He pushed back the curtain and left, leaving Eve to console George’s mother. The poor woman was shaking uncontrollably and Eve honestly thought she was going to pass out. She filled a second glass with water and handed it toher.
‘Take a sip of this and if you still feel faint, put your head between your knees.’
Mrs Porter did as she was told and gradually her colour returned. ‘Do you think it’s meningitis?’ she asked anxiously.
‘It looks very much like it,’ Eve told her gently.
‘But why didn’t they realise what it was last night when I took George into A and E?’
‘I don’t know.’ Eve shrugged, although she couldn’t help thinking that whoever had examined the child had been very remiss for not considering the possibility. ‘Sometimes it’s difficult to make an accurate diagnosis until all the symptoms have appeared.’
‘I suppose so,’ Mrs Porter conceded. She looked up when Ryan reappeared. He had Marie Thomas, the ward sister, with him and they wasted no time setting up a drip.
‘I’m going to give George intravenous antibiotics,’ he explained, swiftly inserting a cannula into the boy’s arm. He waited while Marie linked up the line then started the drip running. ‘We need to get them into him as quickly as possible. That way he’ll have the best chance.’
Mrs Porter shuddered. ‘It’s bad, isn’t it, Doctor?’
‘I’m afraid so. Obviously, we need to take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to confirm the diagnosis but I’m fairly certain that’s what it is.’ He sighed. ‘I only wish we’d realised what we were dealing with sooner than this.’
‘It’s not your fault,’ the mother countered. ‘If anyone’s to blame, it’s that doctor I saw in A and E. I wasn’t impressed by his attitude at the time, to be frank. He couldn’t have cared less about George—he was more concerned about answering his mobile phone. Just wait till my husband finds out. He won’t let this lie, you mark my words.’
‘It’s often difficult to make an accurate diagnosis when there’s so little to go on,’ Ryan pointed out, unwittingly repeating what Eve had said.
She shivered, wondering why it made her feel both elated and scared to know they were in accord. It had happened in the past, too, she recalled. They had worked together during their rotations and more often than not they had reached the same conclusions. They’d used to laugh about it, in fact, teased each other about reading one another’s minds.
They’d been such happy days, she thought sadly. What a fool she had been to give them up for the sake of love, or what she had believed to be love. Now she knew better. She had been dazzled by Damien’s charm, seduced by his flattery.
She’d been so hurt when Ryan had distanced himself after the Christmas party. She had honestly thought they’d had something special when he had kissed her so her confidence had been rocked when she’d realised that he didn’t think that. To have someone as sophisticated and worldly as Damien pay her attention had been a sop to her pride. Had Damien realised how vulnerable she’d been and was that why he had chosen her? Because she’d been malleable, gullible, a potential victim?
It was upsetting to wonder if she had given that impression. It reinforced her decision not to get involved again. If it could happen once it could happen a second time, although she need have no worries on that score when it came to Ryan. He would never treat her that way. Never in a million years.
The thought was unsettling because it was yet another positive thought about Ryan. If she weren’t careful, she would find herself getting too attached to him and that would never do. Eve tried not to dwell on it as she filled in George’s chart. He would need to be moved from the main ward so once his file was updated, she went and made arrangements to have him moved to PHDU.
Ryan stayed behind to explain to his mother what needed to be done to collect the necessary samples. Eve knew how distressing it could be for a parent to hear that a needle would be inserted into their child’s spinal cord but if anyone could make it easier, it was Ryan. He had the gift of making people trust him and it was another thought that caused her more than a little unease. That she too was willing to trust him was a given, even though she should be as wary of him as any other man. But Ryan was different—she viewed him differently. There was no escaping that fact no matter how hard she tried.
* * *
The day flew past, every minute filled with work, and Ryan was glad. He always enjoyed being busy and he enjoyed it even more that day. At least while he was working he couldn’t keep thinking about Eve, although heaven knew what would happen when he went home. He sighed as he punched the button for the lift. He still hadn’t got over what had gone on earlier. Eve had touched him and he still bore the effects of it. Why, he only had to recall the light pressure of her arm on his and he went weak at the knees!
Marie was waiting when he got back to the unit. ‘So, what’s the story from A and E?’
‘I’ve not got to the bottom of it yet.’ Ryan shrugged. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Eve walking down the ward and turned so he could avoid looking at her. There was no point testing himself again. ‘I had a word with Harry Summers, the senior reg, and apparently it was an agency doctor who dealt with George. Harry’s going to try and find out what went on, but he’s not hopeful that he’ll come up with any answers as to why the boy was sent home without any tests being done.’
‘Typical!’ Marie snorted. ‘They hire agency staff rather than employ full-time staff to save money and then wonder why it all goes wrong.’
‘There’s no saying it did go wrong,’ Ryan pointed out, wanting to be fair. He heard footsteps behind him and stiffened because he knew they belonged to Eve. He didn’t need to check, he just knew, and it was another indication of how deep he was in. Somehow he had to keep one foot on solid ground otherwise he would fall hook, line and sinker into Eve’s life and affairs.
