Page 2 of Prognosis Do Over

‘No, no, no and no. It’s all right for you,’ laughed Lou, staring at Pete’s bald pate. ‘You’re used to it.’

‘You could just get it cut short or even coloured. You don’t have to go the whole hog.’

‘Out,’ Lydia ordered, replacing the phone, picking up a chart and whacking him playfully. ‘That would be a sin.’

‘True,’ he sighed. ‘But still...’

‘Out,’ said Lydia, grinning. They watched him leave. ‘So, what have you got planned for the weekend?’

‘Anything and everything I can to keep my mind off Will’s return.’ A month had passed since the memo from the Medical Director had announced Will’s appointment, and she wasn’t any closer to indifference.

Kristy Freeman, a newly graduated nurse, bustled into the station along with Lynne Oliver, the ward clerk. The phone rang again and Lynne answered it. Lynne was efficient and practically indispensable to Ward Two, but loved to gossip. Lydia took her friend’s arm and steered her out of the nurses’ station — too much activity, too much noise, too many flapping ears.

They parked themselves just on the other side of all the activity, in the main thoroughfare, leaning their elbows against the raised return. ‘It’s been a year, Lou. Don’t tell me you still love him?’ Lydia asked.

‘Oh, God, no. I’m over him. Really.’

Really.

‘So, what’s the problem?’ Lydia demanded.

‘I don’t know. Will took up every part of my life for a long time, and...’

‘You loved him?’ Lydia finished.

Lou nodded miserably. She was over him. Really. But suddenly a year’s separation didn’t seem like enough distance.

‘Tell me, Lou,’ Lydia said gently, ‘how long were you unhappy in that relationship?’

‘I was happy most of the time,’ she protested.

‘Sure. But did he ever ask you to marry him? Did he ever give you any indication or promise of anything other than living for the moment?’

‘No.’

‘No,’ said Lydia, touching her friend’s arm, ‘he didn’t.’

‘It wasn’t his fault. His life is complicated. Delvine made everything so difficult. You know that, Lydia. He’s your friend too.’

‘Sure.’ Lydia nodded. ‘And you were more than understanding, Lou. In fact, I don’t know of any other woman who would have been quite so understanding for quite so long. But he ended it, and vacated your life, and you’ve moved on,’ she said, indicating Lou’s round bump. ‘And you have this baby to think about now. And Will may have been my friend too, but my loyalty will always be with you.’ She grinned. ‘Always. Now, repeat after me: Will Galligher is in my past. I am over him.’

Lou rolled her eyes. ‘Will Galligher is in my past. I am over him,’ she said dutifully.

‘Now repeat it over and over until you believe it. All weekend if necessary.’ Lydia laughed.

Lou laughed too. She felt empowered by talking to Lydia. Her friend always had the knack of cutting through the layers to the crux of the matter. ‘You’re right, Lydia. Besides, the only room I have in my heart these days is for this little guy,’ she said, patting her stomach.

‘Atta girl! You’ll be fine, Lou,’ said Lydia, hugging her reassuringly. ‘Really. You’ll be cool. You’ll be calm. You’ll be collected. And if he puts one foot wrong, I’ll beat him to a pulp.’

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Will hesitated a littlebefore pushing open the doors and approaching. He hadn’t expected to feel this churned up, and part of him urged retreat. Maybe this meeting would be better on Monday morning? At least she’d be expecting him then, and it would be business as usual. Lou and Lydia looked deep in conversation.

Don’t be stupid, man. She won’t bite. Get it over with.

He swung the doors open defiantly and ordered his legs to move. I am over her. Candy is my priority.

Only Candy.

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