A Life Less Lonely (22 page)

***

When Andrea returned to work the following Monday, she found herself staring at her computer screen as if her usual messages arrived via carrier pigeon. Seeing the bullet points before her, scrolling down to read the comments and overall positive summing up of the drug trial so far, she felt like just another member of Dr Harrison’s highly skilled team.

Well, what else did she expect? Hadn’t she blocked his personal texts and phone messages? Hadn’t she replaced the iceberg between the two of them? No way would he be calling round with wine and roses any time soon.

In spite of her decision, in spite of the way he’d clearly taken it on board, Andrea felt depression settle upon her like a black shroud. She’d worn a metaphorical one for too long and
Keir had succeeded in ripping it away. His kisses, his generous, tender, lovemaking – it was no good. She didn’t need to keep torturing herself like this. The interlude had been sweet but she shouldn’t have taken him seriously. Thank goodness Josh hadn’t got to know Keir, grown fond of him, ending up hurt by the appearance and disappearance of a father figure in the life he and his mother shared.

Nor did it help when the Prof ambled into her office, bearing goodies.

“Sorry we didn’t see you on Saturday, my dear. Good weekend was it?” He held out a plastic box. “Louise catered for a banquet as usual. She sent a slab of gateau for you and Josh.”

“That’s very kind, Richard.
My goodness.” Andrea held out both hands. “That’ll be three evenings’ desserts for the boy and me. Did - I mean, how did the party go? I was at Kirsty’s house. Things are a bit complicated, what with one thing and another. I like to help out a bit now her bump’s so much bigger.”

“Understood.
Yes, it all seemed to go well. Keir came but to be honest he looked a bit like a fish out of water. Fortunately our friends from the golf club took him under their wing. I believe they gave him a lift home afterwards.”

“He was on his own?” She blurted.

Richard stared at her. “He didn’t bring anyone with him, if that’s what you mean. Louise’s cousin seems to have enjoyed talking to him but she won’t see seventy again. She did tell me how charming he was though.” He pulled a face. “Can’t imagine him as someone’s toyboy but you never know.”

Andrea felt ridiculous relief. “I didn’t mean to sound nosy. Sorry!” She gestured at her monitor. “He must have been moonlighting over the weekend.” She kept her tone light. “Have you read his update yet? It’s very heartening. Even without my mother’s involvement, I’d be picking up positive vibes from the results so far.”

Richard nodded. “The results are very encouraging. Excellent, in fact.”

Andrea thought he had something else on his mind but his PA put her head round Andrea’s office door, pre-empting further comment. “Sorry to interrupt but I have Dr Harrison on the phone for you, Richard.”

The Prof nodded at her. “I’ll take it in my office. Talk of the devil, ay, Andrea?”

He hurried out, leaving her alone with a large invitation to death by chocolate and a huge helping of curiosity. So
Keir had been out partying, however sedately, and without a plus one. What did she care? The odds were on Moira playing hard to get now she’d succeeded in shattering Andrea’s trust. It was probably just as well all had been revealed before things developed too much too soon.

Andrea forced herself to concentrate.
Keir’s social life was no longer her concern. But the pink cloud of joy, having so recently wrapped itself around her, left her feeling like Josh’s punctured space hopper. Life seemed very drab.

***

“Good morning, Richard,” said Keir. “I just wanted to say thanks again for a very enjoyable evening.”

The Prof settled back in his chair. “Glad you could make it, old man. I’ve been telling Andrea we were sorry she couldn’t join us. Louise is good at parties.”

“Indeed she is.” Keir hesitated. “Look, Prof, the fact is, I’m thinking of taking a short break. It will mean my missing a couple of clinic sessions but nothing will be delayed. The schedule remains in place. I just wanted to assure you on that score before I confirm my travel arrangements.”

“Holidays are important. Going anywhere special?”

“I might catch up with some old friends. Nothing’s finalised yet but it’ll be very helpful if you can maybe drop in on a clinic session or two. Keep an ear to the ground for me.”

Richard frowned. “Won’t Andrea do that? I don’t want her to feel I’m breathing down her neck.”

