Heart of Bone: A gripping novel of psychological suspense, page 13
Greer clutched his arm in terror. ‘Are you feeling all right? You haven’t missed any of your tablets, have you?’
Nathan smiled. ‘I never do. Relax, Greer. Everything is fine.’ He turned to Charlie. ‘It was nice to meet you.’
‘Likewise.’ The smile on Charlie’s face didn’t reach his eyes. Greer couldn’t fathom the reason for his abrupt change of mood.
‘I’ll walk you downstairs.’ Greer intended to have words with him about his attitude.
Once they were in the foyer, Greer rounded on Charlie. ‘What the hell are you playing at? I arranged a meal here tonight because that was what you wanted. Instead, you barely spoke to Nathan. When you did, you bordered on rude.’
‘Of course you’d take Nathan’s side.’ Charlie rubbed his eyes, reminding Greer of Tom as a toddler. Tired and cranky. He was definitely behaving with the maturity of a tetchy child.
‘There are no sides. Why couldn’t you have been more polite?’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m tired, that’s all.’
‘You’ll have to accept him in my life. You realise that, right? Tom is my son.’ Damn, she’d messed up again. In front of Charlie, too.
‘His name is Nathan, not Tom.’ Charlie’s tone was cold. ‘And he’s not your son. No matter how much you might want him to be. This fixation of yours on his heart is getting weird.’
Greer pursed her lips. ‘So what if I called him Tom? A slip of the tongue, that’s all.’
‘You’re too emotionally invested in him. Yes, it’s wonderful that part of Tom lives on in Nathan. But, Mrs M, you’re becoming obsessed with this man. And that’s not healthy.’
‘You’re wrong.’ The denial fell automatically from Greer’s lips. ‘Why don’t you like him?’
‘Because he’s so phony. That fake laugh, the false confidence he projects—nothing about him seems on the level. And what about all that crap about cellular memory? Don’t you realise he was saying exactly what you wanted to hear? I can’t fathom what his game is. But he’s got one, I’m sure. The bastard’s stringing you along.’
His words stung. ‘He doesn’t have a game. Is it really so far-fetched that we’ve forged a connection? Brought together by Tom’s heart?’
‘Or perhaps he’s just an arsehole.’
‘That’s offensive. You need to sober up.’ Charlie, thank God, hadn’t driven to Nathan’s flat. He’d told Greer he’d walked from his hotel.
‘But, Mrs M—’
‘Leave, Charlie. Now. Don’t make me ask you again.’
‘Wait. There’s something else, and it’s really strange. The real reason I’ve got a bad feeling about this guy. Didn’t you notice—’
She’d had way too much of Charlie’s attitude for one evening. It was probably the drink talking, but his dislike of the man for whom she was developing powerful feelings grated. She hurried back upstairs, blocking the sound of Charlie’s voice as he shouted after her.
CHAPTER 43
It was the Tuesday evening after Charlie’s disastrous visit, and Greer was meeting Nathan for another meal. A pub this time, the Goose and Gosling, a ten-minute walk from Greer’s rented flat. The March wind was chilly as she strolled along the pavement, her hands thrust into her coat pockets. She had so much to tell Nathan. The call from her estate agent in Bristol. The studio apartment in Birmingham that was up for sale, situated not far from Edgbaston.
Nathan, as usual, was late. The huge old-fashioned clock above the bar showed the time as ten past eight when he strode in. Greer had found them a quiet booth at the back of the pub. She watched him walk towards her. He looked so much like Tom these days.
‘Cod and chips for me,’ Nathan said, as he closed the menu. ‘Strange, isn’t it? I used to hate fish.’
Greer smiled. ‘Cellular memory at its finest, hey?’ She had one concern, though. ‘Do you mind? Is it weird for you?’
Nathan shrugged. ‘Not much I can do about it, is there? Besides, it’s all good. I need to move away from red meat towards healthier food. And the drawing—it’s like a whole new world has opened up. So no, it’s fine by me.’
Joy squeezed Greer’s heart. Strange how quickly life could flip around. Tom’s death was still a raw wound, but the man before her might, with luck, heal her.
They placed their orders. Once the food arrived, Greer stayed silent about her plans, figuring they’d discuss them over coffee. Once they finished eating, she pushed back her chair. ‘Would you excuse me? I need the loo.’
