by Lucy Clark
‘I…I…I don’t know,’ she wailed, and buried her face in her hands.
‘He’s not like your dad,’ Beth said softly, and Natalie slowly lifted her head to look at her friend.
‘I know that. He’s nothing like my dad—personality-wise. The pain of my parents’ divorce has almost vanished but there’s no denying it’s made me who I am today. It’s affected me so deeply that I’ve built such strong walls around myself.’
‘And Marty’s breaking through them.’
‘Yes.’
‘And it scares you senseless.’
‘Yes. I’m so miserable.’
‘Well, you can make yourself happy very easily.’ Beth picked up the spoon and stirred the dinner once more. ‘Now, ready to eat?’
‘That’s it? Inquisition over?’
Beth smiled. ‘Yes. Did I tell you Marty’s managed to get his cousin to meet some of us from the orthopaedic department on Tuesday?’
‘Yes, you did. So you get to find out what Ryan’s like for yourself.’
‘Yes, but I just wanted some extra info from you. Are you sure you don’t remember anything about him?’
‘He was tall. He has the same colouring as Marty. They kind of look like brothers.’ Natalie shrugged. ‘That’s about all I can remember. When you’re at high school, you usually only associate with the people in your grade. Ryan was three years ahead of us.’
Beth dished the food up. ‘You’re no help.’
‘So you have the ortho dinner on Tuesday evening, eh?’
‘Yes, but don’t worry about your birthday.’ At Natalie’s raised eyebrow, Beth continued. ‘I managed to wangle the day off.’
‘So did I.’
‘I know. Marty told me,’ she added. ‘Anyway, let’s go to a spa, get facials and massages and mud packs and relax and enjoy ourselves. Have a real girlie day.’
Natalie smiled. ‘That sounds wonderful. You’re a good friend, Beth.’
‘Good, because I’ve already booked it.’
After dinner, the phone rang and Beth snatched it up. ‘Oh, hi, Marty.’
Natalie shook her head then made the ‘cut’ sign across her throat.
‘Yes, she’s right here,’ Beth announced, and held out the receiver.
‘Did I say you were a good friend?’ Natalie snarled, covering the mouthpiece.
Beth merely laughed and continued eating.
‘Hi, Marty. Problem?’
‘Not unless you’re booked up on Tuesday evening.’
‘Uh…’ She tried to ignore the way her body reacted to the sound of his voice, as well as trying to get her brain to work. She closed her eyes and concentrated. ‘Why?’
‘Because I’d like to take you out to dinner.’
Natalie was stunned. ‘You mean…like a date?’
‘Well…kind of, but more like a birthday celebration.’
‘You know it’s my birthday?’
‘Of course I do. It’s the reason your name is Natalie. It means “nativity” and that’s why your mum chose it, because you were born around Christmas.’
Her eyes snapped open in surprise. ‘You remember that?’
‘Sure. I have an excellent memory. So, are you free?’
Her brain refused to function and her body was trembling because of his words. His thoughtfulness, his natural caring abilities, his gentleness. He was different. Different to every blond-haired man she’d dated. He had dark hair, he had blue eyes and he was amazing. Could she take the chance? She might get hurt, but what if she didn’t? She was swamped with emotion and realised she’d been a fool. ‘Yes,’ she managed to whisper, and quickly cleared her throat. ‘I’m free.’
‘Good. I don’t finish until seven that night—because someone I won’t mention has the entire day off. So I’ll book for eight-thirty.’
‘OK.’
‘You all right?’
‘Mmm-hmm.’ She dragged in a breath. ‘I need to go.’
‘OK. I’d better go see what darling Aggie wants as she’s late going home.’
‘Aggie?’ Natalie’s heart started beating even faster than before. Had he won the bet? In some ways she hoped he had managed to call Sister Dorset by her first name without being torn to shreds. If he’d succeeded, it meant she would have to do what he proposed, and right now she was looking forward to the prospect—whatever he chose.
