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‘But it isn’t exactly like that, is it? We have our careers. Would you ever give yours up? Or is it just as big a part of you as I am?’
Max contemplates my words. ‘Maybe you’re right. But it’s healthy to have more than one thing making you feel whole.’ He stares at me. ‘I remember the exact moment I knew I loved you.’
I raise my eyebrows. Max has never mentioned this before.
‘We were watchingTitanic. God, I hated that film. And you spent the whole time analysing it. Do you remember? You said there was no way that Rose and Jack could be in love – they’d only known each other for days. You said it set unrealistic standards for relationships. But still you watched the whole film, and your eyes teared up at the end.’ Max smiles. ‘I was looking at you, and suddenly I felt it. In that moment, I knew I loved you.’
‘You’ve never told me that before.’
He ignores me. ‘You’re right that we needed more than just each other to complete us. But you’re wrong about one thing. I would give it all up for Poppy.’
The doorbell rings before I can respond, and I jump up without hesitation – I need to get away from Max, even if just for a few moments.
‘Hey, Hannah!’
Sarah’s warm face beams at me, and it’s all I can do to stop myself crumbling in her arms when she hugs me.
‘How come you’re here?’ I ask.
‘Florence Nightingale at your service!’ She beams. ‘I’ve taken the week off work, and I’m here to help you with Max. I’m fully qualified – references available on request – and I’m used to having no breaks. I’m also used to difficult patients.’ She laughs. ‘Seriously, though. You probably need to be in the shop and, to be honest, I could do with time off from the hospital. It’s a win–win.’
‘Thank you,’ I say. ‘If you’re sure? How did you manage to get leave at such short notice?’
‘My annual leave was piling up. I never take it, so they were happy to let me actually take some.’
I lower my voice. ‘Max won’t like it, though.’
‘That’s because he’s a man and he doesn’t like feeling helpless. He’ll get used to it.’
At first Max’s face brightens when he sees Sarah, but something changes when she tells him her plan to stay with him.
‘I don’t need looking after,’ he grumbles.
‘Have you forgotten I’m a nurse? I’m here to take care of your medical needs. Nothing else. You don’t have to talk to me. I’ve got this.’ She pulls a book from her backpack. ‘The latest Adele Parks. More interesting than chatting with you, Maxy.’
He laughs, and I realise it’s the first time I’ve seen him show any genuine happiness in a long time.
‘I’ll get to work, then,’ I say. ‘I’ve got a book club on this evening so I won’t be home until later. I was going to ask Mum to pick Poppy up from school.’
‘I’ll do it. If you don’t mind Ivy coming back here?’
‘Thanks, Sarah.’ I give her a hug.
‘Now, get to work. Cole will be scaring off all the customers.’
Outside in the drive, I look in through the window, suddenly aware that I’m leaving Sarah alone with a man who might have killed someone. I’m about to go back in when I notice Sarah is laughing, waving her arms about, perhaps regaling Maxwith one of her stories from life in A & E. And he’s listening attentively. Still smiling.
All is fine. Max wouldn’t hurt Sarah.
But I make up my mind to call and check in regularly.
‘She’s really done it this time,’ Cole says, the second I set foot in the shop.
‘Who? What’s happened?’
‘Katy just called and said she’s not coming back. Apparently she’s found another job.’ He rolls his eyes.
I stare at Cole. ‘What exactly did she say? She liked it here. Why wouldn’t she even serve her notice?’ This news has caught me off guard, but it’s nothing compared to everything else that’s been happening.