As she washed her hands, Greer’s mind buzzed with everything she needed to tell Nathan. She pulled open the door to the toilets and walked over to their booth, her shoes noiseless on the thick carpet. Nathan had his mobile to his ear, his back to her.
A metre or so away from him, she froze. Around her, the pub stilled and grew silent, or so it seemed. All that remained were Greer, and Nathan, and the foul things he was saying.
‘I hate queers.’ Contempt filled Nathan’s voice. Then: ‘Every last limp-wristed one.’ He laughed, the sound harsh and nasty.
Greer’s mouth went dry with shock. She staggered back to the toilets and splashed water on her face, her breath coming in quick gasps.
She’d dissect what this meant later. Right now, her primary concern was to appear as though nothing was wrong. A few deep breaths, and she was ready, despite her inner turmoil.
Greer tugged open the door and walked back to their booth. Nathan’s mobile, dark and silent, was now on the table. She stared at him. Why had she ever thought he looked like Tom? That wide nose, the fleshy lips, blue eyes instead of brown—the resemblance, if it existed, was slight. Instead, opposite her sat a snake, coiled and ready to strike.
She couldn’t deal with this now. She’d process everything when she got home.
Greer snagged the attention of a passing server. ‘Can we get the bill?’
‘Are you all right?’ Nathan said. ‘You look really pale.’
‘I’ve developed a bad migraine.’ The lie slipped easily off Greer’s tongue. ‘It came on suddenly. Would you excuse me, please?’
‘Of course. I’m sorry you’re not well.’ Greer was aware of him studying her. Try as she might, she failed to manage a smile. Desperate to get away, she grabbed her bag and jacket, conscious of the server approaching with a leather folder in his hand. Nathan, the goddamn bastard, could pay the bill for once.
‘Will you text me either later or tomorrow? Let me know you’re okay?’ God, he was a wonderful actor. He seemed genuinely concerned.
Greer nodded. She forced herself to sound normal when she replied. ‘I’m sorry to have to dash off like this. I’ll be in touch.’ With that, she scurried towards the door, not looking back. Damn Nathan Taylor.
CHAPTER 44
Back at her flat, Greer opened a bottle of wine, anger pounding through her skull. How dare he? Those hateful words—I hate queers—chased themselves round her brain, wouldn’t let go. Impossible to overlook the vile slur on Tom. A gay man’s heart beat in Nathan Taylor’s chest. What an ungrateful bastard he was. A monster, no less.
Later, in bed, Greer tossed and turned, unable to sleep. I hate queers. Every last limp-wristed one. Nathan’s words circled through her head, each syllable taunting her.
She ought to stride round to Nathan’s flat and have it out with him. How dare he be so cruel, so awful? She’d been right to dub him a snake. Nathan had ripped the mask from his face, exposing the ugliness beneath.
How gullible she’d been. Nathan had shown his true colours the first time they met. She recalled Isla saying, ‘I love Nathan. But I don’t particularly like him. He’s not a good person.’ Something else about how Nathan was misogynistic. Misanthropic, even.
Homophobic too. Nathan knew about Tom being gay. Yet he still disrespected the man who gave him his new heart. The man was a vile hypocrite.
I hate queers. Try as she might, Greer failed to purge the terrible words from her brain. Such venom in Nathan’s tone, too. The man she’d eaten fish and chips with earlier wasn’t a worthy recipient of Tom’s heart. Impossible to confront Nathan about what he’d said. He’d only spin her a load of crap, right?
Greer huddled into a foetal ball, the duvet over her head. How stupid to dream of a future with Nathan as her son. Like everyone else, he’d let her down, betrayed her. She should have expected it. Stupid, stupid.
What about cellular memory, though? Nathan’s newfound artistic abilities, his growing preference for healthy foods, all proved it existed. But how could a man in whom Tom’s heart beat be so homophobic?
Nobody knew much about cellular memory, though. Perhaps Tom’s cells might exert influence over things like food choices, but hit a brick wall when confronted with entrenched attitudes. Maybe those took longer to respond, or didn’t change at all.
