A Life Less Lonely

by Jill Barry

  Richard picked up on his silence. “The guests are a mix of old friends plus a handful from your team. So you won’t be among strangers.”

  “That sounds very good,” said Keir. “Shall I bring a bottle?”

  “No need, but thanks for the offer, old chap. Got a pen handy? I’d better let you have our address.”

  Richard closed the call and padded back into the kitchen where his wife had another job waiting. “Keir’s accepted our invitation. I hope we’re doing the right thing here.”

  “By not telling him we’ve invited Andrea? We still haven’t heard back from her though, have we? She may not be able to make it.” Deftly, Louise stretched cling-film over a bowl of rosy radishes.

  “She hasn’t responded yet. I do wonder if, by inviting the pair of them,” her husband said thoughtfully, “they’ll think we’re matchmaking.”

  Louise shook her head in exasperation. “Oh, come on! They were thrown together on that trip to Canada. If those two happen to be attracted to each other, they’ve got plenty of opportunity to meet without waiting for chance invitations to arrive.” She reached for a whisk. “We’d have invited Andrea and Greg if he’d been around, wouldn’t we?” She paused. “Oh dear, that sounds so flippant. I should have said, in other circumstances.”

  “It’s all right,” said Richard, moving round the table to give her arm a little squeeze. “I knew what you meant.”

  “Anyway,” Louise spoke in a brisk tone. “I’d like to get to know Keir better. He seems a lovely man.”

  “He’s a great bloke and my respect for him isn’t in question.” Richard sneaked a radish before his wife could clingfilm the second bowl. “But I very much doubt Andrea’s ready for another man in her life just yet. Even a squeaky-clean one like Keir.”

  “Squeaky-clean doesn’t always do it for a woman, you know,” said Louise,

  But Richard didn’t respond.

  ***

  Only after Keir put the phone down did he start wondering whether Moira Haynes’ name might be included on the guest list. Could he cope with that? Maybe he should take the defensive option, ring Richard back and pretend he’d totally forgotten another engagement. He frowned. No. No way would he allow the woman to interfere in his personal life any more than she already had. A bit of company would be good for him and stop him brooding. And if Andrea did happen to be there, he’d find a way of cutting through the barbed wire. After all, it would be difficult for her to spend the whole evening avoiding him.

  ***

  “It’s an invitation.”

  Kirsty looked across at Andrea. “Don’t sound so thrilled. If it’s from that hot guy who played Mr Rochester in that TV series, I shan’t speak to you ever again.”

  Andrea didn’t come up with a jokey response. “Richard and Louise are having a party this evening. I’d better give them a quick ring to say I can’t make it.”

  “Excuse me? Do you have some other bash to attend after you leave here?”

  “Well, no, but I can’t possibly get a sitter for Josh. Impromptu’s great for those two – not so great for someone with a young child.”

  Kirsty steepled her fingers and glared at Andrea. “So why not leave Josh with us? He’s already got a toothbrush and jim-jams here. It’ll do you good to go somewhere where you can chat to people without keeping an eye on the clock.”

  Andrea bristled. “I’m always chatting to people at work. Plus I’ve just had that trip to Canada.” The thought of certain events related to that trip silenced her for a moment.

  Kirsty cleared her throat.

  “Besides -”

  “Besides what, Andrea?”

  “Richard might have invited Keir.” Andrea’s words were almost a whisper. “I don’t really want to see him outside of working hours. Not at the moment.”

  “Why not?”

  “Everything’s topsy-turvy. You’ve saved Josh from disappointment about his cancelled sleep over. I just need some quiet time tonight.”

  “Prolonging the misery?”

  “The two of us meeting in public could be very embarrassing for him.”

  “For him or for you?”

  Andrea inspected her nails as if she’d never noticed them before. “What if he’s there and he brings that woman?”

  “Ah. What if he rubs your nose in it, you mean?”

  “Yes.” Andrea suspected she sounded like a small, hurt child. Surely, all the mean, adult experiences of loss and single-motherhood were worse than this. Why was she scared, all of a sudden?

