be examined. Zack’s spare room was all pale green and white with a summery feel and billowing leaf-green curtains. The queen-sized bed was comfortable. Her temple throbbed. She said, ‘I’m being a real nuisance, aren’t I?’
‘Not your fault, is it? OK, all done. Nothing sinister. Just rest and keep up the fluids. You’ll be feeling better soon.’
‘Poor Zack, being landed with me.’
‘Some people like having someone to look after. It brings out the best in them. And it’s nice to see Zack like this.’ Geraldine waggled her eyebro
ws. ‘I always think a good bedside manner is a lovely attribute in a man.’
Chapter 39
Was this wrong? Should he have done it? Zack only knew that having Ellie stay here in this house made him feel complete. He’d canceled a couple of meetings this afternoon without even hesitating. He simply didn’t care. For so long he’d put all his efforts into the business, had practically devoted his life to it. But it no longer seemed important.
No, that wasn’t true. Work was still important. It just wasn’t his number one priority.
He knocked at the door and said, ‘OK to come in?’
Ellie was sitting up in bed, wearing a clean white T-shirt. Her face was pale and there were violet shadows beneath her eyes but to him she still looked lovely.
‘Hi. Thanks.’ She reached for the mug of tomato soup he’d brought up to her. ‘I can’t believe I woke up wanting soup.’ She smiled and took a sip. ‘That tastes fantastic. I must be over the worst.’
Which was good news, of course it was. But a small, selfish part of Zack didn’t want her to be over the worst. Until this evening Ellie had been so unwell it had made absolute sense to insist she come to stay. But as soon as she was better, she would return to her own flat. And Todd would be back from his conference in Glasgow. He hadn’t said so to Ellie, but personally he thought Todd could have made more of an effort; his girlfriend was ill and he wasn’t exactly inundating her with phone calls. I mean, did he not care how she was? Was he not even bothered? Would it kill him to send her some flowers?
Then again, maybe this was a hopeful sign, a hint that their relationship might not be going such great guns after all. He leaned over to clear empty water glasses from the bedside table and said casually, ‘Heard from Todd today?’
‘Oh yes. He called earlier.’ Ellie nodded and looked defensive. ‘And he’s been texting me.’ She indicated her mobile, lying face down on the duvet. ‘I’ve had loads of texts from him.’
Was she embarrassed by the lack of attention he’d been paying her? Excellent. ‘And he’s OK about you staying here?’
She nodded. ‘Absolutely. He’s grateful to you for looking after me.’
‘No problem. You can repay me when you’re better.’ Zack smiled briefly. ‘I’ve got another favor to ask you.’
‘Oh? Go on then, fire away.’ Ellie was definitely on the mend; she was drinking her soup with relish.
‘I’ve just had an email from Steph.’
‘Your sister, the one who lives in St Austell,’ said Ellie. ‘Twin girls.’
He felt absurdly touched that she’d remembered. ‘That’s the one. Well, Steph and Gareth have been together for seven years but they’ve just decided to get married.’ He paused. ‘In September.’
‘This September? Wow.’
‘That’s Steph all over. No patience. Once she decides to do something, that’s it. Basically they heard that a wedding had been canceled at the village church and grabbed the chance while it was there.’
‘Like Lastminute.com,’ said Ellie. ‘Why not?’
‘And they’re having the reception at Mum and Dad’s. A hundred guests.’
‘Crikey.’
‘It’ll be fine. Mum’s in her element. They had Claire’s wedding at home too; it was a triumph.’
Ellie finished her mug of soup. ‘So where do I come in? You want me to help in some way? Oh, is it the invitations, d’you need me to—?’
‘Not that kind of help. Actually, it’s more personal.’ Zack sat on the end of the bed. ‘The thing is, Steph’s asked her friend Mya to be one of her bridesmaids. I used to go out with Mya, years ago. Now, she’s nothing like Louisa,’ he added hastily. ‘Mya’s more like a Labrador, all bouncy and enthusiastic. According to Steph, she’s already getting overexcited about me being there. If I go on my own I’m just going to be fending her off the whole time. It’ll be awkward. She’s a nice girl and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.’ He hesitated. ‘So what would really help would be if I was to take someone else along with me. Then she’d understand and leave me alone. No more hassle.’ This wasn’t some story he’d made up; it was all true. But he was the one ruthlessly taking advantage of the situation and using it for his own purposes. With a bit of luck. ‘So, up to you. I know it’s a big ask, but you’d be really helping me out. And it’ll be a good do.’ Another pause. ‘If you think Todd wouldn’t mind.’
Zack McLaren, you have a nerve.
Ellie’s eyes were bright and a flash of color had returned to her cheeks. For a couple of seconds she thought it through. Finally she swallowed and said, ‘I’ll explain it to him. I’m sure he won’t mind.’
‘OK, good. Thanks.’ His heart was actually thumping against his ribs. Ellie had just agreed to come down to Cornwall with him to attend his sister’s wedding.