An additional worry plagued her. What if cellular memory worked both ways? Suppose Nathan’s nastiness corrupted the good in Tom’s heart? If that happened, she’d lose the little that remained of her son forever. The idea was unbearable.
Could she overlook this? Put it down to crass male bravado? People often said things didn’t mean in order to fit in. But how could she grow closer to Nathan, knowing that he’d have scorned Tom for his sexuality?
If only she had someone to talk to. Beth was out of the question. She’d say Greer should have heeded her advice to leave Nathan alone. The woman was probably right. Given their recent falling-out, Charlie wasn’t a possibility either.
She needed to give it time, see how things went. One thing was for sure. She wouldn’t be paying off any more of Nathan Taylor’s debts, not a single penny.
A bolt of pain shot through Greer’s chest, driving the breath from her lungs and causing sweat to bead on her forehead. Damn. Had she taken her medication that day? She’d been flaky on that front recently. All the excitement of being with Nathan had scuppered her usual routine. Once again, she yearned for someone to confide in.
Greer dragged in a few deep breaths and took a gulp of water from the glass by her bed. After a while, the tightness in her rib cage eased. Her breathing returned to normal.
Then it hit her. She did know somebody to talk to.
CHAPTER 45
The next morning, Greer picked up her mobile. Should she text Jessica or not? Nathan’s sister was in her late twenties; why would she want to spend time with a woman old enough to be her mother? She was probably just being polite when she’d taken Greer’s mobile number.
Greer eventually tapped out a message. Hi, how are you? Can we meet for coffee? There’s something I need to ask you.
Less than five minutes later, a response pinged through. Very busy this week, but I’m going to Nathan’s after I finish my shift today. Why don’t you walk there with me?
Why not, indeed? They swapped texts, with Greer agreeing to meet Jessica at three that afternoon.
THE SUN’S HEAT WARMED Greer as she waited outside Willowbank Care Home. She was early—it was only ten to three—but she mustn’t make Jessica late for Nathan, not if she was going there to help her brother. What a wonderful sister she was, despite Nathan’s ugly attitude.
The door opened, and Jessica appeared, a smile lighting up her face when she spotted Greer. ‘You came.’
‘Of course.’ Had she really worried that Greer wouldn’t turn up?
Jessica waved a hand to her left. ‘It’s this way. About ten minutes in that direction. My car’s in for its MOT, otherwise I’d drive.’
What a shame. Greer had hoped to spend longer with Jessica.
‘I’m sorry I don’t have more time. What with working, and cooking and cleaning for Nathan, I’ve barely got a minute to spare. As soon as I do, we’ll grab that coffee together.’
A weight lifted from Greer’s heart. ‘I’d like that.’
They chatted as they walked. She learned Jessica had been a nurse at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. In fact, the whole family had lived in Greer’s home city until recently. ‘Mum relocated to Birmingham four years ago once she’d divorced Dad. She was born in Edgbaston, you see. After Nathan’s transplant, she asked me to come and live with her. He transferred here before his operation. She finds it difficult to care for him, what with her job, and as a nurse, I’m better placed to help if he gets any problems.’
‘You don’t mind?’
A shrug. ‘Not really. I was burned out in Bristol. Felt like a change.’
Greer sneaked a glance at her companion. Jessica’s jaw was tight, her mouth thin-lipped. She couldn’t blame Jessica for being resentful; she doubted Nathan was a model patient. And what was that nonsense about Isla struggling to cope? Isla’s job was part-time, whereas Jessica’s wasn’t. How selfish of the woman. No wonder her poor daughter looked exhausted.
Jessica started talking about one of the elderly residents at the care home, and Greer only half listened, her mind elsewhere. How lovely to be walking alongside this sweet girl. Jessica became Rose in Greer’s head, the two of them about to call in on Tom.
‘Here we are.’ Jessica’s voice snapped Greer from her thoughts. They’d arrived at Nathan’s block of flats. ‘Was there something you wanted to ask me?’
Greer cleared her throat. ‘Um. Look, this is awkward. Could you tell me a bit about Nathan? What sort of person he is?’
Jessica laughed, the sound harsh and humourless. ‘He’s upset you, hasn’t he? He pisses everyone off eventually. I told you when we first met that he’s not a nice guy.’
