Can't Buy Health 2: Can't Buy Health, #2

By Yvonne Marrs

The second book shows how life in Cornwall differs to that the four friends had in the big city, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is less lively.

After two incidents through playing with the Premiers, one after another, Austin rethinks his participation. As Assistant Manager, there is still a role for him to within the team, but not such an active one. Despite this, there is such a change in the team dynamic... What will happen in the end?

With Yvette's health problems continuing, Austin allows Tom, Zoe and Jack's eldest son who is training to be a nurse, to help him out at times. Jack and Zoe are pleased to find their lives are running smoothly, but are thrown by an unexpected announcement from their eldest daughter Kim. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Jan 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201536541

Yvonne Marrs

Invernesian Yvonne Marrs (1982-present day) has loved writing for as long as she can remember, moving to the London area at the age of 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Yvonne graduated from UHI (Inverness College) with an HND in Administration and Information Management, a set of skills she puts to good use to organise herself and her work - especially as she has her own publishing company, WTSMP Publications. Currently Yvonne has published several fictional series - the 'When The Sax Man Plays' series, the 'Football Crazy' series, the 'Aiden Lewis octet', 'Can't Buy Health' series and 'Undeserved'. Yvonne dreamt up the idea that formed the "When The Sax Man Plays" (WTSMP) series after falling in love with saxophone music, and being inspired by Leona Lewis' dream X Factor win. To throw an ordinary person in an ordinary job, with an extraordinary talent into superstardom is the story behind WTSMP. The central character, Jason Bottelli is such a person, although we soon discover he is far from ordinary! If you like your fiction easy going, entertaining, enthralling and heart-warming, you'll fall in love with the musical romance that is the WTSMP series. The ever popular "Football Crazy" series follows our central character, Aiden Lewis, as he rises through the football ranks. From club player to International sensation; through to his management career, leading England into the World Cup and then his brother's local team, the London Giants, from nowhere into the Premiership as the series progresses. Aiden's story continues with the 'Aiden Lewis octet', finishing with 'Undeserved'. There are standalone books as well as those in a series: 'Castiliano Vulgo' - a fictional work on 16th Century London life written using both Elizabethan English and Modern English. 'Inexorable' - a murder erotica written as part of the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2016. 'Putting the Visible into So Called Invisible Illnesses' - a work of 50 poems about living with invisible illnesses, as Yvonne does. 'Harbourtown Murder' - a murder mystery set in fictional Cornwall where a stray cat is the only witness.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jack, I need to ask you something. 

Austin explained the situation. There was a longer season in the new league - the Premier League - and thus the start soon followed the end of the season. 

After one match, the Premiers were a bit thin on the ground. James had damaged his ankle, Austin was still out and Phil had broken two of his fingers, so their replacement keeper was in.

Jack’s responsibilities had diminished to a point - the twins were at school; Zoe worked during the day, as did he; Tom was at college and Kim was finishing her last year at school. Fortunately Austin’s knee injury was muscular, so he would be able to resume his part in the team, only it wouldn’t be for some weeks.

Jack smiled, having thought something like this might happen. Sure, but it’ll take me a while, it’s been a long time.

––––––––

Weeks down the line, Jack stood in the middle of the hall, unable to believe what he was witnessing. He couldn’t believe the command he held: was this the same quiet Austin he knew?

It reminded him of their days playing professional football, although it had been a very long time ago. Jack's playing career had been even shorter than Austin’s. He would be the first to say he wasn’t as gifted on the field as Austin: skills and techniques could be taught, but talent was a natural gift – Jack’s footballing was mediocre compared to Austin’s prowess.

Austin had been gently knocking up before his return tonight. The team atmosphere was unbelievable: as if they’d been gifted three goals before they’d started, in disbelief Jack shook his head. Zoe and Tom were present at the game to lend them all support, he could see them sitting with Yvette; it made him feel even more nervous.

Games in this league were different: the Premiers scraped draws and even suffered a few losses. The higher quality of opposing teams meant his Premiers managed less wins, much to Bob’s dissatisfaction.

Fouls were much harder to bear on the wooden floor, now Jack understood why Austin came home so bruised and grazed. It was vastly different compared to a grass playing surface, although that hadn’t exactly meant soft landing. After suffering some crunching tackles, he made sure to always pack shin guards: a necessary evil.

The others teased him, but Jack let it go over his head. He seemed to be picked on, seemingly the only one to suffer such battered shins. Zoe had joked he was too old for this now, and he’d taken this to heart, determined to prove he wasn’t.

You alright? Austin was first to him when Jack was fouled and ended up on the floor in a heap.

Yeah, he shook himself, getting to his feet with ease. I’m glad that wasn’t you, with your bad knee.

Jack noticed Austin kept out of tackles as much as he could. Secretly, he wondered how he was getting on. It did seem like Austin was some sort of target, most of the teams were alright, but there always were a few that played tough and even some dirty.

Coaches belong on the bench.

Who says? Austin replied, skipping along with his opponent, teasing him with the ball.

I do. He shouldered him out of the way, sending him flying, pure strength.

No fouls were tolerated: the man was sent off, no replacement allowed.

Aus? Jack offered his mate a hand up, Kev and Steve not far behind him.

You alright, Austin? Kev asked him.

Think so. Allowing Jack to pull him up, Austin gingerly tested weight on his knee. He read the matching expressions on his teammate’s faces: they were as worried about this as he was.

Arranging for Kev to take the free kick, he made his way across the hall, flexing his leg, still checking. Bob made a few signs, and Austin signed back. Jack positioned himself ready to receive the free kick, landing a perfect shot in the back of the net. He smiled. If only they were all that easy!