Result.
***
Lovely though it had been to be looked after by Zack, Ellie was aware she had imposed for long enough. It was now Sunday, she’d been here for three days, and no longer qualified as an invalid. The aching, the shivers, the raging temperature had all subsided. Her appetite was back, she no longer looked like a bit of old road kill, and the utter exhaustion had receded too. She felt human again, albeit a bit on the fragile side.
‘Now are you sure you’ll be OK?’ Zack had insisted on driving her the few hundred yards home. ‘What time’s Todd getting back?’
‘Very soon.’ Ellie climbed out of the car; it was three o’clock in the afternoon. ‘Any minute now. Thanks for looking after me.’ She kept a firm hold of her overnight case as he moved to take it. ‘Don’t worry, I can manage. And just… well, thanks for everything. I’ll be back at work as soon as I’m up to it. Wednesday or Thursday.’ He’d done so much for her, she didn’t know how to express her gratitude. At least being riddled with flu germs meant a polite kiss on the cheek was out of the question.
And anyway, he was her boss. She was his employee. It would be wrong.
Instead Ellie said, ‘Bye,’ and did an awkward little wave before fitting her key into the lock and letting herself into the house.
***
‘Why didn’t you let me know you were ill? I’d have come straight back! I could have looked after you!’
Oh dear, Roo was offended.
‘You were visiting your mum,’ Ellie pointed out. ‘Anyway, you wouldn’t have been so happy if you’d caught my bugs.’
Roo visibly bristled at the slur. ‘I’d still have done it. I owe you, remember? How am I ever going to make things up to you if you won’t let me do stuff?’
‘You don’t owe me, I’ve told you a million times. You did me a favor.’ Ellie sighed; Roo was still sticking obstinately to her newfound vow of saintliness. No caffeine, no alcohol, no makeup, endless do-goodery, and a stubborn refusal to answer Todd’s calls and messages. It was getting a bit wearing, to be honest; she wished the old fun-loving irreverent Roo would make a comeback.
‘Right, let’s do a list.’ Roo whipped a notebook from her bag. ‘Tell me what you need and I’ll go out and get it. Food, toiletries… anything you want.’
‘OK. Thanks.’ Ellie watched her perch, pen poised, on the arm of the sofa. ‘I’ve nearly run out of deodorant, so you could get me a can of spray.’
‘What make?’
‘Anything, it doesn’t matter.’
This clearly wasn’t good enough. ‘But which one would you like most?’
‘OK, Dove.’
Roo wrote it down. ‘What else?’
‘Apple juice. And some more bread. White, medium sliced.’
The pen flew over the paper. ‘Got it. Next?’
‘Call Todd.’
The pen abruptly stopped. ‘And say what?’
‘Tell him you’d like to see him. Just put him out of his misery. All you’re doing is cutting off your nose to spite your face.’
Roo jutted her chin. ‘Maybe my nose deserves to be cut off.’
‘You said you’d do anything I want.’ This flu had weakened he
r; Ellie knew her powers of persuasion weren’t on top form. ‘This is what I want, for you and Todd to get together.’
‘Not going to happen.’
‘But you’re making me feel guilty. If it wasn’t for me, you’d be a couple by now. So it’s all my fault!’
‘Nice try,’ said Roo. ‘But the answer’s still no. Your hair’s looking a bit manky, by the way.’ She changed the subject. ‘How about if I call my hairdresser and get her over here to give you a nice cut and blow-dry?’
Always good to know your hair was manky. ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ Her whole life, Ellie had never once emerged from a salon comfortable with the blow-dry she’d had inflicted on her; they always made her feel like a Stepford wife.
‘How about a manicure, then?’
‘No.’
‘Massage?’
‘Really, no.’
‘Fake tan?’
‘No.’
Roo narrowed her eyes in frustration. ‘Stubborn.’
‘Pot. Kettle,’ said Ellie.
‘But I’m trying to help you!’
‘Same here!’
‘Ooh, you’re so annoying,’ cried Roo.
Ellie kept a straight face. ‘Ditto.’
***
Roo returned with the shopping then headed off to Ormond Road for her shift at the charity shop. Ellie lay on the sofa and dozed. She woke up with a start an hour later, to the sound of laughter in the street below.
It was Jamie’s laugh. There was no mistaking it. Ellie listened, stunned. It was him… oh God, he was back… she leapt off the sofa and stumbled to the window, her skin prickling with joy and disbelief. Jamie, I’m here…
Lack of blood caused her head to spin. The man outside on the pavement was burly and shiny-bald, in his forties, and displaying an impressive paunch as he climbed into his car and carried on chatting on his mobile to whoever had just made him laugh in that spookily Jamie-like way.
Don’t be so stupid, how could you even think it would really be him?
The car sped off and Ellie slumped back on to the sofa. Being momentarily fooled always made the crashing-back-to-reality bit harder to bear. She reached for her mobile and pressed the familiar series of buttons.