Can't Buy Health 7: Can't Buy Health, #7

By Yvonne Marrs

With Austin and Yvette not yet recuperated from their trauma, Tom takes over Austin's idea for a weekend visit to an arboretum in autumn.

It is a perfect getaway, and with his new partner Emily, Tom gets over his reluctance to be involved in another serious relationship after two previous heart breaks.

After an unexpected hospitalisation, Austin has to resign from the Premiers for the good of his health. As Yvette's health also declines, the couple are thankful for Tom's permanence in their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Jul 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201363604

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

Saturday 25th July 2020

A special dedication to my father, who is fighting the remainder of his cancer battle and soon to go into a hospice; and to my mother, who has looked after him and kept him going since his diagnosis in 2018.

With the help of our wonderful medical professionals, we have had more time with him than we expected after his diagnosis. Bless the NHS! We are truly grateful for their expertise.

Post Scriptum - we lost my father on August 1st in the Highland Hospice. Forever in debt to those who helped us during this time.

Chapter 1

Tom wasn’t sure who was more surprised when Austin agreed to let him take over their trip - him or Yvette.

They were pleased to be going away for a change of scene for a few days, also pleased Emily was able to join them. 

Tom looked across at Emily, fast asleep in the passenger seat, tired from her shift swap. Ten hours was a long shift.

Today they’d take it easy, see how they all felt. There were three days after that to see everything that they wanted to see. One day of which they would spend shopping: Tom smiled to himself, he wasn’t a shopaholic like the others were, but one day he could tolerate.

A glance in the rearview mirror showed barely a lorry in sight. Tom was relieved, having had a bad experience on a motorway almost sandwiched between two huge lorries. There had been no collision, but it had terrified him nonetheless as he fought to keep control of the vehicle in the crosswinds.

His eye caught Austin and Yvette behind him. It was strange to be in control as Austin put it, but only because he hadn't been used to Austin relenting. Their attention was diverted out of the side windows, watching the scenery whizzing past. He was glad that they’d agreed to the plan, sure the break would do them all some good.

Frowning as he passed a road sign naming places he’d never heard of, traveller's dread struck him. I don’t remember seeing those names on the route.

What were they? Yvette asked him, the route on her lap. She shook her head when he rattled off a few. No, but keep going, we are on the right road. Maybe the next one will give us something more promising. She smiled at him to reassure him. 

She knew if they got lost Tom would blame himself and Austin would blame himself for not being able to drive. That was a friction she wanted to avoid, which was why she’d taken over the map reading and issuing of directions, despite the car being fitted with sat nav; maps and directions were foolproof after all. After all, she directed them when Austin was driving.

How about these? Tom’s voice came to her, and she looked up in time for the sign.

Yes, keep going straight on. Told you there was no need to worry.

Chance would be a fine thing, Tom rolled his eyes and Yvette laughed.

What did I miss? Something funny? Austin returned to their conversation.

Yvette stretched out for his hand, squeezing it. You were miles away there.

Yeah. He sighed carefully. It’s nice to get out, and get away. He smiled, squeezing her hand back.

It had been good timing all round, his arm had recovered ahead of schedule and instead of another cast, there was just taut bandaging. His tortured ribs were healing slowly, but he was still progressing. He felt better within himself, and the nightmares had faded. He flexed his right hand, stretching gently, feeling the muscles in his lower arm contract.

Is Em alright? he asked Tom, aware they were conversing between the three of them.

She’s asleep. Tom smiled at them. That ten hour night shift is an exhausting one.

But worth it to escape for a long weekend. Yvette remarked. Poor soul, rather her than me.

Tom nodded. I’m gonna pull over at the next lot of services. Get out and stretch for a while.

Austin and Yvette both nodded.

Sure, if you feel you need to. Austin replied.

Tom nodded again, checking his mirrors before pulling into another lane seeing the sign he wanted. I think it’ll be a good idea.

Gingerly Austin and Yvette got out for air: Tom had woken Emily, who’d yawned and refused, and gone back to sleep.

Tom returned with a few extra provisions, having stretched his legs, meeting up with the couple by the car. He was thankful it wasn’t hot; high temperatures behind a windscreen didn’t make for great travelling conditions.

Should be there in another hour. He began when they had all returned.

