by Lucy Clark
‘Ready,’ she declared, and Marty nodded to Beth.
Beth spun the wheel and called out the instructions. ‘Left hand—red.’
Marty laced his fingers and then flexed them before starting the game. Natalie merely rolled her eyes at his attempted intimidation.
‘I won then and I’ll win now.’
‘Are you sure? You’re much older now. Perhaps not as flexible as when you were a teenager.’
He had a point. ‘Same goes for you, old man. If I recall correctly, you’re a whole seven months older than me.’
Marty merely grinned and listened to Beth’s next instruction. Ten minutes later they were well and truly tied up in knots when the doorbell rang. ‘Coming,’ Beth called as she gave the dial another spin. ‘Right foot—green.’
‘No!’ Natalie called. ‘That’s impossible. My body doesn’t bend that way.’ But Beth wasn’t listening as she’d gone to answer the door.
‘Chicken, Nat?’ Marty chided as he tried to contort his own body. ‘If I just twist this way…’ He tried shifting a little to his left.
‘Marty! Marty!’ Natalie called through her laughter as he bumped her. She tried to steady herself as well as put her foot on the green circle. ‘Stop moving. You’re making it worse.’
‘Got…to…win,’ he muttered with concentration, but it was too late. He overbalanced and came down…on top of Natalie. Arms and legs were sprawled everywhere and they were both laughing hard.
‘Get off me, you big oaf,’ she spluttered between giggles.
‘My sentiments exactly,’ came the deep, well modulated tones of another man.
Both Marty and Natalie froze and looked over towards the door.
‘Richard!’
CHAPTER FOUR
NATALIE tried to quickly scramble out from beneath Marty but he was taking his time getting off her, shifting this way and that and making her highly conscious of just exactly how incredible their bodies felt pressed together.
Finally she was free and scrambled to her feet, pulling her top down and adjusting herself. ‘Richard. What are you doing here? I thought you were going to catch up on your paperwork after surgery.’
‘Amazingly, it’s all finished so I thought I’d pop by for coffee.’ His smile was tight.
Natalie frowned at him. Pop by? Richard wasn’t the popping-by type of guy, so why tonight? ‘Uh…well, we haven’t had dessert yet and, of course, I can put the coffee on again.’ She noticed Richard was glancing over her shoulder towards Marty. ‘Oh. Sorry. Richard, this is Marty Williams. He’s the newest member of the paediatric staff. Marty, this is Richard Everley.’ She forced a smile but there was a highly charged moment of uncomfortable tension before Marty, being his usual cheerful self, moved and held out his hand to Richard.
‘Nice to meet you. Orthopaedics, right?’
‘Yes.’ Richard shook hands with him but didn’t seem inclined to engage in conversation.
‘My cousin’s in Orthopaedics.’
‘Really?’ Richard didn’t sound at all interested.
‘Yes. Overseas in London at the moment. Brilliant doctor, if I do say so myself. You may have heard of him.’
‘I’m not at all familiar with orthopods in London.’
‘Then I guess the name Sir Ryan Cooper doesn’t ring any bells.’
Natalie’s and Beth’s eyes widened. Even they had heard of Ryan Cooper, the brilliant orthopod who’d recently been knighted. His work around the world, in war zones and with landmine victims, was legendary. He had also developed new surgical techniques for dealing with those types of injuries, which had been recently added to the training of all orthopaedic registrars around the globe.
Natalie glanced at Richard, who seemed to be staring at Marty in astonishment. The entire moment was quite surreal but Marty went on as though he didn’t notice. ‘Of course, he’s just “Cuz” to me.’
‘Ryan is Sir Ryan Cooper?’ Natalie was astounded.
‘One and the same. He was a few years ahead of us in school.’
She smiled. ‘He was always getting you out of trouble.’
‘That’s the one.’ Marty grinned at her, then winked and she realised he knew exactly what he was doing. He could feel the tension, he’d read Richard’s pompous attitude and had promptly put the orthopaedic surgeon in his place. She should be furious at him but instead she found it hard to smother a smile.
