Can't Buy Health 4: Can't Buy Health, #4

By Yvonne Marrs

Our fourth book in the series sees Zoe and Yvette reminisce about the days before kids and movies.

When Jack's health problem returns, Austin sends him to a specialist to help Jack keep his grip on his life and his family.

Tom finds new love, after having his heart broken by a former fiance years before. Throwing himself into work to forget his heartache worked for a while but when he moves back to the coast, he meets a young lady who reminds him a lot of Yvette. He is determined to help her recover from her career ruining accident. Even when he temporarily gives up his job to move in with Austin and Yvette to support them, Sophie is still in his thoughts.

As Bob's memoirs are published, he enjoys success both with his team and away from it, helped as always by his Assistant. When his thoughts turn to training up his replacement in the next few years, he is unsure if Austin is the man for the job. Jack takes the helm when Austin is absent and with his managing the school's under 13s to national level, he is the ideal candidate - or is he?

Money can't buy health, so it is heartening that some friendships cannot be broken no matter what happens in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: May 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201417062

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 was surprised, only a week after Yvette had been so ill, to find her and Austin settled outside. Hey, what’re you two doing out here? 

Retracing his steps back into the house, Jack grabbed the blanket over one of the chairs in the lounge.

We needed some fresh air. There’s only so long you can spend indoors without going loopy. Austin joked.

Should you be out here? Jack said worriedly. Zoe’s gonna flip when she gets here.

Relax. It’s fine, we’re okay. Austin smiled at his concern, adjusting the blanket that he’d laid across them. Thanks.

That’s okay then. How’s she been? Jack carefully sat down beside them, realising Yvette was asleep.

Much better, thank God. Not quite 100% yet though.

Jack nodded. I’ve kept the guys up to date.

It was Austin’s turn to nod, sure that there was more to come.

It’s bloody hard this memoir stuff. Jack sighed.

Austin looked at him, seeing Jack looked very puzzled and then he laughed. Have you tried to write some?

Jack’s expression took on one more bashful. I sit down when I get peace, full of good intentions, but nothing comes. He shrugged.

Austin nodded, knowingly. So you knew who to ask, right? He laughed, seeing Jack smile. You’re probably trying to run before you can walk.

Jack looked at him, even more puzzled. But...

Hear me out. Start by writing down bits of what you remember - good matches, and goals, results, teams, team talks. Gradually as you start to remember more, you can fill in the blanks, and the guys can help you if you can’t remember specifics.

Jack nodded, taking this in. Bloody hell, you’re good!

Austin smiled. I learned from the best. His expression changed. Just as well I did. His vision misted.

Jack saw this, feeling Austin’s emotion. Aww, she’ll be alright one day.

Do you really think so?

Jack found Austin had locked eyes with him, seeking his honest opinion. I do. He started. Look at how she’s been since the first accident. How they thought she wouldn’t walk again, but she did. You know as well as I do that Eve’s a fighter. If anyone can do it, she can. Especially with you by her side. He was disheartened to see Austin shaking his head. I know a lot’s happened since then, but Eve’s recovered before - look how well she was when you two came to France with us.

Yeah and what good did that do us? Austin closed his eyes, tightening his grip on Yvette. It’s one thing after another, there’s too much to bounce back from any more.

But she’s done it before.

Austin nodded. Many times. And look what happened. His sigh was deep and heartfelt.

Jack floundered: Austin had a point.

Austin shook himself. Sorry. I know you were trying to cheer me up. He half laughed.

Jack shrugged. I can try.

You do. You both do very well. Austin confessed. I don’t know how we’d cope without you and Zoe.

You’d be fine. Jack shrugged off the compliment, seeing Austin was shaking his head again.

That evening, Austin decided he’d better set the ball rolling. Emailing Bob would be the best option to learn what was expected of him; and plot what his part in the tale would be. As Assistant Coach, there was a fairly large chunk of Premiers history that involved him.

8 September  21:12

Bob,

I realise from discussions with Jack that you’re keen to have ideas and stories from the guys, but there’s no way I can spare that sort of time. Not that I’ve seen many matches, or indeed played many. Still, if I can help, I will try. 

Eve’s picking up now, but I have to put her through manipulation and physio again when she’s better. God knows how long that will take, but it’s something we have to do, and it’s not fair for me to put it off any longer for her.

I hope after we sort this problem out, it has been going on for years, we’ll be back on track. Eve’s as keen as I am to be back supporting the team. 

Keep us posted.

Austin.

9 September 10:20

Austin,

I wonder if you could help me with a few details. I appreciate that you haven’t time to write about your side of the team’s success, and what you say about your time with us is true. Alas it cannot be helped. We all wish Yvette was in better health and that you both could join us more.

