‘Hey, you’re OK.’ Sarah’s face came into view, her hair hanging over him.

He tried to speak again but there was no sound.

A hand took hold of his and squeezed tightly. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll come with you. Not the ideal first date, but at least I get to show off a little.’

Jameson tried to smile.

35

Visiting hours had only just begun so there was no one else around. Jameson’s injuries did not justify a private room but due to a full ward he’d been lucky enough to get one. Bloom entered and found him asleep on his back with his arms above the covers. His left arm was badly bruised and he had cuts and bruises on the left side of his face. His head was bandaged. Claire said there was a closed fracture to the back of his skull but, thankfully, no internal bleeding. Bloom pulled up a chair.

Jameson’s eyes flickered open and he stared at the ceiling before looking her way.

‘I’ve brought grapes and Lucozade,’ she said.

‘I love Lucozade.’ His voice was hoarse but it did not mask his sarcasm. He frowned and rubbed his head. ‘Can you find someone to get me something for this headache?’

Bloom returned a few minutes later with a nurse called Lucy who checked his chart and administered some more pain relief.

‘So what happened?’ asked Bloom.

‘Some cyclist lost control and took me out.’

‘You’re sure it was an accident?’

‘Yeah, yeah. The guy took the corner too fast and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.’ He huffed a half-laugh. ‘I nearly didn’t go, too.’

‘But Claire said the cyclist didn’t stop.’

Jameson closed his eyes. ‘He probably panicked.’

‘When did you become so magnanimous?’

‘It was an accident, Augusta. It happens.’

She didn’t push it, but she knew they were thinking the same thing. ‘So what have the doctors said?’

He turned his face to her and opened his eyes again. ‘You mean when are they letting me out so I can get back to work?’

‘Actually, I was planning to bring your work in.’

He smiled and then winced.

‘But, really, what’ve they said?’

‘It’s a moderate head injury – I was lucky.’

‘But you have a fractured skull?’

‘Another war wound. It’ll heal. I’ll be out in the next day or so. You know how desperate they are for beds.’

‘Well, don’t rush to get out. And don’t be getting all stroppy and bossy with them. Try to be patient.’

‘Yes, Mum.’ He faced the ceiling and closed his eyes again.

Bloom noticed the Fork deli logo on the two takeout cups on the table. ‘Have you been sending Claire to get your fancy coffee? I’m happy to bring it in for you.’

‘I’d be lucky if Claire went to Costa for me. Sarah bought them.’