‘Ah…not yet, but she’s really coming around. Anyway, sorry to interrupt your night. Sleep sweet, Nat, and I’ll see you tomorrow at ward round.’
Natalie held the phone in her hand, listening to the disconnected signal, staring into space.
‘Natalie?’ Beth held out her hand but still Natalie didn’t pass the phone over. Beth leaned over the bench and took it. ‘What’s up, hon?’
Her dazed gaze swung around to meet her friend’s. ‘I’m in love with Marty.’ Even to her own ears her voice sounded incredulous and disbelieving, but the truth was in her heart and she knew it would never go away. This wasn’t what her parents had shared, she realised. This was one soul blending with another…Marty’s soul and hers. In fact, if she was honest with herself, their souls had joined back in the ninth grade only then their motive had been friendship and support. So, too, in Fiji, friendship and support. They knew each other inside out and still…she loved him. Faults and all. No. This was not what her parents had shared and probably not what Marty had shared with his ex-wife.
This love was for life and she had no idea what to do next. ‘I’ve fallen in love with my friend!’ She paused, letting the words sink in. ‘What am I going to do?’ she wailed with a heart full of love and fear.
On Monday evening, Natalie dressed for her date with Richard. She was sure he was going to tell her things weren’t working out between them—at least, that’s what she hoped he’d say. The sooner he realised it was over, the better.
When the phone rang, she half expected it to be Richard, cancelling as usual because something had come up at work.
‘Hello?’
‘Natalie.’ It was Richard.
‘Yes, Richard?’
‘Listen, do you mind if we postpone our evening out?’
‘Yes.’
He was silent for a moment. ‘I’m sorry. Did you say you do mind?’
‘Yes, Richard. I do mind.’
‘Oh.’ Another pause. ‘It’s just that Sir Ryan is here at the hospital and I thought I’d take the opportunity to have a chat with him.’
‘But there’s an orthopaedic dinner tomorrow night for you to do that.’
‘Ah, yes. Of course. You know about that because of Beth.’
‘Yes. She is in your unit, remember?’
‘Of course I remember.’ He sounded perplexed.
‘Is Ryan with you now?’
‘Er…yes. Yes, he is.’
‘Put him on the phone.’
‘What? I don’t think—’
‘Please, hand the receiver to him, Richard.’ She could tell she’d stunned him but she wanted to get this thing with Richard sorted out before tomorrow night. Tomorrow night with Marty was going to be an important night and she didn’t want any excess baggage hanging around. Tonight she would make certain Richard understood it was over between them and that it was final. She’d had enough!
She heard Richard clear his throat, mumble something and a moment later Ryan said, ‘Hello?’
‘Ryan, this is Natalie Fox. I’m not sure if you remember me.’
‘Natalie. Good to hear your voice.’
‘Er, thanks.’
‘I hope we’re going to have a chance to get together and catch up while I’m here.’
‘Sounds good.’ She swallowed, feeling a little overwhelmed at Ryan’s cheery reception.
‘Anyway, what can I do for you?’
‘Well…this might sound rather strange and I hope you’ll forgive me, but Richard and I had plans this evening and he’s about to cancel simply because he wants to talk shop with you. Now, I don’t want to hold his career bac
k but it’s imperative that I see him tonight.’
Ryan was silent for a moment and Natalie grimaced, wondering if she’d overstepped the mark. ‘If you don’t mind me asking—why?’
‘Um…well…Richard and I were dating and I’ve tried to call it off but the message just doesn’t seem to be getting through. When he arranged for us to go to dinner tonight, I was going to make sure he understood it was well and truly over.’
‘Any particular reason why?’ Ryan’s words were soft and slightly muffled, and she realised he was trying not to let Richard hear the question.
‘Um…well…’ she said again. ‘As a matter of fact, there’s someone else I’m interested in.’ She paused before continuing. ‘Your cousin.’
‘Right. Say no more. Consider it done. I’ll pass you back to Everley.’ And just like that she had her date with Richard restored, although Richard was none too happy.
‘I’ll meet you at the restaurant, Natalie…if that’s all right with you?’
