Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Twenty Six

ARIS' POV

✲

"Did you see your father yesterday?" Luca asks as he froths up some milk in a metal jug.

I hum as I move cutlery onto a tray. "Yeah, I did."

"How is he?"

My mind grimaces at the question. "As usual. Doesn't recognise me but the nurses don't want me to confuse him further so I just pretend that we don't know each other and I'm just being friendly. It's awful."

Luca flashes me a sympathetic smile. "I couldn't imagine how hard that is, Aris. But you're so strong and an amazing son."

"Yeah..." I trail off and turn my attention back to my duties before it makes me break down.

"How has Nick been?"

I hum softly. "Yeah, alright. Ever since my little blip with the ambulance he's been surprisingly kinder with me."

"Good," Luca nods and places down a cappuccino on the tray. "As he should."

"It's kind of sweet," I admit. "It's like he actually cares about me."

Luca blinks once, then twice. "He does care about you, Aris. It's so obvious, he just has to get out of his head first and he needs to see what else there is in life apart from his job and being grumpy."

His statement makes me laugh. "He's a struggling man, I fully support him."

"Of course you would," he rolls his eyes with a playful smile. "Are you actually okay to go back to work after your fainting episode?"

I roll my eyes. "I'm fine," I grumble. "I don't need babying. I promise. It was a mistake and I feel fine now. I need to get back to work otherwise I'll drown in boredom. The doctor said it's good to keep my body moving and I believe that."

Luca hums. "Okay, fine. But if you need a break or a morning in, you can just let me know. I won't be angry."

"You sound like Nick," I comment.

"Because we care about you, Aris. More than you care about yourself clearly."

My phone vibrates in my pocket after I place down the tray on the furthest table in the cafe. Once I get back to the counter I pull it from my pocket and glance at the number but it's one that I don't recognise. I furrow my brows and answer the call. "Hello?"

"Hi, is this Aris Breaker?"

"Uh, yeah. Speaking."

"Hi, there. This is Pam from New Hales Primary School. Unfortunately there has been an accident at school involving Elodie. We've tried to get through to Nick but he's not answering his phone and you're down for her emergency contact. Would it be possible for you to come by the school to collect her?"

I blink at the wall repeatedly. "An accident? Is she okay?"

Luca whips his head to the tone of my voice. "She's a little upset and scraped up but she needs someone to come and collect her to take her home. Are you available to do that?"

"Yes," I nod immediately. "I'll be there right away."

"Thank you, Mr Breaker. I'll see you soon."

I press my thumb to the screen and jam my phone into my pocket. "What's happened?" Luca demands.

My hands slide into my apron and I tear it from my body before rushing to hook it up. "Something has happened at Elodie's school, they've asked for me to pick her up because they can't get through to Nick. Is it okay if I go? I'm really worried."