While Ricky was in the toilet, Constance faced Mike. ‘I admire you, Mike. You’ve been by his side, and when you were talking to him as he was coming out of the coma, there was a connection right away, as if you were his lifeline, not the machines.’

Out of character, Mike blushed; he wasn’t used to being complimented in such a serious way by a beautiful, bright young nurse. It was very different from his world.

‘Well, actually, I wanted to thank you. I may have been worried to death over Ricky, but I saw how you looked after him. You are a real angel.’

Now it was her turn to blush. She had been in Ricky’s room more than perhaps she needed to because, if she was being honest with herself, she was intrigued by Mike and enormously attracted to him. Her ex had been too feminine and sensitive for her liking; she wanted a real man’s man, a big, straight-talking, and no bullshit kind of guy.

‘May I ask, where’s Ricky’s mother?’

Mike laughed. ‘Mother? Well, he does have one, but she’s in her own world. Let’s just say she has a few issues, if you get my drift.’

Immediately, Constance got the impression the wife wasn’t part of the picture. ‘Aah, that’s a shame. I think at a time like this you need support.’

He knew she was fishing, but, still, he didn’t mind. ‘Well, we’re separated, going through a divorce. She’s . . . not on the same page as Ricky and me. In fact, she doesn’t live with us.’

Her eyes twinkled as she blushed again. How embarrassing, she thought. She’d found out what she wanted to know but hadn’t expected some of Mike’s personal life to be handed to her on a plate. An awkward laugh followed, emphasizing the fact that they were both looking at each other for far longer than they should.

‘Look, Mike, Ricky will be going back to sleep in a few minutes, once the tablets kick in. Would you like to have lunch? The canteen upstairs isn’t so bad.’

‘Why not.’ He needed a break, and he hadn’t eaten for a while. Perhaps the change of company would clear his head. He could use the opportunity to talk about all the issues falling heavily on his shoulders regarding the care that Ricky would need.