Chapter Forty-Two
Later that day, Reuben tried to call Jessica’s phone again, but it was switched off.
He knew she was working at the bakery until lunchtime.
Maybe she had been asked to stay on later as it was busy.
He was longing to speak to her and hear her voice.
In the meantime, he thought he would call Catriona and find out if there was anything he could take with him to help with Christmas Day.
‘Hi, Angus,’ he said when he picked up the phone after just one ring. ‘It’s Reuben.’
‘Oh, Reuben, I thought you were Jessica. I’m waiting for her to call. She’s at the hospital.’ Angus was talking quickly and sounded very flustered, which wasn’t like him at all.
‘What do you mean? Why’s she at the hospital?’ His mind immediately started to flood with questions as he wondered what had happened. Had she had an accident at work or fallen ill suddenly?
‘It’s Catriona. She had a fall earlier and hurt her arm. Jessica’s away up to Larbert with her. I’m just waiting for her to tell me what’s going on. They wouldn’t let me go with them, you see. Said something about Jessica wanting to check out the doctors or something like that.’
Reuben frowned. That didn’t sound right but then Angus didn’t sound like himself at all. He was clearly worried and very anxious. ‘Does Murray know? Is he with you?’
‘I’m supposed to tell him but I didn’t want to wake him up and I’m meant to stay in for a parcel.’
‘Okay,’ said Reuben. ‘I’ll phone Murray now and let him know what’s going on. I’m sure he’ll be with you soon.’
‘Thanks, son. I’d better get off the line in case they’re trying to get hold of me.’
‘Bye, Angus.’ Reuben ended the call and grabbed his jacket and car keys and let himself out of his flat. As soon as he got into the car, he called Murray to fill him in. ‘Sounds like your dad is in a bit of a state. He didn’t want to disturb you in case you were still asleep.’
‘Thanks for letting me know. I had no idea. Mind you, we did end up sleeping in a bit later this morning. Well, after a five o’clock start with the wee one. I’ll go and check on him now. You said Jessica would call when there’s news?’
‘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.’