His reply was quick and eased my conscience a little, but I still felt bad.
Taking the drinks back into the living room, I set them on the coffee table to cool a bit.
“Sooo,” I began, wondering how to break it to him. “I’m actually away all next week with work. It’s been booked for ages, and it’s some big golf courses we’re visiting. I can’t get out of it.”
“Oh.”
I hated the fact I wouldn’t be here when he was going to need me. Hated it. “I’m really fucking sorry.”
“It’s fine. Honestly.” He mustered a smile, but I could see his brain working, figuring out what that might mean for him. “I’ll be all right on my own.”
I scoffed at that. “I’m not leaving you on your own. It’s your right hand, Jasper. You’re going to need help with all sorts of things, especially until you get that cast on.” He looked about to protest, so I nipped that in the bud. “You couldn’t even take your shoes off earlier.” I said it as gently as I could manage but he still scowled.
No one liked feeling helpless.
“And you need someone to take you to the hospital on Thursday.”
“Fuck.” He sagged in defeat.
“It’s all sorted, though. I’ve asked Christian to take you.”
He nodded. “Yeah, okay. Thanks.”
I bit my lip, not sure how he was going to take this next part. “And I’ve asked him to stay here for the week.”
His gaze shot to mine. “I don’t need a babysitter, Finn.”
I thought we’d just been through this? “He’ll just be here in case you need a hand with anything.” Like doing up a zip, shoes, making food, getting a drink? The list was endless, but I kept it to myself for now. He needed time to get used to the idea.
But no way was I leaving him here alone.
“Look,” he said, head resting back on the sofa cushions. “I’m very grateful for Christian offering to take me to the hospital, but I’ll be fine here on my own.”
“We can talk about it in the morning.” I gestured to his mug. “Drink your hot chocolate before it gets cold.”
He grunted but took his drink when I offered it to him.
Angus chose that moment to crawl out from behind the tree.
“There you are.” I held my fingers out to him. “I’d been wondering where you were.”
He stretched, meowed loudly, gave my fingers a quick sniff, then jumped up on the sofa next to Jasper. He promptly climbed onto his lap, curled up in a ball, and went back to sleep.
Of course he did.
“I’m so glad I’ve got a cat. They’re such great company.” I rolled my eyes as Jasper stroked him and loud purrs filled the room. “Phone your mother.”
He stuck his tongue out at me but passed me his mug to put down and reached for his phone. “Hey, Mum,” he said, resting his head against the sofa back. “No, I’m fine. Well...”
I closed my eyes as Jasper explained what had happened. He was silent for long intervals and I smiled as I imagined him getting an earful. I hoped she wasn’t too worried about him though. That part wasn’t funny.
I tuned back in when I heard him mention me.
“Thursday. No, Finn’s away with work for the week.” Silence. “Mm-hmm.” Silence, and then Jasper shaking his head. “Christian’s going to take me.”
I imagined her asking who Christian was because Jasper answered with “Finn’s best mate.” Then, “No it’s fine really. You’ve got work, and so has Dad. Finn said Christian’s fine to take me.” He caught me listening and smirked at whatever she was saying. “Yep.” Then his face took on a slightly panicked look. “You don’t need to do that.” He scrunched his nose up and sighed. “No, really. Christian’s going to stay until he gets back.”
It was my turn to smirk. I raised an eyebrow when he glanced my way.
