Lucy’s name flashed up on Max’s mobile moments after she arrived home. She had been discharged from hospital soon after she had come round and Luke had seen her home safely in a cab. He had asked if she was sure she would be OK alone – Lucy was still in Scotland – and Max insisted she felt just fine.
‘But I do want to see you again soon,’ she told him.
‘Don’t you worry about that. I’ll make sure of it. I can’t stand the thought of missing out on your next adventure.’
Luke leaned over to kiss Max and she felt dizzy again, but it had nothing to do with the Ambi Pur. Every part of her body felt alive – and the hot-water bottle was back between her legs. Be good, it will wait, she told herself as she pulled away and said goodnight.
‘Hi, Luce, how are you doing? How’s Scotland?’
Silence.
‘Luce?’
‘Oh Max, it’s awful.’ Max knew her sister and could tell from those few words she was trying not to cry.
‘What’s wrong?’ Max could hear the panic rising in her voice.
‘Oh I’m absolutely fine, don’t worry. I just had a bit of a fight with Hartley and I wanted to come home. I’ll explain when I see you. I’m on a sleeper train from Dundee – I’d missed the last flight and this was the only way I could leave straight away. Bad reception. It gets in at seven in the morning at King’s Cross. Can you pick me up?’
‘Of course I can. Sure you’re OK?’
‘Yes. See you soon. Love you.’
‘You too.’