“That’s nice to be so focused on his patients. I’m sure they must have appreciated him.”
“I know they did. They told me every time I saw them in the early days. Now he gets a mention only when I try to change things for them, especially the older patients who were used to doing things the old way.”
April guided him around a dead fish and hurried Hamish and Oscar away from it by throwing the stick again. “I’m sure you’re an exemplary doctor and they love you. People hate change. It’s human nature to dislike trying something new, especially the elderly. It takes twenty-one days to set a habit. Most people give up because it’s easier to go with the tried and true.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep, it is.” Hamish came back with the stick and she picked it up. “Right, last one and then we need to make a move. Dinner is simmering on the stove and I don’t want it ruined.”
When they got back to the path where their shoes sat waiting, David looked at his feet, frowned and let out a sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can hardly put these back on with sandy feet.”
“Don’t then. Walk back barefoot like I do.” April picked up her sandals, slipped the lead back onto Hamish’s collar and started walking down the road. He’d either follow her or put his shoes on first. His call.
It took all of five seconds before she heard the footsteps behind her, the puffing of a little dog almost out of breath to slow her down.
“Wait for me.” He jogged and caught up. “I think two walks in one day is a bit much for Oscar.”
“Maybe we should have left him at my place.”
David shook his head. “Not a chance. He would’ve carried on if we’d left him out. A slow walk back will give him a chance to catch his breath.”
“Why don’t you bring him over some days to play with Hamish. Maybe he just needs to get out more often.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Of course you can. In fact, David, I insist.”
*
“Do you always boss people around like this?” He walked along beside her, his bare feet slapping on the pavement.
“Only if they need it.” An elderly couple stood back and let them pass, looking pointedly at David’s shoes hanging from his hand.
“I’m never going to hear the end of this.” He waved, said a cheery hello and kept on going.
“Don’t worry about it. They’re probably not used to seeing you so casual. People will always find something to talk about. The challenge of an unfulfilled life, if you ask me.” April crossed the street and walked down behind her shop to where David’s car sat parked. She scurried up the back stairs and opened her door.
“Didn’t you even lock that while you were out?” He hurried up behind her.
“No. I never lock my door. Only draws negative energy in anyway. And, I’ll tell you this, I’ve never ever had anyone break in.”
“I hope you lock the shop door.” He brushed his feet on the mat before walking across her threshold into the riot of color that was her flat.
“Of course. I’m not totally ignorant. My insurance wouldn’t cover me if I didn’t.” She grabbed a towel and rubbed down Hamish before letting him free of the lead and held her arms out for Oscar, giving him the same treatment. “Grab a beer or wine out of the refrigerator while I clean up.”
Chapter Fourteen
April put a plate in front of him and the rich smell of freshly prepared curry wafted to his nose. He leaned over his meal and took a deep sniff, letting the aromatics roll over the back of his tongue. “This is seriously good. Do you do your own spices?”
“Of course.”
“I’m a serious curry fan and when you offered me dinner, I could hardly refuse.” He picked up his fork and took a scoop of curry, looking to see what kind it was. “Uh, beef or chicken?”
“Try it for yourself and see if you can pick it.” She smiled at him and David lifted the fork to his mouth. The coriander battled for prominence with the bite of chili on his tongue. Not too hot but enough to warm his mouth. A subtle hint of lemongrass washed with black pepper followed leaving his taste buds in heaven. He chewed and swallowed.
“That is seriously good curry. I might have to ask for the recipe for the paste. Mine isn’t quite so fragrant, so you’re using something I’m not.” He looked at his plate and found it hard to identify most of the ingredients. “So, you’ve got me. What kind of curry is it?”
“Do you like it?” She gave him an impish grin.
“Of course. It’s wonderful. Great texture but I don’t know what exactly you’ve used apart from the obvious.”
“Vegetarian. Aubergine, or eggplant, to be exact.” She stabbed a piece of vegetable on her fork. “This is a finger eggplant, which is very mild and nutty and the rest is your big black beauty. Along with the obvious, as you say, other vegetables.”
David didn’t know whether to be impressed or feel cheated that he wasn’t eating meat. Not one to scrimp on his veggies, he also wasn’t one to eat vegetarian either. Not that he had anything against it – it just wasn’t his thing.
“I like it very much.” He sounded surprised even to his own ears.
“Great. As I said, not a patch on Bella’s cooking but at least I get by.” She put her fork down and picked up her
