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‘One of her headaches?’ Evie had told him that, since the meningitis, Arielle had suffered from debilitat
ing headaches and dizzy spells, which seemed to come on with no warning.
‘Yep. She’s in the first aid room.’
‘Right. Where’s that?’
* * *
Arielle was lying on the bed in the first aid room, her eyes closed, Evie at her side. When Leo opened the door, she ushered him backwards into the corridor, closing the door quietly behind them.
‘How is she?’
‘Done for this afternoon. She needs to go back to the hotel and sleep this off. Will you have a look at her though, Leo? We’ve got the name of a doctor here but I’ve never met him, and I trust you...’
‘Would you like me to come back to the hotel with you?’ The words fell heavy from his lips. This afternoon had been special in so many ways, and it felt suddenly as if he was ripping himself away.
‘Oh, Leo, would you? I’m not sure whether the flight over here might have affected her...’
‘Of course. I’ve finished everything I need to do here.’ The lie sounded convincing enough to his ears, and Evie accepted it immediately. He’d been spending too much time with Alex lately. She was the only one who would have questioned him on it.
‘I feel so bad about leaving now. So does Arielle—those kids have so much heart.’
‘Why don’t you stay? I’ll take care of Arielle and stay with her until you get back.’ It was the obvious solution. Leo’s place was with anyone who needed him, not with Alex, however loath he was to admit that.
‘Would you mind? Arielle asked me to stay, but I can’t have you going with her while I’m here...’
Leo laid his hand on her arm. ‘It’s not a problem. These kids deserve all the support we can give them. Does Arielle have a copy of her medical records with her?’
‘Yes, it’s on the dresser in her room. Along with her medication.’
‘I’ll find them.’
Evie took the microphone from his hand and wound her arms around his shoulders, kissing him on the cheek. Leo hugged her. She was acknowledged as one of the most beautiful women in the world and no man in his right mind could fail to notice that. Only all he could think about was that she wasn’t Alex.
‘Do me a favour, would you, Evie?’
‘Of course.’
‘The little guy, Sam. Red hair and freckles—he’s been following you around all afternoon.’
‘He’s such a cute kid. What about him?’
‘Alex told me he loves being in the races, even if he always comes last. Make sure he gets a cheer when he runs, eh?’ Leo knew he’d get one anyway but he’d so wanted to be there, cheering for Sam himself.
‘Of course I will. You’re not the only one who can work a crowd, you know.’
‘I know. Now, get out of my way, will you. I’ve got a patient to see.’
* * *
Alex was eating a sandwich at her desk, in lieu of Sunday lunch, when her phone rang. That was Leo all over. She’d waited up last night, hoping he would call after leaving so abruptly, and he hadn’t, and now that she’d managed not to think about him for five consecutive minutes he’d called.
‘Hi. Where are you?’
‘At my office.’
‘Had lunch yet?’
