Page 75 of Connectio
“Still. It can’t be nice to always have it looming over you like a giant turd cloud.”
I’ve never thought of it as a “turd cloud” before. A constant shadow that survives without light, yes. But a turd cloud? I guess that works too.
“It is what it is,” I say. “I can’t change it. I can only play the cards I’ve been dealt.”
She stands up. “What time’s your appointment?”
“Midday.”
“Okay. We’ll take Suzi and make a girly day out of it.”
“Girly day?”
“Yeah. We’ll hit the shops, and I can help you buy better clothes.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my clothes.”
She swishes her hand. “That’s debatable. You’re dating now; therefore, you need dating clothes.”
“I’m not dating.”
“You will be.”
“Says who?”
My phone beeps again.
She points to it. “Him.”
* * *
Carlyand I drive to Dr Tao’s specialist rooms at Bundoora Private Hospital. I see her monthly for check-ups and referrals to manage my condition. She’s an exquisite Asian beauty in her forties, and I admire her dedication to her career—not everyone happily works on a Sunday—but I also feel sorry for her tireless work ethic.
“Elizabeth Hanson,” she calls out from her office doorway.
Smiling, I place the well-read copy of Vogue back in the magazine holder and stand up.
“Want me to come in?” Carly asks.
I shake my head. “No, I’ll be fine.”
“Good, ‘cause this article on vaginal squirting is really interesting.” She flips the page of her Cleo magazine and gives me the thumbs-up.
My cheeks flame, and I move toward Dr Tao while shooting another woman in the waiting room an apologetic look.
“How have you been?” Dr Tao extends her arm and gestures I enter her office.
“Fine, thank you. And you?”
“Nice and busy. Just the way I like it.”
“That must be a catch twenty-two.”
She winks. “It is. Busy means many people like you with an illness, which isn’t nice at all. But busy also means I’m helping people like you manage your illness. So, yes, it’s definitely a catch twenty-two.” She nods toward her desk. “Please, take a seat and tell me how you’ve been since our last appointment.”
I do as instructed and sit down. “For the most part, I’ve been fine, except for a lump on my lower back.”
“Let’s take a look.” Dr Tao washes her hands at the basin and puts on a pair of surgical gloves.