Could you give me an idea of:

Your most memorable match and goal? And team talk?

What thoughts you had when you first joined us - that was nearly five years ago!

Do you think our performances are generally okay or technically lacking? You tell me - you were the professional!

I realise this is asking a lot, and you will need time to consider your answers. This way I feel we can get round you writing your part, if you know what I mean by that. Hope you do!

Take care. We’re all thinking of you both.

Bob.

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11 September  20:48

Bob,

I shall give the questions consideration, but I can answer a few now. (We’ve had a good day so I can think clearly - at the moment!)

The first match and first goal are very clear in my mind. It always settles you down as a striker at any time playing your first match and scoring your first goal - even better if both events happen together! At the same time, the event in London is a joint favourite.

I did wonder when I first joined, if we’d be able to keep this arrangement, with Eve’s deteriorating health and our problems as a consequence.

And I did worry about getting injured, because again, that might affect our home life. What especially frightened me was the thought that I wouldn’t be able to look after Yvette. That was a thought behind the fear that got me through physio so quickly!

I was so very pleased to be part of the team, and surprised how well the guys took to me, adopting me instantly. That’s why I suggested Jack’s induction to help us keep a spot in the Premier league, having helped in a small way, to get us promoted.

Thanks for your kind thoughts. Austin.

15 September 09:50

Austin,

I’ve decided to lift your extracts from your emails, as I can’t put it better myself! Thanks for the thoughts.

Great to hear that you’re having good days again. When did you say Yvette’s treatment will start?

Bob.

––––––––

Bob worried. It had been a week with no further communication, and he could only think negatively about the couple's health. He decided to have a word with Jack after tonight’s match, sure that he would know at least something.

Chapter 2

Bob couldn’t believe his eyes when he swung into the carpark and into his usual space. The centre had proudly, and kindly, marked out parking spaces especially for the team, and he pulled up alongside a certain car he hadn’t seen for some time.

He could hear the players’ babble before reaching the door to the hall. Austin was always quiet, but his presence was enough: Bob couldn’t help grinning.

They didn’t need to be told, launching straight into a warm-up, twenty minutes before kickoff. Bob felt disappointed Austin had joined them, but he reasoned that they’d catch up later.

Don’t worry about tonight, we all know perseverance pays off. Hold tight, keep the defensive knit and help Jack out at the back. Bob’s been telling me how well we’ve done up front, James and Ali you’re really starting to gel. Keep going. I want to see that teamwork tonight. We can do this.

That, surely, was one of your best team talks. Bob said as Austin sat beside him.

Perhaps you should’ve been taking notes. Austin teased.

Oh, I was. He laughed at Austin’s puzzled expression, pulling his phone from his pocket, showing him the screen where the voice recording app was working. Started using it a few weeks ago, great help during match commentary. He clicked it off. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?

I didn’t want to raise false hopes. We didn’t know until about an hour ago.

I take it Yvette’s treatment started? That’s why I haven’t heard from you?

Austin nodded, his gaze on his teammates while they spoke. The first 48 hours are awful. And we’re scheduled weekly. Now she’s started, the exercises begin next week. He pulled a face. That’ll lead to more hellish torment.

It’ll be worth it in the end. Bob reminded him.

Austin sighed. That’s true, but the end’s a long way off.

Bob nodded, and having recently adopted Austin’s signing methods, made a few signals to his players. Austin was impressed, Bob noticed. I hope I didn’t infringe your copyright. He teased.

Austin laughed. He knew Zoe and Yvette had been right to tell him he would enjoy the match, and it would do him good.

I’ll let you off; only once, mind, he teased.

They both laughed.

From a different angle, Austin spotted a promising looking gap. He whistled to attract the players’ attention before making a few gestures. There followed some nodding and rearrangement, thus a perfect goal was created. 

Bob shook his head. Until then, the two teams had been tied in a deadlock and he had put this one down to a draw. That was one of the reasons Austin was so special, and a key to the success of the team. Austin caught Bob’s stare of amazement as the final whistle went.

I’ve never seen anyone engineer so many goals from the bench!

Austin shrugged. What can I say? You can see things better from this far back. Suddenly, the openings are there.

Where? I couldn’t see any.

I’ll teach you. Austin laughed. You recorded that whole conversation, didn’t you?

Bob nodded meekly and they both laughed.

Chapter 3

Austin could feel how tense her body was, sure that wouldn’t help the pain, and knowing it was up to him to relax her. Yvette had woken in agony in the middle of the night, something caught in her back. There was no on-call practitioner. 

He cursed his inability to loosen this pressure, having watched the specialists at work for so long, he knew what they'd do. But, fearful of doing her more harm than good, he decided against trying any sort of manipulation. After all, that was why it was specialised.

The human body was an amazing thing: though the