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“Where’d you hear that?” asked Evie.
“Your auntie. She had an MRI years back, said the worst part was the drink beforehand. The actual test is painless. You lie still and let the machine take pictures.”
Evie had been so freaked out over the prospect of flying south for the test, much of what the medical team explained that morning hadn’t registered. “Why’d the nurse mention earplugs?”
“The machine thumps and bangs while it works, but it won’t hurt you.” Marianne returned to her magazine and its ‘at-home exclusive’ with a legendary British soap star.
Evie squirmed in her seat, unable to find a comfortable position. She awoke her phone and re-read Nick’s most recent texts.
Nick:
One more audition then dumplings with Kyle and Zach. My boys say hi! x
Nick:
Love you, Tigger. Can’t wait to hold you in a few days. We can do all the things including that Brough of Birsay place if you’d like x
A tiny tidal island with no restroom that’s only accessible by foot during low tide? Evie peeked out the window of the plane. The brief glimpses of Scotland’s Highlands between cottony tufts of cloud did little to calm her fears. I wish. She leaned into her mum. “What if it’s bad news?”
Marianne held her hand. “If it is, we’ll deal with it, love.”
Every flare, every new treatment, her parents said the same thing, and every time, Evie was frightened yet hopeful, but here on the thirty-three-seater plane a new emotion was along for the ride—guilt.
“Mum, sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I thought the pain would go away. I didn’t want to worry you.” Or ruin my reunion with Nick.
“I’ll always worry about you and Sam. It’s part of my job description.” Marianne glanced at the phone resting in Evie’s lap. “Did you text Nick before takeoff?”
“No. I don’t want to distract him. He’s got a big audition today. He thinks everything’s okay and…maybe it is. I don’t see the point in worrying him if I don’t have to, you know?”
Her mum nodded.
“I told Sam to keep quiet, too—in case they text. Nick needs to focus on his career right now. I can’t be why he doesn’t get this role.”
“Nick wouldn’t blame you, sweetheart.”
“Yeah, but his mum would,” said Evie.
“It’s a shame she’s so…difficult. But Nick”—Marianne smiled and let go of her daughter’s hand—“he’s a lovely lad, Evie. So thoughtful and kind. I get the feeling he’d do anything for you.”
“Yeah.” She giggled. “I hope we didn’t mess up the inventory count too much. He got a little carried away, trying on all the jumpers. That boy loves clothes.” And shortbread. Hope Mum didn’t notice.
“He did a grand job. Stock take isn’t the most glamorous of tasks, it was sweet of him to help.” Marianne leaned closer as the flight attendant strolled down the narrow aisle, offering shortbread and complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments. “Ooh, that reminds me—we sold a ton of shortbread that week. I had to double our usual reorder!”
Evie bit back a laugh.
TWENTY-SIX
“A second chance is what we wish for
A second life is what we seek.”
‘Smile When We Whisper’,
Torquil Campbell
EVIE
Now, Monday, July 31