‘I’ll get the coffee organised, shall I?’ He headed to the kitchen as though he was the one who lived there and not Natalie and Beth. ‘How do you take it, Everley?’ he called a moment later.
‘Er…black, thank you.’ Richard answered automatically, before coming over to stand next to Natalie. ‘Who is that man?’
‘I told you. He’s the new paediatric registrar.’
‘When you told me you’d invited your colleague around, I’d presumed the new registrar was female.’ He’d lowered his voice and Natalie was glad Beth had gone to help Marty. ‘Imagine my surprise when I find out from one of my secretaries that the new registrar is male. Not only that but hospital gossip says you were at school with him.’
‘For once, gossip is at least accurate.’
‘Why did you cancel out on me tonight?’
‘We’ve been over this. When you said you couldn’t make it, I made other plans.’
‘You’ve never done that before. You’ve always waited in case I could make it.’
‘And you never do, Richard. Besides, I have the right to have an old friend around for dinner even if he is also a new colleague,’ she argued, totally annoyed with Richard and his high-handed attitude.
‘But we’re dating,’ he snarled.
‘That doesn’t mean I can’t have friends, Richard.’
He shook his head. ‘We won’t discuss this now.’
‘No. We won’t.’ She’d been having such a wonderful time and now he’d spoilt everything. She was just about to suggest he go when Marty carried in a coffee-mug and handed it to him.
‘Beth has dessert all organised so let’s eat.’ Marty was still his usual happy self but Natalie knew he could feel the tension in the room. The town house wasn’t that big and although both she and Richard had lowered their voices, the tone of their conversation would have carried through to the kitchen.
‘Here you are, Nat. Two with moo.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Natalie,’ Richard said.
‘Yes?’ she responded.
‘No.’ He had been directing his comment at Marty. ‘Her name is Natalie.’
‘I know.’ Marty sat down and grinned. ‘I’ve known her since she was twelve. First day of high school, remember that, Nat?’
‘I meant, her name is not Nat.’
‘It’s not?’ He glanced at Natalie. ‘Doesn’t bother you, does it, my darling Nat?’
Natalie closed her eyes and shook her head, unable to believe the male power play that seemed to be going on.
‘Didn’t think so,’ Marty continued, purposely mistaking her movements as an answer to his question. Thankfully, Beth came in carrying the dessert and sat very close to Marty. After dessert he slipped his arm about Beth’s shoulders and gave her a hug. ‘Thank you. That was delicious.’
Beth smiled up at him and Natalie wondered if her friend had just chosen the next man to date. She refused to acknowledge the gnawing in the pit of her stomach that they were completely wrong for each other, even though she’d previously told Marty they’d be perfect together.
‘Now, how about another game?’ Marty stood and pulled Beth to her feet. ‘You can play this time, Beth, and Everley can be the spinner.’
‘Excuse me? The what?’ Richard looked from one to the other.
‘The spinner,’ Marty repeated, and handed Richard what he needed. ‘Come on, Nat. There was no decisive winner last time.’
‘Marty, I don’t—’ But her protests were cut short as he hauled her to her feet. He caught her in his arms and danced her over to the brightly coloured mat wi
th large colourful circles painted on it.
‘Right, Everley. Spin the arrow and read out what it lands on.’ Again, Marty winked at her. ‘I think it’s my turn to whip some butts.’
‘I’d say you’ve already done a good job of that,’ Beth mumbled, and glanced at Richard.
‘I don’t believe this,’ Natalie replied, her tone soft.
‘Come on, Everley,’ Marty said encouragingly. ‘It’s not that difficult.’
Reluctantly, Richard spun the arrow. ‘Left foot—yellow,’ he called hesitantly. All three put their left feet on a yellow circle and looked expectantly at him. He spun again. ‘Left hand—green.’ Again, they all obeyed his instructions. They continued on with the game and amazingly Richard actually looked as though he was enjoying himself, adjudicating where necessary.
They were all bent and twisted around each other when Beth couldn’t hold her position any longer and toppled over.
‘You’re out, Beth,’ Richard declared.
‘This game is so much harder than it looks,’ Beth muttered. Richard spun again.
