Her boss, Carol, caught up with her when she was on her way out. ‘Everything okay?’ she asked, flicking a glance at Mia, who was tugging at Becca’s hand, trying to pull her out of the door and to the playground – the promised treat for being a good girl for the doctor.
‘Yes, yes, just me double-checking. Dr Graham thinks it’s a virus, nothing to worry about.’ She laughed and rolled her eyes. ‘As you can see, there appears to be nothing wrong with her now. And I’m so sorry to let you down after promising I’d work today.’
‘Oh, don’t worry about that – you’ve got to put your family first.’ She gave her a smile and Becca knew she’d been forgiven. Carol was very fair like that. ‘Lisa said she’d do an extra shift if you’d swap with her on Saturday so she can go and do wedding shopping with her sister. Would that be okay?’ Carol put her hands together, praying for the right answer.
Becca thought for a moment. It would mean leaving her dad in charge of Mia for four hours. Five at the most if there were any complications. Two days in a row. She’d done it without a second thought when Mia had been a baby, her dad so gentle and patient, she’d had no qualms about trusting him. It was the fact that Mia was such a busy child these days, exhausting to entertain at times and she didn’t want him to get over-tired. The memory of his heart attack was always there, sitting at the back of her mind – a reminder that she’d nearly lost him. But that was four years ago now and his doctor was delighted with his recovery. In fact, you’d never know he’d been so ill. She remembered how well Mia and Frank had been playing the evening before, how much they obviously enjoyed each other’s company, and she knew she was worrying too much again.
‘Yes, I’m sure I can do that. But remind me, or I’ll forget. Memory like a sieve at the moment.’ She glanced at Mia, who was still tugging at her hand, impatient to get outside. ‘Look at her. I feel like a bit of an idiot bringing her in, to be honest.’
‘Best to be sure, though, isn’t it?’ Carol gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. ‘Trust your instincts, love. Must have been something that got you worried.’
Becca thought for a moment. ‘It was just so sudden, you know? She’d been happily playing, eaten her tea fine. No hint of anything, no temperature or complaining that her tummy hurt.’ She frowned. ‘I got her to bed at a reasonable time for once and then, wham, it all started. No build-up, no warning signs or anything.’
Carol gave a sympathetic tut. ‘You know when they’re not right, don’t you? Especially with your nursing experience. At least the doctor’s put your mind at rest, but if you’re not happy, be sure to bring her back.’
‘I did try and be rational about it, but something didn’t sit right with me. And you know what it’s like when it’s your own kids. You sort of doubt yourself.’
Carol cocked her head and studied Becca’s face. ‘You’re looking shattered, love. Are you sure you’ll be all right for your shift tomorrow? You’re not going down with anything, are you?’ She grimaced. ‘If you think it might be norovirus, or anything like that, it would be better not to come in. You know how frail some of our patients are, and we’ll manage somehow.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘We always do, don’t we?’
Becca nodded. ‘I did think about that, but honestly, I’m feeling absolutely fine. I just need a good night’s sleep. Dad’s coming over to keep an eye on Mia, so I don’t have to worry about childcare tomorrow, even if she’s not so well in the morning. Anyway, if things change and I do go down with it, I’ll ring straight away.’
Carol held up her hands, fingers crossed. ‘Let’s hope you’re right.’
They said their goodbyes and Becca put Mia in her buggy, even though she wanted to walk, because they were by the busy main road and she was always worried about her running out into the traffic. At least if Mia was fastened in her seat, she was safe.
Becca thought about her conversation with Carol as she pushed Mia down the road, singing songs to keep her from fussing about being in the buggy. It was odd that Becca hadn’t come down with the illness too, given that she couldn’t have avoided coming into contact with a virus. But what else could it be? Maybe it was those old toys. Becca’s eyes widened. Yes, that’s it. They could be crawling with bacteria if they’d been stuffed away for years.
It seemed a more likely explanation. At least the unicorn had been through the wash now, but she’d make sure that the other animal Mia had brought home was washed as well. Then she’d have done everything she reasonably could.
Feeling better now she’d got her thoughts properly organised, she sped up and they were soon at the playground, which she was glad to see was empty. Mia ran off with her unicorn to play in the little house under the slide, and Becca flopped onto the nearby seat.
Her phone pinged in her bag and she fished it out.
Her heart gave a little flip. Connor had replied to her message.
No wife and no children. But you have a daughter? How lovely. Does she look like you?
Becca glanced up to see what Mia was doing. Once she saw that she was engrossed in some imaginary game, she quickly sent a reply.
She does. A proper mini-me! Dean jokes that there’s nothing of him in her.
She found a recent picture of Mia and attached it before she could stop and work out if that was a bad idea. A reply pinged back almost straight away, and she realised with a jolt of excitement that Connor was online now. She thought about the time differences. It was probably the only time of day when they were both likely to be awake.
Oh, she’s a cutie. Just like her mum :) Same lovely eyes as you. She suits pink. I remember you in that pink bikini. My favourite ;)
She smiled to herself, his cheeky response wrapping her in a momentary glow that felt like a hug. She could almost picture his face as he’d typed his reply, a little smirk twitching at his lips.
And I will never forget those budgie smugglers you used to wear sometimes! :0
She was blushing as she typed, remembering his athletic body clothed only in a tiny pair of Speedos, all long limbs and bronzed skin. He’d been a champion swimmer in his youth, and it had still showed in his broad shoulders and muscular physique when she’d met him.
Yeah. At least I’ve seen sense now. Those were the days, hanging out on the beach, golden sunsets. I loved the way you used to put flowers in your hair. Beautiful.
The warm glow spread until it filled her heart, which started to beat a little faster. She glanced up to check on Mia, before sending her reply.
Long time ago.
His next message came quickly.
Feels like yesterday. In fact, I think about you every day, Becca. Such special times. We had some conversations, didn’t we? And you’ve got such a lovely voice. I used to say you should be on the radio, didn’t I?
The glow expanded round her entire body. He had said that. He’d said her voice was so sexy he’d even listen to the news if she was reading it. Being with Connor had been such a tonic for her confidence because he’d so obviously adored her and hadn’t been afraid to say so.