by Jill Barry
***
With formalities completed at Trudeau Airport, Keir loaded their luggage into the boot of the rental car. He watched Andrea walk back towards him, her whole persona radiating joy. With a pang he reminded himself this must be because she’d spoken to her son, not because she was about to set off for Montreal in his company.
“All well?” He held open the passenger door.
“Brilliant, thanks.” She tossed her hair back from her face. “Josh was so excited about it being half-term so he and Luis have so much extra playing time, he couldn’t have cared less about his mother being on Canadian soil. I could hardly get a word in.”
She settled into the passenger seat and by the time he seated himself, she’d strapped herself in and was opening a travel guide.
“You’ll only end up wishing you had more time to visit places,” he warned as he checked out the controls.
“Oh, I know I’m here to work. But with you driving, it’s a chance for me to look for landmarks.”
“Don’t expect too much too soon,” he warned. “Anyway, I suspect you’ve already toured the hotel website.” He swung the car into the exit lane.
“But of course! I’m intrigued by the sound of that underground city.”
“You’ll probably find everything you want without needing to step outside of the hotel,” he said.
“Including the indoor pool, state of the art steam room and hotel complex? Not to mention the choice of eating places.” She paused, eyeing the silver grille and scarlet bonnet of an oncoming vehicle. “Josh would adore all these trucks. They’re so different from the ones at home. And he’d love driving on the other side of the road.”
“Something I need to concentrate on doing,” said Keir.
“You seem very much at ease, if I may say so. Shut me up if I talk too much.”
“I enjoy driving. And talking. Montreal’s one of my favourite cities. We … I went skiing at a resort called Mont Tremblant some years ago. It’s not a huge distance from here.” He overtook a slow-moving van. “It’s somewhere I’d like to revisit but, well, saying you’ll go back is very different from actually doing so.”
“Maybe you’ll make it one day.”
“Maybe,” he said.
Andrea gave him a quick sideways glance, taking in the taut line of his jaw.
“I did check out the conference facilities,” she said.
“Impressive, aren’t they? I haven’t stayed at the King George before but it looks as though we’ll be very comfortable.”
“I’ll say! Those beds look fabulous.”
He coughed.
Andrea buried her nose in her guidebook. “Anyway,” she said. “Comfortable is not the word I’d use in the same sentence as standing up and addressing row upon row of critical medics and academics.”
“You do it all the time. Anyway, I thought you said you were looking forward to this conference.” He glanced quickly at her and this time she met his gaze.
“Just keep your eyes on the road, Dr Harrison. For your information, I’m very excited about being here. But addressing two hundred savvy delegates is a bit different from speaking to a lecture roomful of students, some of whom are sometimes more concentrated on catching up with sleep than psychology. Though, of course, you didn’t hear that from me.”
“You think this’ll be any different?”
They both laughed.
She closed her guidebook. “I’m happy to soak up all the experiences. And I’ll try my best not to let you down.” She bit her lip as she realised she’d let slip her fear.
“Of that, I have no doubt whatsoever,” he said softly.
Andrea blinked rapidly, turning her head to watch the suburbs dissolving into the city. The atmosphere between the two of them differed now from that of the seven-hour flight so recently accomplished. There was a subtle charge, almost tangible in its intensity though no way did either of them attempt to touch any portion of the other one’s body throughout the car trip. It was almost as if the confession she’d made high above the Atlantic had taken a while to settle into their consciousnesses. At this point, he knew much more about her than she knew about him. Until that state of affairs changed, she was the open book. He was the mystery man.
“Not far now.” Keir slowed to approach a set of changing traffic lights.
“Everything’s so high and so big. It looks like you have to pack a rucksack just to cross one of these roads,” said Andrea.
“Fortunately they allow plenty of time for pedestrians. Folks in general are very considerate. So, don’t worry. I’ll look after you.”
