“Of course I can go,” I say.
The relief in his breathing is immediate. Quiet. But there.
“They said they’ll let you in,” he adds. “The school is telling them you’re my partner.”
Partner.
It settles somewhere deep and warm. Not dramatic. Not overwhelming. Just… right.
“Alright,” I say. “I’ll go now and see what’s happening.”
Another pause.
“I don’t even know how bad it is,” he admits. “The headteacher sounded reassuring. But you know what it’s like when you’re not there. Your brain just fills in the gaps.”
I do know.
“And I’m trying to get a flight back,” he adds quickly. “I’ve spoken to the club. They’re checking options.”
“What about the game?” I ask.
“It’s just a friendly,” he says immediately. “Nothing that matters more than this. Everyone understands.”
Of course they do.
Because even from the little I’ve seen, Jack is the kind of man people show up for because he shows up for them.
“You’ll know more soon,” I say. “I’ll call you once I’ve seen him.”
“Ava?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
The way he says it makes my throat tighten slightly.
“I’ll call you,” I say again.
We hang up.
For a second I just sit there, staring at the screen. Then I stand, grab my bag and head straight for Marie-Louise’s office.
Her door is half open. She is typing with the focused intensity of someone fighting three deadlines at once.
“I need to head out,” I say quietly from the doorway.
She looks up immediately. One look at my face and she stops typing.
“What’s happened?”
“Jack’s son has had a fall at school. He’s in A&E. Jack’s in Madrid and asked if I could go and be with Alfie until his parents get back.”
There is no hesitation.
“Of course,” she says. “Go.”
“I’ve finished the proof on the article. Andrea just needs to review the last changes.”