‘I suppose so,’ Marie conceded, grudgingly. ‘Anyway, there’s no point us worrying about it, is there? You still on for tonight?’
‘Tonight?’ Ryan repeated, because his brain seemed to have stalled on that thought. He breathed in, hoping the extra oxygen would kick-start it into working again, and realised immediately what a mistake that was. Along with the oxygen came something far more dangerous, something that made his heart race and his senses reel, something that could only be Eve’s perfume. He groaned as he inhaled the delicate floral fragrance. Forget having one foot on solid ground. He was already in free-fall!
‘It’s curry night, of course! Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? You must be losing it if you don’t remember important social events like this!’
Marie laughed and Ryan joined in, although it was an effort in view of the thoughts that were rioting around his head. He couldn’t afford to let his emotions get the better of him. He had to remember all the reasons why it would be wrong to get involved with Eve. However, it was proving harder than it should have been.
‘Probably my age,’ he retorted drolly, determined to take control of himself. ‘I’m reaching a point where I have difficulty remembering things.’
‘Then pity help you when you get to my age is all I can say,’ Marie said pithily. ‘Anyway, to refresh your failing memory, we’re meeting at seven o’clock at Taste of India. OK?’
‘Fine.’ Ryan glanced round when Eve went to walk past them. He had no idea why he said what he did next. He certainly hadn’t planned on saying it when he should be keeping his distance and yet all of a sudden the words flowed from his lips. ‘How about it, Eve? You used to love a good curry so why don’t you come along?’
* * *
Eve put down the lipstick and studied herself in the mirror. She’d made a real effort tonight and she had to admit that she was pleased with the result. After washing and drying her hair, she’d left it to fall around her shoulders in loose red-gold waves, rather than pinning it back into the severe style she favoured these days. Although she never used much make-up, muted green eyeshadow and a layer of mas
cara made her eyes look huge and luminous. Soft peach lip gloss emphasised the fullness of her lips and toned with the peach sweater she had decided to wear.
She looked good and she knew it but was it a mistake to take so much trouble over her appearance? Was it a mistake to go, in fact? Surely it would make her life more complicated if she started socialising with the rest of the staff. At the moment nobody knew about her past, apart from Ryan, but once she got to know everyone better they would be bound to ask questions. How could she explain why she had taken four years off from her studies without telling them about Damien?
Panic gripped her and she gasped. She breathed deeply, in and out, as she’d been taught to do, and after a moment it passed. Picking up her bag, she headed to the door. Damien had been out of her life for years now and she resented the fact that he could still influence her behaviour in any way. She had to go to tonight if only to prove to herself that she would be free of him one day.
It was a warm evening so she decided to walk into town. She was almost there when she heard someone calling her name and looked round to see Ryan crossing the road. He grinned as he joined her on the pavement and Eve did her best to stop her heart leaping right out of her chest. However, he looked so handsome in a deep blue sweater that highlighted his dark good looks and she couldn’t help being aware of it.
‘You were walking so fast that I didn’t think I was going to catch up with you. You must be starving ‘cos you obviously can’t wait to tuck into your curry!’
‘How did you guess?’ Eve laughed, doing her best to act naturally. It wasn’t easy, though, when her heart seemed to be performing its very own gymnastic display. He looked both handsome and fit, and there was no denying that everything female inside her was responding to him.
‘It’s ages since I had a decent curry,’ she said hurriedly, terrified that he would read her mind. Maybe Ryan was nothing like Damien and wouldn’t try to use her feelings to his advantage but it was too soon to feel this way. She needed to find herself first, rediscover the person she was, and that was hard enough. She didn’t need any added complications in her life that might stop her achieving that goal.
‘Well, you won’t find a better curry than they serve at Taste of India. It’s one of our favourite haunts and I’m only glad you decided to come along, Eve.’ His smile was gentle, filled with understanding, and her heart managed another couple of somersaults.
‘It was kind of you to invite me,’ she said politely, although she could hear how breathless she sounded. That Ryan must have noticed it too was obvious but he didn’t say anything as they started walking again and she couldn’t help thinking how typical it was of him. Ryan would never put her on the spot, never try to make her feel uncomfortable, and it was such a relief to know that she didn’t need to be on her guard.
Since she’d returned to medicine, she had put up a protective shield, wary of letting people know how vulnerable she was. However, there was no need to do that with Ryan. She could be honest with him and not have to hide. Eve realised that it was the first step towards reclaiming her life. Once she got used to being open with Ryan, it would be easier to behave that way with other people too.
That encouraging thought accompanied her as they made their way to the restaurant. Marie was already there, along with a couple of other nurses, and they greeted her with genuine enthusiasm. Eve felt herself relax that bit more and it was a wonderful feeling to be able to let go after all the tension that had filled her life. For the first time in ages she felt normal.
* * *
Ryan did his best, he really did, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off Eve. She looked so different tonight, relaxed and happy, and he couldn’t help wondering what had brought about the change in her. Was she finally getting over her experiences with Damien? He hoped so. Nobody should have to go through what she’d been through and he resolved right then and there that he would do everything in his power to help her. Eve needed him to be her friend more than ever now.
