There For You

By Bridgitte Lesley

Jennifer had eventually plucked up the courage to have her eyes seen to. They were getting worse and worse. She hated being a burden to anyone so she didn’t mention her upcoming operation. But she needed a few days leave. All she had to do was ask Elaine for a couple of days off from work. And that is when everything got out of control. But, without Jennifer knowing, she wouldn’t go through the operation on her own. Gavin would be there for her. He would be the friend that she needed. Gavin was besotted with Jennifer. He was in love with her. He had been for a very long time. And he was going to care for her whether she liked it or not. Taking her home and looking after her. And he did. Gavin suddenly had a boost in his career and went globetrotting. Jennifer said her goodbye, and with a heavy heart, said her farewells to Gavin. The next time they met Jennifer was in hospital again. Delivering their son. And once again, Jennifer wouldn’t be a burden to anyone. But Gavin would be there for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Jul 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301992485

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

Book preview

There For You

By

Bridgitte Lesley

Version 1

Published by

Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

There For You

Copyright © 2012 Bridgitte Lesley

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

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There For You

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CHAPTER 1

Jennifer pulled the door open and swore under her breath.

Fuck! She walked straight past Gavin who was walking in. He stared at her as she flew by and swore quietly. She slammed the little gate and walked over the road and hopped in to her red Ferrari. She was furious. Elaine ran out. She stopped at the car.

I’m sorry Jennifer. Jennifer glared and pulled off. Elaine watched as she drove off. She walked back inside and shook her head. Gavin grinned.

Who was that?

My big sister. Gavin nodded.

Jennifer? Elaine nodded.

Is Cade home? Cade walked down the passage and smiled.

Hey Gav. Gavin grinned.

I thought I might pop in for a quick cup of coffee. Cade chuckled.

We hardly ever see you. Gavin grinned. He pointed over his shoulder.

What was that all about? Elaine shook her head.

Nothing much.

Gavin nodded his head.

Nothing much? Gavin chuckled.

She looked as if she was going to throttle you. Elaine nodded her head.

If she can’t get her way then she gets mad. And this time I am not going to let it worry me. Cade nodded.

I am with you all the way. Whatever it is. Elaine nodded. Gavin looked at Cade and then at Elaine.

So what did she want? Elaine shook her head.

Five days leave. Gavin nodded.

What for?

I don’t want to know. I am not interested. Frankly, I don’t care. She can’t just snap her fingers and expect to have a little holiday when it suits her. Gavin nodded and looked at Elaine.

Does she work for you? Elaine nodded.

She is my Accountant. Gavin nodded.

Fifteen minutes later the phone started to ring. Elaine picked up the phone.

Elaine speaking. Elaine was suddenly quiet. She listened.

You can take your job and you can shove it! And never, ever, speak to me again.

But.

No buts. Five bloody stupid days leave. Five! Do you know when last I had leave?

December. Jennifer screamed.

Yes, three years ago! I haven’t even had a day’s leave since then.

Oh.

You can take your job and shove it! Elaine listened as the line went dead. Elaine hung up the phone. Cade stared at Elaine. Gavin stared at Elaine. Elaine shook her head.

Shit! Cade nodded. Both Gavin and himself had heard every word.

Jennifer sat on her couch and wept. She had to go for a small operation on her eyes. She needed five days off from her job. She had eventually plucked up the courage and booked herself in for a huge operation. Her eyes were getting worse and worse. Jennifer groaned. Now she didn’t have a job. But she had the leave.

Gavin and Cade were both quiet. Cade stared at Elaine who held her head in her hands.

I made a terrible, terrible mistake. Cade nodded.

Three years? Elaine nodded.

I know. I never realized. She was always there when I had to go away. And when I went on leave. She covered for me. She never asked. She never complained. Elaine burst into tears.

What have I done? Cade held her in his arms.

She will be fine. Elaine shook her head.

She won’t. I know Jennifer. She will never talk to me again. And I didn’t ask her why she wanted the days off. Elaine groaned as she cried.

Gavin smiled.

She will come around. Elaine shook her head.

I know her. She hasn’t spoken to my Mum and Dad for five years. And she doesn’t see the rest of the family either. I was the only one she would talk to. Gavin stared at Elaine.

Why? Elaine shook her head.

Because she won the lottery. And everyone asked her for money. She said no. They kept on pestering her. She put her foot down and left. Gavin nodded.

I would have done the same thing. Cade nodded.

And she wasn’t mean either Gavin. She gave each kid, and the parents, and Elaine and I each twenty thousand bucks from her winnings. They all wanted more. Gavin shook his head.

That was nice of her. Elaine nodded.

But they wanted it all. Gavin shook his head.

Why is she working? Elaine smiled.