His words hung in the air between them. He must surely have meant them as a joke. But Andrea’s own reaction shocked her. With anyone else, say Richard Bailey or Kirsty’s husband, she’d have made some kind of quip about being a big girl now. She might have joked about them having to catch her first! But the tone of Keir’s voice hadn’t lent itself to light-heartedness and the unexpected glow spreading through her body owed nothing to the temperature of the vehicle. Especially as the glow included the area between her thighs.
Andrea had intimated to Keir her disclosure of the traumatic events around losing her husband seemed appropriate at a time when her professional relationship with her colleague seemed set to move up a gear. But this was something else. It was something exciting and she felt nothing she could do now would affect it. If she had to analyse Keir’s attitude, she could think of only one way of describing it. And that was tenderness.
***
Keir found a parking space without trouble. Their hotel towered above them like the tiers of a giant frosted wedding cake. As he cut the engine, Andrea reached for her shoulder bag and stuffed the guidebook inside.
“I have to keep reminding myself most Canadians haven’t eaten their evening meal yet,” she said. “How are we supposed to stay awake till bedtime?”
He opened his door. “You’ll be surprised. Adrenalin has a lot to do with it. It’s the other side you need to worry about. Returning to UK time will be more testing.”
“Now he tells me,” she muttered, getting out and stretching. “That only took half an hour. We still have time for tea.”
“No problem, in the lounge,” he said. “But don’t go looking for a kettle and teabags once you’re in your room.’
“Really? In a hotel of this standard?”
He filed a personal snapshot of her affronted expression. ‘You’re in Canada, Ma’am. Coffee is the norm. And I don’t mean instant. You’ll find first-class coffee-making facilities and I guarantee you’ll enjoy the experience.” He reached to open the boot.
She looked unconvinced. “I suppose we are in the French-speaking area,” she said grudgingly. “Anyway, I need to freshen up. I feel as though I’ve slept in this outfit.”
“Probably because you did. Seriously, you look fine. Let’s take our luggage and check in. Then we should discuss what time we’ll meet with Pierre and his wife.”
“And they are?” Dutifully she trundled her wheelie case beside him as they headed for the hotel entrance.
“My apologies, Andrea. I meant to email you. Obviously you needn’t join us if you prefer not to but I’ve known Pierre a long time and he’s very supportive of the research we’ve been doing. I just need to ring him and confirm what time we can meet for dinner.”
“I’m not particularly keen on dining alone. But you’re old friends. Maybe they won’t appreciate a stranger joining you,” said Andrea.
“Lisa will be delighted to have you there. She’s a GP if you want to talk shop but she’s also very knowledgeable about Quebec and all its history.”
“Now, that’s more like it.”
“Absolutely. Why don’t we ask them to meet us in the Bistro bar at, say, seven o’clock? That should allow us plenty of time to unpack, shower, whatever. Unless you can’t wait to be rid of me, we could even order tea for two after we check in.” He found himself holding his breath.
“I think I can bear yo
ur company for a while longer,” she said. “It’ll be worth it for a pot of tea.”
The remark was entirely non-flirtatious and Keir wouldn’t expect it to be otherwise. But the confidences shared on the flight were taunting him. If they enjoyed each other’s company not only during the conference hours but in leisure moments too, would it be in order to invite Andrea out socially once back in the UK? Or would she misconstrue his intentions and wonder if he perceived her as fair game for any advances, now he knew the real story behind the rings she still wore so proudly?
Ignoring the revolving panels of the main entrance, the hotel commissionaire held open a smaller door for them and beckoned to a uniformed bellboy. “Welcome to the King George, Madame ... Sir …I hope your stay with us will be a happy one.”
***
Lisa’s blonde outdoor girl looks contrasted with her husband’s unruly dark hair and rather saturnine features. Over drinks they chatted about the hotel and the conference, with the other three skilfully avoiding reminiscences and issues about which Andrea possessed no knowledge. She felt at home with them and happily discussed Josh while Lisa chatted about her twin girls. Warming to her, Andrea found it perfectly natural to explain her single state.
