Page 76 of London Inked Boys: The Complete Trilogy
“We’ll find a bed and breakfast and deal with the house tomorrow.”
My chest tightens with emotion at seeing him like this. Normally, he’s the tough, strong one, while I’m the emotional one.
Rocco sends a couple of texts off to his flatmates, and his boss, to let them know what happened, and that he won’t be around for a few days.
“I guess Kane will have to pick up some of my clients.”
“Payback for when he was sick,” I say, forcing a small smile.
He gives me a quick kiss. “Not that I’d change that for the world.”
“Me neither.”
We leave the flat and walk the short distance to the Tube stop, where we’ll be able to get a connecting train to my parents’ house. We do the journey in silence, clutching hard to each other’s hands. Rocco’s caught up in his grief, and I’m nervous about what my parents will say.
By the time we reach my home, nerves churn in my gut, making me lightheaded. I hoped Rocco will be too caught up in his own thoughts to pay much attention to what my parents are saying.
“Mum, Dad,” I call as I walk through the front door. “I’m home, and I’ve brought someone with me.”
Both parents appear from the lounge. It’s been a long time since I’ve brought anyone home, and surprise registers on my mother’s face. My father’s expression is one of concern.
“You both remember Richard, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course.” My mother’s smile is forced. “Hello, Richard. You’ve certainly grown up.”
Despite his grief, Rocco steps forward and shakes hands with them both. “Hello, Mr and Mrs Alexander. It’s good to see you again.”
“Can I talk to you both for a minute, through there?” I jerk my head towards the living room. “Rocco, why don’t you go up to my room, I’ll be there in a minute. It’s the door directly to the right from the top of the stairs.”
He nods. “Sure.”
I usher my parents back into the living room.
“What is all this, Sophia?” My father crosses his arms over his chest.
“Richard’s had some bad news from home. His father died unexpectedly, and he needs to get back to Cornwall. I’ve said I’ll go with him, and I’d like to borrow one of your cars.”
My mother’s eyes widen. “Go to Cornwall?”
“Yes, it’ll only be for a few days. He needs someone to support him, and I’m that someone.”
“And who’s going to support you? You’re going to need dialysis in a few days.”
“Yes, in a few days. I’ll be back by then.”
“And what if you have a bad turn?” she continues.
I exhale a huff of air in exasperation. “I’ll be fine. I have Rocco. He’ll take care of me.”
“Does he know how sick you are?” My father asks.
“Not exactly. I haven’t given him all the details, but he knows I have issues with my kidneys and have to make some lifestyle choices because of them. If it looks like I’m getting worse, or he needs to know for any reason, I’ll tell him, I promise.”
My mother shakes her head. “I don’t know, Sophia, we barely know this man.”
“Yes, you do. I grew up with him. We might have lost touch, but that doesn’t erase the seventeen years where we grew up together. Please, I’m twenty-seven years old. I don’t even need to ask your permission to do this, but I am because I know you love me and you’ll worry. You need to let me go. It’s important to me.”
They exchange a glance, and my father nods. “Okay, you can take the Volvo, but you make sure you stay in touch with us, and you get back to London before your next appointment, okay?”