Because she has to keep herself busy. She said she needed something to do. And she is a qualified Accountant. Cade nodded.

And a good one too. She even does our taxes and we get paid out every single time.

Gavin nodded.

That’s it then. You aren’t going to do anything? Elaine shook her head.

What am I supposed to do?

Phone her. Elaine smiled.

I can. But she won’t answer. Cade shook his head.

Try. Elaine put the phone on speakerphone. The phone went over to a message. They all listened.

This is Jennifer Armstrong. I will be away for the duration of a week returning on Sunday. If you need anything please contact Elaine on her cell phone number, or in the event of an emergency contact Doctor Winters at the General Hospital. The numbers will follow afterwards. If you have any messages for me rather dial my cell phone number and leave a message or send an SMS. If you are lucky, you’ve got my number. Elaine stared at the phone.

Jennifer. I am sorry. Please pick up honey. Please. Please pick up. I’m sorry. Elaine stared at the phone as Jennifer picked up.

Don’t worry Elaine. You’re a big girl now. You don’t need me. Elaine groaned as Jennifer put the phone down. Cade shook his head.

What did the message say? Elaine shook her head.

I wasn’t even listening.

Gavin stared at both Elaine and Cade.

Why is she going in to hospital? Elaine and Cade both stared at Gavin. Gavin nodded.

She is going in to hospital. Elaine shook her head and closed her eyes.

Where did you hear that nonsense? Gavin looked at Cade and Elaine.

The message. It said she is going in to hospital. Elaine put the phone on speaker phone again and listened to the message. She gasped and put her hand in front of her mouth. She dialed again.

Jen, please pick up. Please pick up! Elaine shook her head. There was no response.

Elaine burst into tears. She groaned.

I have done something awful. Awful! Gavin got up.

I’ll go and see her. Elaine looked at Cade and then at Gavin. Gavin flew out of the door. He drove up to the mansion where Jennifer lived. He knocked on the door. There was no car in the driveway. The porch light was on. He walked around the house. There was no one home. He walked back to the front door. He looked down. There was a little white scrap of card lying on the edge of the paving, almost under a little shrub. Gavin bent down and picked it up. He looked at the appointment record on the one side. The last entry had today’s date on it. He turned it over and read out loud.

Doctor Gladys Winters. He looked at the address. The doctor was based at the hospital down the road. Gavin turned the card over again. Jennifer had been to the doctor a few times. Always before seven in the morning or after seven in the evening. He looked at his watch. It was still early.

Gavin got in his car and reversed out of the driveway. He drove back to Elaine and Cade’s home with the business card in his pocket. He pulled over and dialed the cell phone number on the card. He listened.

This is Doctor Winters. Gavin smiled to himself.

Doctor Winters. What time is Jennifer booked in today?

Oh. Did she manage some time off?

Yes, she did.

Who am I speaking to?

This is her boyfriend Gavin. Doctor Winters chuckled.

Now I know you are joking. Jennifer would never confide in anyone about this. Gavin smiled as he listened.

Please Doctor Winters. What time is surgery? Doctor Winters sighed.

She will kill me.

What time?

She has to be in by seven this evening. We are operating at seven in the morning. Gavin nodded.

At the hospital?

Yes. Gavin. I can’t discuss this with anyone. But she does need a friend. And she is petrified. Gavin nodded.

What is she going in for? What is this op? Doctor Winters sighed.

Gavin, this is not just your normal laser eye treatment. It is actual surgery. Jennifer is losing her sight rapidly. She is going blind. Gavin nodded.

She didn’t tell you?

No. Doctor Winters sighed.

I am breaking every rule and regulation here. Do you realize that? Gavin smiled as he spoke.

I can be that friend. Doctor Winters smiled as she spoke.

Gavin. She is going to have surgery on both eyes. And she is scared of losing her eyesight. Which is a possibility if we don’t do this op now. Gavin groaned.

Both eyes?

Yes. Gavin nodded.

I will be there. What time did you say she has to be there?

Seven this evening.

I will be there in the morning. Can I see you in the morning?

Yes.

Thank you Doctor Winters. I will see you then.

Gavin. I haven’t said a word. Gavin smiled.

No problem. He ended his call and walked inside to Elaine and Cade.

Elaine stared as he came through the door.

And?

No. She had already left. Elaine groaned. Gavin smiled.

Don’t worry. I know where she is headed. Cade smiled.

You going to sort this out? Gavin grinned.

Yes Sir. Elaine smiled.

You really know? Gavin nodded.

Yes. Elaine shook her head.

Thanks Gavin. Gavin nodded. He got up and walked over to the lounge. He looked at one of the photographs. Cade followed. Gavin smiled and pointed.

That’s her isn’t it? Cade nodded.

