A Life Less Lonely

by Jill Barry

  ***

  Before she descended, Andrea sent black squirrel photos to Kirsty’s phone and texted a message saying everything was fine. Now she wandered a retailing wonderland with so much choice, she found difficulty knowing where to plunge in. The brightly lit mall offered everything from chunky woollens and fur-trimmed leather gilets to slinky dresses in rainbow shades and little jackets too wicked to ignore.

  She wandered into a boutique which looked like her kind of store. A pretty girl smiled a welcome and said, “Hi there. Let me know if you need any help.”

  Andrea stopped and smiled at the assistant. “That’s a lovely Scottish accent. Dare I ask what brought you here?”

  The young woman nodded. “I fell in love with the city when I came out on holiday with my parents a while back. I just had to return. Which part of the UK is it you’re from?”

  “The west country,” said Andrea. “I live in a town called Hartnett. It’s not far from Stonehenge. Most people seem to have heard of the standing stones.” She turned towards a rack of summer clothing. “I’d better get on.”

  The friendly assistant gestured to a display at the side of the shop. “You’ll find plenty more in your size over there. Are you into maxi dresses?”

  “Maybe,” said Andrea. “I think I’ll know what I want when I see it. Does that sound stupid?”

  “Not at all, but I would love to see you wearing this sea-green number.” She walked over to the rack and picked out the dress, holding it so its skirt draped over her other arm.

  “Oh, wow,” said Andrea. “That is so beautiful.”

  “You suit the colour and it’s reasonably priced too,” said the assistant. “You can tell I’m a Scot, can’t you?”

  Laughing, Andrea picked up an ice-blue short frock, skirt cut to float when the wearer moved. “I’ll try just these two on. Otherwise knowing me, I’ll be floundering with too much choice.”

  Once in the changing-room, she slipped into the maxi dress first. It looked good, she decided. And it would cover legs that didn’t see the sun much these days. Accustomed to practical, certainly not eye-catching clothes for work and jeans and T-shirts for leisure, her soul suddenly craved soft fabrics and flattering shades.

  The short frock appealed to her even more once she was wearing it. She did a little twirl and saw the skirt spin around her knees and settle again. Regardless of her pale limbs, it suited her.

  Andrea wriggled out of the dress and checked its price tag then found the store’s label on the first garment and nodded. How could she resist? Mission accomplished and with gifts bought earlier for Josh, her mum and for Kirsty and clan, she could relax and enjoy the remainder of her brief visit to Montreal.

  “Are you going somewhere exciting tonight?” The assistant deftly folded the purchases and slid them into a gold carrier bag.

  “Out for dinner with a friend. I don’t know the name of the restaurant we’re going to.”

  “Promise me you’ll wear one of your new dresses. Go out there and wow him!”

  Feeling about sixteen again, Andrea paid for her purchases, thanked the Scots girl and retraced her footsteps. Wowing the man was the last thing on her mind. Subduing a dangerous tendency towards letting Keir under her radar must be her top priority. But it was lovely to feel like an independent woman again and not a harassed breadwinner, daughter and mum. She’d definitely wear one of her new dresses.

  ***

  While Andrea shopped, Keir strolled in the park across the road from their hotel, in the company of an attractive woman.

  “Thanks for seeing me at such short notice, Dr Harrison,” she said.

  “Not at all and please do call me Keir. I, um, had a window between appointments and besides, your request intrigued me. Especially as we’d enjoyed a short conversation earlier.”

  His companion stopped, gesturing to a nearby bench. “Shall we sit awhile? It’s, a joy to escape from the hospital on such a lovely afternoon.”

  He followed her to the wrought-iron seat. Rhonda Pierce wasn’t the kind of person one argued with. A tall brunette, her glossy bobbed hair swung either side of a narrow, pale face. Long-lashed hazel eyes surveyed the world from beneath a feathery fringe, its simplicity doubtless down to a breathtakingly expensive hairdressing bill. She wore a lime green linen shift dress, with a buttercup yellow cashmere sweater slung casually across her shoulders. Rhonda Pierce resembled a fashion model. She was in fact chief geriatric consultant at a prestigious Montreal teaching hospital.