Lisa took the information on board with a grave nod of the head. “Actually, Keir told Pierre over the phone earlier. I hope you don’t mind. I imagine he didn’t want either of us to say something inappropriate.”
“It’s not quite so raw now,” said Andrea. “But I only just told Keir on the flight over.”
“Is that right? I thought you two had known each other for a long time.”
“Not at all. We’ve been thrown together as colleagues on this project, that’s all. I know nothing about his personal life and I don’t expect him to confide in me if that’s his wish. It’s just that I felt the time was right to tell him I’ve been widowed. It’s still not something I find easy to speak about, as you can imagine.”
“And the people you do tell probably find it difficult to know what to say?”
“They do.” Andrea picked up her water glass.
“For what it’s worth, I admire you for coming to Canada. I don’t imagine it was an easy decision. But when your son’s older, I think he’ll be full of admiration for his brave mama!’”
‘Do you think?” Andrea chuckled. “At the moment, he’s more interested in what I’m going to bring him back. Except that makes Josh sound as if he’s spoilt rotten. Believe me, I’m trying my hardest not to let that happen.”
“A little spoiling never hurt anyone now and then. You seem far too sensible to go over the top, if I may say so.”
“I hope you’re right.” Andrea looked up as a waiter appeared, carrying enormous red leather tasselled menus.
“Good,” said Lisa. “We can finish our drinks while we choose our meals.”
Once they’d moved into the restaurant and settled themselves at their window table, Lisa asked whether Andrea would have any opportunity to see something of the city.
Andrea looked across at Keir. “It won’t be possible tomorrow but hopefully the next day after lunch?”
He nodded. “You should go for it. Most of the conference is packed into tomorrow and we’re expected to attend the evening dinner of course. But after lunch on the last day, you could spend a few hours away from the grindstone.”
“I’d like to take a tour of the city - maybe see a bit of the underground area. I’m sure I’d love the Biodome but I think that’s impossible this time.”
“You enjoy wildlife? So, you must come back soon and explore properly,” said Pierre.
“Of course,” said Lisa. “You’d be welcome to stay with us. We have a little flat for guests so you could come and go as you wished. And if you wanted more company- ”
“You could borrow the devilish duo!” Pierre interrupted.
“Take no notice of him, Andrea,” said Lisa. “The girls are very sociable and only a year older than le petit Josh.”
Andrea felt her cheeks heat. She wasn’t sure whether Keir would approve of her becoming involved with his friends. But she didn’t want to sound ungrateful. “That’s very kind. Please don’t think I’m not interested. Coming back to Montreal and staying with you sounds a wonderful idea. But there’s a lot of stuff to be settled yet, my mother’s participation in the trial being one of them.” She smiled at Lisa.
“Of course,” said Pierre. “The invitation’s there. When you decide you’d like to travel, just get in touch. Keir has all our contact numbers.’
The two men began talking again, Pierre speaking in French and teasing Keir when he stumbled over his response. It was all done in a relaxed, joking manner. But Andrea noticed Keir seemed to be avoiding meeting her eyes. Something didn’t seem right. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on whatever bothered him.
The rest of the meal passed pleasantly and when the coffee stage arrived, Andrea decided to leave the others to it.
“If you’ll forgive me,” she said. “I won’t join you for coffee. Suddenly I feel the need to fall into that luxurious bed.”
Pierre rose as she did. He pulled out her chair before Keir too got to his feet.
“It’s been a total pleasure to meet you, Andrea,” said Pierre.
Lisa too stood up and moved forward to give Andrea a hug. “I’m sure I’ll hear how you and Keir get on tomorrow. If we don’t meet again this time, I shall see you and Josh when you come to visit.”
“I hope so. Thanks again, Lisa. It’s been lovely to meet you both too. See you tomorrow on the firing line, Pierre.”
