Page 107 of The Painter and His Poet

“It’s Daisy, she’s in hospital. Fuck man, it’s not good.”

“What are you talking about? I thought Dalton and Daisy were still on their honeymoon.”

“They came home yesterday. Daisy collapsed at home. She’s had a…”

“What?” I exclaim, running a hand through my hair.

“She’s had a miscarriage, Sterling. Drix tells me it was early, but there were complications.”

“Jesus, I didn’t even realise they were…” I let my voice trail off. It’s none of my business whether or not they’ve been intimate. “How are they holding up?”

Ben heaves out a heavy sigh. “Not well. I don’t know all the details, but Drix tells me that they found out Daisy has an underlying medical condition which was picked up following the miscarriage and subsequent operation. She may never be able to conceive again.”

“Fuck, Ben. That’s awful. Is there anything I can do?” I offer, feeling fucking helpless.

“There is actually. Drix asked if one of us could check in on Lia and Toby. Despite her ex being in custody, he’s still worried about them. I can’t do it because I’m stuck at the bar. Can you head over there, make sure they’re okay?”

“I’d be happy too,” I reply.

“Thanks, I’ll let him know. There is one other thing,” he adds.

“What is it?”

“Dalton wanted to let you know that they’re not telling Carl the real reason she’s in hospital, and has asked you to keep this between us. Right now he’s trying to figure out how to handle the fact that Daisy might not be able to conceive an heir. We both know his cunt of a father won’t take the news well given an heir is all he wanted out of this marriage.”

“Of course, I won’t say anything.”

“I suspect this whole situation is going to get worse before it gets better, and they’re going to need us when it does.”

“I’ll be there. Maybe once Daisy’s had time to recover physically and they’ve both had time to process everything wecould get together for dinner, just our group, figure out the next steps?”

“Yeah, that sounds good. Just give them some time before you suggest it. I don’t think either of them will be up for socialising for a while yet.”

“That’s understandable,” I agree, and we both fall silent as we digest the news.

“Sterling?” Ben questions after a while.

“Yeah?”

“When things like this happen it makes you re-evaluate your life choices, doesn’t it?”

“It certainly puts things into perspective, yes,” I agree.

“And on that note, I’ve decided to stop fucking around and call Hoxton, get things in motion.”

“When?”

“As soon as possible. I have the funds, I have a plan, and this timeI’mgoing to be the thief. He stole her from me, and I’m going to steal her right back.”

“You’ve got this all figured out,” I observe, thinking about my own relationship with Harlow. Truth be known, I’ve been biding my time in dealing with my father under the guise of giving Harlow space to get used tous,when in reality I’ve been too shit scared to tell her the truth aboutme.

“When you want something enough, you find a way, right?” Ben replies.

“Even when it’s messy?” I counter.

“Elodie’s worth it. I guess you’ve just got to figure out if Harlow is worth it too,” he replies.

“But I thought you agreed that I shouldn’t–” I begin, but he interrupts.

---