Lussuria (New Version) (2 page)

“Yes, we plan to go up north in February, so Cairngorms it is. Although, I have some work to do while I’m there, so you two boys will need to get on with it without me. Terence said he was eager to have Osurac Industries working on the project, so thank you for the offer to help with the renovations. Tell that sister of mine to call me before I go on holiday, you must be working her too hard, she’s always moaning she doesn’t get a day off.”

After he’d left the office, Casey closed her eyes and wished every patient could be as co-operative as Lucca. She hoped that someday soon she would be able to say the same words to Lexi Robertson and tell her she was on her way to a brighter future, but there was a lot of work to be done.

The girl needed a lot of love…

New Beginnings …

Two Years Later

“Where is that frigging file?”

I can’t seem to find anything in these boxes in this new clinic. I should never have let Jane and Mark pack up my files in the first place. As I sit on the floor of what will be my new clinic and office within Club di Energia, I look at all the plastic boxes on the floor. I can’t seem to muster the energy to do this today; I’m too busy concentrating on what I have to pack for my flight tomorrow when I get home. That will teach me to leave it to the last blooming minute.

My mind is in overdrive with what needs to be done. I bite the inside of my cheek, realizing I’m fretting, then pinch my cheeks and shake my arms and shoulders languidly to waken myself up.

Adding to my agitated mood, I‘ve had these skinny jeans on for what seems like a week, trying to keep all my other clothes clean for the case. They are going baggy at the knees, but they are very comfortable and have a dressy look. With black high-heeled shoes on, they make my legs look slim, so at least I’m not looking untidy and casual. I’ve put my black chiffon blouse on today, thinking that I can quick wash it when I get home, hang it up to dry tonight, and maybe take it with me.

My long, dark chocolate-brown, curly hair has been messily grabbed and piled in a shaggy bun on top of my head; it’s low maintenance and naturally tumbles into long tousled curls with minimal effort. I didn’t put jewelry on this morning as I was rushing, and only applied the slightest bronzing powder and peach blush, mascara and a nude lip gloss which all got skimmed over in the car. I managed a quick spray of perfume to complete my preparations outside in the car park before I came in here to my new office in Club di Energia a few hours ago.

I’m feeling fractious, knowing Mark my very efficient and reliable co-worker, will be unhappy if I don’t leave my patient records for him while I’m away, especially with four new referrals coming in next week for assessment.

“Ah, there you are, you little beauty.”

I put my hand on my notes and hold them to my chest as though I’m giving them life. Thank goodness for that; at least Mark will be pleased that I’ve managed to leave some order. I don’t know why he is being pedantic about it; it’s all backed up on the system.

“First sign of madness, you know. Talking to yourself.”

Jane, my other co-worker, walks in looking spaced out as always with her hippie rocks and wavy red locks. I have been trying to introduce a new style there for what seems like an eternity, but she is a law unto her own. Mind you, she is very professional and highly thought of in the world of physiotherapy. She has good, healing hands as Mark always says, even if she is a bit out there.

“New tunic, Jane? It’s very impressionable and...err, bright. Suits you.”

I’m amazed she doesn’t get a headache with all the brightly colored craziness going on, but I do love her quirkiness and kindness, even if she’s off her dial style wise. Jane hands me over a latte in a take away cup and beams a massive smile at me.

“Don’t be cocky, Lexi. I know you hate it, but thank you for acknowledging my new tunic. I love this one, and it’s definitely my favorite by far.”

“Jane honey, I don’t hate it. I think it suits you. Whatever makes you happy and comfortable, altho-”

She turns on her goofy looking biker boots and storms out. I was only going to suggest a chunky belt around the middle to stop her from looking pregnant and frumpy, but now I’ve upset her.

I lay the black leather padded patient beds out between the partitioned walls so that there is individual privacy—similar to little cubicle areas—and stand Mr. Bones, our resident skeletal model, in the corner.

I’m quite glad I’m making small progress here. I love the clean, white freshly painted walls, and large space at Club di Energia. We’ve been lucky securing our practice from inside Lanarkshire’s largest private health and fitness club. It is a great location situated between Glasgow and Edinburgh close for commuters being right next to the motorway. I’ve been paying my membership at the health club for years, but now that I’m staff it is free, so I’ll save a small fortune.