Greer wasn’t sure how to respond. A light drizzle was falling, the wind whipping rain into her face. She took shelter under the building’s entrance.
Jessica followed suit. ‘Spill the beans. What’s he done now?’
‘He said horrible things. While he was on the phone. He didn’t think I heard, but I did.’
‘What did he say?’
‘About hating queers, as he called them.’ Greer’s face flushed hot with anger. ‘My Tom was gay.’
‘I’m so sorry he was rude. Please don’t take it to heart. Nathan slags everyone off.’
Greer wiped away a tear. ‘It really upset me.’
‘Nathan’s ugly inside. He always has been. You shouldn’t trust him.’
Greer stared at her. ‘What do you mean?’
Jessica glanced away. ‘Nothing. I’m just tired and mouthing off. I’d better go up. He doesn’t like me to be late.’
‘That’s pretty hypocritical of him. He’s never on time himself.’
Jessica shrugged. ‘I know, but what can you do?’ She gave Greer a quick, almost furtive hug. ‘It’s good to see you again.’ We’ll definitely grab that cup of coffee sometime, yeah?’ Without waiting for a reply, she tapped in the access code, tugged open the door and disappeared inside.
RELUCTANT TO RETURN home immediately, Greer made her way to the coffee shop over the road. Once seated with her latte, her thoughts turned to Jessica. The girl was so sweet, yet utterly downtrodden. All thanks to Nathan and Isla bloody Taylor.
Greer’s jaw tightened with anger. Had Jessica been her child, she’d never have taken advantage of her the way Isla did. Mothers should cherish their daughters. The way she’d tried to do with Rose.
Greer allowed herself to slip into a delicious fantasy. She and Jessica, strolling through a park, the midday sun hot on their faces. Jessica, telling Greer about her dreams of travel, marriage, a family. Greer, listening, being the mother Jessica so clearly lacked. Later, the two of them would enjoy ice creams while feeding ducks on the lake. Somewhere along the way, Greer’s battered heart would heal a little.
In her head, her fingers tucked a strand of hair behind Jessica’s ear. ‘You’re so beautiful, Rose.’ Rose smiled at her, all soft and warm.
Greer lost herself in another, much kinder, world. Two hours had slipped by the time she saw Jessica emerge from Nathan’s building. The girl appeared to be wiping tears from her eyes. What the hell?
Greer shot to her feet and grabbed her coat and bag. She hurried across the road to grab Jessica’s arm. Shock registered on Jessica’s face. Her cheeks were tear-stained and blotchy, her eyes red and watery. In Greer’s mind, Rose stood before her, needing Greer in a way she never had in real life.
‘What’s the matter, sweetheart? Has Nathan upset you?’
Jessica swallowed hard. She nodded, fumbling in her bag for a tissue. Greer watched as Jessica dabbed her eyes. She’d be having strong words with Nathan, that was for sure. He should damn well treat his sister better.
‘You can talk to me, you know.’ They were attracting curious stares. ‘Let me buy you that coffee. The place across the road is good, and—’
Panic flashed into Jessica’s eyes. ‘No. No, I can’t. Look, don’t mind me. It’s just Nathan, being a pig as usual.’ Before Greer could find her voice, Jessica spun on her heel and strode away, leaving Greer open-mouthed on the pavement. What had all that been about?
CHAPTER 46
The following day, Greer was heading out to buy groceries. A quick whizz round the supermarket, and then she’d call Jessica, make sure she was okay. Find out what had upset her. She’d just stepped into the lobby when Nathan opened the door to the building. Greer froze.
‘Hey,’ he said. ‘You’ve not answered any of my messages.’
Greer’s lip curled. ‘I’ve been busy.’
‘Are you still unwell?’ He eyed the handbag slung over Greer’s arm. ‘I guess not, if you’re going out.’
She tried to push past him, but he grabbed her arm. ‘Something’s wrong. Have I upset you?’
I hate queers. Every last limp-wristed one. ‘Yes. You have.’
‘Why? What have I said, or done?’
Greer jerked away from his grasp. ‘Leave me alone.’ They needed to talk, sure, but not when she was still so furious. She strode out of the door, aiming to cut through the nearby park to the supermarket, but she’d reckoned without Nathan. As she headed towards the swings, he caught up with her. ‘Tell me, Greer. How can I put things right if I don’t know what I’ve done wrong?’