Sarcasm? From Richard?
‘That will give me a little extra time with Sir Ryan,’ he continued.
‘Fine.’ Natalie hung up and finished dressing, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She drove to the restaurant where they often ate and was greeted by the maître d’ like an old friend.
‘Is Dr Everley joining you this evening?’
‘Yes. He should be here soon.’
‘Very good, Dr Fox. I’ve reserved your usual table.’
‘Thank you.’ A few minutes after she was seated Richard strode into the restaurant and he did not look at all happy. Natalie bit her lip, hoping he wouldn’t make a scene. Usually Richard was highly predictable in behaviour, but with his earlier sarcasm she now wasn’t quite sure what he would do.
He allowed himself to be ushered to their table and then they were left alone.
‘Have you ordered?’
‘No.’ Natalie took a deep breath. ‘I can tell by the look on your face that this won’t take long.’
‘How could you do that, Natalie? Sir Ryan is only in town for a short time to visit his family. His time is limited and he may be an old schoolfriend of yours but that doesn’t give you the right to rearrange my schedule.’
‘I agree, but I really needed to talk to you tonight.’ She clenched her hands together in her lap and took a deep breath. ‘I’ve tried to tell you several times that it’s over between us, Richard, but it doesn’t seem to penetrate. That’s why I needed to see you tonight.’
‘Why? Reconsidered?’
‘No. I need you to know there is no more…us. I’m interested in someone else and I wanted to make sure you accept there is nothing between us any more.’ To her surprise, this news seemed to stun Richard.
‘Someone else?’
‘Yes. It wasn’t intentional. It just happened.’
‘Who? Andrew?’
‘Andrew?’ She looked at him as though he’d grown an extra head. Andrew? Her fellow registrar? How could Richard not have a clue? Obviously he hadn’t noticed the sparks flying between herself and Marty. ‘No. Not Andrew,’ she said. ‘Who it is isn’t important where you and I are concerned. I need to know you accept things are over.’
‘Well, after your appalling behaviour tonight, you could hardly expect anything else. My career is important to me and I thought you had understood that. Work always comes first.’
‘I know, and that’s why we’re no good together, Richard. I want someone who’ll put me first. I know as doctors we have responsibilities to our patients, but I want someone who’s at least willing to try and put me first.’
He rubbed his chin with his finger and thumb before nodding. ‘It’s over. I accept that.’
Natalie breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Thank you.’
‘So that’s that, then.’
‘I guess it is.’
He nodded. ‘I’ll let the maître d’ know we’ll be leaving.’ He stood and escorted her out. ‘Thank you, Natalie.’ He bent and kissed her cheek, surprising her. ‘I’m sorry if I overreacted before. Tonight has been very…liberating. Yes, it’s helped more than you could know.’
‘Meaning?’
‘Sir Ryan was discussing the possibility of me joining him in London soon.’
‘And I actually factored into your decision?’
Richard smiled but she had absolutely no reaction to him. Her body didn’t warm, her knees didn’t go weak…nothing. It was liberating. ‘Sort of. I knew I needed to figure out how to break it off gently.’
Natalie frowned, wanting to point out she’d been trying to do that but he hadn’t accepted it. Right now Richard needed to hear the words that would ensure they could maintain a successful working relationship. ‘Thank you, Richard. I appreciate your honesty and your friendly attitude.’
‘Likewise, Natalie. I’ll walk you to your car.’ He did and then they parted.
As she lay in bed that night, waiting for the clock to tick over to midnight so she could see the beginning of her birthday, her excitement started to grow. She would be going out with Marty and she would tell him how she felt. He deserved her honesty and if he still wanted to remain friends then that would be fine with her…well, not really but she’d take whatever he could offer. She needed to be around him, needed it like she needed air to breathe.
‘I’m in love with Marty Williams,’ she whispered into the night, and as the clock clicked over to midnight she smiled. It was her birthday.
