Page 12 of Coming Home to Wishington Bay
‘I was going to say that paediatrics must be very rewarding – but I can also imagine how … challenging it might be at times.’
‘You’re right,’ Gabe agreed, thankfully taking the spotlight off me. ‘I love what I do. I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was little. I think, initially, I was attracted by the toys. My grandad was a doctor in a small town and he’d always have his kit on him. Obviously most of it was out of bounds for me, but it fascinated me that there was this bag full of magic things to help people feel better.’ His gaze flicked up to my face. ‘Stupid, huh?’
‘Totally,’ Ned answered.
I gave him a glare and Gabe chuckled.
‘Not at all. I think it’s a lovely story,’ I said, looking pointedly at my brother. ‘Go on.’
‘Well, he did let me play with his stethoscope. I’d just go around trying to listen to everyone’s heartbeat and every time I heard one, it kind of blew my mind. I think the seed for training as a doctor was planted the first time I ever used that. And then, of course, I found out about the Royal Flying Doctor Service and that sounded like the perfect combination of adventure and helping people.’
‘That’s such a lovely story.’
‘Thanks.’ He smiled.
Ned made a retching sound and got a kick from Carrie for his troubles.
‘What?’ he asked, rubbing his shin.
‘You!’ she said, calmly. ‘You’re being rude.’
‘I’m not. Gabe knows I’m just kidding.’
By the look of the grin on Gabe’s face, it appeared my brother was right.
‘I’m just not sure how I feel about him practising his smooth chat-up spiel on my sister.’
I did my best to stop the mouthful of coffee I’d just taken from coming out of my nose and forced it to take its usual path down my throat. Carrie gave me a concerned look and patted me on the back as I swallowed and gave a cough. Ned got a kick on the other shin.
‘You all right?’ Gabe asked.
I nodded. ‘Yes, just went down the wrong way.’
Ned opened his mouth.
‘You say one more thing and I’m not going to do any of your finances for the next five years!’
Ned closed his mouth.
‘Well, I think I’d better start heading back. All this sea air is making me a bit tired.’
‘And perhaps your workaholic lifestyle’s catching up with you a little?’
‘This from the woman who worked day and night, literally, to get a restaurant up and running,’ I said, grabbing the wrap I’d brought with me and draping it around my shoulders.
‘That is true. But if I remember, you’d also taken time off to come and help us out and the difference is that we’ve now found a balance and make sure we have days off and time away. You, my dear one, have not.’
I faffed with my wrap a bit as I tried to extricate myself from the conversation that had just turned round and bitten me on the bum.
‘I don’t think a workaholic just takes the whole summer off, which is what I’m now doing,’ I said, pleased with my return.
‘No.’ Ned came to stand beside his wife. ‘A workaholic is forced to take the whole summer off because she collapses in her boss’s office and is on the verge of being carted off to A & E.’
‘Ugh! You two are so dramatic. Good job I love you. Thank you for the food and I’ll see you soon.’
The strength of Ned’s hug told me that, despite all the teasing, he was worried about me, and I felt a shot of guilt sear through me. He had enough to think about with running his own business and his first child on the way.
‘I’m fine. Honestly,’ I said, trying to put as much reassurance into my voice as possible.
