Page 107 of High Stakes

“No, it’s not. I just got confused, I’m an emotional mess,” I mutter, my face burning with embarrassment.

My mobile begins to ring and we both stare at it. I snatch it up, seeing my dad’s name.

“Hello.”

“Hi Isabella, It’s Claire, your dad’s friend.”

I frown in confusion. “Oh, hi Claire. Is everything Okay?”

“Not really sweetie. I have some bad news. Your Dad has deteriorated. He’s in hospital but the Doctors have asked me to contact you because they aren’t sure if he’s going to get through this.”

I let her words sink in, “Oh god, I didn’t realise he was sick.”

“He didn’t want to tell you, Bella. He thought it would make you stick around, and he knew you needed to get away.”

“I’ll get the train as soon as I can. Tell him I’m on my way.”

I disconnect with a heavy heart. I know we’ve been estranged lately but I still love him. Grant is watching me with concern. “It’s my dad,” I tell him, shrugging, “He’s taken ill.”

“The train is a long ride; I can take you?” It’s sweet of him to offer, especially after what just happened between us.

I begin to gather things I’ll need and Grant follows. “No, it’s too far, and you have your duties here. How will Mrs. Brown cope with her blisters,” I joke. “Besides, the train gives me a chance to move around, you know how uncomfortable I’m getting now I’m closer to the end, it’s the reason I’m not driving myself.”

I begin to grab clothes from my closet and Grant taps away on his mobile. “The next train to London is in one hour,” he says, “I’ll drop you at the station.”

“Thank you,” I say, “And I’m sorry about-”

“It’s already forgotten about,” he says, smiling. “And for the record, it’s not you-”

I groan, burying my face in my hands, “Please don’t say that line.”

He laughs, tugging my hands away, “But it’s true. It really is me. I can’t move on, I’m not ready. But if I was, you’d totally be the one for me.”

I feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Thanks for not making it awkward.”

“Friends?” he asks.

I nod, “Friends.”

“Good. Finish packing, we need to go.”

The train stops in St Pancreas, and I drag my case off with a heavy heart. I called Aria during the journey, and she insisted I stay with her. I spot her waiting by the entrance and as I approach, she rushes over, wrapping me in a big hug and taking my case from me. “Oh wow, you look amazing,” she says, holding me at arm’s length. “And the bump is bumping,” she adds, gently placing her hand there. “What do you want to do first, sleep, eat or visit your dad?” she asks, leading the way to her car.

“Hospital,” I reply, “Claire has been updating me over text message and it’s not looking good.”

Aria gives me a sympathetic smile, “I’m so sorry, Bells.”

She drops me at the hospital where Claire greets me with a hug. It’s comforting and I sense relief pouring from her. “he’s been asking for you,” she whispers, taking me by the hand and leading me into the intensive care ward. “And your mum.” My heart twists. “He’s confused but they say that’s normal. He’s sleeping a lot but he’ll be so happy to see you.” She stops by a closed curtain, “Don’t be alarmed. There are a lot of machines and wires but they’re there to help him.” I hold my breath as she pulls the curtain back. My eyes fill with tears at seeing the man I love, so small and vulnerable. A sob escapes and I slap my hand over my mouth. Claire gently rubs my back. “It’s a lot to take,” she whispers.

I move to the side of his bed, carefully taking his hand in mine. It feels so cold and thin. I watch as Claire places a kiss on his head, “Guess who came to see you,” she tells him, even though he doesn’t respond. “Isabella.” His eyes flutter open, and she smiles, running a hand over his cheek. “And look at that bump,” she adds.

He turns his head slowly, until his eyes find me, and he offers a weak smile. There are dark circles under his eyes, they even look a little sunken that I remember. I return the smile, “Hey you.”

“You came,” he croaks.

“Of course I came, you’re my dad.”

“Sorry. I know it’s hassle,” he murmurs.

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