Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“ S o, we need to hear all about your dirty weekend away,” said Charlie. Clodagh nodded. It seemed that since they had bumped into each other in town a few weeks earlier, Clodagh and Charlie had become firm friends. They had demanded Kiera’s company for lunch in the hospital canteen the moment she was back at work.

“I don’t think it counts as a dirty weekend if you go on your own,” said Kiera, rolling her eyes and unwrapping the sandwiches she’d bought.

Clodagh prodded her salad with a wooden fork. “Yeah, whatever. But we want to hear all about it.”

Kiera laughed and told the pair about her adventures, regaling them with tales of how terrible her Spanish was and how amazing the tapas was.

“Nice,” said Charlie. “I bet you needed it after all that stuff with the theatres. I’m delighted they’re all back up and running now. I never want to have to face a patient and tell them their operation has been cancelled, ever again. ”

“I’m so glad I didn’t get embroiled in that,” said Clodagh, “although some of my patients were affected.”

“It was not fun,” said Kiera. “But I guess that’s what we’re paid to deal with.”

“But you’re a natural,” Charlie pointed out. “I’m forever seeing you buying coffees for patients. I bet you don’t even claim them on expenses.”

“Have you ever tried to claim a flat white on the NHS?” asked Kiera. They laughed.

“Where did you get the idea to go to Barcelona from? It was like one minute you were here, and then you were off,” said Charlie.

Kiera related her conversation with Seymour.

“So a woman who runs a café, who has been party to several of your dates, went out of her way to help you book a holiday?” said Clodagh, an amused expression on her face. “I see. So tell me about her.”

“Er, well, she runs a café, and she’s my safety net if a date is going badly.”

“So you’re just another customer to her?” asked Clodagh.

“Yes.”

“And she’s some aged woman with a husband and twelve grandchildren?” Clodagh continued her interrogation.

“No, she’s thirty and she doesn’t have a husband. She’s gay too, actually.”

Charlie raised his eyebrows. “And she just wanted to help you out? Completely altruistically?”

“Well, she’s said I can buy her lunch when I see her next to pay her back,” said Kiera. Her cheeks were warming.

“A date!” said Clodagh. “Amazing!”

“No,” Kiera replied. “Just a chance to say ‘thank you’. ”

“Mmm hmm. I believe you,” said Charlie, now very much in league with Clodagh.

“She’s far too gorgeous and young for me. Besides, I’m sure she wouldn’t be into me. I think she’s just being kind.”

“Oh my God,” said Clodagh. “You are very much not reading the room here. Firstly, no one is too gorgeous for anyone, and secondly, she’s a grown-up and so are you. And finally, you’re pretty gorgeous yourself, you know.”

“What she said,” agreed Charlie, nodding towards Clodagh while tearing the wrapper off a chocolate biscuit.

“But I don’t need anyone,” said Kiera, failing to keep the note of exasperation out of her voice.

“No,” said Clodagh, “but that doesn’t stop you from wanting someone.”