The thought struck a chord, one he wouldn’t allow himself to dwell on. There was no point thinking that he would like to be more than a friend when it wasn’t going to happen. He joined in the conversation, laughing as Marie recounted a tale about the parents who had mistakenly thought their child was going to have a canal put in her hand rather than a cannula. They had been deeply relieved when they had found out exactly what was going to happen.
‘It’s easy to forget that folk don’t always understand the jargon,’ he said when everyone stopped laughing. ‘It’s second nature to us but it must sound like double Dutch to a lot of people.’
‘It might help if the parents were given a sort of glossary explaining the various procedures,’ Eve suggested.
Ryan nodded. ‘That’s a good idea, actually. It would prevent a lot of confusion. I know we find it funny but it’s hard enough for the parents without them having to struggle to work out what’s happening to their child.’
‘I could put something together if you like,’ she offered.
‘Would you?’ Ryan grinned at her, loving the fact that she looked so animated. She looked like the old Eve, happy and full of enthusiasm, and it was good to know that she hadn’t been completely destroyed by her ex’s appalling treatment.
‘I’d be very careful if I were you.’ Marie shook an admonishing finger at them and for a moment Ryan wondered if the older woman had picked up on his thoughts. Had Marie sensed that he was attracted to Eve and was she keen to warn her not to expect too much from him? He knew that he had a reputation for playing the field, although he always took great care to ensure that nobody got hurt. However, the thought that Marie might feel it necessary to warn Eve off didn’t sit well with him.
‘I’m sure there’s no need to worry,’ he began, but Marie cut him off.
‘No need to worry!’ Marie snorted. ‘I’ve seen that gleam in your eyes before, Ryan Sullivan, and in my experience it means only one thing: you’ve found yourself another poor sucker.’ She turned to Eve and grinned. ‘Before you know it, he’ll have you doing all sorts of things you never bargained for. You mark my words, love. Ryan is a master at getting folk to do whatever he wants!’
Everyone laughed, Eve included, but Ryan heard the strain in her voice and winced. Whilst he hoped she had taken Marie’s comments in the spirit in which they’d been meant, he couldn’t be sure, especially after everything she had been through. The thought plagued him throughout the evening. He knew he wouldn’t rest until he had spoken to Eve and made sure she understood that Marie had been joking. It was a relief when everyone started to make a move because it meant he would be able to clear up any misunderstanding.
Marie and the other nurses were sharing a taxi while a couple of other folk had come by car. Ryan refused their offers of a lift, mentally crossing his fingers that Eve would do the same. If he walked her home then he’d be able to sort this out. The last thing he wanted was her thinking that he was trying to manipulate her as her ex had done.
Eve turned to him as the last of their party disappeared and he went cold when he saw the wariness in her eyes. It seemed like a major step back after how relaxed she had been earlier. ‘That’s it, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
She started to walk away but there was no way that he was letting her go without sorting this out. He hurried after her, his longer legs soon making up for the start she had.
‘I’ll walk you home.’
‘There’s no need. I’ll be fine.’ She didn’t pause, increasing her pace so that he had to quicken his stride to keep up with her.
‘I know you will but I want to talk to you about what Marie said. You do know she was joking, don’t you?’
‘Of course.’ Although her reply was in the affirmative, her tone clearly indicated the opposite, and Ryan sighed.
‘Come on, Eve. You don’t honestly think that I would try to…well, manipulate you, do you?’
‘Of course not.’ She shrugged, but even though the words may have been th
e ones he wanted to hear, her voice said otherwise, and he felt his frustration rise.
‘You do believe it. I can tell from your voice.’
They had reached the crossing and they had to wait until the lights changed. Ryan glanced at her and felt his heart sink. Her face was set, her beautiful mouth drawn into a tight line that clearly told of the strain she was under and it grieved him to know that he was responsible. Reaching out, he laid his hand on her arm, acting on instinct more than anything else. He needed to convince her that she could trust him and he needed to do it now.
‘Don’t!’ She snatched her arm away. Spinning round, she went to step off the pavement at the same moment as a car raced through the lights, which were on red.
‘Eve! No!’ Ryan hooked his arm around her waist and hauled her back just in time. He could feel her trembling but he was trembling too. Turning her round, he bent so he could look into her eyes. ‘You could have been killed then, do you understand that?’
‘Yes!’ Her eyes blazed into his. ‘It might have been the best thing that could have happened, too.’
‘Don’t say that!’ He gripped her arms, held her so that she couldn’t escape, couldn’t place herself in danger again. Maybe he was handling this very badly but he had to make it clear how wrong she was. ‘You have everything to live for, Eve. Can’t you see that?’
‘No, I can’t.’ Tears welled to her eyes. ‘If you want the truth, I can’t see any point in my being here if it means me having to feel like this.’
‘But you won’t feel like this for ever.’ His tone gentled, the need to comfort her, to soothe her, to convince her that he was right superseding everything else. Nothing mattered more than making Eve see that she had a future to look forward to. So he needed to remain detached—so what? He had obligations to his brother—what did they matter? Convincing Eve he was right far outweighed everything else.
Mr. Right All Along Page 5