  Kirsty picked up her orange juice and swirled the glass gently so the ice clinked against the sides. “You know, from what you’ve said, I think Dr Keir Harrison seems way too nice a guy to behave in such a despicable way. Can you put your hand on your heart and tell me you really believe he’s a Jekyll and Hyde character? I’m thinking back to that time he rescued your mum when she waltzed off with those plants.”

  “Don’t remind me,” Andrea wailed.

  But Kirsty’s logic was relentless. “I think I should remind you. He went out of his way to look after Rosemary. And that was a huge confidence boost he gave you, insisting he wanted you to attend the conference with him. From what you said, he couldn’t have done more to make you feel at ease.”

  She watched her friend’s cheeks turn fondant pink. “Hmm. You came back with an open invitation to go and stay with those friends of his. How lovely is that?”

  “Of course it’s lovely. I can’t argue with anything you say. But this evening, I’d really rather head for home around seven o’clock.”

  “Really, really?”

  “Yes. Now, excuse me while I ring Richard and make my apologies. Then you can tell me what needs doing about lunch while you sit there, making the most of being able to keep your feet up. It’s the least I can do.”

  ***

  Keir didn’t totally relax again until his hosts began serving supper. Clearly, neither Andrea nor Moira could be expected to turn up after that. It wasn’t the kind of party where people piled in, drinking from cans of lager, after the pubs closed. He left Richard and Louise’s house at around nine o’clock. He’d enjoyed the food, drunk a little wine and accepted a lift halfway home from a pleasant couple he’d spent time talking with.

  He walked the couple of miles on to his place and let himself in. There was no tell-tale red light on his house phone. He usually switched off his mobile on the rare occasions when he got into his sparklies but as the screen returned to life, nothing claimed his attention. He hadn’t switched off his computer before going out but on sitting down to check his mailbox there was only one personal email and that was from Rhonda Pierce in Montreal. Its subject line was Decisions, decisions!

  Keir frowned and sat forward in his chair, wondering what all that was about.

  Hi Keir. Hope all’s well with you. This is to say I’ve handed in my notice at the hospital. The board are anxious to commence interviewing applicants for my job like yesterday. What’s keeping you? May I expect your CV? I’m attaching the job description and with apologies, a very detailed application form, hopefully to speed things up. Of course your salary would be between you and the big cheeses. When you come out for the interview, you must have dinner with Patrick and me.

  Regards, Rhonda

  He sat back and gazed at the screen. Was this what Fate had in store? He got up and walked through the kitchen for a drink of water. He’d thought Fate had brought Andrea into his orbit for a purpose. He’d never imagined the kind of happiness they’d so recently shared ever being his again and, hey presto, he’d been proved right about that. The hours spent in her company once they’d got over that initial barrier had been like an oasis. Then he’d gone and blown things. The whole thing was a farce but Andrea appeared to have made her decision. Now it was time for him to make his.

  Keir called up his CV from his personal file and realised he needed to do a quick makeover to include details of the position he held at Hartnett General, of course specifying how he
’d got the trials up and running. He could see no reason why his team shouldn’t cope without him, and if he got on with things and offered an interview date soon, he could take a few days’ leave and be back at Hartnett well before the next stage of the trial commenced. Living overseas wasn’t something he really wanted to do but he could probably rent out his house and Pierre would help him find somewhere to stay in Montreal until he adjusted to his new position. Providing, of course, he got the job.

  He groaned as a thought struck him. Andrea had seemed delighted when his Canadian friends offered her an invitation to go and visit. He wouldn’t want her to miss out on such an opportunity. But that was thinking too far ahead. It was unlikely their paths would cross because he’d make it plain to Pierre and his wife that no way would Andrea wish to make up a foursome should she decide to visit Montreal after Keir took up residence.