‘Right foot—red.’
‘Why does it get harder as time goes on?’ Natalie grumbled as she shifted around, finding it a bit easier now that Beth was out of the way. In the beginning she’d been highly conscious of whenever her body touched Marty’s, especially with Richard looking on. After a few more twists her inhibitions had disappeared and her previous competitive spirit returned.
Richard went to spin again but accidentally dropped the spinner. As he did, Marty wobbled, still trying to get his right foot onto a red circle, and fell.
‘Hey!’ Natalie called as Marty quickly righted himself. ‘Didn’t you see that?’ She appealed to both Richard and Beth.
‘See what?’ Beth asked.
‘What? No one saw him fall?’
Marty started laughing.
‘This is so unfair. This is Ms Schofield’s class all over again. Marty, admit it.’
‘Admit what?’ he asked between chuckles.
‘Martin.’ Her voice was a low growl.
‘Ooh. I’m in trouble now.’ He collapsed, chuckling. ‘All right. I admit it. I fell. Nat is the winner.’
She stayed where she was for a moment, unable to believe a victory was finally hers.
‘You can move now, Nat,’ he said, still lying on the mat. ‘I’ve conceded defeat.’
‘Honestly? You’re not trying to trick me?’
Marty laughed again and reached out to pull her down. She landed with her head on his chest, the end of her ponytail flicking into his face. He brushed it aside and she turned to smile at him. ‘Am I champion of all time?’
‘Yes, my darling Nat. You are the champion of all time.’ He reached down and pressed a kiss to her nose. ‘But any time you want a rematch just let me know because next time I’ll be taking that title back.’
‘Hey, it was never rightfully yours in the—’ It was then she realised he was razzing her up. ‘You dolt.’ She pushed herself away from him and stood, realising both Richard and Beth had been watching them. Knowing she needed to say something quickly to cover over her growing awareness of the moment she’d shared with Marty, she looked at Richard and smiled. ‘Sure you don’t want to have a go?’
‘Thank you, Natalie, no. In fact, I must be going. Goodnight, Beth.’ Richard then held out his hand to Marty, who was still lying on the floor. ‘Good game, Williams.’
‘Thanks.’
Richard looked meaningfully at Natalie. ‘Walk me to the car?’
‘Of course.’ In the few times he’d been there, he much preferred to kiss her goodnight outside so she was puzzled as to why he’d specifically mentioned it now. She followed him out, closing the front door behind them.
‘I think they want to be alone,’ Richard said as he took her hand in his.
‘Pardon?’
‘Beth and Williams.’
‘Oh. Uh…yes.’ She frowned. ‘I guess they do.’ Richard pressed the button to open his car and the lights flashed. He leaned against the driver’s door and tugged Natalie closer.
‘I think they make a good couple. Williams seems to have his head screwed on and the fact that Sir Ryan is his cousin…well, that will stand him in good stead.’ Richard shook his head slightly. ‘It’s such a small world. I was only thinking the other day that it would be wonderful to work with Sir Ryan and here his cousin is an old schoolfriend of yours.’
‘You’re thinking of going to London?’ Natalie was surprised.
‘Do you have any idea how a year working with Sir Ryan would look on my résumé? Say, I wonder if I could get Williams to fix up an interview.’ He paused as he adjusted his arms around Natalie’s back. ‘Then again, how well did you know him?’
‘Who? Ryan? Not that well.’
‘Sir Ryan.’
‘He’ll always just be Ryan to me. I’m not into fancy titles much.’
‘Well, you should be. If Sir Ryan can make it to the top of the orthopaedic profession before he turns forty, so can I.’
Natalie eased back, stepping out of his embrace. This was all wrong. She’d initially chosen to date Richard because he was safe but now…tonight…she realised he was not only safe but boring as well. She shook her head. Perhaps it wasn’t Richard who had changed. Even though Marty had only been back in her life for a short time, his presence had made her realise she’d outgrown Richard.
‘Something wrong, Natalie?’
‘Yes. Actually, there is.’ She paused, hoping Richard would understand. ‘I think we need to spend more time apart.’
