The news confuses me and, at the same time, leaves a bitterness in my stomach. Casey always wanted to be a doctor, was so focused on her goals, so headstrong and ambitious. I can’t help but ask myself why her plans were interrupted, what made her change her mind. And why I didn’t know about it.
Oh, yeah. I left.
“Casey’s the best. Everyone loves her,” Martin says, joining the conversation. “She’s the most organised, the sweetest and definitely the best-looking physio we have.”
What the fuck is he still doing in our house? And why hasn’t Ryan got rid of him yet? I need to have a little chat with him as soon as possible. We don’t need another nosey big-mouth hanging around, talking about pretty physiotherapists.
Fuck, I’m sweating. Maybe I’m suffocating. It’s way too hot in this house. I jump up suddenly to open the window and let some air in.
“Everything okay, Nick?” Him again. “You seem agitated.”
I should go into the garage. I think I remember seeing some mouse poison knocking around somewhere: I’m sure a few spoonfuls – or ten – would shut him up forever.
“They’ve recently cut back my hours at the hospital,” Casey continues. “I only work mornings, so I have time in the afternoons to do a few home visits.”
“Casey.” My father who, until this point, had sat there in worried silence, speaks up. “Until a few minutes ago, I was intent on chucking you out.”
Oh, fuck.
Everyone falls silent.
“I didn’t want anyone in my house, let alone a doctor.”
Casey smiles tightly.
“But seeing as it’s you, I think this could be good for me.”
Everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief.
“I’m so happy to hear that, Mr O’Connor.”
“Please, call me James. No one in this family calls me Mr O’Connor.”
I spit my coffee out all over Mum’s carpet.
“Dad,” Ian says. “Casey’s here for your physio. Your knee – remember?”
“No. Casey’s here for something else.”
Oh, Jesus Christ.
“What would that be?” Mum asks, trying not to panic.
Dad lifts his gaze and it falls onto me. I don’t add anything, and no one asks – mainly because they’re too scared of the response.
And, of everyone, I think I’m the most terrified.
Karma, you bitch.
Not even Ryan could’ve done any better.
10
Casey
We close the O’Connors’ front door behind us and head towards Martin’s car.
“See? That was fine. The O’Connors were happy to see you.”
