"36.7 celcius, your fine sweetheart, you get back into bed and i'll bring your up some icecream" Connie gave her 10 year old daughter a hug and watched her daughter make her way back up the stairs.
"Can i have chocolate sauce on too..?" She asked without looking back.
"Of course"
The brunette made her way in to the kitchen to see Sam sitting at the dining room table looking sullen.
"Everything okay?" She asked opening the freezer draw. Her eyes scanned quickly over the tubs of freshly prepped frozen meals. No icecream in sight. She groaned.
Sam turned to her. "What?"
"No icecream for our poorly girl, i could have sworn we had some last week.."
Sam smirked. "Um... that may have something to do with me, i'll nip out and get some more, anything else we need?" He stood watching his wife think for a minute and wondered if she'd made a mental note of what food they had and didnt have, in every cupboard in the kitchen. It baffled him. She could just look.
"Maybe just some magazines for Grace" he nodded grabbing his coat from the back porch. "Oh and some salmon... bread... olives... pesto and a bunch of bananas, please" she smiled at him.
"Are you okay?, you look a bit peaky, i hope your not coming down with something" she walked towards him and felt his head.
He soon pulled her into a hug. "Hey, whats this in aid of?, nothing i just... Connie, i have something to te-'
"Mum!" He was caught short by their 10 year old. She pulled away beginning to make her way into the hall. "Do you want me to text you what i asked you to get?"
"No..no its okay, go see what her ladyship wants" he half smiled.
"Dont be too long, its date night" she was now half way up the stairs and he headed out the door.
His stomach knotted into a tight ball, aniexty crippled him. He took out his phone. A missed call and voicemail. He climbed into the car.
You have one new voicemail. To listen press 1 to repeat press 2. To delete press 3
He pressed to listen.
Sam, its Michael, i wondered if you'd thought anymore about my proposition? It would be a great oppertunity for you, im aware of how much you want to further your career. Im arranging a skype call with other members of the board in a couple of days time to disscuss matters further. If you could get in touch as soon as possible that would be great. Thanks bye.
Connie watched from her daughters window. He still hadnt set off. Grace let out a cough. She turned towards her daughters bed where she was sat. "Okay, sweetheart?" Grace nodded.
"Daddy is bringing you some magazines from the shop and some more icecream because he ate the last lot.." she smiled snuggling up to her daughter.
"Can i watch some television?" Grace asked her voice small, the tonsillitis making it hard for her to talk.
"Absoleutly darling, in our bed?" Grace's face lit up. "Come on then.." the girl climbed into her parents bed and Connie switched on the tv and fiddled with the buttons for some time.
"Where is netflix?" She mumbled to herself.
"Mum. Let me do it, i know!" The 10 year old rolled her eyes at her Mum.
"Okay...okay.." Connie passed her the remote and left her to it.
The night drew in and Connie lit the fire. The cold winter air was bitter. It was the middle of October.
A bottle of wine was set on the coffee table along with a box of chocolates and two wine glasses.
"What are we watching again?" Sam quizzed.
"A film with Hugh Grant in, Nottinghill its called, have you honestly not seen it before?"
Sam shook his head and got comfortable on the sofa. Connie cuddled up to her husband and they started the film.
Connie picked up the post off the floor. She yawned as she flicked through the envelopes.
"Grace, for the last time can you please go and get dressed for school!" Connie addressed her daughter from the hallway as she sat in the lounge she made her way through to the kicthen.
"Sam, post for you its from St James hospital, what would they be writing to you for?" Sam face turned white as he swallowed his last piece of toast.
Connie walked towards him and pressed comfortingly on his back. "Your not going to be sick are you?"
Sam shook his head. "Whatever is the matter?"
"Nothing, look i have to get to work" he grabbed his coat and briefcase.
"Sam, darling, i dont think your well" the door shut behind him.
She sighed. "Grace are you dressed yet?, youre going to make me late for work"
"Coming!" The 10 year old rushed down the stairs. Connie looked at her. "What have you got on your face?" She tilted her chin up and their eyes met. Grace shuffled away.
"Just a bit of make up"
"For school" The brunette shook her head. "We dont have time for you to take that off now, come on, out the door" Connie couldnt help but smile to herself as she locked up.
Sam sat at his desk and pulled the letter from his pocket.
Dear Mr Sam Strachan,We are delighted to offer you a place at St James hospital as acting CEO. Your role will require you to work closely alongside a Mr Michael Beauchamp and you will be expected to learn from him as he mentors you.This will requite you to therefore, works your months notice at your current hospital and your contract with us will start in the New Year. 2nd January 2016.All the bestSt James Hospital.
He pulled out his phone and scrolled down and hovered over his wife's number. His pager pulled him back from his thoughts and he left his office swiftly.