‘Hi.’ Lisa scurried over and whispered, ‘Thanks.’
Adira looked at her for a moment, then gave a big smile. ‘For…’ not wanting to presume too much, in case her instincts were wrong.
‘I’m pregnant,’ she hissed, ‘but keep it to yourself.’ As if the joy lighting her face wouldn’t give her away, but Adira refrained from commenting.
‘Oh Lisa, that’s brilliant news!’ She hugged her.
‘I can’t tell you how grateful I am.’
‘I only told you to be less stressed, and I give that advice to most of my clients no matter what their ailment!’ laughed Adira.
‘I know!’ Lisa laughed too. ‘But it did the trick.’
‘Well, I’m not so sure, but it was advice I remember my gran giving years ago.’
‘Did it work then?’
Adira thought for a moment. ‘Yes, actually it did. It was a neighbour.’ She remembered Mrs Gardner giving birth to twins, but she didn’t tell Lisa that. ‘I’m so pleased for you.’
‘We’re over the moon. But remember, keep it quiet for the moment. Early days and all that.’ She raised crossed fingers.
‘Mum’s the word,’ winked Adira.
Lisa left the room with a spring in her step as Ruby stood at the doorway.
‘Ah, Ruby, come in.’
‘Hello, dear. How are you? Glad to see you’re back.’
‘I’m fine thanks and it’s good to be back. How are your headaches, Ruby?’
‘Much better, thank you. Although my neck and shoulders still feel a little stiff.’
‘Right, let’s give them a good massage.’
A few minutes later and Adira’s hands were digging and probing into Ruby’s muscles, easing the tension from her tight muscles. She could feel the old lady relax under the gentle pressure.
After half an hour, Adira gently stopped. ‘All done, Ruby,’ she told her softly.
‘Ah, that’s much better, thank you,’ Ruby said, her eyes fluttering open. Then she sat up and circled her head. ‘I’ve thought about having physiotherapy. Lilly says it’s working wonders for Fletcher.’
‘Yes, he does seem a lot better,’ agreed Adira. ‘I believe Lilly’s encouraged him to embrace it,’ she laughed.
Ruby gave her a pensive look. Adira paused for a moment, suddenly recalling the last conversation they had had about Fletcher. Ruby had mentioned how he had forever held a torch for someone, never realising how Lilly was his perfect match.
‘Lilly has always had Fletcher’s interests at heart,’ Ruby told her.
‘Yes, I believe so.’ Then curiosity got the better of her. ‘Ruby, do you know who Fletcher had a soft spot for?’
‘Yes, I do. We all do, it was plainly obvious,’ Ruby replied with a sad sigh.
‘Who?’ Adira couldn’t resist asking.
‘Alice.’
‘Alice?’ Adira frowned, wondering why the name seemed familiar to her. Then it clicked. ‘You mean—’
‘Jasper’s mother,’ Ruby replied, looking straight at her.