  His PA always emailed him his appointments list on a Friday. When he saw her on Monday, he’d ask her how the next few weeks were looking then mention the possibility of his taking a few days off to catch up with family matters. He could tell a little white lie. If Montreal did as Rhonda insisted they would and called him for interview, he’d be foolish not to accept.

  ***

  When Andrea returned to work the following Monday, she found herself staring at her computer screen as if her usual messages arrived via carrier pigeon. Seeing the bullet points before her, scrolling down to read the comments and overall positive summing up of the drug trial so far, she felt like just another member of Dr Harrison’s highly skilled team.

  Well, what else did she expect? Hadn’t she blocked his personal texts and phone messages? Hadn’t she replaced the iceberg between the two of them? No way would he be calling round with wine and roses any time soon.

  In spite of her decision, in spite of the way he’d clearly taken it on board, Andrea felt depression settle upon her like a black shroud. She’d worn a metaphorical one for too long and Keir had succeeded in ripping it away. His kisses, his generous, tender, lovemaking – it was no good. She didn’t need to keep torturing herself like this. The interlude had been sweet but she shouldn’t have taken him seriously. Thank goodness Josh hadn’t got to know Keir, grown fond of him, ending up hurt by the appearance and disappearance of a father figure in the life he and his mother shared.

  Nor did it help when the Prof ambled into her office, bearing goodies.

  “Sorry we didn’t see you on Saturday, my dear. Good weekend was it?” He held out a plastic box. “Louise catered for a banquet as usual. She sent a slab of gateau for you and Josh.”

  “That’s very kind, Richard. My goodness.” Andrea held out both hands. “That’ll be three evenings’ desserts for the boy and me. Did - I mean, how did the party go? I was at Kirsty’s house. Things are a bit complicated, what with one thing and another. I like to help out a bit now her bump’s so much bigger.”

  “Understood. Yes, it all seemed to go well. Keir came but to be honest he looked a bit like a fish out of water. Fortunately our friends from the golf club took him under their wing. I believe they gave him a lift home afterwards.”

  “He was on his own?” She blurted.

  Richard stared at her. “He didn’t bring anyone with him, if that’s what you mean. Louise’s cousin seems to have enjoyed talking to him but she won’t see seventy again. She did tell me how charming he was though.” He pulled a face. “Can’t imagine him as someone’s toyboy but you never know.”

  Andrea felt ridiculous relief. “I didn’t mean to sound nosy. Sorry!” She gestured at her monitor. “He must have been moonlighting over the weekend.” She kept her tone light. “Have you read his update yet? It’s very heartening. Even without my mother’s involvement, I’d be picking up positive vibes from the results so far.”

  Richard nodded. “The results are very encouraging. Excellent, in fact.”

  Andrea thought he had something else on his mind but his PA put her head round Andrea’s office door, pre-empting further comment. “Sorry to interrupt but I have Dr Harrison on the phone for you, Richard.”

  The Prof nodded at her. “I’ll take it in my office. Talk of the devil, ay, Andrea?”

  He hurried out, leaving her alone with a large invitation to death by chocolate and a huge helping of curiosity. So Keir had been out partying, however sedately, and without a plus one. What did she care? The odds were on Moira playing hard to get now she’d succeeded in shattering Andrea’s trust. It was probably just as well all had been revealed before things developed too much too soon.

  Andrea forced herself to concentrate. Keir’s social life was no longer her concern. But the pink cloud of joy, having so recently wrapped itself around her, left her feeling like Josh’s punctured space hopper. Life seemed very drab.

  ***

  “Good morning, Richard,” said Keir. “I just wanted to say thanks again for a very enjoyable evening.”

  The Prof settled back in his chair. “Glad you could make it, old man. I’ve been telling Andrea we were sorry she couldn’t join us. Louise is good at parties.”

  “Indeed she is.” Keir hesitated. “Look, Prof, the fact is, I’m thinking of taking a short break. It will mean my missing a couple of clinic sessions but nothing will be delayed. The schedule remains in place. I just wanted to assure you on that score before I confirm my travel arrangements.”

