Can't Buy Health 5: Can't Buy Health, #5

By Yvonne Marrs

The fifth book in the series sees Tom and Sophie fall in love, despite Tom's misgivings over getting into another relationship. Does his intuition tell him of the future, or is it his imagination?

 

Yvette's latest seizure affects her memory to the extent that she forgets Jack - and the two couples' joint wedding.

 

Zoe helps Jack to overcome his illness challenges and Austin sends him to a specialist - will it work out?

 

Jack and Austin continue activities with the Premiers, bringing the team more success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: May 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201922221

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

Tom’s younger legs were slightly quicker than Austin’s, even over the short distance from the drive to the back garden.

While they’d driven across town to the hospital with Yvette, Zoe had shakily explained what had happened. She was in shock, Tom knew when he took her arm and talked to her reassuringly. He knew it was best to keep Zoe out of the process, given the circumstances. He also knew Austin and the professionals would look after Yvette.

They’d been together talking when Yvette had come over funny. Zoe had suggested going outside to get some air, sticking close to her, trying to swallow the waves of panic rising in her stomach. She’d cuddled her, and Yvette said she was alright, much to Zoe’s relief. Minutes, or maybe only seconds, later Yvette had moaned; a deep low moan that wrenched Zoe’s heart strings - she just knew Yvette wasn’t right. Freeing one hand, she called Austin’s phone. But in that short space of time, she had collapsed. Zoe broke down into sobs of despair.

She’ll be alright. You couldn’t do anything more than you did. Tom told her soothingly, both his arms around her.

Zoe? Jack half ran, half jogged across the hospital car park having received a message from Tom to come straight over.

Jack! Zoe wailed, glad to throw her arms around him and be cuddled close to him.

What happened? He looked from her to Tom.

Tom grimaced. Yvette’s had a bad fit.

Jack groaned. Oh God! He squeezed Zoe tightly. That explained why she was so upset.

She ...she collapsed against me, Jack! Zoe wailed, her grip tightening around him.

My poor Zoe. He kissed the top of Zoe’s head, holding her tighter when he felt her body shaking. C’mon, you should sit down. Inside. Jack shivered. Within the last half hour the wind had risen steadily - Jack realised the weather seemed to reflect the turmoil in their lives. He shuddered. C’mon, let's have a cuppa and I’ll see what’s happening.

Stay with her, I’ll get them. Tom put his hand on Jack’s shoulder, seriously worried about the state of Zoe’s mind.

It was a horrid situation for anyone to go through, never mind when on your own and caught unaware. He’d already decided it would be best for him to stay, while Jack took Zoe home to comfort and distract her. 

Remembering what usually happened, it had been so long ago he could just about remember the last time Yvette had suffered one of those fits. It wasn’t pleasant. She would come round maybe in a few days, maybe quicker, and be almost back to normal after a few weeks.

I want to stay until I know how she is. Zoe spoke softly.

I think it’d be better if you went home. Tom replied. Zoe shook her head. Please. I’ll call you when the doctor’s been this evening.

That sounds like a good idea. Jack said, also speaking softly. You need to rest after such a shock. I’m not having you ill as well.

Tears began to flood down Zoe’s face again. She nodded, burying her head in her hands. Jack put both arms around her, trying to comfort her, feeling upset himself.

She’ll be okay. Tom said again, as much for his own comfort as anyone else’s. We’ll have her home in a few days.

Austin sighed. He’d forgotten the pain of uncertainty and worry. Yvette had been so well in the last few months.

It was typical of her long term illness, and Austin kicked himself for having not seen this coming. But it was unfair to blame himself: it was likely Yvette herself had little, if any, warning.

Tom returned from his calls. Sophie had latched on to his grief, saying what he’d said to Zoe: that Yvette had come through before and it was only a matter of time until she was back to normal. It was difficult not to get emotionally involved in a situation like this. He was in far too deep with the long suffering couple to not be affected.

I wonder what she’s thinking, he said, sitting opposite Austin.

If she’s thinking at all. Austin replied.

That was true, Tom hadn’t thought of that. He knew Austin would be kicking himself for having not seen this coming, nor for not being there when she was taken ill. He also knew that he wouldn’t be coaxed away for the night. Guilt of not being there would mean not even wild horses could drag him away this time...

I’m glad we’ve got you. Austin spoke, breaking through Tom’s thoughts, his hands holding one of Yvette’s.

Tom smiled at him. I’m glad I can help.

Austin nodded, falling silent again. He’d been much better as Yvette was regaining normality, but he felt sure that he too would start to slide back down again. Letting his breath out slowly, he contemplated what he was going to say.

You’ll... stay with us for a while?

As long as you want me to. Tom nodded. I’ve already made the arrangements. He was pleased to see a small smile from Austin at this.

The smile was of relief. Thank you. Austin was on the edge of tears as he managed to get the words out.

I’ll be with you here too, if you want. Tom offered, crossing the room to sit beside him.

