Page 48 of He's the One

Theo stared at him. “But do you feel differently about me now? I mean, do you want to get to know more about me?” His pulse jumped.

“Yes, though I think that question should have come from me. Can you cope with me having a psychotic ex-boyfriend?”

“Do you remember what happened?”

“Some of it. Robert was waiting by my car. I didn’t see him until I reached the driver’s door. When I told him to get lost, he shoved me. I fell and my head hit the wing mirror. He must have grabbed my arm because there are fingerprint bruises but I don’t remember anything else until I woke up here.”

Theo tried not to show his disappointment. “I called you and you managed to tell me where you were and asked for help. I rang 9-9-9. You told me Robert had hit you, then pushed you so that you hit the wing mirror but you said someone else hit you as well, and you thought it was his wife.”

Col frowned. “I don’t remember that.”

“I told the police what you said. They’ll want to interview you. Probably tomorrow. Except, the thing is, Robert turned up at the hospital a little while ago with a different story.”

Col tightened his grip on Theo’s hand.

“He had a cut above his eye, blood on his face and a ripped shirt. He said you’d hit him first, he pushed you away and your head collided with the wing mirror. He drove off, but when he saw the ambulance coming, he felt bad that he’d run and decided to check up on you. He denied his wife was there, but you definitely told me you thought she was.”

“I might be fuzzy on some details but I didn’t hit him.”

“Has he hit you before?”

“No, but he’s come close. He sometimes flew into a terrible rage. It occurred to be that he might be taking steroids. He became obsessed with bulking up. I should have walked out months ago. I should have left him the first time he frightened me. But he always said he was sorry. I don’t get why he won’t leave me alone.”

“Because he’s a bully. Because his narcissistic ego won’t let you be the one to end things. He wants to control what happens. Oh God, listen to me. As if I know what I’m talking about, though I do have a mother with narcissistic tendencies.”

“You met my mum and dad.”

“They’re lovely. Mine aren’t. Particularly my mother. My parents don’t want me to be, well—not the way I am. I’m not allowed to be gay. But you, yours chose you. You’re lucky.”

“I am.”

“We missed our meal together, but the good news is I got you a job interview.”

Col’s eyes widened.

“Except you’re not fit for work now, but James Ward, Asquith’s head gardener, said he’d talk to you on Monday. Tomorrow. It’s Sunday now. He’s in charge of hiring for the grounds, not Dastardly. I’ll tell James what’s happened. He can wait until you’re better.”

“Thank you. Do you think you could give me some water?”

“That means I have to let go of your hand.” Theo pouted, but he poured water into a glass and held it for Col to drink.

“Thanks.”

“Can I hold your hand again?” Theo asked. “My fingers are cold.”

“You don’t need to make up excuses. I like you holding my hand. Do the police have my phone?”

“Yes. And your car keys.”

“I need to send a message.”

“It’s gone midnight. Can’t it wait?”

“I was supposed to be going to see my brother today. I need to leave a message saying I can’t make it.”

“Can’t you just call him in the morning?” But when he saw Col’s face, he held out his phone. “Use mine.”

“I can’t remember the number.”

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