  “Holidays are important. Going anywhere special?”

  “I might catch up with some old friends. Nothing’s finalised yet but it’ll be very helpful if you can maybe drop in on a clinic session or two. Keep an ear to the ground for me.”

  Richard frowned. “Won’t Andrea do that? I don’t want her to feel I’m breathing down her neck.”

  “Understood, and I’m sure she won’t think that’s the case. I just don’t want her to feel I expect her to carry any extra responsibility, that’s all.”

  “How long will you be away?”

  “Only a week. That’ll be plenty.”

  “Let me know when you’re off and don’t give it another thought.”

  When Keir put down the phone, he sat thoughtfully tapping his pen against the edge of his desk blotter. He’d felt strange during the brief conversation; he was not his usual assured self. He could tell Richard sensed something, especially when Keir mentioned Andrea. It proved what he’d always thought. Relationships between men and women in the workplace were like old flames at weddings. Needing to be doused before they could do any damage.

  Chapter Twelve

  Keir watched a spoof horror movie on the flight over to Montreal, hoping its dreadful but comical script would help block the memory of his last flight when Andrea had begun letting down her guard. On that trip, his instincts had led him to believe he might, just might, be laying a foundation as far as a personal relationship was concerned. Despite the bizarre film, his thoughts roamed dangerously. How did he know he was doing the right thing in setting in motion a chain of events that could lead him to live on the other side of the globe?

  He didn’t. Fate, or whatever higher authority dictated events, would no doubt take over. All he knew was that he could not be around Andrea and treat her as an ordinary colleague while his emotions shrieked distress signals at him whenever he came within her orbit.

  He hadn’t wanted to say too much to her, hadn’t wanted to frighten her away. But what they’d experienced together had finally drawn a line under his former marriage. A tiny smile creased his face as he remembered how she invited him back into bed on their last morning. His happiness level had soared to high doh and hopefully the same was achieved for her.

  Maybe being thousands of miles away from her comfort zone, she’d found it easier to unwind once the business part of their visit ended. Whilst on their flight home, the uncertainties had wormed their way back. When she’d made her feelings plain, it was if his gremlins stuck two taunting fingers at him. But his determination not to let her pass up a chance of happiness had swayed her. Two steps forward, three steps ba
ck. Along had come another gremlin. One with red hair and an attitude spikier than her gleaming finger nails.

  Canada could be the way forward at this point. No way could he sustain another emotional tsunami such as the one endured so recently. Neither could Andrea, as he very well knew. He felt a surge of pity, picturing her stricken face as Sister Haynes spun her little melodrama. It was all so crazy. Placed in an invidious position, he’d taken refuge in work. The unfairness of it ate away at him so much that when the stewardess appeared again, he ordered a brandy. It wasn’t the answer, but it would do for the moment. Maybe afterwards he’d be able to take a nap and wake up feeling more kindly disposed to the world.

  ***

  Rhonda Pierce talked. Keir listened. Each of them sat in a low, leather chair, the glass-topped table between them bearing a jug of iced water and two tumblers. He nodded as she outlined the important aspects of her role. His eyes widened as he heard how much importance was attached to the exchange of findings within the various teams. His enthusiasm increased as he realised how much that centre of excellence had to offer someone with his qualifications and experience.

  “This is a fantastic branch of medicine to be in,” said Rhonda. “Of course, you already know that, but I’ve never before encountered such dedication to sharing and comparing, with all of us striving for the ultimate. And that is, all of us striving to benefit the patient.” She paused. “Do you know we have trainees from around sixty different countries working at this hospital?”

  Keir gave a low whistle. “I did a little homework on the flight over but hearing it from the horse’s mouth makes a far greater impact.”

  Rhonda chuckled. “Well, I’ve been called a few things in my time but that takes some beating.” She glanced at her watch. “How about the horse takes you to lunch, introduces you to a few of the team?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Lunch sounds great but isn’t it a little premature for me to start meeting people?”

  “I don’t think so. You’re on the short list, Keir.”