Leap of Faith by Fiona McCallum Read Free Book Online

bombing out and of the big hole the loss of her father had left, which in her current state might see her fall apart. So when the phone on the coffee table chirped just as she got herself to the point of slipping into sleep, startling her wide awake again, she thought she’d let the answering machine take it. She half-listened as the electronic American voice told the caller no one was home and to leave a message.
    â€˜Hey Jess, it’s Tiff …’
    Jessica snatched up the phone and pushed the green button to speak to her best friend. ‘Hello. Hey Tiff, I’m here,’ she said, practically shouting into the phone.
    â€˜Oh God, are you okay? Sorry, but I didn’t get Steve’s message until way late …’
    â€˜It’s so good to hear your voice,’ Jessica said. She let out a sigh and lay back further into the plush leather.
    â€˜So, how bad is it?’
    â€˜Thankfully, just two fractures to the ankle. In plaster for six weeks – well, it’s fibreglass, but you know what I mean. And I’m already sick of sitting around not being able to do anything.’
    Tiffany laughed. ‘But darling, it’s only day one.’
    â€˜Tell me about it,’ Jessica groaned. ‘I’ve got poor Steve out there emptying the float and I feel terrible.’
    â€˜Why?’
    â€˜Well, the horses are not his interest, it’s hardly fair.’
    â€˜Yes, but sweetie, in sickness and in health … I say enjoy having a wonderful man prepared to do these things without complaint – it’s called love and devotion. And, anyway, you’d do the same for him. So you just relax and rest up and make the most of being a sloth.’
    Jessica felt another twinge of guilt. Poor Tiffany had lost her fiancé, Todd, in a car crash a short while ago. Jessica yearned to help her friend more, but one of the things she loved most about Tiffany was her fierce independence. After losing Todd, she’d stayed with Jessica and Steve for a couple of weeks before finding a rental she could afford on her own. And, anyway, there really wasn’t anything anyone could do – it was all about time. Tiffany said that herself, regularly. Jessica admired her courage and ability to stay positive. She probably would have run home to Mummy – if she still had one – and moved back permanently.
    It was far too soon to even think about, but Jessica wondered how likely it was that Tiffany would find two lovely men who would adore her in one lifetime. She just hoped her dear friend would be the lucky one.
    She dragged herself back from her memories. Tiffany was right: there was nothing she could do about her situation, so she might as well make the most of it. Her problem was minor compared to what Tiffany was dealing with.
    â€˜So how’s the pain? Is it okay?’
    â€˜Okay with the Panadeine Forte. But that won’t last long. They don’t give you a prescription – just twenty tablets – at the RAH. If you need more you have to go to your GP. But the last thing I want to do at the moment is leave the house.’
    â€˜Hey, I’ve got some leftover – and I think another script; should still be good to go – from when I had my ear infection over Christmas. You can have them, if you like.’
    â€˜Oh, that would be great.’
    â€˜So, do you need me to come over, like right now? It’s just I’ve managed to score a few days in the feed store. But I can ask to start late next week if you need me.’ That was Tiff, as always, putting everyone else before herself – or trying to. She was so desperate for work that Jessica couldn’t put her new job in jeopardy just to have some company.
    â€˜No way, don’t you dare put your life on hold for me; I’m fine. Thanks, though. And what wonderful news on the job – well done, you!’
    â€˜It’s only the feed store, but it’s something. And the