  “I didn’t mention this earlier because I didn’t want to risk anyone hearing what I had to say,” she said. “We’re both busy people and I shan’t detain you long but I wanted the opportunity to drop a snippet of information your way, Keir. The rest is up to you.”

  He turned to face her.

  “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep this matter close to your chest,” she said. “I don’t want it becoming common knowledge until I’m ready to spill the beans.”

  “This sounds very cloak and dagger,” he said.

  She didn’t laugh.

  “All right,” he said. “I guarantee absolute confidentiality. Have no fear. But you really are ratcheting up the mystery, aren’t you?”

  “My husband calls me the drama queen. I’m sorry, Keir. What I want to say is that Professor Patrick Pierce, he who put these rings on my finger, has been offered a fantastic job opportunity over on the west coast.” She crossed one slender, tanned leg over the other. “Poor guy was dreading telling me. He knows how much I love my work here at the Montfort.”

  “Well, congratulations on your husband’s new job. But, am I missing something here? With respect, Patrick works in a different area from me and of course from you. Why are you telling me this?” Keir was genuinely puzzled, given the secrecy surrounding his meeting with Rhonda.

  Her face creased into a happy smile. “Obstetrics is kind of dissimilar to what you and I are involved with, that’s for sure. But I’m thrilled for him and also very proud of my guy. No way am I going to let him pass up on this opportunity and no way do I want us taking turns to fly east or west in order to grab a few hours together at weekends. That’s why I shall be handing in my notice in a few weeks’ time. Even Patrick doesn’t know that yet.”

  “Wow. Right,” said Keir, still not understanding. “Well, of course I wish you all the best too, Rhonda. Believe me, I know better than most how distance can affect a relationship.”

  “Would you be interested in applying for my job, Keir?”

  He sat up straight, placed one hand on each knee and closed his eyes briefly before turning to her. “Are you serious?”

  “Cross my heart and hope to die.” Her eyes danced. “I’ve headed the department for quite a while now. The board will probably snap my hand off if I tell them I’ve asked you to email me your résumé. You’re hot property at the moment, Doc.”

  “I don’t know about that,” he said. “I have an excellent team around me, including Dr Palmer. Did you meet Andrea by any chance?”

  “I didn’t get to talk to her but that presentation of hers was impressive. Anyway, please don’t change the subject.”

  “I never expected anything like this. I wondered if maybe you wanted a bit more information about the trial.” He was dithering on the brink of speechlessness.

  “Nope, everything came over loud and clear. I’ll be following progress on your blog. It’s such an interesting concept. So tell me, Keir. Will you at least think about what I’ve just said?”

  “I hadn’t planned on leaving my post at Hartnett General for a good while yet, if ever in fact. I certainly couldn’t desert the trial.”

  “Keir, of course you couldn’t. Nor do I have any intention of leaving my department wallowing in my wake. My contract requires I give three months’ notice. Patrick won’t take up his new role in Vancouver until September. That’s the best part of four months unless there’s something very wrong with my math.”

  He sat back and folded his arms. “OK. Than
ks for being so frank with me. As I said, this has come as a surprise. I’m obviously flattered.”

  “Oh come on,” she said. “Don’t be coy. The world’s your oyster now. Hard work plus your gutsy idea deserves recognition.”

  “I promise to give great thought to your suggestion. How’s that for starters?”

  “So long as you do, I guess I’ll have to be satisfied with that.” She glanced at her wafer-thin gold watch. “Hey, I have to go now but let me give you one of my cards. Don’t you dare lose it.”

  “I expect you’d track me down,” he said, taking out his wallet. He handed her his own card and tucked hers safely away. “Can I walk you anywhere, Rhonda? Put you in a taxi?”

  “I love you Brits. You’re so polite,” she said, standing up. “But no thanks. I have my car parked nearby.” She held out her hand as he too got to his feet. “You stay and sit awhile. Or go back to the St George and mull things over with a dry martini. I’ll just disappear down that path.”

