Page 11 of Prognosis Bad Timing

CHAPTER TWO

CHARLIE sat at hisdesk on Monday morning and drummed his fingers impatiently. He’d slept badly and his first appointment was late. He was annoyed. Just because he ran a drop-in centre, didn’t mean he had time to wait around for nosy hospital administrators.

He picked up the phone and dialled Joe’s number. His best friend answered with his usual jovial greeting.

‘Deep, philosophical question for you. Is it insane to fantasise about a woman who nearly vomited over you and you had to talk out of a panic attack?’

‘And this couldn’t wait half an hour?’

‘Nope.’

‘Is she hot?’

‘Hell, Joe, I said deep.’ Charlie laughed. ‘We saved a life together. Well...actually, she was a mess but...I can’t stop thinking about her.’

‘OK, buddy, back up. Tell me the story.’

Charlie relayed the details of the previous night’s incident. ‘She’s so not my type. She looked very alternate. She was wearing tie-dye, for God’s sake. You know I prefer pinstripes.’

‘Like vile Veronica?’

‘Well...yes.’

‘Oh, yeah, that turned out so well.’

‘Well, it should have.’

‘Your ex-wife was a snob. Strikes me you could do with a little tie-dye.’

‘She has a child. A little girl.’

‘OK, stop right there.’

‘I know, I know. It’s crazy. I shouldn’t be thinking like this.’

Joe laughed. ‘Relax, Charlie. It’s just the celibacy talking, man. In two weeks’ time the tests will come back negative and you can get back on the horse. Between your health and the divorce, it’s been far too long.’

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