I’ve always loved coming here for fitness classes, even when my eccentric best friend Hazel is screaming down her head mic, yelling at me to lunge deeper or jump higher in Body Attack. She better not think she’s boot camping my ass during the holiday to Tuscany; I won’t fold to her imperiousness. I need to convince her I’ll book into Body Step the week we are back to keep her from hounding me.

Hopefully, business will be striving for our Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Practice here at the new clinic. We have our current patients, the extensive member base in the club and the added National Health Service referrals also.

Mental note – Mark is going to have to look at taking extra help on in the clinic
.

Unraveling the large wall posters from elastic bands, I lay them flat across the desk and deliberate which walls to put them on. I sit on a large Swiss ball and stare around me, taking it all in. It is quite exciting, this new venture.

I hear my mobile buzzing, so I try to reach my blazer on the floor, but roll right off the Swiss ball and land on my ass.

“Ouch!”

That hurt. I fumble around the empty crates on the floor and finally find it stuffed in my blazer pocket.

Hazel – Bring some choc in 4 tea. I’ve got my fuckin period n look like a mammal in a bikini fuck! Ted Carlin is going off on one about the mutt. R U taking hair straighteners? xxx

This makes me giggle. Hazel will be frantic about going on holiday with her period, and she’ll hate herself tomorrow for gorging on chocolate tonight. I’ll text her when I stop for lunch, then call Jessica about returning my wardrobe, and call Cameron to ask what he wants for dinner. It is concerning that my older brother still can’t make a decent proper meal.

Mental note: I will not be cooking for him every night as always when I return from my cooking vacation in Tuscany
.

I glimpse at my phone and check the time. 2.30pm. I gather up my bag, purse and phone and head out of the clinic just as Jane comes shuffling back through the corridor.

“Are you going for lunch? I’ll join you. I could eat a horse...or three.”

“Jane, are you holding out on me? Are you pregnant or just starving?”

The angst-ridden look on Jane’s face could sink a ship, and she looks as though she is going to cry. I immediately wrap my arms around her and kiss her forehead.

“Jane, it’s okay. I didn’t mean that. I was being rude and trying to be funny. Just ignore me.”

She cuddles me as she sobs into my neck. I hate that I’ve caused her this distress.

“Actually…I am pregnant. I was in the bathroom vomiting just before, and now I’m starving. My emotions and appetite are all over the place.”

I grip her tightly for an extra cuddle and smile. “Well, missy, congratulations! I’m so happy for you. That’s lovely news. How far along are you?”

She sighs. “I’m only ten weeks or so, and don’t want to tell anyone yet, you know…with it still being in the early days.”

“Well, I promise I won’t mention it to anyone until you’re ready. Come on, let’s get you fed.”

We head for the bar downstairs behind reception, and slouch into a dark espresso colored chesterfield plush sofa. I love that the gym looks more like a hotel; it is quite relaxing if you’re here to enjoy the facilities. I order a king prawn salad sandwich on wholemeal bread with a small minestrone soup and bottle of water. Jane thinks twice about ordering fish, so she opts for a chicken and bacon panini with chunky chips, coleslaw and a side salad.

“You better not tell Hazel I’m eating like this. You know she’ll frown upon it. Oh good God, she is going to want me to go to preggie yoga.”

“Don’t fret, Janie. Hazel can’t teach yoga, so you’re off the hook. Although, she might drag you and your bump to Body Balance.” Jane places her hand on her tummy and looks down at the table. “I don’t think it’s good for you to be worrying about things, Jane. Just roll with it. I’m sure everything is going to be fine, and don’t worry about your job. We’ll manage.”

“Nice try, Lexi, but you’re a worrier too, and I know you’d be the same if it were you.”

She’s right, of course, but it won't ever be me.

I stare at her tummy and hold her hand. Deep down, I feel a little pain knowing that I will never be in her situation. I’ll never let that happen.

“Actually, Lexi, if you’re okay with it, would you mind if I go home? I’m feeling like crap.”

