Now and Then by Mary O'Sullivan

Author:Mary O'Sullivan [O'Sullivan, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epub, ebook, contemporary, Kindle unlimited, Skellig Islands, ireland, Womens Fction, bestselling Author, Irish fiction, Maeve Binchy
ISBN: 9781781993583
Publisher: Poolbeg Press
Published: 2020-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

I had turned on the television for the twins, to keep them occupied while I got ready for my trip to the hospital. Rob was in his room with his computer. He would spend all day long on it if he was allowed.

Della was late. It was already past two o’clock and she had been due in Cowslip Cottage at one. When my phone rang, I was certain it would be her to say she was on the way. I glanced at the screen on my phone but didn’t recognise the number. The caller obviously wasn’t on my contact list. Nor was it the hospital. I hesitated about answering. I had to work hard to get these few minutes to myself to put on make-up. Something I had not had a chance to do for the past few days. It was an overseas call. It could be one of the scams promising me a fortune if I gave them my bank details. Maybe I should and let them scrabble around there looking for non-existent wealth.

The phone stopped ringing just as it dawned on me that the number looked familiar. I had definitely seen it before. Curious, I wondered what the charge would be if I rang back. I was about to look up the international code when the ringing began again. I answered straight away.

“Hello. Leah Parrish here. Sorry I missed a call from you earlier.”

“Hi, Leah. How are you?”

So, the international code was the US, the area code San Francisco. Just as well I had not rung back. That call would have eaten up my credit. I was taken aback that Hugh Parrish was in the least bothered about my welfare. He probably was trying to find out if Ben had told me whatever it was his message said I had a right to know. I couldn’t ask him now without admitting I had read his private text to Ben.

“I’m fine, Hugh, thank you. I’m assuming Della is keeping you informed about Ben’s progress.”

“She is. Her version of it anyway. I want to know what you think. How he really is.”

“I’m not sure how much Della has told you, but Ben has responded well to the hypothermia treatment and so far it appears he has escaped any permanent damage as a result of . . . of what happened.”

“And the heart attack?”

“It was mild. He was lucky to be in hospital when it happened so he had immediate treatment. His doctors say they are very pleased with his rate of recovery. It’s only been a few days and it looks like he may be home soon.”

“Hmmm.”

Not sure how to respond, I said nothing. Neither did Hugh. The silence seemed as long as the physical distance between us.

Eventually he spoke.

“Has Mum said anything to you about her plans?”

“What plans? I think you know, Hugh, she would not be discussing her schedule with me. I’m not having a go. It’s just fact. Having said that, I would have been lost without her the past few days.

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