  “If you’re sure,” he said. “And thanks again for thinking of me.”

  “It was great talking to you,” said Rhonda. “The thinking’s down to you now.”

  Keir stood, watching her stride purposely down the walkway. He took a deep breath. No way had he expected such a proposition, or indeed pictured himself working in such a prestigious teaching hospital in Montreal. And, sworn to secrecy, no way could he talk the matter over with anyone, including Andrea. He too glanced at his watch and set off in the direction of the hotel. A dip in the pool tempted him more than a dry Martini. He’d push himself, concentrating on nothing but stretching his body to the limits as he swam through that Olympic-sized tub of water.

  ***

  “What a lovely, old building,” said Andrea later as Keir stopped outside a restaurant. They’d left the busy thoroughfare and turned down a side road. A striped black and white awning sheltered the forecourt where several small tables stood sheltered by foliage.

  “It’s still warm enough to sit outside. What do you think? Order something to drink out here and move inside to eat?”

  The restaurant door stood open. As they hovered, a waiter approached.

  “I rang earlier to reserve a table,” said Keir. “I’m Keir Harrison.”

  The waiter nodded. “I remember you. May I say it’s a pleasure to see you again, Doctor Harrison? Might I suggest an aperitif here first, perhaps?” He moved a corner chair out for Andrea. “I hope you enjoy your first visit here, Madame.”

  “It’s Nicholas, isn’t it?” Keir used the French way of pronouncing the name. “The beard had me fooled.”

  “Oui, c’est moi,” said the young man. “It is still me, for sure.” He placed menus before them. “Would you like time to decide what you wish to drink?”

  “Andrea?’ Keir looked enquiringly at her.

  “A glass of white wine for me, please.”

  “Perhaps you’d like a dash of melon cordial with your wine?” The waiter’s pen hovered over his notepad. ‘It’s very popular with our customers.”

  Keir looked at Andrea then smiled up at Nicholas. “Madame seems to approve, so yes please, and a glass of house red for me.”

  The waiter hurried inside. Keir leaned back in his chair. “I keep forgetting to tell you how much I like that dress. Did you buy it today by any chance?”

  Andrea almost told him he didn’t have to pay her compliments but thought better of it. “I did. I’m glad it meets with your approval,” she said, keeping her tone light. How dreadful if he thought she’d bought it especially for their dinner date. Not that it was a date, of course.

  He looked slightly uncomfortable, as if he had something on his mind. Oh, no, she thought. Please don’t let him think he has to take me to bed tonight. That would shatter the friendly atmosphere formed over the last days. She’d have to turn him down and then he’d be miffed, probably … definitely … and how would they survive the flight back with that enormous elephant in the cabin?

  To her relief, the friendly Nicholas arrived with their drinks plus a basket of miniature bread rolls.

  Keir proposed a toast. “Here’s to the successful conclusion of our trial.”

  “I’ll certainly drink to that,” she said, holding her glass up to his.

  He waited for her to taste her wine. “But I want to toast you next, Andrea. You’ve contributed so much already, both back at the hospital and here at this conference. You’ve given me total support and – oh heck – I just want to say thank you for being here with me.”

  Her heart seemed determined to do that clunkety-clunk thing which probably only a medic could accept for what it was without panicking as to its health cause. She knew what was happening of course. The attraction sparking between them wasn’t going to go away any time soon. One sip of wine couldn’t be blamed for the way she felt. She needed to shift her legs under the table, try to put a stop to the buzz between her thighs. The soft fabric of her sea green dress caressed her limbs as she changed position. Without a doubt, she wanted Keir Harrison. Even before his friend Pierre revealed Keir was legally single and therefore available, she’d wanted him. So what price her attempts to obey what her conscience dictated?

  ***

  “It’s just as well I’ll be back on the straight and narrow soon,” said Keir as they were dining. “I don’t know how anyone could resist these tiny potato wedge things.”