“Of course, you go home. I’ll be fine here on my own. Well, I’m not exactly on my own, I have a club full of people.” I gesture my hand out towards all the busy socialites sitting around the bar with their sports gear on, or work attire freshly showered after their intense lunchtime workout.

“Okay, have an amazing time on holiday, and tell Hazel to keep away from all those hunky Italians. She’s getting married soon. And you, please try to find some romance. You’re going to end up old, lonely and miserable.”

“No, I won’t. I’ve got lots of friends and family to fill my life, and just the way I’d like to keep it, and I’m not having any relationship complicating my thoughts and my life, no way. I will, however, look forward to the glorious food and sightseeing.”

I give her a huge cuddle and kiss on the cheek before heading back up stairs.

Chemistry

I feel my phone vibrating in my blazer pocket as I unlock the clinic door. Shit, Hazel will be going frantic at no incommunicado. I fling my blazer over the chair and retrieve my phone. Ten missed calls from the girls and eight text messages.

Hazel – What the fuck are you doing? Txt me pronto. No kiss…

I wish Hazel would calm down, I think I’m rubbing off on her with my paranoia.

Me – Breathe, Hazel. I’m alive. There will be no chocolate, but I’ll bring wine home.

Cameron – Don’t make me dinner, I’ll grab something at Rachel’s. She has promised me all night loving.x

It’s just wrong knowing about your brother’s love life, but glad I’ve got a night off from cooking for him.

Me – Fine, but be back for 8.30am tomorrow to take me to the airport and NO details, please.X

Mark – Everything going ok with unpacking? Course is dire, boring as. Mind leave notes and reports. Have a safe flight tomorrow and enjoy.

Mark sounds bored shitless, so he’ll be in a stomping mood. I better have everything in order for him.

Me – I’ll email you. Jane has a stomach bug, ironically.

Carrie – I’m working back shift at the hospital, will be there a little late 2nite. X

Carrie’s chat will be positively draining after a long shift in the ER, and I’m not in the frame of mind to be listening about drunken antics and accidents of the lovely Scottish public hospital.

Me – Have a good shift. See you when you get to my house.X

Lucy – Tried calling, I have your hair straighteners. I’ll bring them 2nite. X

Good girl, Lucy. She better not forget the hair straighteners or missy Hazel will have a stroke.

Me – Thank you, Lucy. Don’t forget my hair straighteners.X

Samantha – Having a fucking nightmare at work. I’m on the wine 2nite. Fuck the coffee. Talk the girls into vino. I’m freaking out here with an asshole of a manager. Cu at 8 bells x

I smile at Samantha’s attempt to get us on the wine on a school night. Samantha always has a ‘fucking nightmare’ at work. She needs a new job.

Me – Samantha, there will be wine (much to Hazel’s distaste). Get a new job!

Jessica – What time you want us over for coffee club 2nite? x

I give Jess a call about the holiday clothes. As lovely as she is, she explains she has my maxi dress, wedges and short sparkly skirt that she borrowed and will bring some of her outfits over so I can pick what I want to take. She really is a great friend, so loyal and down to earth.

Granny – Tried calling, your mother has not heard from you, can you please call Grandpa and I. We worry and we need to chat. I need to make sure you’re ok with the recent news. We love you darling. Xx Granny xxx

As if on demand, my breathing becomes more erratic and fast, and I feel a sharp pain to my chest. My fingers tighten like pins and needles, and my head begins to pound. I know it’s the start of an anxiety attack, and I’m in flipping work of all places. I can’t think about this just now, and I’m not calling her back from work. I place my hand over my throat and chest, feeling heat radiate through them, knowing I must be red and blotchy, unable to hold back the tears prickling at my eyes.

This isn’t going to get to me before I go on vacation!

I wonder if I’ll get away with ignoring Granny until I get back, but chances are slim. Granny Elizabeth is persistent and on the ball, plus I hate upsetting her. There’s no way she managed that text on her own; she must have had help because she is incompetent with technology. Oh dear God, please don’t let it be mouthy Mags from the post office. I perish the thought of everyone in Morayshire knowing my business, and she’s the gossip of the Scottish Highlands and knows everybody’s ins and outs, especially in Grantown–On-Spey. The thought makes me nauseous, and I’m feeling a little light headed.