‘I forget what it feels like. I haven’t had it for so long.’
‘Well, if you’re worried, there’s a brilliant sexual health clinic connected to the Chelsea and Westminster. I still go there and get free condoms sometimes. The staff are so lovely. Just get checked out, mate, there’s no shame in it, and it’s quicker and easier than going to the doctor, for something like this. If it is something dodgy, everything can be cleared up with antibiotics these days, so don’t worry. Being honest, I’ve had a course from there myself a few years back. It did wise me up, though. Condom city all the way now!’
‘I’ll pop down there tomorrow.’ Victoria joined Orla on the sofa. ‘To be honest, after getting through this flu, I can deal with anything. But woe betide Nate if he’s given me some kind of STI. It must have come from him – Danny and I used a condom.’
‘Talking of Nate, you haven’t mentioned him much.’
Vic sighed. ‘He called the night you got back. I told him I was ill, so he’s sent a few texts asking how I am and saying he’s missing me, but that’s it.’
‘And how are you feeling about everything?’
‘I don’t know, Orla. I feel so confused. Something’s clearly not right in our relationship but I can’t seem to imagine a life without him. What would you do?’
‘Aww, mate. It’s a tough one, and as much as I can say what I think, whatever happens, ultimately you have to do what’s right for you.’ Orla spun the remote control around in her hand.
Vic groaned. ‘It’s such a mess.’ She took a deep breath. ‘But you’re right, it’s time to pull my big girl’s pants on and start making some decisions. I’ve been drifting along with Nate – and Glovers, if I’m honest with myself. And I don’t want to wake up when I’m fifty and realise that I’m stagnant, like a ship that’s been in the same bloody harbour all its life.’
Orla raised her eyebrows. ‘That’s very profound, love. Anyways, you know where I am if you need to chat anything through, eh?’ Yawning loudly, she added, ‘Talking of Glovers, Iguess you’ll be going back to work tomorrow, now you’re better, will you?’
‘I told Ray I’ll be back on Tuesday, so I might as well take the extra day. Then just two weeks of work and it’ll be Christmas. This year has flown.’
‘Yes, I can’t wait for the long break. It’s been a crazy old year.’ Orla dipped her hand into the tub of Quality Street that was sitting open on the coffee table, already half empty.
‘When are you flying back to Dingle?’
‘I’ve just got to get a huge project plan finished for an event I’m managing in January, then I’ll head there. Mammy is already beside herself. I’ll be back here for New Year, though, that’s for sure. There’s only so much Guinness and small-town gossip a gal can take in one hit.’
Vic grinned. ‘OK, so who’s going to winStrictlythis year, then?’
Orla pressed play. ‘It’s got to be Darren Gough, surely; he’s been brilliant from what I’ve watched so far.’
‘Ray wants Zoe Ball, but only because he lusts over Ian Waite,’ Vic added, then, after five minutes of watching, she stood up. ‘Right, enough of the spangles for me. I’m going to have a hot shower and head to Oxford Street for Christmas shopping. Fancy coming?’
‘I’d rather dance naked in the snow than face those crowds.’ Orla stretched out on the sofa and yawned. ‘But I’m so glad you’re feeling better.’
SEVEN
LONDON
The Sexual Health Clinic
The next day Victoria Sharpe found herself knickers off, lying on a hard black plastic-coated bed in the sexual health clinic that Orla had directed her to.
‘BV?’ Vic repeated as she lay looking up at the grey-haired sexual health nurse, her voice hollow.
‘Yes. Bacterial vaginosis.’ The efficient woman took off her gloves and binned them. ‘But a course of antibiotics will get you sorted in no time.’
As she sat herself up on the bed, Vic felt herself reddening. ‘How mortifying.’
‘Don’t be silly. It’s quite common and it’s not sexually transmitted, but having it can increase your risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections.’
‘Ah, OK.’ Vic smiled, her relief palpable.
‘So, how about whilst you’re here we give you a full service down there? You can go into the new year fresh and ready for action.’
‘OK, let’s do it. I’ve never been to a clinic like this before.’ She’d always thought of them as taboo places. Vic laughed at her own naivety. ‘I’m glad it’s been so easy.’
‘Why wouldn’t it be?’ The nurse looked slightly peeved. ‘Sexual health is as important as any other kind of health. We all do it. Have sex, I mean. And it’s confidential here, of course.’ The nurse smiled as she washed her hands in the corner sink. ‘Are you on the pill?’