  He picked one up. She watched his fingers then looked into his eyes, mesmerised as he moved the delicacy to her mouth. She opened her lips before her brain engaged in time for her to protest. This was another of those intimate gestures couples enjoyed and which she missed these days. It sent an immediate and intimate message.

  “Lovely,” she said, trying to sound brisk. “I can taste the coriander. Enjoy them and remember all those calories you’ve burned in the swimming pool.” Maybe he was waiting to sample her sweet potato mousse but she daren’t allow herself to follow his example.

  Fortunately they didn’t have to eat in silence. Subtle guitar music set at just the right sound level kissed the atmosphere. Skilful lighting transformed the old building’s thick stone walls into soft, dusky rose. Pewter sconces held pale pink candles, their flames flaring pools of light. A small lamp burned on the table between Keir and Andrea although it was barely twilight. Andrea gazed at the macho suit of armour standing in one corner, its enigmatic visor seeming to look back at her, adding a touch of mystery to the surroundings.

  “Andrea,” said Keir, interrupting her thoughts. “I need to say something to you.”

  “I thought we weren’t going to talk shop,” she said, spearing a last slice of sun-dried tomato.

  “We’re not. This is personal.” He drank a little more red wine.

  Her heart did that thumping thing again. Her meal finished, she put down her knife and fork. Whatever he wanted to say, his face showed his determination to go ahead with it.

  Nicholas materialised beside her. “Finished, Madame?”

  “Oui, merci.” She smiled at her simple use of French.

  The waiter beamed as he removed their plates. Within a beat, he placed a dessert menu in front of each of them.

  “Let’s be very decadent and eat dessert,” said Keir. “You’re right. We should enjoy our last evening in Montreal without feelings of guilt.”

  This time she met his gaze. She moved her hands so they were clasped loosely in front of her on the table and not too many inches from his. She waited for him to look away. It wasn’t going to happen.

  “We’ll take a few minutes, Nicholas,” said Keir, still holding her gaze.

  As the waiter moved away she felt Keir close one of his hands over hers. His thumb stroked her fingers and moved to her palm, before lightly pressing its centre. Longing blazed inside her. How could she sit there like that, allowing her carefully constructed defences to disintegrate? How could she sit there, enjoying his touch and wanting it to continue?

  Gently she withdrew her hands and picked up her menu.
“We should choose our very decadent desserts,” she said, not allowing herself to meet his gaze.

  He broke the silence but not until he’d taken a few moments. “Andrea?”

  “You first,” she said.

  “OK. I’m going for the miniature crêpe with ice cream and raspberry coulis and a rain check on the guilt.”

  She chuckled. “For me, it has to be pear and ginger ice cream. Chocolate sauce, please, and no self-reproach on the side.”

  Their drinks arrived and Keir ordered the puddings, requesting Nicholas to give them a fifteen-minute respite between courses. Andrea picked up her fresh glass and sipped the cool, fragrant liquid. Why shouldn’t she stay relaxed after such a tough workout? She was enjoying herself and maybe she’d read too much into Keir’s body language. He’d been under more pressure than she had, as the consultant fronting the UK trial.

  “Andrea, do you recall our bumping into one another that day when I was coming to see Richard. Remember? We met at the lift though neither of us has mentioned it.”

  Immediately she pictured the scene. “It didn’t seem important,” she said. Except for being the most significant wake-up call to the love-starved woman hiding away inside she’d ever experienced.

  “I disagree,” he said. “Your face, your whole demeanour attracted me right from that unimportant moment, as you call it. I didn’t notice your wedding and engagement rings at that point. Shall we say that when you turned up in my office and I recognised you and later noticed the rings, it was a defining moment. I had to tell myself to back off.”

  “You’d no way of knowing your assumption wasn’t correct.” Andrea’s fingers pleated her starched pink linen napkin.

  “Yes, thanks to your very poignant explanation on the flight over.” His hand moved towards hers, slowing their movements, calming her, beguiling her with his touch. This time she didn’t pull back.

  “You were very frank with me on the flight over,” he continued. “I didn’t think it was the right time to explain my own situation. It would have seemed too corny.”