Chapter 11 #3
Hugh came from old money and held himself with the confidence of a man in authority.
He attended polo events, his father sat in the House of Lords, and his family socialised with the powerful and elite, but his entitled exterior masked a heart the size of Mars.
Hugh Spencer-Harrison was indeed a conundrum.
‘Hugh used to be a stock broker and made a stack of money from it too. The role and lifestyle suited him.’ But it had also impacted on their relationship, creating a period they referred to as their ‘barren years’ when they’d struggled to keep in touch and lacked time to meet up.
‘I was as surprised as anyone when he gave it up to retrain as a counsellor. He’s good at it, though.
We’ve had a tough year and Hugh’s been there for us both. ’
‘The ideal friend.’ She eased his leg down. ‘Are you okay to turn over for me?’
He checked his dignity was intact before rolling over.
‘Take a deep breath and relax into the mat for me. I’m going to gently stretch out your hip, but you need to let me know if it becomes painful. Bend your left knee up for me.’
He allowed her to move him into position.
‘Why did your parents cut you off?’ It was an intrusive question, but her attention remained focused on his hip.
He supposed he couldn’t blame her for asking—he’d mentioned it, after all. ‘Because I chose to study law instead of dentistry.’
Her eyes briefly met his. ‘That was it?’
‘Pretty much.’ There were other things, like their need to control everything, the fact that they valued appearances over happiness, and their general lack of empathy or compassion, but in the end it had come down to his fight for freedom and independence.
They wanted to dictate his future, he wasn’t going to comply.
‘They wanted me to join the family practice. I said no, they made an ultimatum. You can guess the rest.’
She lifted his leg higher. ‘Dentistry wasn’t for you?’
‘The idea of spending my days inside other people’s mouths is not appealing.’
She smiled at that. She had an amazing smile, it was almost as distracting as the feel of her hands sliding down his thigh. ‘Were you on good terms when they died?’
‘Nope.’
‘That’s sad.’ She moved to his other leg. ‘Why did you choose to study law?’
‘I like problem solving. I guess I like winning too. Setting up in practice gives me a sense of control and allows me to be there for Connor.’
‘Maybe you’ll have more time for yourself moving forwards, now he’s an adult.’
‘Maybe.’ Why did that thought scare him so much? It hadn’t occurred to him before, but maybe he needed Connor more than his brother needed him.
She attempted to ease his right knee to the floor and open up his hip, but it was stiffer than his other leg and resisted. ‘You said it’s been a bad year, are things still tricky?’
‘We’re getting there. It’s complicated.’ Made more so now that Connor had issued his own ultimatum regarding them both dating—maybe his brother had more in common with his parents than he’d realised.
‘Complicated I get.’ Elena tried the stretch again, checking his face for signs of pain.
‘After my mum died, my father returned to Colombia to deal with a few business issues, and we haven’t seen him since.
We’ve just discovered he’s been trekking through the jungle like some wildlife explorer, totally unaware that his youngest daughter’s been in hospital for three weeks. ’
‘I remember you said she’d been ill. How’s she doing?’
‘She’s home now, but it’s hard work caring for a sibling, and Luisa’s twenty-five. I couldn’t have coped looking after her when she was five, she’s enough of a handful now.’
‘I’ve never regretted taking on Connor, he means everything to me.’ When he winced, she eased off the stretch and lowered his leg.
‘Doesn’t mean it hasn’t been hard work, or without cost. Am I right?’
He nodded.
There was such kindness and understanding in the way she looked at him that he felt quite overwhelmed. Damned emotions. He preferred it when he’d been numb. It was easier than riding the rollercoaster of extremes.
She sat back on her haunches. ‘I’m guessing this accident of yours involved Connor too? I’m not going to pry, but it explains why you’re so knotted up.’ She tapped his thigh. ‘And I don’t just mean your muscles.’
His eyes burned hot. ‘Are we done?’
‘We’re done.’ She rolled effortlessly onto her feet and upright in a seamless motion. ‘Same time tomorrow?’
Dismay filled his gut. ‘So soon?’
‘Initially. But then we can extend the gap and introduce a set of stretches for you to do at home. Need a hand getting up?’
‘I’m good.’ If by good he meant groaning as he flopped about trying to twist onto his knees and push himself up with all the fluidity of a ninety-year-old. ‘Tell me it gets easier.’
Smiling, she rolled up the mat. ‘Eventually. You might be sore tonight. Take paracetamol for the pain and drink plenty of water. A warm bath might help too.’
He’d yet to try out Hugh’s fancy jacuzzi, tonight might be the night. ‘I’m meeting up with Connor and Hugh for pizza, you’re welcome to join us.’
Why had he said that?
Inwardly, he cringed, praying she wouldn’t say yes. She might read something into it and assume he was interested in her. Worse, Connor would definitely read something into it and rejoice at him ‘dating’ again. He waited for her answer, mentally crossing his fingers.
She zipped up her holdall. ‘That’s kind of you, but I have plans tonight.’
Thank God. He felt relieved … Actually, he didn’t feel relieved, and he had no idea why. ‘Does it involve dressing up?’
She laughed. ‘Not this time. We’re supposed to be FaceTiming Papi in Colombia. Assuming he can get a signal and he doesn’t bail on us again.’ She sounded sad.
He went over and unlocked the door. ‘Are things not good with your dad?’
‘It’s impossible to tell. He’s still grieving for our mum, and that’s affecting his decision-making.
Poor man’s devastated, so it’s impossible to stay angry with him when he’s struggling so much.
At the same time, we’re left to look after Luisa, which isn’t always easy.
I switch from missing him to being angry with him about a hundred times a day.
’ She hoisted her holdall onto her shoulder. ‘We just want him to come home.’
‘Do you think he will?’
‘At some point. The question is when. The thought of living without either parent is horrifying.’ She flinched. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound insensitive.’
‘You didn’t. I hope you get to talk to him.’
‘Me too.’ She joined him by the door. ‘Enjoy your pizza.’
‘Sorry again for ranting earlier.’
‘All forgotten.’ She paused as she stepped into the lobby. ‘By the way, your T-shirt’s on inside out.’ Smiling, she disappeared out the main door.
Danny glanced down. Christ, he couldn’t even dress himself.
He was in a worse state than he’d imagined.