Page 56 of The Jealous Girl

‘Maybe it’s better to leave it off for now,’ Ryan said. ‘Just until things settle.’

I swallowed. We’d had the commitment ceremony in Malta because we hadn’t wanted it to feel the same as it had last time. Leaving without anything to hold on to.

This time I had a ring.

I zipped the bag closed. Not that it felt like it now.

The tyres crunched as we turned onto the gravel driveway.

My gaze drifted to the farmhouse. It looked the same as I remembered. Old. Rustic. Full of warmth and charm. At least from the outside.

My thoughts drifted back to the first time I came here…

Two Years Ago – Mid July

‘The hospital visiting hours aren’t until 2 p.m.,’ Denise said as she cleared the breakfast table. ‘Maybe you could check on things at the stables before then?’

Ryan nodded. ‘Yeah, of course. What needs handling first?’

‘The vet’s due to come and check on the pregnant mare, there’s a few repairs that need attention and the invoices are piling up too.’

‘That’s not like Dad,’ Ryan said, a deep frown creasing his brow. ‘He’s only been in hospital a couple of days, how are things so behind?’

Denise didn’t respond.

‘Mum?’ Ryan pushed back his chair and stood, his gaze fixed on his mother.

‘Your dad hasn’t been himself for a while,’ she said, shaking her head wearily. ‘He’d been feeling more and more exhausted and nauseous. And then he started forgetting things.’ She shrugged helplessly.

The colour drained from Ryan’s face. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘We thought it was just a bug at first, we didn’t want to worry you with that. But it persisted…’

‘You should have told me then.’

‘You were busy,’ Denise said bluntly. ‘You made it clear you had other priorities than here. Than us.’

Ryan’s face contorted, sadness and pain reflecting the grief and guilt that had descended on him in an instant. ‘If I’d known…’

‘At least you’re here now,’ Denise said, her tone brittle.

‘I’ll take care of things, don’t worry,’ Ryan said resolutely.

‘I can help too,’ I offered, standing to join them.

Denise’s gaze shifted to me, her expression dubious as she assessed me. ‘You’ve worked with horses before?’

I shook my head. ‘No, but I can help with the admin. I’ve lots of experience.’

‘In a hotel. In another country,’ Denise said dismissively.

‘Not just in Malta. I worked at a hotel by the NEC in Birmingham during university too.’

‘Another hotel.’ Denise gave a thin smile. ‘It’s hardly the same. You wouldn’t understand the intricacies of an equestrian business.’

‘True. But there’s an element of hospitality to it, right? Your guests are horses instead of people,’ I joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

Denise’s smile fell and she grimaced as though my attempt at humour left a bad taste.