He didn’t seem at all put out by her request. ‘Let me set up this London interview first and we can take it from there.’
‘No. You’re not listening to me, Richard. I don’t want to date you any more.’
Again, he brushed her words aside. ‘I know it’s been hectic and we haven’t spent as much time together as we did previously, but it will settle down soon.’
‘It won’t, Richard.’
He merely smiled and she stared at him, unable to believe his audacity and arrogance. She opened her mouth to try again but realised it didn’t matter what she said, Richard wasn’t in the mood to hear it. He opened the door and slid behind the wheel. ‘See you at the hospital, Natalie.’ He shut the door and started the engine. A moment later he’d driven off down the street, leaving her standing in the middle of the road, staring after his car.
‘Trouble in paradise?’
Natalie swivelled and saw Marty coming out of the shadows. She watched his natural movements as he came closer. ‘How much did you overhear?’
‘Enough.’ He stopped just in front of her. ‘You OK?’
‘Sure. Annoyed that he’s not listening to me, but he’ll get the message eventually.’
Marty looked at her in the glow of the streetlamp. ‘You don’t seem too upset at breaking up with him. How long have you been dating?’
‘About six months.’
‘Another longish relationship.’ He nodded. ‘Nat, you’ve got to start letting go.’
‘Letting go of what?’
‘Of the barrier you erected back in ninth grade.’
‘What?’
‘I was there. I saw it go up. The day your parents told you they were divorcing—do you remember what happened?’
‘I was grumpy in class and you cajoled the news out of me.’
‘It was worse than pulling eye-teeth. I watched, right there, as you put the first brick in place. You started building this imaginary barrier around yourself and you rarely let anyone through. You’re mostly fine with women and that is evident by the relationship you have with your mother and friends like Beth.’
‘Is this your turn to delve into my psyche?’ He gave her a maddening grin and she tossed her head and glared at him. ‘And what else, Dr Freud?’
‘And your relationships with men took a different turn. You didn’t notice it but you started dating a different sort of guy.’
‘Nev
O’Grady?’
‘Exactly. Nev was blond, Richard is blond and I’d be willing to bet the guy you were dating when we met up in Fiji was also blond.’
‘So? Maybe I have a thing for blonds. They are supposed to have more fun, you know.’
‘Your father wasn’t blond.’
‘So? That doesn’t prove anything.’
‘Maybe it does.’
‘Hey.’ Natalie wasn’t sure where this was leading but they’d been having such a wonderful evening and she hadn’t expected it to end this way. ‘There’s nothing wrong with me. I date guys that I like, that I find attractive and who have similar interests to my own.’
‘You date guys who are safe.’
‘So?’
‘You’ve got to put yourself out there. For real. You were the one in Fiji who kept nagging me not to cut myself off from the female gender. “Your marriage failed,” you told me. “That doesn’t mean you’re a failure,” you said. “The right woman is out there, just waiting for you.” You can dish out the advice, Nat, but you don’t take it on board in your own personal life.’
‘We weren’t talking about me back then, we were talking about you, and I was quite happy in the relationship I was in.’
‘Well, we’re talking about you now, Nat. You’ve broken it off with Everley. Now what? Look around for another blond man who doesn’t have blue eyes, like your father, and date him for about six to eight months and then decide that isn’t working either?’
Natalie eyed him for a moment, unable to believe what he was saying, his words cutting like a knife. Pain and hurt and a desperate need to protect herself welled from deep within. ‘No,’ she replied, and even she could detect the hurt in her tone.
Marty’s gaze instantly mellowed and he gathered her into his arms. ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry,’ he mumbled into her hair. ‘I didn’t mean to push so hard.’ He stroked the end of her ponytail. ‘I just get frustrated seeing you going around in circles.’ He pulled back and looked down at her. ‘I want you to be happy, to finally get over your parents’ divorce—just as I had to get over my own divorce. It’s not easy when you feel as though you’ve been betrayed by one of the few people you trust. I know you probably felt your father left you, that he was to blame for everything that happened to you afterwards, but it’s not true. You weren’t the reason they got divorced.’
