Page 65 of The Vow We Made
14
Friendship, Love and Support
AIDEN
Ever since Victoria agreed to give me another shot, I haven’t taken a minute for granted. We’ve been together whenever possible and I’ve swapped some evenings for early shifts, meaning I get to spend my nights with her.
I’m conscious I haven’t seen a lot of the boys lately and I’m fully aware I’ve been a shit friend, although Luke hasn’t been around too much either. He hasn’t mentioned anything more about the woman he’s seeing, but I know he’s keen. I’m intrigued to find out who’s reeling him in. Usually the idea of a permanent someone in his life sends him running for the hills. His Thai girl really did a number on him, but I’m told, by Georgie of course, that this woman is special.
My time is divided between work and Victoria, so I’m a fine one to talk about my mate being smitten, but I really should call him to catch up and arrange a beer. Maybe we’ll invite Georgie and Marcus along. As for Will, he spends all his free time with Steph; it’s a real turnaround for him.
I’m with Victoria, getting ready for her appointment at the fracture clinic when Steph charges down the stairs. “Hey you two, when you get home from the hospital, I need a word with you both. What time will you be back?”
“It’s just a check-up, we shouldn’t be too long,” Victoria replies.
“Everything alright?” I question because I can’t imagine what she would want both of us for. “We have a few minutes if you want to talk now.”
“This might be a longer conversation,” Steph says, biting her lip. “But the bottom line is I might have to go to Scotland, on your behalf Vickie, or rather, I’d be willing to.”
“What’s going on?” Victoria asks with worry in her voice.
“I’ve just got off the phone to Faith. She tried calling you, but said it kept going to voicemail.”
Victoria takes her phone from her pocket. “Shit. I forgot to charge it.” She hops towards me.
“Pass it here.” I take it into the kitchen knowing her charger is there and when I return, Steph is in mid flow about the situation.
“You can’t travel to Scotland like this Vickie. You’re not strong enough.”
“Is everything alright?” I ask towards Steph while slipping my hand around Victoria’s waist.
“Vickie got the film in Scotland,” Steph answers.
Wrapping my arms around her, I let Victoria know how proud I am. “That’s fantastic. I’m over the moon for you.” Then I kiss her neck as she snuggles against me, giggling.
Steph clears her throat. “Huh-hmm.”
“So, I took advantage of the situation, who wouldn’t?” I smirk and note Steph’s subtle smile and high brows.
“Well before you celebrate further, the bad news is, they want to start planning straight away and filming as early as April. Aiden, you know better than anyone that she isn’t well enough and has no idea when her leg will be healed. She can’t possibly go up there.”
Victoria sighs. “Shit, that’s it then. I’ll have to turn it down.”
I do a quick calculation. “Let’s hear what the doctor has to say today and you can make an informed decision from there.”
Her deflated, “Okay,” sounds as if she’s already given up.
I glide my fingers under her jawline and lift her chin. “Listen to me, you’re making great progress and you’re a speed demon on those crutches. As long as you’re strict with your exercises, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.”
She nuzzles her cheek into my palm, but again we’re interrupted by Steph.
“You two better get to that appointment, or you’ll end up getting a room.”
Victoria’s slightly embarrassed “Sorry,” lightens the mood and Steph smiles as she catches her hand giving it a squeeze.
“We’ll work it out Vickie and between us, we won’t let you down.”
“I love you, but this isn’t your problem. I’ll have to—”
