“Okay, Freddie, shall we check and see how you’re getting on? Let’s get your legs up here. Cooper’s running a bit late, I hear.”
The doctor pulled on a glove, which was my cue to leave, because there was no fucking way I was going to be in the same room for what was about to happen.
Freddie grabbed my arm as I stood up. “Felix, don’t fucking leave me!”
“I’m not, I’m right here, but I’m not staying in the room for this.” I peeled her fingers off my wrist. “I’ll be outside.”
I moved into the hallway, checking my phone. No fucking missed calls, and no fucking service. I nearly ran into a nurse as I tried to find cell reception.
“I’m sorry, excuse me.”
Her eyes widened as she took me in.
“No problem at all.” Her smile told me she liked what she was looking at, which was the reaction I got from most women. But it also told me that I could probably use it to get what I needed right now.
I flashed her a smile of my own. “Oh, I don’t suppose you can help me.”
She batted her eyelashes. “Yes, of course.”
“Could you page Doctor Molly Marks to that room?” I pointed to where Freddie was.
Her face dropped slightly before she composed herself. “Oh, yes, of course. I’ll go do it now. And if you need anything else, my name is Robyn.”
“Thank you, Robyn. I appreciate that.”
I watched her walk off and I headed in the opposite direction, looking at my phone until a signal came in. I dialed Cooper, relief flooding me as he finally picked up.
“Where the fuck have you been? I’ve left you twenty messages!”
“Calm down, I didn’t see them. I was at practice, and then I had a nap. What’s up?”
“I’m at the hospital with Freddie. You need to get yourself back here, now. The baby is coming.”
I looked at my phone to check the connection hadn’t died, because I’d been met by silence.
“Coop? You there? Did you hear what I said? Coop?”
I could hear heavy breathing.
“But… but it’s early. Are you sure? It’s probably just backache. She’s had a lot of backache recently.”
“Cooper! It’s not backache, she’s having the baby. Get yourself to the airport! I’ve sorted a plane to bring you back. Check your email, I’ve sent you all the details.”
“Clevs, fuck, man. Are you sure?”
“Yes, buddy. You’re going to be a dad, so get your ass back here.”
“Fuck. Fuck! Can I speak to her?”
“She’s just in with the nurse, but I’ll call you when I get back in there as soon as they’re done.”
“Fuck. Okay. Fuck, Clevs. Don’t let that baby come until I get there. Please. I mean it.”
Not sure how the fuck I was going to manage that.
“I’ll try my best, but stop yapping now, get your shit together, and get on the plane. Tell Jas and he’ll sort everything with Coach.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll call before I get on the plane. Tell her I love her.”
