Can't Buy Health 9: Can't Buy Health, #9

By Yvonne Marrs

The ninth book in the series finds young couple Tom and Emily, going through their own personal trauma.

Austin, while supporting wife Yvette through another operation and yet another medical problem, is left to comfort them while Jack and Zoe are away on holiday.

The four friends grow closer when Yvette's latest diagnosis deals them all a fresh blow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215108376

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

Months later, Tom was very relieved that Austin and Yvette had a calming effect on both of them, Emily especially.

However, while they’d been going through their own private nightmare, Austin and Yvette had been going through one of their own. 

Aus, she whispered for him.

It’s alright, sweetheart, I’m here. Austin leant over her.

It was ironic that Zoe and Jack had taken themselves off on a well deserved fortnight away, on a leisurely cruise, far out of reach of either distressed couple.

What’s... Yvette started weakly.

Sshh, sweetheart. Everything's alright. Tom and Emily are with us. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to worry about, you’re okay. He kissed her, over and over again, soothing her until she fell asleep again.

He heaved a sigh of relief, his gaze falling on Emily and Tom.

C’mon, let’s go’n put the kettle on.

We shouldn’t be disturbing you. Emily began, with Austin’s arm around her, steering her out and into the lounge. Not when Yvette’s so poorly.

Austin shook his head. She’s alright - she’s improving all the time.

They both looked at each other, knowing he was glossing over the truth. At least by thinking about someone else’s problems, the edge was taken off her own pain, Emily realised.

It hadn’t been Tom’s fault: it had been a complete accident. She’d escaped relatively unharmed, she had, but not their unborn baby. Silent tears ran down her cheeks. Tom had multiple injuries; his car was a mangled wreck.

Aww, guys. Austin paused, seeing the expression on Tom’s face. He desperately wanted to cuddle Emily, but that wasn’t an option at the moment. C’mere Em. Austin cuddled her, watching Tom over her shoulder. I wish I could turn back time for you two. He said softly, making Emily sob harder.

The minutes passed slowly, a gradual calm coming over them.

Will you be okay while I make us a cuppa? Austin looked from one to the other, receiving two nods of  agreement.

I’m sorry, Austin. Emily began when he came back in with three cups and a plate of biscuits on a tray.

There’s no need to apologise. He smiled kindly.

I can’t believe you’re doing this. She squeezed Tom’s good hand. How selfless are you?

Austin laughed. It’s how I am. He shrugged. I bounce back to our state of normal once we get the all-clear from the doctors - until then I’m a nervous wreck.

Tom smiled, and stopped, wincing. How Emily wasn’t also seriously hurt he couldn’t understand. That had been one horrific smash: he had needed to be cut out of the wreckage, but Emily had barely more than scratches and bruises. Apart from...

He bit back the thought, unable to cope with the pain that tears brought. He’d had pins inserted into the bad break in his arm, and the stitches... he’d lost count of how many there were.

Tom? Emily squeezed his hand, repeating his name.

Sorry, what?

Are you alright? She asked him again.

Yeah, he sighed, and instantly regretted it, pain flashing across his pale face.

Even Austin was looking at him, concerned. 

Tom almost moaned: he hated being the centre of attention. What happened, he paused, with Eve?

Austin’s expression changed: they both saw it. Aww, you don’t want to know.

Yes, we do. They both spoke together, turning and smiling at each other.

Austin shook his head. She’s been so bad over the last year. He shrugged. This time the doctor knew it wasn’t right, and he had to replace the ICD. It would’ve been just the battery...but, he shrugged again, ...something wasn’t right. That’s all I know.

Poor soul.

Yeah, he sighed, I don’t know how she’s gonna react going back for a check-up next month. Another hellish torment.

We’ll come with you, if it’ll help.

He smiled at Emily’s suggestion. That’s a kind thought, thank you.

Almost as if on cue, Yvette moaned and Austin’s phone started ringing.

I’ll get it. You go to Yvette. Emily got up, seeing who the caller was. 

Austin disappeared. Tom stayed where he was, not wanting to move if he didn’t have to.

Hi Em,

Austin winced, hearing Zoe’s voice ringing out as he got to Yvette, immediately soothing and reassuring her.

The atmosphere changed in the room, even over long distance Zoe sensed it.

I knew something was wrong! Zoe moaned. 

Jack appeared by her side. What is it? His gaze went from Emily to Tom sitting on the sofa behind her. Oh my God, what happened to you?!

They got the story out between them, with much pausing and many tears. 

We’re coming back... Zoe started.

There’s no need, honestly, Emily blew her nose loudly. We’re okay. My Mum and Austin are great... She stopped, realising her mistake when Zoe’s face fell.

Zoe jumped ahead a step. What’s happened to Eve? Jack slipped his arms around her.

She’s alright, Emily started.

She will be. Tom corrected.

Zoe moaned. I knew it... She turned to Jack. I told you!

He held his hands up in defeat. Okay, I should’ve believed you.

Zoe closed her eyes. It’s bad, isn’t it? She said, not daring to see them nod.

Austin’s been telling us what happened, but the doctor’s given the all-clear.

Zoe groaned, tears rolling down her face.