Good. Austin smiled at him. Route’s easy enough to follow?

Very, thanks to a certain well-travelled navigator. He smiled at Yvette.

Austin flinched again.

Aww, Aus. I hope it’s not starting again. Yvette said, feeling the shock from his body.

What is? The concern on Tom’s face matching Yvette’s.

It’s fine. Austin dismissed their concerns. Just sitting too much, in one position. He flinched again, the pain turning into a stab.

Are you sure?

Austin nodded, willing it to settle down again.

Why don’t you have some painkillers? Yvette suggested gently.

Austin shook his head, dismissing her suggestion instantly.

You’ll take them if it gets worse though. Tom stepped in, taking a firmer tone.

Okay, Austin sighed in agreement, knowing he had no choice.

If you two are ready, we’ll get going. Tom took a swig of his drink as he fired up the engine again.

Yes. Austin squeezed Yvette’s hand, seeing her pained expression.

You are okay, aren’t you? She said softly.

He smiled at her, carefully leaning over to kiss her. Yes, Eve, just a few twinges. It’ll soon settle. Don’t worry.

Yvette nodded and Tom selected the automated gear, checking their exit road was clear before he pulled out.

Emily stirred, sleepily opening one eye. Where are we?

About an hour away, Tom replied, pulling up to the give way line, waiting his turn to pull back onto the main road.

Oh good, she murmured, yawning.

Go back to sleep if you like, I’ll wake you before we get there.

Promise?

Promise. You need a decent rest after that long shift.

Okay.

Soon she was asleep again. 

Tom checked, and as he thought: Yvette still wore her concerned expression and Austin his stubborn one. He shook his head, hoping that they’d be pain-free for most of the weekend.

He’d been surprised by Yvette’s strength over the past few months, and he hadn’t been the only one. Considering how dependent on Austin she was, it was nothing short of a miracle the stress hadn’t made Yvette ill. Of course, he and Zoe played a large part in this success. If only things could always work out like this...

We’ll see you back down in the hall, in what, half an hour? Is that enough time?

They’d arrived in time for dinner. Austin and Yvette agreed and the two couples went their separate ways, which was ironic, considering their rooms were next-but-one to each other. 

Food and a rest would do him the power of good, Tom massaged his stiff neck, smiling as Emily put her bag down beside his bag and moved closer to him.

You did very well, driving all that way in a strange car.

He smiled, putting his arms around her, kissing her. Austin had insisted on getting a hired car for the trip, as his replacement wasn't yet ready and Tom's small Silver wouldn't have been big enough.

I can’t wait to christen our relationship, she whispered, beginning to kiss down his neck.

What? Tom pulled back, totally surprised.

Emily took his reaction the wrong way. Don’t you want to?

Of course I do! He smiled at her, cuddling her tighter. But I don’t want to hurry things.

It’s cementing what we have.

Tom laughed, not having come across the phrase before. We’ll see, it’ll happen when the time is right.

This weekend is right. Emily began, kissing him again. I can feel it. She stopped and got up. But not tonight, we’re too tired.

Tom almost showed his relief, yawning instead.

Yes, exactly. Emily laughed, heading towards the ensuite. I’m going in first.

Tom groaned as the door shut. Don’t spend all night in there, I’m starving.

Don’t worry, I’m quick.

Tom laughed. I don’t think there is a woman on this planet who is quick in the bathroom!

Told you I was unique. Emily replied, emerging five minutes later. Go on, there’s not much time before dinner.

Are you trying to tell me something?

Not quite, she teased back, pushing him gently in and shutting the door behind him. 

She could hear Tom laughing from the other side of the door. That confirmed it - their weekend would be a very special one. And the longest they’d spent in each other’s company...

Tom had nodded silent approval when he saw Austin take his painkillers after they’d eaten a short while later. He didn’t comment, unsure of how Austin would react. He hated more than anything being pushed, and Tom knew better than to push him.

They reviewed their plans for the weekend after dinner, deciding the order they’d take in the beautiful sights of the park and lake. Thus decided, they retired for the night, the journey having tired them all out, except Emily, who’d slept through it!

Chapter 2

Tom stirred slightly, sure there was something on his chest. He lifted his hand to flick it away: Emily caught his hand