Page 63 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
‘Yes, that’s what your dad said. I tried her phone earlier and it’s switched off. I’ll head over now anyway, in case I can do anything to help.’
Murray sighed. ‘Thanks, Reuben. I appreciate it. See you when you get here.’
Fortunately, the roads had been gritted but the traffic was busy and Reuben could feel himself getting frustrated as he tried to manoeuvre his way out of traffic, ignoring the horns being honked behind him. He tried calling Jessica’s number again and was surprised to hear it ring.
‘Reuben,’ she said, sounding out of breath. ‘I was just about to call you. Give me a second. I’ve just come outside and it’s freezing.’
‘Take your time,’ he said. ‘I’ve heard about your mum. How is she?’
‘She’s broken her arm. She’s in a lot of pain but putting on a brave face. I think she’s more annoyed at the timing of it all. As you can imagine. We’re just waiting for her to have a plaster cast put on. I’m not sure how long that will take.’
‘Oh, Jess, I’m sorry. Have you updated your dad yet?’
‘I’m just about to phone him. He’s been in a bit of a state. I’ve never seen him look so flustered.’
‘He’s just worried about your mum,’ said Reuben softly.
‘I know and she hates it when he fusses, which is why she wanted me to go to the hospital with her.’
Reuben laughed. ‘Nothing to do with you wanting to check out the hot doctors then?’
Jessica groaned. ‘That was my mum’s idea for an excuse. She was trying to get my dad to stay at home.Honestly. Now my dad thinks I’m just here to check out the talent. Which I’m not by the way.’
He chuckled softly. ‘Murray should be with your dad now and I’m heading over, too. Are you okay?’
‘I am now,’ she said huskily. ‘I’ll update Dad and then go and grab a coffee. I’ll phone you later on. I’m not sure how long we’ll be here for.’
‘Sure. Phone me if you need anything at all.’
‘I will.’
‘And Jess . . .’ He hesitated, unsure what to say without sounding cheesy or creepy.
‘I know, Reuben,’ she said. ‘I can’t wait to see you too.’
Chapter Forty-Three
After speaking to her dad and reassuring him that her mum was okay, Jessica had a quick debrief with Murray. ‘We could be here for a while but hopefully she won’t be kept in overnight. I don’t think that would land well with her. She’s champing at the bit to get home. The best thing you can do is keep Dad calm as he’s been freaking out, and I’ll find out from Mum if anything urgent needs doing at home. I’m sure between us we can manage to pick up the turkey from the butcher’s and rustle up Christmas lunch. How hard can it be?’
Murray tutted. ‘Don’t let Mum hear you say that. But honestly, she is always running about after everyone else. It’s time she just did as she was told and looked after herself. I agree. We can take care of Christmas.’
‘Exactly,’ said Jessica. ‘And I haven’t yet told her but Reuben is going to be joining us after all. I’m sure he and Carolyn will muck in.’
‘That’s great. So, he’s not going away after all then . . . Mind you, I didn’t think he would.’ He paused. ‘It sounds like there are more interesting things to keep him in Rowan Bay.’
He was trying to wind her up but she refused to take the bait. ‘He’s keen to see his dad on Christmas Day and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind seeing you either. Though I don’t know why,’ she said, jokingly. ‘Your chat stinks.’
‘He’s actually just off the phone and is heading out here now. Keep in touch, sis, and let me know if you need us to come and get you. I know you’ve been up since the crack of dawn and may not want to drive back.’
‘Thank you. And maybe Lexi and Carolyn could be a good distraction for Dad in the meantime? Get them to take him down to the loch and skim stones or something? Tell them that I always beat you at it.’
He chuckled. ‘I’m not sure she needs to know that at this stage in her life. There is still room for me to beat you. Anyway, you’re right, Lexi will put a smile on his face for sure. Phone me later and take care.’
‘Oh, I almost forgot. If things get bad with Dad and he needs a distraction then ask him about his Santa suit. I’m sure he’d love to put it to good use.’
Murray groaned. ‘I’ll leave it until we’re desperate. I don’t even want to start to imagine what Dad would look like in a Santa suit. Doesn’t bear thinking about.’
After ending the call, she walked back to the small cubicle where her mum was waiting. ‘Everyone is up to speed now and you’ve to do as you’re told and just get better. You’ve to be a good patient.’