Nathan smiled. ‘I never do. Relax, Greer. Everything is fine.’ He turned to Charlie. ‘It was nice to meet you.’
‘Likewise.’ The smile on Charlie’s face didn’t reach his eyes. Greer couldn’t fathom the reason for his abrupt change of mood.
‘I’ll walk you downstairs.’ Greer intended to have words with him about his attitude.
Once they were in the foyer, Greer rounded on Charlie. ‘What the hell are you playing at? I arranged a meal here tonight because that was what you wanted. Instead, you barely spoke to Nathan. When you did, you bordered on rude.’
‘Of course you’d take Nathan’s side.’ Charlie rubbed his eyes, reminding Greer of Tom as a toddler. Tired and cranky. He was definitely behaving with the maturity of a tetchy child.
‘There are no sides. Why couldn’t you have been more polite?’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m tired, that’s all.’
‘You’ll have to accept him in my life. You realise that, right? Tom is my son.’ Damn, she’d messed up again. In front of Charlie, too.
‘His name is Nathan, not Tom.’ Charlie’s tone was cold. ‘And he’s not your son. No matter how much you might want him to be. This fixation of yours on his heart is getting weird.’
Greer pursed her lips. ‘So what if I called him Tom? A slip of the tongue, that’s all.’
‘You’re too emotionally invested in him. Yes, it’s wonderful that part of Tom lives on in Nathan. But, Mrs M, you’re becoming obsessed with this man. And that’s not healthy.’
‘You’re wrong.’ The denial fell automatically from Greer’s lips. ‘Why don’t you like him?’
‘Because he’s so phony. That fake laugh, the false confidence he projects—nothing about him seems on the level. And what about all that crap about cellular memory? Don’t you realise he was saying exactly what you wanted to hear? I can’t fathom what his game is. But he’s got one, I’m sure. The bastard’s stringing you along.’
His words stung. ‘He doesn’t have a game. Is it really so far-fetched that we’ve forged a connection? Brought together by Tom’s heart?’
‘Or perhaps he’s just an arsehole.’
‘That’s offensive. You need to sober up.’ Charlie, thank God, hadn’t driven to Nathan’s flat. He’d told Greer he’d walked from his hotel.
‘But, Mrs M—’
‘Leave, Charlie. Now. Don’t make me ask you again.’
‘Wait. There’s something else, and it’s really strange. The real reason I’ve got a bad feeling about this guy. Didn’t you notice—’
She’d had way too much of Charlie’s attitude for one evening. It was probably the drink talking, but his dislike of the man for whom she was developing powerful feelings grated. She hurried back upstairs, blocking the sound of Charlie’s voice as he shouted after her.
CHAPTER 43
It was the Tuesday evening after Charlie’s disastrous visit, and Greer was meeting Nathan for another meal. A pub this time, the Goose and Gosling, a ten-minute walk from Greer’s rented flat. The March wind was chilly as she strolled along the pavement, her hands thrust into her coat pockets. She had so much to tell Nathan. The call from her estate agent in Bristol. The studio apartment in Birmingham that was up for sale, situated not far from Edgbaston.
Nathan, as usual, was late. The huge old-fashioned clock above the bar showed the time as ten past eight when he strode in. Greer had found them a quiet booth at the back of the pub. She watched him walk towards her. He looked so much like Tom these days.
‘Cod and chips for me,’ Nathan said, as he closed the menu. ‘Strange, isn’t it? I used to hate fish.’
Greer smiled. ‘Cellular memory at its finest, hey?’ She had one concern, though. ‘Do you mind? Is it weird for you?’
Nathan shrugged. ‘Not much I can do about it, is there? Besides, it’s all good. I need to move away from red meat towards healthier food. And the drawing—it’s like a whole new world has opened up. So no, it’s fine by me.’
Joy squeezed Greer’s heart. Strange how quickly life could flip around. Tom’s death was still a raw wound, but the man before her might, with luck, heal her.
They placed their orders. Once the food arrived, Greer stayed silent about her plans, figuring they’d discuss them over coffee. Once they finished eating, she pushed back her chair. ‘Would you excuse me? I need the loo.’