We’re coming straight back. We’ll get on the first flight, we can be back in a few hours. Jack agreed with Zoe’s initial thought, thinking the idea through. Why didn’t you call us?

We tried. Tom said. We tried and Austin tried, but we couldn’t get a connection.

Jack closed his eyes in horror. I’m sorry, guys. He sighed. We’ll be back as soon as we can.

I don’t know what good it’ll do. Emily said.

Zoe looked up sharply. It’ll do all of you good. We can’t support you from here. I can’t stay away with all this going on.

Jack too shook his head. Definitely not. We’ll see you later. He hung up. 

They could imagine both of them running around, packing and phoning the airport to see when the next flight home was.

I’m gonna see how Austin and Yvette are, you stay here. Emily said, kissing Tom and getting up again. She padded down the hall, knocking gently on the door before she stepped into the room. Austin? She could see he was crouched over Yvette, able to hear his soft, gentle voice. Are you two alright? She said softly.

Yeah, he kissed Yvette’s forehead, gently stroking her face with his fingers.

Nothing I can bring you? She tried again, her gaze going from Austin to Yvette, who moaned again.

Sshh, it’s okay, sweetheart. He kissed her again, soothing her. 

Emily fell in with his soothing, allowing his words to wash over her also. Yvette’s breaths were still wheezy and rattling, even though she was asleep.

Is it the pain? Emily asked, coming out of her trance.

Austin pulled a face. The pain, the fear, the difficulty. He shrugged. Who knows?

She moved to the opposite side of the bed, putting her arm around his shoulders. I know you’re hurting too, she whispered, but I’ll play by your rules.

Thanks, Austin whispered back.

I’ll go and see how Tom is, he’s probably asleep.

Austin nodded, watching her leave again. He knew without being told that Zoe would’ve found out what had happened, to all of them, and that she and Jack would return from their travels as soon as possible. Secretly he was relieved.

Chapter 2

––––––––

Tom yelped as Zoe squeezed him and Emily together. He pulled away as best he could, prepared to forgive her once the pain settled down again.

Jack was in with Austin and Yvette, which confused Tom as he had thought that it would be the other way around: surely Zoe would’ve gone straight to Yvette. He didn't understand... She fussed over them, without dragging Emily to the end of her emotional barrier. When Jack hadn’t reappeared within the first half hour; this was their code. If he did, they were truly okay. Zoe swallowed hard, realising his lack of presence and what it signified.

How is she? Her eyes travelled between the young couple, noting they both avoided her gaze. Squeezing their hands as she got up, as if to say she understood their hesitation, she put the next step of the plan into action.

She took several deep breaths, standing behind the closed door, before going inside the room. Why did everything happen at the same time?

Jack looked up as she came in, a smile lighting his face at her presence. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say... Being speechless was never in Zoe’s favour. She could talk herself into or out of anything. It was what she did best.

What’s...? It was pretty useless asking really. Instead, she focused on trying to read the expression on Jack’s face. He hadn’t managed a word out of Austin; his worry and frustration showed. Her frown deepened. 

She nodded twice, and then once in Austin’s direction: Jack understood, moving to sit on the opposite side of the bed to her, so they could both cuddle Austin and Yvette. Zoe noted, with overpowering relief, that Yvette was asleep; though her breathing was still rattling and wheezy, she seemed peaceful.

We’re here, she began, finding her voice. I’m sorry we weren’t here sooner.

Five hours seems pretty quick to me! He managed a slight smile, grateful for their comfort.

Let it go, Aus. She said, squeezing him. We’re here, and we’re gonna stay with you two for a while.

Zoe knew him too well... Austin’s resolve weakened.

I wish we’d been here. Jack said quietly. That’s the whole point of us being around - to be with you when you need us.

You poor soul. You’ve been so strong for Tom and Emily too. Zoe squeezed him tightly, once Jack had lifted Yvette from him as she slept on, blissfully unaware.

What happened? Jack said softly, after a while.

Austin was now starting to calm, having been encouraged to let out all the emotions he’d bottled up over the past few stressful days.

I’m not...entirely sure... he started, shakily. They had to... he took a deep breath, ...replace her ICD, the little machine, inside her.

What?! Jack and Zoe gasped together.

He could only nod, feeling pain and anguish rising again. Sobs caught in his throat.

Aww, Aus! Zoe squeezed him tightly. C’mon, let it out. We’re gonna look after you and Eve. You don’t have to cope by yourself, okay?

Austin nodded. After a longer pause, he spoke again. He almost smiled to see Jack had Yvette in his lap and she was still asleep. Silently he gave thanks.

She recovered well after the operation.

He received two nods, willing him to continue.

I sense a ‘but’, Jack prompted.

Austin nodded again. The doctor’s already been to see her, and we’re to go back next month.

When next month? Zoe asked.

Austin looked up at her, puzzled.

It’s already the 29th. She said by way of an explanation.

The 5th.

A week’s time?

He nodded again, not trusting his voice. That was a bad sign if ever he’d heard one. He had specific orders to get her back to the hospital ASAP if he even had the slightest doubt, if she suffered even the slightest sign... 

It was touch-and-go