“Understood, and I’m sure she won’t think that’s the case. I just don’t want her to feel I expect her to carry any extra responsibility, that’s all.”

“How long will you be away?”

“Only a week. That’ll be plenty.”

“Let me know when you’re off and don’t give it another thought.”

When Keir put down the phone, he sat thoughtfully tapping his pen against the edge of his desk blotter. He’d felt strange during the brief conversation; he was not his usual assured self. He could tell Richard sensed something, especially when Keir mentioned Andrea. It proved what he’d always thought. Relationships between men and women in the workplace were like old flames at weddings. Needing to be doused before they could do any damage.

Chapter Twelve

Keir
watched a spoof horror movie on the flight over to Montreal, hoping its dreadful but comical script would help block the memory of his last flight when Andrea had begun letting down her guard. On that trip, his instincts had led him to believe he might, just might, be laying a foundation as far as a personal relationship was concerned. Despite the bizarre film, his thoughts roamed dangerously. How did he know he was doing the right thing in setting in motion a chain of events that could lead him to live on the other side of the globe?

He didn’t. Fate, or whatever higher authority dictated events, would no doubt take over. All he knew was that he could not be around Andrea and treat her as an ordinary colleague while his emotions shrieked distress signals at him whenever he came within her orbit.

He hadn’t wanted to say too much to her, hadn’t wanted to frighten her away. But what they’d experienced together had finally drawn a line under his former marriage. A tiny smile creased his face as he remembered how she invited him back into bed on their last morning. His happiness level had soared to high doh and hopefully the same was achieved for her.

Maybe being thousands of miles away from her comfort zone, she’d found it easier to unwind once the business part of their visit ended. Whilst on their flight home, the uncertainties had wormed their way back. When she’d made her feelings plain, it was if his gremlins stuck two taunting fingers at him. But his determination not to let her pass up a chance of happiness had swayed her. Two steps forward, three steps back. Along had come another gremlin. One with red hair and an attitude spikier than her gleaming finger nails.

Canada could be the way forward at this point. No way could he sustain another emotional tsunami such as the one endured so recently. Neither could Andrea, as he very well knew. He felt a surge of pity, picturing her stricken face as Sister Haynes spun her little melodrama. It was all so crazy. Placed in an invidious position, he’d taken refuge in work. The unfairness of it ate away at him so much that when the stewardess appeared again, he ordered a brandy. It wasn’t the answer, but it would do for the moment. Maybe afterwards he’d be able to take a nap and wake up feeling more kindly disposed to the world.

***

Rhonda Pierce talked. Keir listened. Each of them sat in a low, leather chair, the glass-topped table between them bearing a jug of iced water and two tumblers. He nodded as she outlined the important aspects of her role. His eyes widened as he heard how much importance was attached to the exchange of findings within the various teams. His enthusiasm increased as he realised how much that centre of excellence had to offer someone with his qualifications and experience.

“This is a fantastic branch of medicine to be in,” said Rhonda. “Of course, you already know that, but I’ve never before encountered such dedication to sharing and comparing, with all of us striving for the ultimate. And that is, all of us striving to benefit the patient.” She paused. “Do you know we have trainees from around sixty different countries working at this hospital?”

Keir gave a low whistle. “I did a little homework on the flight over but hearing it from the horse’s mouth makes a far greater impact.”

Rhonda chuckled. “Well, I’ve been called a few things in my time but that takes some beating.” She glanced at her watch. “How about the horse takes you to lunch, introduces you to a few of the team?”

His eyes narrowed. “Lunch sounds great but isn’t it a little premature for me to start meeting people?”

“I don’t think so. You’re on the short list,
Keir.”

He nodded. “I get it. So lunch is part of the selection process? If I eat peas from my knife or shower my food with salt will your colleagues be mentally awarding me marks out of ten?”

Po-faced, she looked him in the eye. “Be very afraid. It’s only the big boss who gets to slurp his tea.” She got to her feet and Keir immediately stood too.

“We can freshen up on our way to the dining room,” she said. “I’ll just collect my purse then we’ll go throw you to the lions.”

