Page 51 of Greek Island Fling to Forever

She couldn’t even look at him now. Arianna turned, storming into the house, and he heard the shower running. Then silence, followed by the sound of the front door slamming shut. It was one of the many things he loved about her, that she never did anything by halves.

Ben stood for a moment, leaning on the rails that bordered the veranda. Willing himself to keep breathing and his heart to keep on beating. If he could get through these moments, stop himself from going after her and promising her anything if she would just stay with him, the next ones would be easier.

Why did doing the right thing hurt so very much?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

WHEN ARIANNA RETURNED HOME, the house was silent. No mess in the kitchen, no sandy footprints on the veranda. It was as if Ben had never been there. She’d locked herself in her office at the health centre, throwing herself into work, and now, looking around at her empty house, she could feel the tears welling up.

She opened the fridge and surveyed its contents. Wine or ice cream? Neither of them were going to make her feel any better, and she decided on wine now, so that she could keep the ice cream for later.

She knew that Ben was right, and that it was useless. Trying to make this work would only tear them both apart. Their story had started on the day he’d rescued her, and now the fallout from that day had ended it. Arianna poured herself a glass of wine, and even after a large gulp of it she wasn’t able to smile at the irony of that, because it was all too cruel.

She topped up her glass and walked out onto the veranda. Every last sign of him was gone, apart from...

Her gaze lit on Jonas’s water cascade. Of course, he couldn’t take that with him; it was far too complex a contraption, and would have fallen to bits if Ben had tried to move it. They’d had such fun building it.

Tears started to roll down her face and Arianna picked up her glass, heading out onto the beach. Her life, Ben’s life, they’d both better be perfect from now on. Well lived, full of professional success and personal happiness. Because that was about the only thing that would ever compensate her for losing him.

* * *

Ben hurried back to his London surgery. Amalie Cutler had an appointment with him this afternoon, and he’d gone down to the hospital himself to get the test results she’d been waiting for. Her consultant was on holiday, and they’d been sitting in his in-tray for the last week. Ben had begged his secretary

to give them to him, and she’d relented with a smile. When he’d opened the envelope he’d seen that it was good news.

It was the first time he’d really smiled in weeks. He’d turned the edges of his mouth up for Jonas, even laughed with his son and hugged him, the way he always did. But the staff at the busy London surgery had received short shrift, and more than one apology. He was a little busy, or a little stressed, all codewords for heartbreak. He missed Arianna with every fibre of his being, and as each day passed he only missed her more because it was longer since he’d seen her last.

But finally. This was something to smile about. Ben walked to his surgery, throwing himself into his chair and switching on his computer. Good, Amalie was first in line, so she wouldn’t have to wait.

He pressed the intercom and called her name. Amalie was looking well, her blonde hair growing again after the chemo, and she’d obviously been to the hairdresser and had it cut and styled.

‘How are you feeling, Amalie?’

‘Good. Fine really; it’s just... I’m waiting for my results. My consultant’s on holiday now and, as you haven’t got them back yet, I suppose they’ll be another two weeks.’ Amalie pursed her lips and Ben noticed the dark rings under her eyes. Waiting had obviously taken its toll.

‘I’ve been up to the hospital and collected them. They were ready; they just hadn’t been sent yet. I’m happy to tell you that it’s good news.’

Amalie stared at him, her hand flying to her mouth. ‘Good news? You’re sure, Dr Marsh?’

‘Yes, I’m sure. The tests you had at the hospital showed that your cancer is in full remission. We’ll still need to see you from time to time, and I’d advise you to continue seeing your cancer nurse for support and to discuss any ongoing issues. But this is an important milestone.’

Ben handed Amalie the envelope he had ready on his desk, and she opened it with shaking hands. She stared at the sheet of paper inside blankly and then looked up at him, tears in her eyes.

‘I... I don’t really understand what it says.’

‘That’s fine. Would you like to sit quietly for a moment? Just let it sink in.’ Ben suspected that anything he said now would be forgotten in the rush of emotion.

‘Yes. Yes, please. I’ve got to call my husband and tell him. And my mum...’

‘I’ll get someone to make you a cup of tea, and we’ll find you somewhere private for you to make your calls. Then you can come back here, and we’ll discuss exactly what the letter says and what your next steps are going to be. Along with whatever it was you came to see me about today.’

‘Today...?’ Amalie looked at him blankly, and then smiled. ‘I’ve not been sleeping. I’ve been so worried about my results and I thought I’d have a while to wait still, so I wondered if there was something you could give me, just for a couple of weeks. I don’t think I’ll need anything now.’

‘Okay. We’ll leave that then, shall we? Let me know if the sleeplessness continues...’

Amalie had already taken her phone from her bag and was obviously eager to make her calls. She got to her feet, clutching the letter to her chest as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Ben ushered her to the door but she stopped, grabbing his hand to shake it.

‘Thank you so much, Dr Marsh. Not just for this but... You’ve been there for me all the way. You’ve made such a difference...’

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