As she washed her hands, Greer’s mind buzzed with everything she needed to tell Nathan. She pulled open the door to the toilets and walked over to their booth, her shoes noiseless on the thick carpet. Nathan had his mobile to his ear, his back to her.
A metre or so away from him, she froze. Around her, the pub stilled and grew silent, or so it seemed. All that remained were Greer, and Nathan, and the foul things he was saying.
‘I hate queers.’ Contempt filled Nathan’s voice. Then: ‘Every last limp-wristed one.’ He laughed, the sound harsh and nasty.
Greer’s mouth went dry with shock. She staggered back to the toilets and splashed water on her face, her breath coming in quick gasps.
She’d dissect what this meant later. Right now, her primary concern was to appear as though nothing was wrong. A few deep breaths, and she was ready, despite her inner turmoil.
Greer tugged open the door and walked back to their booth. Nathan’s mobile, dark and silent, was now on the table. She stared at him. Why had she ever thought he looked like Tom? That wide nose, the fleshy lips, blue eyes instead of brown—the resemblance, if it existed, was slight. Instead, opposite her sat a snake, coiled and ready to strike.
She couldn’t deal with this now. She’d process everything when she got home.
Greer snagged the attention of a passing server. ‘Can we get the bill?’
‘Are you all right?’ Nathan said. ‘You look really pale.’
‘I’ve developed a bad migraine.’ The lie slipped easily off Greer’s tongue. ‘It came on suddenly. Would you excuse me, please?’
‘Of course. I’m sorry you’re not well.’ Greer was aware of him studying her. Try as she might, she failed to manage a smile. Desperate to get away, she grabbed her bag and jacket, conscious of the server approaching with a leather folder in his hand. Nathan, the goddamn bastard, could pay the bill for once.
‘Will you text me either later or tomorrow? Let me know you’re okay?’ God, he was a wonderful actor. He seemed genuinely concerned.
Greer nodded. She forced herself to sound normal when she replied. ‘I’m sorry to have to dash off like this. I’ll be in touch.’ With that, she scurried towards the door, not looking back. Damn Nathan Taylor.
CHAPTER 44
Back at her flat, Greer opened a bottle of wine, anger pounding through her skull. How dare he? Those hateful words—I hate queers—chased themselves round her brain, wouldn’t let go. Impossible to overlook the vile slur on Tom. A gay man’s heart beat in Nathan Taylor’s chest. What an ungrateful bastard he was. A monster, no less.
Later, in bed, Greer tossed and turned, unable to sleep. I hate queers. Every last limp-wristed one. Nathan’s words circled through her head, each syllable taunting her.
She ought to stride round to Nathan’s flat and have it out with him. How dare he be so cruel, so awful? She’d been right to dub him a snake. Nathan had ripped the mask from his face, exposing the ugliness beneath.
How gullible she’d been. Nathan had shown his true colours the first time they met. She recalled Isla saying, ‘I love Nathan. But I don’t particularly like him. He’s not a good person.’ Something else about how Nathan was misogynistic. Misanthropic, even.
Homophobic too. Nathan knew about Tom being gay. Yet he still disrespected the man who gave him his new heart. The man was a vile hypocrite.
I hate queers. Try as she might, Greer failed to purge the terrible words from her brain. Such venom in Nathan’s tone, too. The man she’d eaten fish and chips with earlier wasn’t a worthy recipient of Tom’s heart. Impossible to confront Nathan about what he’d said. He’d only spin her a load of crap, right?
Greer huddled into a foetal ball, the duvet over her head. How stupid to dream of a future with Nathan as her son. Like everyone else, he’d let her down, betrayed her. She should have expected it. Stupid, stupid.
What about cellular memory, though? Nathan’s newfound artistic abilities, his growing preference for healthy foods, all proved it existed. But how could a man in whom Tom’s heart beat be so homophobic?
Nobody knew much about cellular memory, though. Perhaps Tom’s cells might exert influence over things like food choices, but hit a brick wall when confronted with entrenched attitudes. Maybe those took longer to respond, or didn’t change at all.
An additional worry plagued her. What if cellular memory worked both ways? Suppose Nathan’s nastiness corrupted the good in Tom’s heart? If that happened, she’d lose the little that remained of her son forever. The idea was unbearable.