***

Some days were like that. Andrea’s mother was being a tad tetchy. No matter how tactfully she tried, Lizzie Dean could not persuade Rosemary to stop dawdling and prepare to travel to Hartnett General for the morning clinic session. At last the elderly woman came out of her bedroom but still wearing slippers instead of her summer sandals.

“Rosemary, the colour of your dress is very pretty but I’m not sure the slippers go with it.” Lizzie held her breath, hoping this was a wise remark.

Rosemary looked down. “Oh dear,” she said. “I’d better change.”

“You look lovely in the dress. Why don’t I fetch your navy-blue sandals and you can just slip into them?”

“That’s a grand idea,” said Rosemary. “Do you know where to find them?”

Lizzie left her in the hallway while she collected the sandals. They weren’t on the shoe rack inside the big wardrobe and she needed to check under chairs before locating them neatly parked beneath the bed. She returned to find the hallway empty.

It was too much. Lizzie’s good humour and patience was often sorely tested and that morning she’d awoken feeling slightly out of sorts. “After all, I’m human too,” she muttered to herself. “Rosemary,” she called. “Where are you?” A quick glance showed her the door chain remained in position. But that mightn’t apply to the kitchen.

“I’m in here!”

Rosemary raised her eyes to the heavens. Panic over. Then she saw the funny side. Rosemary was leafing through a dictionary she kept on the table beside her favourite chair.

“Do you think you could leave the crossword until later, please?” Rosemary crossed her fingers behind her back. “We really need to get going now.”

Rosemary looked up indignantly. “But this is very important.”

Lizzie walked towards her charge. “Why don’t we take the crossword and dictionary with us? Then we can solve some clues in between the games and things you’ll be doing?”

The older woman’s face broke into a smile. “What a good idea.”

Still clutching a handbag roomy enough to hold a bundle of kittens, she followed Lizzie through to the front door. Today, Lizzie would have to leave the session early in order to reach the school on time. Andrea would take an early lunch break and drive her mum home. Two ham salads sat under wraps in the fridge. The kindly neighbour who came in to keep an eye on Rosemary at odd times would take over so Andrea could return to the university. It was a highly organised schedule rather like a line of dominoes, with everyone hoping the first one wouldn’t fall.

Lizzie fully appreciated Andrea had had a tough time over the last months. But she could not help but wonder what seemed to be keeping her so preoccupied lately. You’d have thought she’d be satisfied now her mum’s care was sorted and her job involved working with such a charming man.

***

Keir
stood beside Rhonda Pierce at the elevator on her office floor.

“You see,
Keir, your visit today has left me more than ever convinced you’re the right person for the job.”

“Because when the big boss talked about ice hockey, I understood at least ten per cent of what he was saying?”

She patted his arm. “That too. I was thinking more of your ability to talk easily to all kinds of people, orderlies, patients, consultants, lab technicians – you don’t do hierarchy, do you?”

He shrugged. “Not if I can help it. I have to say there’s a great atmosphere in this department.
Unless you’re all on your very best behaviour today.”

“Believe
me, I think you’re home and dry.” She glanced upwards. “The elevator’s about to swallow you up. Are you still OK for dinner later?”

“If you’re sure it’s no trouble.”

“We love entertaining. Patrick’s very much looking forward to meeting you.” She hesitated. “I hope you don’t mind but I’ve invited an old friend of mine, Carrie Michaels. She’s in Westmount visiting her folks and it just seemed a good idea to invite her over to keep us company.”

“It might also keep the three of us from talking too much business,” he said.
“Unless your friend happens to be another medic?”

“She’s a musician,” said Rhonda.
“A very sought-after violinist.”

“Sounds interesting.
OK, I’ll see you at seven then.”

“Sure you can find your way?”

“Positive.”

