Liz nodded. ‘I don’t want to do this on my own.’
* * *
Emma sat in a corridor in the maternity wing while Liz was assessed by the midwives. Despite her continuously trying to get in touch with Alex, his phone kept going to voicemail.
Not sure what to do next, she phoned Jay. He didn’t answer either, so she left a message asking him to call, telling him it was about Liz and urgent. She hoped he’d call back. Even if he didn’t want to speak to her, Liz needed him. Within moments her phone rang.
‘Emma, what’s the matter?’
‘It’s Liz,’ she said, relieved. ‘She’s gone into early labour. Alex is away and, despite me ringing him constantly, he’s not answering. I don’t know what to do.’
‘Okay. That must be stressful.’ He paused. ‘You said Alex is away — do you know where is he?’
‘No. Liz said he was on some corporate jolly, somewhere in the counties. Golf, I think.’
‘Do you know who he’s with?’
‘No, of course I don’t!’ Then she remembered. ‘Oh, hang on, I think Liz mentioned something about Lord Weatherton.’
‘That’s good. I have his number. I’ll try ringing him. If he’s not with Alex, he might know where he is. What hospital are you in so I can let him know?’
‘St Thomas’s.’
‘I’ll phone you straight back.’
‘Thanks.’ As Emma ended the call, the door to the room Liz was in opened, and two nurses guided a trolley out.
Emma jumped to her feet. ‘Liz?’
The worried face of her friend looked back at her. ‘They’re taking me for a Caesarean. Looks like this baby is determined to come early, on top of which, I have pre-eclampsia. Have you managed to get hold of Alex yet?’
‘No, but Jay’s on the case. Don’t worry, we’ll get him here.’
Liz nodded. ‘Thanks, Em.’
Emma watched as her friend was pushed away, and a wave of loneliness and fear washed through her. Her phone rang, making her jump.
‘Jay?’
‘Good news. Alex is with Lord W. His driver is bringing Alex back right now.’
‘Oh, that’s a relief. But ring him back and tell him to put his foot down. Liz is having a C-section and she’s got pre-eclampsia.’
‘What’s that?’
‘I’ve no idea. I haven’t had time to look it up it yet, but it sounds pretty serious.’
‘Right. I’ll let Alex know. Are you okay?’
‘Not really. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine.’ For a moment it was as though their break-up had never happened. Then it all came rushing back and she realised that Jay wasn’t part of her life anymore. She shouldn’t be leaning on him like this.
‘I’ll come and sit with you, if you like? At least until Alex gets there.’
Emma paused, but she couldn’t resist his comforting presence. ‘Would you?’
‘Of course. Liz needs us.’
‘Yes.’ A wave of disappointment hit her. He wasn’t coming for her. He was coming for Liz. It was a selfish thought because he was right. Lizdidneed them. But at least he was coming.
