Page 27 of New Dreams for the Village Nurse
‘Of course not – I was only asking. But you thought it was a boy last time you mentioned it. So it seems a bit quick for her to be introducing him to Mackenzie if it is.’
‘I know, but I suppose being upfront isn’t a bad thing. There’s no point keeping him a secret and then her getting down the line with this lad and really liking him, only for him to dump her because she didn’t tell him she had a baby. Right?’
‘I suppose so. I can’t say I know a lot about this sort of thing.’
‘If I’m being honest, I’m jealous that she’s found a fella already and I can’t get anyone interested.’
‘You don’t know that.’
‘She might not have, but neither have I, and I’ve been waiting a lot longer.’
‘Perhaps you ought to start driving around the neighbouring towns trying to pick one off.’
‘Don’t even joke about it,’ Stacey groaned. ‘It’s crossed my mind. Kidnap a tourist – nobody would miss the odd one.’
‘Oh, Stacey…’
‘I know – modern women aren’t supposed to be so needy, are we? I don’t care about modern. I am needy!’
‘You’re not, you’re brilliant and gorgeous and funny – and you should hold on for someone who deserves you. I’m not going to tell you to be patient because I realise it must be hard, but he is out there, and you will find him.’
‘Hmmm. So this new doctor then…he’s good-looking?’
Ottilie gave a little laugh. ‘He’s very good-looking.’
‘And what’s his story?’
‘I’m not entirely sure. He mentioned a wife but like he wasn’t with her now.’
‘Like he didn’t bring her with him or like he’s divorced?’
‘Like…well, like she isn’t around any longer.’
‘You think he’s widowed?’
‘I sort of got that feeling.’
‘How old is he?’
‘I’d say close to forty-ish.’
‘I might have to make an appointment to see him for my ingrowing toenail.’
‘Don’t you go making appointments just to gawp! Poor bloke’s got enough on his plate.’
‘Who said anything about gawping? I’m deeply offended you’d think such a thing of me.’
Ottilie laughed again as she sipped at her wine. ‘It’s a genuine medical emergency then?’
‘Of course.’
The door to the living room opened. Magnus and Geoff came in.
‘What are you two whispering about in here?’ Geoff asked.
‘I’m surprised you noticed we were gone,’ Stacey shot back. ‘Too busy taking potshots at each other.’
‘We weren’t.’