Yeah. The one in the skinny jeans. Gavin smiled and nodded. Cade chuckled.

You had the hots for her. You met her at the wedding. Gavin smiled.

Have. Cade stared.

Still? Gavin nodded.

I haven’t dated since your wedding. It just didn’t feel right. Every time I took someone out I wanted them to be Jennifer. Cade shook his head.

Gavin, I have been married for seven years. Gavin nodded.

I know. It’s been a long time. Cade shook his head.

She doesn’t date. Gavin nodded.

Why not?

Something about glasses, and contact lenses. And her thick lenses.

Elaine walked in and looked at the photograph.

She took her specs off for that photo. Gavin sighed.

She’s beautiful. Elaine smiled.

She is. But she has a terrible complex about wearing glasses. Such a pity. Gavin smiled.

So what if she wears glasses? Elaine shook her head.

Gavin. She works seven to seven. When she gets home she eats and goes to bed. She is such a loner. She went out with someone just before we got married. Gavin nodded.

And?

He came to pick her up one morning. To take her out for breakfast. And she was wearing her specs. Well. He stopped in. Excused himself. And left. Gavin groaned.

No! Cade nodded.

Arsehole. Gavin nodded.

My sentiments exactly. Elaine smiled.

And you know, we drop Bronwyn off when we go out. She baby sits and doesn’t even complain. Bronwyn loves going there. Gavin smiled.

Aunty Jay? Elaine nodded.

Good old Aunty Jay. Gavin smiled.

Elaine sighed.

People look at Jennifer and see glasses first and then Jennifer. She has got the biggest heart ever. She never says no. When she gave the family all that money they didn’t even thank her. Gavin shook his head.

I saw where she lives. Cade nodded.

She bought herself the Ferrari and the house. Both cash paid. Then she went shopping and filled her deep freezer and fridge, and her cupboards. Then she put all the money in the bank. Now she survives on her salary alone. Gavin nodded.

Clever. Elaine nodded.

You really do still fancy her, don’t you Gavin? Gavin nodded and blushed.

Yes I do. Elaine smiled.

I don’t want to lose her. She doesn’t even have a friend. Gavin nodded.

You won’t lose her. Elaine smiled as she looked up at Gavin.

If you see her tell her she has that leave. Gavin nodded.

I’ll tell her in the morning. Elaine nodded and sighed.

Three years. I never realized. Cade and Gavin nodded and smiled.

Jennifer walked in to the hospital with her overnight bag. She was shown to her room where she would be spending the night. Jennifer got ready for bed and hopped in. She was all alone. No one knew she needed surgery. She was petrified. She took her glasses off and put them next to her on the bedside cabinet. Jennifer said a little prayer. She started to cry. The nurse came in.

Miss Armstrong. Are you okay? Jennifer nodded and held her arm over her eyes as she lay on her back. The nurse sat with her for a few minutes.

Don’t be scared. Your family will be here in the morning. You won’t be alone. When you come out of surgery your family will be allowed to sit with you. Jennifer nodded. She knew no one would be with her. The nurse smiled and squeezed her hand.

Your surgery is going to be fine. Doctor Winters knows what she is doing. Jennifer nodded and whispered.

I know. The nurse smiled.

You’re going to be fine. She got up and put the light off.

Night. Jennifer smiled.

Night.

Gavin smiled as he played with Bronwyn, Cade and Elaine’s little girl. She whispered.

Aunty Jay was here. Gavin whispered.

I know. Bronwyn smiled.

But she was cross. She said a very naughty word. Gavin nodded.

She was a little cross. That’s all. Bronwyn smiled.

Aunty Jay doesn’t get cross Uncle Gavin. Gavin smiled.

Don’t you worry. She’s going to be just fine. You’ll see. Bronwyn smiled and nodded.

Uncle Gavin. Will you read me a story? Gavin nodded.

Bring me your book. Bronwyn ran out and fetched her book. She handed it to Gavin. Gavin smiled as he opened the book. There was something hard in the back of the book. It started to slip out. Gavin smiled.

And this? Bronwyn smiled.

Aunty Jay’s. Gavin held the A4 magnifying glass. He held it against the page. Bronwyn smiled.

Pull it closer to your eyes. Gavin pulled it closer to his eyes and the print grew enormous. Bronwyn nodded.

That’s right. That’s where Aunty Jay holds it. Gavin smiled. He put the magnifying glass at the back of the book. He read one of the short stories. Bronwyn smiled as she took the book and headed to bed. Gavin shook his head. It wasn’t fair for Jennifer.

Elaine and Cade came and sat in the lounge. Gavin looked at the both of them.

Have you realized how bad Jennifer’s eyes are? Elaine nodded.

"But we don’t discuss it. She