“I’ll walk you to the lift,” said Keir. This time he met her gaze.
“There’s really no need,” she said. “I’ll meet you for breakfast, shall I?”
He escorted her through the restaurant before answering. “Is eight o’clock all right?”
“Perfect,” she said. “Thank you for a lovely evening, Keir. I’ve enjoyed your company. And your friends are delightful people.”
He watched her cross the lobby to the elevators. She’d coped brilliantly with everything so far. He could only imagine how sad she must feel, especially being in the company of happy couples, when her relationship had ended in such a tragic manner. Yes, of course he appreciated her confiding details of her past to him. But, for all his experience of dealing with people, his own feelings for her were so strong, so intense, that he knew he teetered dangerously close to declaring them. And that, he told himself as he went to join his friends in the residents’ lounge, would be a huge mistake.
***
Andrea paused, reached for her water glass and sipped. Certainly as far as she could tell, no one out there was fidgeting and that she found impressive. The next part of her talk might cause her audience to look down at their notes or even close their eyes. She’d been a little uncertain whether to travel this path but when she talked it through with Keir, he’d wholeheartedly agreed.
“They’ll respect the fact that you’ve done the long slog and worked as a GP. As for your academic qualifications, why not just tell them how many badges you earned when you were a Girl Guide?” Andrea had mock-punched him at that point.
“Some of them will have checked out your profile on the internet.” He continued more seriously. “But if you appeal to them as a working mum trying to juggle career, young family and your own elderly mum who’s struggling with difficulties that won’t go away, they’ll really sit up and listen. You’re a real-live case history, here to tell them how much you want to help your mother retain the remaining independence she has. Go for it.”
So here Andrea was to do just that. She didn’t dress up her problems with wishy-washy statements. She didn’t whinge about her lot. She introduced herself as a young widow, something which, unknown to her as she gazed out at the tiered rows of professionals, caused a spasm to cross Keir’s countenance, plainly visible to anyone who might have been watching.
“The situation kind of crept up on me,” she told her audience candidly
. “For sure, male or female, we all know what it’s like to be busy. Often family has to take a back seat. But once I realised my mother’s safety was on the line, I didn’t take much persuading to put her name forward as a candidate to join Dr Harrison’s trial.”
A hand shot up. “Dr Palmer, does this mean you have absolute confidence in this combined drugs and diet programme? Pardon me for asking, but if you’re one hundred percent certain this procedure could interrupt, possibly prevent your mother’s deterioration, well, then, you’ve definitely sold the idea to me.”
There were murmurs of agreement among the listeners. Andrea saw some were leaning forward, waiting eagerly for her response. She experienced a brief moment of panic, realising how vital her contribution could be.
“I’m pleased you did pose this question,” she told them. “Because, I can assure you, my mother’s welfare is very important to me. No way would I have contemplated her joining the patients being treated at Hartnett if I didn’t have absolute trust in Dr Harrison’s revolutionary idea. And even if my mother hadn’t proved suitably fit in her general health, I should still have agreed to join Keir’s team. That’s how much confidence I have in his findings.”
She turned towards Keir, seated behind her on the platform. “I’d like to hand back to you here, Dr Harrison,” she said. “I’m sure there’ll be more questions for you.”
He rose and was at her side in two paces. Lightly he placed an arm around her shoulders. The affectionate gesture was a heart-stopping one and Andrea felt momentarily as if she’d stepped out of real life.
“I think we’d all like you to stay just where you are, Dr Palmer,” he said. “I doubt conference is going to let you go without knowing how your mother has reacted to her first couple of sessions.”
Andrea felt a glow, which she wasn’t sure, was caused by the supportive words or by the casual but comforting pressure of his arm. When he removed it, she felt a twinge of regret. But the consultant was a showman. He was presenting the pair of them as a strong team and she happily played along.