Could she overlook this? Put it down to crass male bravado? People often said things didn’t mean in order to fit in. But how could she grow closer to Nathan, knowing that he’d have scorned Tom for his sexuality?
If only she had someone to talk to. Beth was out of the question. She’d say Greer should have heeded her advice to leave Nathan alone. The woman was probably right. Given their recent falling-out, Charlie wasn’t a possibility either.
She needed to give it time, see how things went. One thing was for sure. She wouldn’t be paying off any more of Nathan Taylor’s debts, not a single penny.
A bolt of pain shot through Greer’s chest, driving the breath from her lungs and causing sweat to bead on her forehead. Damn. Had she taken her medication that day? She’d been flaky on that front recently. All the excitement of being with Nathan had scuppered her usual routine. Once again, she yearned for someone to confide in.
Greer dragged in a few deep breaths and took a gulp of water from the glass by her bed. After a while, the tightness in her rib cage eased. Her breathing returned to normal.
Then it hit her. She did know somebody to talk to.
CHAPTER 45
The next morning, Greer picked up her mobile. Should she text Jessica or not? Nathan’s sister was in her late twenties; why would she want to spend time with a woman old enough to be her mother? She was probably just being polite when she’d taken Greer’s mobile number.
Greer eventually tapped out a message. Hi, how are you? Can we meet for coffee? There’s something I need to ask you.
Less than five minutes later, a response pinged through. Very busy this week, but I’m going to Nathan’s after I finish my shift today. Why don’t you walk there with me?
Why not, indeed? They swapped texts, with Greer agreeing to meet Jessica at three that afternoon.
THE SUN’S HEAT WARMED Greer as she waited outside Willowbank Care Home. She was early—it was only ten to three—but she mustn’t make Jessica late for Nathan, not if she was going there to help her brother. What a wonderful sister she was, despite Nathan’s ugly attitude.
The door opened, and Jessica appeared, a smile lighting up her face when she spotted Greer. ‘You came.’
‘Of course.’ Had she really worried that Greer wouldn’t turn up?
Jessica waved a hand to her left. ‘It’s this way. About ten minutes in that direction. My car’s in for its MOT, otherwise I’d drive.’
What a shame. Greer had hoped to spend longer with Jessica.
‘I’m sorry I don’t have more time. What with working, and cooking and cleaning for Nathan, I’ve barely got a minute to spare. As soon as I do, we’ll grab that coffee together.’
A weight lifted from Greer’s heart. ‘I’d like that.’
They chatted as they walked. She learned Jessica had been a nurse at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. In fact, the whole family had lived in Greer’s home city until recently. ‘Mum relocated to Birmingham four years ago once she’d divorced Dad. She was born in Edgbaston, you see. After Nathan’s transplant, she asked me to come and live with her. He transferred here before his operation. She finds it difficult to care for him, what with her job, and as a nurse, I’m better placed to help if he gets any problems.’
‘You don’t mind?’
A shrug. ‘Not really. I was burned out in Bristol. Felt like a change.’
Greer sneaked a glance at her companion. Jessica’s jaw was tight, her mouth thin-lipped. She couldn’t blame Jessica for being resentful; she doubted Nathan was a model patient. And what was that nonsense about Isla struggling to cope? Isla’s job was part-time, whereas Jessica’s wasn’t. How selfish of the woman. No wonder her poor daughter looked exhausted.
Jessica started talking about one of the elderly residents at the care home, and Greer only half listened, her mind elsewhere. How lovely to be walking alongside this sweet girl. Jessica became Rose in Greer’s head, the two of them about to call in on Tom.
‘Here we are.’ Jessica’s voice snapped Greer from her thoughts. They’d arrived at Nathan’s block of flats. ‘Was there something you wanted to ask me?’
Greer cleared her throat. ‘Um. Look, this is awkward. Could you tell me a bit about Nathan? What sort of person he is?’
Jessica laughed, the sound harsh and humourless. ‘He’s upset you, hasn’t he? He pisses everyone off eventually. I told you when we first met that he’s not a nice guy.’
Greer wasn’t sure how to respond. A light drizzle was falling, the wind whipping rain into her face. She took shelter under the building’s entrance.
