Leap of Faith by Fiona McCallum Read Free Book Online Page A

staff discount will be a big help.’
    â€˜So how did you go yesterday?’ Jessica said, suddenly remembering Tiffany had had her own important event. Tiffany was passionate about dressage.
    â€˜Really well: a first and two seconds.’
    â€˜That’s great!’
    â€˜Yeah, and scored high enough to qualify for the state champs. Not sure I’ll be bothered going, though.’
    â€˜Even still. Oh, wow, we should be cracking open the champagne!’
    â€˜Not with you on painkillers, young lady,’ Tiffany scolded playfully.
    â€˜Hmm.’
    â€˜So, seriously, is it really painful?’
    â€˜A bit at the moment; I’m due another couple of pills. But I’m more exhausted than anything else – I couldn’t sleep in the hospital. I’m planning a nap real soon.’
    â€˜I’d better leave you to it then.’
    â€˜You don’t have to, I’m fine.’
    â€˜I’d better go and get ready for work.’
    â€˜Oh, I didn’t realise you were starting straight away.’
    â€˜I’m just doing a couple of hours’ orientation this afternoon and then I start properly in the morning. At this stage Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but I’m hoping it will become Tuesdays and Thursdays as well if the farmers have a good season.’
    â€˜Well, good luck with it. I look forward to hearing all about it.’
    â€˜Yeah, right, how many bags of chaff and how many bales of hay such and such has bought – very exciting stuff.’
    â€˜It’s probably going to be a whole lot more interesting than what I’ll be getting up to in the next six weeks.’
    â€˜Good point. Look, I’d better run. But I’m so relieved you’re okay. I’ll be over as soon as I can, but do let me know if there’s anything you need. Other than more drugs – I’ll put them in my bag right now before I forget.’
    â€˜Thanks, Tiff, that would be brilliant. And thanks so much for the call. Good luck with the new job.’
    â€˜Thanks. See you soon.’
    â€˜See ya.’
    Jessica hung up smiling. A chat with Tiffany always brightened up the dullest of moods. And she couldn’t help being pleased at the prospect of more pain relief without stepping out into the big wide world – her head was now pounding as well as her leg. She looked across at her handbag, wondering if she could get the end of the crutch into the strap and drag it within reach without falling off the couch. Maybe? She was just making her first attempt when Steve came in, followed by the two dogs.
    â€˜Hey, don’t you dare. I’ll get it,’ he said, seeing what she was up to. ‘So, have you managed a nice rest?’
    â€˜No, the bloody phone rang!’
    â€˜Oh, who was it?’
    â€˜Tiff. It was wonderful to speak to her, but I’m in pain, tired and cranky. And bored,’ she added, pouting.
    â€˜What am I going to do with you for six weeks?’ he said, putting her handbag on the coffee table before sitting down and wrapping both arms around her. It was so comforting that Jessica felt her throat constrict.
    â€˜Shoot me,’ she said into his chest.
    â€˜I’m ready for a kip myself,’ Steve said, ignoring Jessica’s comment. He kissed the top of her head and let out a weary sigh. ‘Horses are fine, float is empty and cleaned out. Is that all for now, m’lady?’
    â€˜Thank you. Yes, thanks so much.’
    Steve got up wearily and went and stood beside the second couch where the two dogs were now sprawled without even the good grace to look guilty.
    â€˜Come on, you two, off,’ Steve said, and waved his arm at them.
    With two harrumphs they were off and lying on the hard floor – looking miffed. Steve lay down on the vacated lounge.
    Jessica closed her eyes. The room was quiet except for the gentle rustle of trees, the woody melodic tone of the bamboo wind chime out under the