Keir
rode to the ground floor, acutely aware that each time he got into a lift, Andrea’s face floated across his vision. He didn’t think it was likely he’d be cured of this phenomenon too soon, even if Rhonda Pierce produced a whole strings section of glamorous friends to eat dinner with him. But maybe this was what he needed. If he wanted to make a complete clean break after the tempestuous times of the last weeks, meeting a female he was unlikely to come across again might help him banish some ghosts. Unless she happened to be looking for a soul mate, in which case, she’d be disappointed. It would take him a long time to exorcise from his thoughts the only woman he could envisage in that role.

He walked to the nearest cab rank and stood a moment, looking back at the huge hospital complex he’d so recently visited. It put him in mind of a stack of gigantic blue and white egg boxes but
its somewhat unprepossessing exterior shielded hundreds of talented, caring professionals, going about their everyday tasks. In many cases, that would be saving lives, then. Could this be the right place for him? How much was he allowing his emotions influence his career? His first concern had been the impact such a move might have upon his former wife and daughter in terms of seeing Naomi. But when he checked the distance between London and Melbourne, he discovered it was marginally less than that between Montreal and Melbourne.

He reached the head of the queue for cabs. As he got into the next one to arrive, he told himself to stop worrying and enjoy the rest of his stay. Despite what Rhonda said, she wasn’t the decision maker. He might be shortlisted but that didn’t mean he would receive even the sniff of an offer. The board might be looking to put a younger person in post. They might even be looking to replace one woman with another. Everyone knew it would be very challenging to take over from such an impressive boss lady.

***

“Don’t worry,
Keir, I’m not looking to find a husband.” Carrie Michaels flashed an impish grin at him. She looked at Patrick and Rhonda. “Those guys don’t ever believe me though.”

He’d immediately taken to this quirky woman with the tiny diamond nose stud and the cap of corn-gold hair. The hosts had left them alone after Patrick produced tall glasses clinking with ice cubes and filled with a delicious fruit concoction he swore was virtually alcohol-free.

“I know the feeling,” Keir said. “If I’m invited anywhere, I immediately start wondering which poor soul’s been earmarked as my potential partner.”

“Strikes me that wouldn’t spoil anyone’s evening,” she said. “You’re presumably single, undeniably attractive and doubtless solvent? I’d fancy you.”

He burst out laughing. “You don’t stand on ceremony,” he said. “And I couldn’t possibly comment on what you’ve just said, except it’s true to say I live within my means. I’m incredibly boring in fact.” He put his drink on the patio table. “So where’s the current Mr Carrie Michaels, if I may make so bold? Or are you between boyfriends, perhaps?”

His companion sneaked a glance over her shoulder and leaned closer.

She smells of violet cachous, he thought. It was like a blast from his childhood when his sister used to buy tubes of the little sweets.

“I’m going to entrust you with a deep, dark, secret,” she said.

“Isn’t that rather rash? After all, you hardly know me.”

“I know enough about you, Mr James Bond. And we’re ships that pass in the night though I really would appreciate your keeping this particular bit of information under wraps.”

Keir nodded, highly intrigued now. Carrie’s turquoise blue eyes sparkled. He could easily imagine her dressed in an elegant black gown, lost in the melody as she drew music from her violin in harmony with the rest of her orchestral colleagues.

“I’m not interested in guys,” she said.

“Ah.”

“You don’t sound in the least shocked.”

“It’s not my business to be surprised or otherwise. You’re a beautiful woman. You’re single, intelligent and presumably solvent and it’s my pleasure to be in your company for the next few hours. I’d fancy you.”

She sat back in her chair. “Touché, Monsieur. You’re certainly not boring.
Tu es très gentil.”

He put up his hands. “I thought this bit of Montreal was pretty much English-speaking. My French isn’t great. As to whether I’m kind or not, well the jury’s out on that one.”

Carrie frowned. “So, did you beat your first wife? Do you drown helpless kittens?”

“God, no!”
He had to laugh at her. “The truth is I just don’t seem able to do relationships.”

He couldn’t believe he’d said that. How long had he known Ms Michaels? Ten minutes? Suddenly he wanted to see this woman again. Whether she considered him to be bland and boring or totally bonkers, he’d a hunch she might be able to point him in the right direction. She sounded as if she’d got herself sorted. What did he have to lose?