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“Have you called? Sent her a message?” Ted clasped his hands in his lap, his face not as pale as it had been when Aster arrived here yesterday afternoon. He definitely had more colour in his cheeks.

“I called her this morning, but she wasn’t available to answer. She texted me back to say she’d speak to me this evening.”

“Don’t panic. I’m sure it’s nothing. She could have been called into work or had a family emergency.”

Ted didn’t need this. If he knew Aster was worried, he’d stress himself out. “You’re right.” She turned her watch towards herself. “I spoke to Lily a few minutes ago. She’s trying to find a space to park.”

“What time does your ticket end?”

“I’ve got fifteen minutes before I’ll have to put another tenner in. Greedy buggers in these hospitals.”

Ted laughed, coughing as he did so. “You sound like your mum more and more lately. You go, love. You’ll probably bump into Lily on the way down.”

“You’re sure? I’ll be back tomorrow to see you.”

“Do me a favour?” Ted asked, sitting up better in the bed.

Aster nodded. She’d do anything for him.

“Go home and have a look for a last-minute break. Take your girlfriend away and treat her. That was a big thing she did by cancelling her holiday for you. I’m sure you’d both enjoy some time together.”

“I can’t. I need to be here for you.”

Ted took Aster’s hand. “You’ve always been there for me. And I know you always will be. Just for a few days. I’m not going anywhere.”

Aster chewed her lip. She’d love to disappear for a few days with Eden, but she needed to hear from her first. If Eden didn’t contact her, there was nothing Aster could do. Realistically, Eden’s head was probably up her ass.

“I’ll have a look when I get home.” She got to her feet and bent down to kiss her dad’s cheek. “But if you feel unwell at all, you call me, okay?”

“I’m okay.”

Satisfied that her dad was on the mend, Aster took her jacket from the back of the chair and draped it over her arm. She’d text Eden on the way down to the car and hope for the best. If it came to nothing, she’d give her some time. Aster had to remember that this was all still a big deal for Eden.

Once she’d said her goodbyes, Aster slipped out of her dad’s room, strolling along the hallway as she took her phone from her pocket.

A: Hey! Need some company?

E: I’m busy right now. Sorry.

A: Right, okay. Did you decide to sneak off and get a flight to join the team?

E: No. I’m at home.

A: Well I can totally be invisible while I sit and watch you just being beautiful.

E: Can we do this another time? Today isn’t great.

Aster frowned. Eden was speaking to her as though she was a colleague. How had they fallen asleep in one another’s arms last night, but Eden was giving her the cold shoulder today? None of this made sense.

A: Is everything okay? Did I do something last night to make you feel uncomfortable?

E: No. You’re perfect. Always.

A: Then I will go home and just see you when I see you. Sorry again for ruining your holiday plans.

Three dots appeared…until they faded out. And then her phone vibrated in her hand.

E: You didn’t. And I had an amazing time last night. Thank you.