Page 76 of Grounding the Baker
“Would you like your usual?” asked Callum, his voice a little shaky.
“Thank you, Callum.”
The young man blushed, which Michael seemed oblivious to. It looked like his friend had an admirer. Not that it would make a difference to Michael; the man was married to this village. Callum quickly returned with Michael’s beer, and Austin paid for it.
“Shall we grab a table, or do you want to stay at the bar?” asked Austin.
“Let’s talk somewhere more private.”
They grabbed their drinks and took a table in the corner. The bar wasn’t overly busy, as it usually picked up later in the evening. Many people worked outside the village so came in after dinner.
“What’s wrong, Michael?”
“I’ve booked the surgery.”
Austin had to think for a second. “In Turkey?”
“Yeah. In August. I thought I could squeeze it in between festivals.”
Austin snorted, but then looked at his friend. He couldn’t see any doubt on his face.
“What do you need from me?”
“I don’t want the others to know about it.”
“Why not?”
“Because they’ll try to talk me out of it.”
Austin went to argue, but then stopped himself. Michael was right. He could hear them now. Gerard was a drama queen and would think of the worst-case scenario. Nathan would present detailed research on everything that could go wrong, and Tony... he’d go ballistic about Michael going abroad to have surgery on his own.
“I’ll go with you,” said Austin.
“What?”
“It’s the summer holidays. I can bring Maisie, and we can make a holiday of it.”
“Isn’t that the peak business period for you?”
“It’ll only be a week, won’t it?”
“Three days in hospital and then home.”
“Well, you can stay in the hotel with us for the rest of the week, in case you need anything more from the hospital. Give me the dates and I’ll just block the time out.”
“You don’t have to do that, Austin.”
“I know, but if we’re saying nothing to the others, I’m at least going to make sure you’re not on your own.”
Michael teared up, and Austin instinctively put his arm around him. He glanced over at the bar and saw Callum looking at them with a concerned frown.
“I think you have an admirer,” said Austin, to change the mood.
He knew Michael didn’t like people getting into his personal business, which was impossible in this town. If people saw he was upset, they’d be gossiping and word might get back to the other guys.
“Who?” asked Michael.
He nodded at the bar. Michael looked over, which startled Callum, who suddenly tried to look busy. Austin chuckled.
