Page 100 of High Stakes
I continue to stare open mouthed, unable to find any words.What’s my name?He smiles, shifting uncomfortably under my gawping eyes, then he glances to the receptionist, probably wondering if I’m some kind of mute.
“Bella,” I huff out, grinning like an idiot.
“Come in, take a seat. I’m doctor Lain. Grant Lain.” I sit opposite him. He glances through my paperwork then stands. “Can I?” and he holds up his stethoscope.
I give a nod, and he proceeds to round the desk, rubbing the metal against his palm, “I’ll warm it up,” he adds with a small laugh. He stands behind me and places itdown the back of my shirt and against my back. He listens before moving to my front where I open my top slightly, so he has access to my chest. After a few more seconds, he gives a satisfied nod, then takes my blood pressure.
“Slightly higher than I’d expect,” he says, “Are you feeling well in yourself?” I nod again, and he laughs. “You can talk, can’t you?”
I blush, I’m such an idiot. “Sorry, I’m a little tired. It was a long journey through the night.”
“London to Scotland really is a long journey,” he agrees.
“There is a reason for me popping in to register today,” I add, “I’m pregnant. Only a few weeks but I recently miscarried and so I’m a little stressed and anxious.”
He sits back down and makes a note. “Okay, well congratulations. You and Mr. Bella May must be very pleased.”
“There is no Mr, just me,” I confirm.
I have to get used to that line in a small village like this. People will probably talk about the single pregnant woman that’s run away to Scotland.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have presumed like that. How far along do you think you are?”
“Only four weeks, very early stages. I’d taken the morning after pill but was sick within an hour of taking it, I stupidly didn’t really think much of it at the time.”
“Would you like to discuss options?” he asks, frowning.
I shake my head, “No, I want to keep the baby. It was a mistake to take the morning after pill.”
He smiles, “It worked out well then,” and he gives a laugh to ease the tension. “Let’s get you started on vitamins. I’ll send for your notes today and then I’ll be in touch. But you’ve come to the best place, Bella, we’ll keep a close eye on you. So for now, rest and take it easy.”
I release a long breath, “Thanks. I appreciate you seeing me.”
“This isn’t London,” he says, “We’ll always see you no matter what time or day.” I stand, and he follows. “It was lovely to meet you, Bella. I look forward to seeing a lot more of you.” Images of my smear test flash through my mind and I cringe. I can never have a smear again.
The bakery is a few doors up. The lovely elderly woman tells me she doesn’t have a vacancy, but she’ll hire me anyway because she could do with the help now she’s getting older. I’m so happy I could cry. It’s only a few hours a day, which is perfect for me, and with the monthly money from the shop back in London, I’ll be fine.
Life here is going to be amazing. I can feel it.
Aiden
It’s been weeks since Bella left and even though she’s still on my mind most days, I’m starting to relax in the knowledge, we’ve both made the right decision. When I popped into the bakery last week to collect the books, Aria wasted no time filling me in on how amazing Bella’s new life is. She even made sure to tell me all about the hot doctor she’d met. And although I left there feeling jealous, which was clearly Aria’s intention, I know it’s the right thing for Bella. She deserves to be happy.
I take a deep breath to clear my mind, and turn back to the stacks of paperwork in front of me. JP pops his head around the door, “Any news?” he asks.
Laurie is having a c-section today and the DNA test will be done right after if all is well. I shake my head. “Aria asked me to go to Scotland,” he adds, stepping further in.
“A mini break,” I say, my tone teasing, “Whatever next, marriage?”
“You sound bitter,” he says, also grinning.
“Just be careful, that scary little she devil will get her claws into you, and you’ll become her little bitch.”
“I welcome the pain,” he says, smirking.
“Why Scotland?” I ask, tapping some figures into the calculator. When he doesn’t reply I glance up and he shifts uncomfortably. I sigh, “She’s in Scotland.” Everyone is treating it like some big secret, scared I’m going to chaseher down and drag her back here. I roll my eyes in irritation, “Just go to Scotland, JP. Say hi to the Doctor from me.”
“Aria told you?” he guesses.