Page 51 of He's the One

“He’ll be okay.”

“Good.”

Theo couldn’t tell him the rest but his father didn’t ask anymore questions. When he lifted his head, he saw James standing by the fireplace and realised he’d interrupted.

“Sorry for disturbing you.”

“Don’t be silly. Come and sit down, James was just talking to me about one of the tenant farmers.”

“I can’t…” Theo backed away. “Not tonight. My head…”

“I’m glad your friend’s going to be all right.”

“Thank you.” Theo managed a smile.

Chapter Ten

The first people in to see Col the next morning were his parents.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” His mum kissed his cheek.

“Much better.” Actually, that wasn’t entirely true but if he’d said anything other than that, the day was not going to go the way he wanted it to.

“Theo’s in the waiting room,” his father said.

Col smiled. Even hearing Theo’s name made him happy.

“You like him.” His mum patted his now IV-free hand.

“I do.”

“Has the doctor said when you can leave?” she asked.

“Not yet, though the police are on their way.”

“Right.” She pressed her lips together.

“I’m supposed to be seeing Dominic today,” Col said carefully.

“Well, obviously you…” His mum looked distressed. “No, Col. No. That’s not going to happen.”

“Theo will take me.”

“You’ve told him?” His father raised his eyebrows.

His mother clapped a hand to her mouth but failed to disguise her gasp.

“Yes. I’ve told him.” Their reaction didn’t surprise him.

“Oh Col.” His mum looked so distraught that guilt bit at Col’s stomach.

“I trust him.”

“You don’t know him, love,” she whispered.

“Ireallylike him.”

“Youreallyliked Robert. Did you tell him?” she asked.

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