As the half time whistle went, he was fortunately in reach of Austin, grabbing hold of him as his knee went. Helen hurried across with an ice pack. Jack was shocked by how much Austin swore, and knew immediately that was a bad sign. As was the yell he let out when Helen placed the ice around his leg.

Bob shepherded the team into their changing room, sure Austin wouldn’t want an audience when he tried to get to his feet.

C’mon, let’s get you up and comfy so I can have a look at you. Helen encouraged him, getting Jack to help her walk Austin off, beyond their box and down the corridor, into the treatment room.

Several long minutes passed before Jack returned to his new teammates.

What’s going on? Bob pulled him to one side the moment he saw him.

Jack grimaced. Bring Ali on and rearrange the guys.

They both winced, knowing what this meant.

––––––––

Bob took deep breaths before he made the call to Austin requesting an update, several days later. How’s it going?

Austin gave him a standard answer. Physio’s tough, but then, physio always is tough.

Bob was surprised by this statement, having expected a defeated reply. Then he remembered who he was talking to, and smiled.

Actually, it’s awful being stuck inside. And being tied to these bloody things, Austin gestured to the crutches, fall over them more often than not. He joked, pleased to see Bob smile.

You didn’t half frighten us. Helen joined in, playfully scolding him. He could see her wagging her finger at him.

Didn’t half frighten me. Austin admitted.

You’re alright now? She checked.

Yeah, consequence of injury - pain took over. It’s happened a few times before.

Poor Austin had suffered an almost shock-like fit, pain and exertion causing his blood sugar to drop suddenly. As the shaking took over, Helen had momentarily left Yvette to it, calling Zoe and Tom from the stands while she got help.

Back to normal now, well, almost. It’s not bad, y’know, two women looking after me.

Bob was relieved that Austin was joking so much. He knew it was a big loss of someone’s independence to have a help around, especially in Austin’s position, already with Yvette’s illnesses. He could only guess how useless he felt.

Just rest and keep up those exercises.

Austin nodded. Don’t you worry, I’m getting back to normal as soon as I can.

Bob gave him a small smile. I’ll come round sometime next week. I’ll give you a ring nearer the time, okay?

Sure, I’ll be here. It’s not like I can go far, is it? He continued to joke.

It was nice when he finished the call to sit back, knowing Yvette would soon be in to see him. Almost on cue, she came in, immediately hugging him.

Was that Bob checking up on you?

It’s to be expected I guess.

They miss you at the club, y’know.

I know. Austin sighed.

Yvette tightened her grip around him, and he worried it meant something. 

You alright, Eve?

I’m alright here. Her voice was muffled against his chest. I love you, Aus.

Aww, Austin grinned, I love you too, sweetheart.

I never wanted you to get hurt.

Oh Eve, he squeezed her tighter. I’m alright. Nothin’ a new knee wouldn’t sort out.

She shook her head. It was awful. I held you, trying to stop you from shaking.

You did very well. I needed you to hold onto me. He kissed her head. I’d be lost without you.

You’ll never be without me, Aus.

Good, he squeezed her, cos there’s no life without you, Yvette.

Chapter 2

What I wanted to say was, well, Rob stopped, taking a deep breath and simultaneously taking hold of Kim’s hand. I want your permission to marry Kim.

Jack and Zoe looked at each other, both wearing the same shocked and surprised expression. First the news that Kim was pregnant, and now this?

Rob had talked over his plan with Tom first, who’d agreed it seemed the right thing to do. Instantly, Rob corrected him, saying he’d intended to marry Kim before they found out the news. Tom found himself wondering if it was anyone else but Rob saying this, he wouldn’t believe it. But Rob was.... Certainly he was different. He was genuine.

The council granted us a place on the other side of town. We can move in, they said, in a few weeks. He paused to let this information sink in.

Kim squeezed his hand, encouragingly.

We should talk about this. Jack began, taking a deep breath of his own. But I have no doubt that whatever we say, you will do what you think is best regardless. 

Zoe nodded in agreement, beckoning Kim to go with her through to the kitchen.

Jack leant over towards the youngster, warning him. If you ever hurt my daughter, I will make you pay.

Rob knew he meant what he said. I don’t ever want to hurt her, I love Kim dearly. I’m going to make sure she’s alright, and I’ll look after her. You have my word.

You’ve brought the ring, I take it?

Rob was relieved Jack’s tone had softened somewhat. He nodded, retrieving it with shaking hands; swallowing hard as he showed his future father-in-law what he had chosen.

Jack nodded once. I give you my blessing, but you’ll be wise to heed my warning.

I do. Indeed I do. Rob smiled at him bravely.

He seems to have his head screwed on right, at least. Austin concluded.

Jack nodded, intent on changing the subject. What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn’t you be at home?

Austin scoffed. It’s not like I’m here to run around. If I’m going to coach, I should be at training to see how we can improve.

Jack nodded, knowing it made sense. He was pleased with his own progress in the last few months; he felt fitter and stronger, and now looked forward to matches. His average playing ability was matched by several of his teammates, and he felt like he had rightfully earned his place.

He hoped they would be able to hang on to their position at this level, damn sure he wasn’t going to be the one that let the team down. His life was at the stage where it was mostly flowing. Mostly, he laughed to himself, but he hadn’t seen Rob and Kim’s news coming.

Zoe often escaped to be with Yvette, leaving Tom to keep an eye on his younger siblings, while the Premiers had training. Exactly as she had done tonight; the only difference to the family routine was that Rob and Kim were out shopping for necessities.

Zoe sighed, it was a