Her mobile phone rang and she jumped in fright. Realising it was probably her brother, who always called her as early as he could on her birthday, she snatched up her phone. ‘Hi, Slimy-breath.’
‘Pardon?’
Natalie pulled the phone back from her ear and checked the caller-display screen. It only said ‘private call’, not her brother’s name. ‘Sorry. Marty?’
‘Yes, Stinky-feet. Happy birthday.’
‘Oh.’ She melted at his thoughtfulness. ‘Thank you.’
‘Who’s Slimy-breath?’
‘Davey.’
‘Ah…of course.’
‘And I don’t have stinky feet.’
‘Hey, I was just joining in the name-calling. I didn’t wake you, did I?’
‘No. I like waiting for my birthday to begin.’
‘I know.’
‘Don’t tell me I told you that, too?’
‘Afraid you did.’ He paused. ‘Did you go out with Everley?’
‘Yes.’ She frowned. ‘Have you been talking to Ryan?’
‘Ryan? No. Haven’t seen him all day. Why?’
‘How did you know I was going out with—’
‘Beth told me,’ he interrupted.
‘Oh.’
‘Ryan knows you went out with Everley?’
Natalie sighed. ‘It’s a long story.’
‘Give me the abridged version.’ So she quickly told him about the phone conversation with Ryan, leaving out the part where she’d told Ryan she was interested in his cousin.
‘OK. So…what happened? With Everley,’ he clarified.
Warm tingles spread through Natalie at hearing the uncertainty in his voice. Perhaps Marty didn’t want to remain just friends after all. Hope welled to life. ‘I made sure he knew it was over.’
‘And does he?’
‘Yes.’
‘Finally,’ they both said in unison, then laughed.
‘So you’re footloose and fancy-free?’
‘Seems that way.’
‘Not confused any more?’
‘No.’
There was a pause. ‘Know exactly what you want?’ His voice was slightly deeper, more husky, and Natalie’s body instantly responded, a warmth flooding through her.
‘Yes.’
‘Think you’re going to get it?’
Natalie’s breathing started to shallow at this question. ‘I hope so.’
‘Can you tell me what it is?’
‘Why?’
‘So I can make your birthday wishe
s come true.’
‘You can’t make all of them come true.’
‘I can try.’
‘New car?’
‘Hmm. I take your point. Perhaps I’ll have to work on some of my own.’
‘Birthday wishes?’
‘Yes.’
‘But your birthday’s not until April.’
‘You remembered?’
‘You’re not the only one with a good memory. April Fool’s Day fits you so perfectly, Marty.’
‘You’re not the only one to think that.’ He chuckled. ‘So, what other birthday wishes do you have besides a new car?’
‘Having the day off work.’
‘Check.’
‘Spending the day at the spa, getting pampered with Beth.’
‘Check?’
‘Check,’ she confirmed.
‘Good.’
‘Buying a new dress and shoes.’
‘Hmm, might need to leave that one up to Beth as well. A new dress for…?’
‘For my special birthday dinner, of course. Not that I need an excuse to buy new clothes, but it’s nice to have one, especially after my Christmas party dress was ruined. Justifies the expense.’
‘Right. Justification of spending money—check. What else?’
‘A present from you?’ she asked softly.
‘Check.’
Natalie breathed a sigh of happiness, then bit her lip, wanting to ask the next question but unsure of his reaction. Then she remembered this was a brand-new year for her and she wasn’t going to blow it. ‘Lots of birthday kisses.’
He groaned. ‘From anyone in particular?’ His voice was thick with repressed desire.
‘Yes.’
‘Who?’
‘You.’
There was a pause and Natalie held her breath, waiting for his response, desperate for him to say ‘check’. Had she overstepped the mark? Had she read the signals wrong? Was Marty interested in her in an exclusive way? That was what she needed to talk to him about at dinner. She shook her head and closed her eyes, wishing he’d hurry up and answer the question, then at least she’d have some indication of where she stood.
‘Big check on that one,’ he finally said, and she sighed with longing. ‘It’s going to be a long day.’
‘I was just thinking the same thing.’