Austin just nodded: Tom squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

Chapter 2

Please, sweetheart. Austin sat on the edge of the bed, holding Yvette in his arms, not taking any notice of what the doctors had advised him against doing. He had to get through to her. It had been more than 36 hours and his mind started playing tricks on him. I need you, Yvette. He whispered tearfully, hoping that she could hear him and that his words would awaken something deep inside her. I love you so much, I can’t be without you, not ever.

Mentally he kicked himself, realising he’d been holding his breath for her reaction. Of course she didn’t react. She couldn't. She was too far under for that.

Usually he didn’t like to leave her, but after about an hour he made the decision. A short walk to clear his head would do him good and help him hold onto his senses. Some time soon she would come round and he needed to have his head together.

The gardeners were tending the rose beds behind the hospital. Austin stopped, amazed at the scene in front of him. He’d never seen these busy people around before. It struck him that the simple pleasures in life were the best - the thought brought tears to his eyes. He would buy beautiful bouquets of roses when they were home. Yvette loved flowers, even more so when she could photograph them. He smiled at the memories of Yvette’s scrutiny and attention to detail. It seemed she could turn her hand to anything she wanted...

Steadily, her senses began to return. It wasn’t warm but it wasn’t cold, she could feel. They were in a room alone, something Austin had always insisted upon. The first thing Yvette properly sensed, she couldn’t figure out what the noise was, until suddenly it dawned on her. Her heartbeat, and the beeping of the heart monitor, which grew louder and more rapid as she came round.

There was a dreadful empty feeling around her. No, it couldn’t be. He was always there. She could feel herself starting to panic. Her heartbeat increased further. Feeling flooded back to her arms and hands, and panic stricken she realised he wasn’t holding her hand. He was there, wasn’t he? Words wouldn’t come. But wheezing did. It came with panic almost automatically now.

Zoe had met Austin at the entrance, and they came in together, both realising Yvette’s progress in their absence.

Zoe’s voice came to her first. Easy Eve,

It’s okay, sweetheart, we’re here. Austin told her, kissing her as he leant over her.

You’re okay, babe. Zoe sat on her usual side, stroking her hair soothingly, calming her with Austin.

Zoe’s right, you’re okay. Austin kissed her face, gripping her hand tightly. You’re okay, sweetheart.

Aus...

Sshh, keep your strength Yvette. Austin leant over her carefully, kissing her, listening to her wheezy breathing.

You’re tired, Eve. I can tell. Zoe said, still speaking to her and stroking her hair as she calmed gradually. The monitor Yvette was hooked up to was displaying positive signs. Just let yourself go, babe. We’re here.

The doctor will be here when you wake up later, Yvette. And I’m right here.

We love you, Eve. Zoe whispered, aware that she was slowly letting herself fall asleep. 

Yvette squeezed her hand slightly, using the last of her strength before she fell asleep.

Chapter 3

Austin was lying beside her when she opened her eyes. The night lights were on, the curtains drawn, and he was fast asleep. She felt a brief pang of guilt, wanting to wake him up; wanting to be held and reassured.

It had scared her earlier. Jack and Zoe had come round, this was the third consecutive night since they’d been home that the couple had visited. But she still couldn’t recognise Jack. It was a frustrating and frightening time for her, at a time that she should be going from strength to strength. 

She wanted to cuddle into him, physically unable to move to enable this comforting gesture to soothe her. The moan slipped out: still Austin didn’t stir. Feeling the usual panic grip her, she tried to battle it alone. What did Austin do? He forced himself to take deep breaths, deep slow breaths and get her to breathe with him until she calmed and fell asleep again. But she couldn’t do it alone. It was impossible. Already beginning to struggle for breath, she screwed her hands tightly into fists, frustration and anger creeping up on her, with the fear.

Thank God, there was someone watching over her... Austin stirred in his sleep, moving closer to her, her tortured breaths alerting him. He jumped, suddenly wide awake.

Yvette!

She could hear the panic in his voice. It didn’t happen often, and she hated it, even more so when she was the source.

Eve, it’s okay sweetheart, it’s okay. Austin stretched over, reaching for her inhaler. C’mon Eve, you’re alright. He unclenched her hands, beginning to gently rub her chest, soothing her, managing to get her breathing under control relatively quickly.

She was rocked back to sleep, held securely in his arms, calm restored. Austin fell asleep leant back against the pillow, Yvette asleep in his arms.

Tom scolded him for not asking for help: this time Austin hadn’t joked about the matter.

He was slowly losing his grip, he knew: he knew Tom also knew it. Nodding at the youngster’s pledge to help them whenever he was wanted, he tried not to cry, swallowing the lump in his throat. Amazingly, Tom had encouraged him to talk, and he had. Even more amazingly, he felt better for it.

Hey Eve, how’re you doing? Zoe said gently, perching on the edge of the bed beside them. 

She was relieved to see Austin nod and smile at her. Yvette was cuddled into him, her head buried into his chest. Zoe rubbed her back gently, kissing the top of Yvette’s head.

How’s she been? She asked Austin. Obviously Yvette wasn’t in the mood to talk and that was fine, she was just pleased to