Page 49 of Wild Tonic
“Then let’s enjoy this evening and get that mood of yours back in a good place.” Parker lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm, pleased to see that he created a smile.
The taxi dropped them into the centre of Puerto Pollensa, close to the restaurant La Llonja. It was a beautiful location, looking out over the harbour and bay. Parker had chosen it to try to provide them with some alone time in a romantic setting.
They walked up the steps and were shown to their table. Straight away, a waiter presented them with menus and asked about wine. Parker ordered a bottle of Poppy’s favourite rose.
While they perused the delicious looking seafood choices, Parker looked up. “What are you having?”
Poppy wrinkled her nose. “I’d usually have something fishy, but the smell’s making my stomach churn, so I think I’ll give it a miss tonight. The fillet steak looks good.”
“No scallops for starters then?” Parker knew they were one of Poppy’s go-to dishes.
She made a face. “Mmm, don’t think I’ll risk it. Maybe I’ll have pudding instead.”
The waiter appeared, brandishing his order pad. “Good choices, Sir, Madam,” he said, once he’d written everything down. Then, as quickly as he appeared, he was gone, leaving the two of them alone again.
Things between them were in a good place, despite the drama with Lexi and Nate. It was good to be away from the day-to-day life back in North Ridge, even if it was only for a few days.
“I’ll just check that everything’s okay back at the villa.” Poppy fumbled in her bag for her phone.
Parker fixed her with a look. One that said ‘do-you-need-to-do-that-now’. She hesitated, and for a second, Parker was convinced that she was going to do what he asked. Then he saw the colour drain from her face as she snatched the phone out, and stabbed the screen, evidently listening to a voicemail.
“Oh my God!” Poppy’s exclamation caused every head in the restaurant to swivel around and stare at them. She jumped up. “We have to go! There’s something wrong with India.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re taking her to hospital. I knew I shouldn’t have left her with that girl.” She half ran down the stairs, leaving Parker sitting there alone.
He got up went to the reception desk. “I’m really sorry, but we have to leave. There’s an emergency with my girlfriend’s daughter. We haven’t eaten, but I’m happy to pay?”
The Maître d’ immediately waved his hand. “No, no, you must go to the child. Is everything okay?”
“We don’t know. She’s been taken to hospital. Do you know where that might be?”
“Are you staying locally?”
Parker briefly described the location of the villa. “Which would be the nearest one?”
“Ah, it’s close. Maybe five minutes away.” The Maître d’ drew a map on a napkin and thrust it into Parker’s hand.
He thanked the man and tipped him an extra twenty euros before heading out to find Poppy. She was standing by the empty taxi rank, clutching her cardigan around her body, red hair wild, matching her expression. “Why isn’t there anyone here? How long does it take to get a cab?”
“We don’t need one, we can walk.”
“How do you know where it is?”
“I asked the waiter.” Parker took Poppy’s hand, pulling her towards him. Her body was shaking and her hands were freezing. “Come on.”
As they walked, Poppy ranted about Clem and how could Nate even think of getting together with someone like her; how irresponsible Clem was to let something happen to Poppy’s daughter.
Parker stopped them in the centre of the pavement and grabbed Poppy’s shoulders. “Poppy, stop this. You don’t know what’s gone on. It could be something simple, something no-one, not even you could have prevented. Give Nate some credit too, he wouldn’t let India come to any harm intentionally.”
He let his words sink in and Poppy appeared to calm down a little, tears starting to fall down her cheeks instead.
“What if my little girl isn’t okay though?”
He gathered her into his arms again, pulling her close. “Then let’s get to the hospital and find out for ourselves.”
When they arrived, Parker took charge, using his basic Spanish to get them to the right place. Poppy dashed into the cubicle India was in, leaving Parker outside. Clem was waiting too.
