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Nisha’s eyebrows shot up and the other woman choked with laughter. ‘Really? Doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty, then?’
‘When he’s not laying bricks he’s a doctor. But we don’t just tackle specific medical problems—it’s all about living well.’
‘And what do you do here?’
‘I’m a doctor too.’
‘Neesh...?’
The other woman nudged her companion, but Nisha shook her head. A sixth sense pricked at the back of Marie’s neck. This was just the kind of thing the clinic was here for—the problems that people didn’t want to talk about.
‘Take my card.’ Marie offered one of the cards that had been printed with her name. ‘If there’s ever anything I can help with, just ask for me.’
Nisha nodded, taking the card. She looked at it, glanced at Marie, and then unzipped her handbag, putting the card inside. Maybe she’d take the offer up, but Marie knew from experience that she needed to let her think about it. Pushing now would only elicit a no.
‘My name’s Marie.’ She turned to the other woman.
‘Carol. Do you do mother-and-toddler swimming classes?’
‘Yes—you can sign up for them next week, when the clinic opens.’
‘I’ll definitely do that. We come past here every day. We might get another eyeful of that director of yours...’ Carol laughed as Nisha raised her eyebrows. ‘Only joking, Neesh.’
The toddler in Carol’s pushchair started to fret. ‘Yeah, all right, Georgie. We’ll be home soon, and then we’re going to the park. It was nice to meet you, Marie.’
‘You too. Hope I’ll see you again soon.’
The two women started to walk again, chatting companionably. Marie heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Alex, holding two glasses of lemonade. He handed her one.
‘Thanks, I could do with that. I’ve talked my head off, given out a whole handful of leaflets and also some free coffee vouchers. How are you doing?’
Alex grinned, leaning towards her as if he was about to impart something highly confidential. ‘Rather well, I think.’
‘Can I see it?’
‘No. The courtyards are my territory for the next couple of days. You can have the offices and the front gates. I’ll water the seeds for you.’
‘You won’t forget? You know how bad you are at watering plants.’ Marie shot him an imploring look.
‘That’s reassuring. I’m expecting people to put their lives in my hands, and you can’t trust me with a few seed trays.’
It was nice to see Alex teasing again. Marie had missed that, and it seemed that a little practical work had lifted some of the weight from his shoulders. He was looking a lot more like the relaxed and cheerful Alex that she’d known before all this had happened.
Alex nodded at the pavement behind her and Marie saw Carol hurrying towards them. It looked as if she had something on her mind.
‘Hey, Carol. This is Alex, our director.’
‘Pleased to meet you.’
Alex wiped his hand on his jeans and held it out. Carol shook it, nodding at him quickly, and then turned to Marie.
‘Did you mean what you said? To Nisha?’
‘About coming to see me? Of course. Is there something wrong?’
Carol nodded, tight-lipped.
‘Do you want to come inside and talk?’