Jessica followed suit. ‘Spill the beans. What’s he done now?’
‘He said horrible things. While he was on the phone. He didn’t think I heard, but I did.’
‘What did he say?’
‘About hating queers, as he called them.’ Greer’s face flushed hot with anger. ‘My Tom was gay.’
‘I’m so sorry he was rude. Please don’t take it to heart. Nathan slags everyone off.’
Greer wiped away a tear. ‘It really upset me.’
‘Nathan’s ugly inside. He always has been. You shouldn’t trust him.’
Greer stared at her. ‘What do you mean?’
Jessica glanced away. ‘Nothing. I’m just tired and mouthing off. I’d better go up. He doesn’t like me to be late.’
‘That’s pretty hypocritical of him. He’s never on time himself.’
Jessica shrugged. ‘I know, but what can you do?’ She gave Greer a quick, almost furtive hug. ‘It’s good to see you again.’ We’ll definitely grab that cup of coffee sometime, yeah?’ Without waiting for a reply, she tapped in the access code, tugged open the door and disappeared inside.
RELUCTANT TO RETURN home immediately, Greer made her way to the coffee shop over the road. Once seated with her latte, her thoughts turned to Jessica. The girl was so sweet, yet utterly downtrodden. All thanks to Nathan and Isla bloody Taylor.
Greer’s jaw tightened with anger. Had Jessica been her child, she’d never have taken advantage of her the way Isla did. Mothers should cherish their daughters. The way she’d tried to do with Rose.
Greer allowed herself to slip into a delicious fantasy. She and Jessica, strolling through a park, the midday sun hot on their faces. Jessica, telling Greer about her dreams of travel, marriage, a family. Greer, listening, being the mother Jessica so clearly lacked. Later, the two of them would enjoy ice creams while feeding ducks on the lake. Somewhere along the way, Greer’s battered heart would heal a little.
In her head, her fingers tucked a strand of hair behind Jessica’s ear. ‘You’re so beautiful, Rose.’ Rose smiled at her, all soft and warm.
Greer lost herself in another, much kinder, world. Two hours had slipped by the time she saw Jessica emerge from Nathan’s building. The girl appeared to be wiping tears from her eyes. What the hell?
Greer shot to her feet and grabbed her coat and bag. She hurried across the road to grab Jessica’s arm. Shock registered on Jessica’s face. Her cheeks were tear-stained and blotchy, her eyes red and watery. In Greer’s mind, Rose stood before her, needing Greer in a way she never had in real life.
‘What’s the matter, sweetheart? Has Nathan upset you?’
Jessica swallowed hard. She nodded, fumbling in her bag for a tissue. Greer watched as Jessica dabbed her eyes. She’d be having strong words with Nathan, that was for sure. He should damn well treat his sister better.
‘You can talk to me, you know.’ They were attracting curious stares. ‘Let me buy you that coffee. The place across the road is good, and—’
Panic flashed into Jessica’s eyes. ‘No. No, I can’t. Look, don’t mind me. It’s just Nathan, being a pig as usual.’ Before Greer could find her voice, Jessica spun on her heel and strode away, leaving Greer open-mouthed on the pavement. What had all that been about?
CHAPTER 46
The following day, Greer was heading out to buy groceries. A quick whizz round the supermarket, and then she’d call Jessica, make sure she was okay. Find out what had upset her. She’d just stepped into the lobby when Nathan opened the door to the building. Greer froze.
‘Hey,’ he said. ‘You’ve not answered any of my messages.’
Greer’s lip curled. ‘I’ve been busy.’
‘Are you still unwell?’ He eyed the handbag slung over Greer’s arm. ‘I guess not, if you’re going out.’
She tried to push past him, but he grabbed her arm. ‘Something’s wrong. Have I upset you?’
I hate queers. Every last limp-wristed one. ‘Yes. You have.’
‘Why? What have I said, or done?’
Greer jerked away from his grasp. ‘Leave me alone.’ They needed to talk, sure, but not when she was still so furious. She strode out of the door, aiming to cut through the nearby park to the supermarket, but she’d reckoned without Nathan. As she headed towards the swings, he caught up with her. ‘Tell me, Greer. How can I put things right if I don’t know what I’ve done wrong?’
