The Doctor's Engagement

‘Yeah.’ He nodded slowly. ‘Dr Logan reads me the Riot Act every time I see him. Says that people like me who smoke after a heart attack double their risk of dying.’

‘And he’s right, you know that.’ Holly’s voice was gentle and Mr Finn pulled a face.

‘Yeah—and this time I’m determined to stick at it.’

‘Good for you.’ Holly sat back in her chair and looked at him thoughtfully. ‘So we need to persevere and find a method that helps you give up.’

She spent a long time with Mr Finn, talking about his lifestyle, trying to look for solutions together to solve his smoking problem, then she sent him to see Mark with a request for nicotine replacement.

‘How did you do with Mr Finn?’ Ian asked her as they stopped for a five-minute break between patients.

‘Quite well, I think.’ Holly frowned. ‘We decided that his lifestyle encouraged his smoking, so he’s going to give some thought to taking up a hobby of some sort to stop him going to the pub on a Friday night. And he’s going to see Mark for nicotine replacement.’

‘If you can stop Jack Finn going to the pub on a Friday night then you’re a genius,’ Mark drawled as he passed on his way to see Samantha. ‘I’ve given him a prescription for nicotine replacement but I’m not overly optimistic. He’s never come back two weeks running before.’

Holly smiled broadly. ‘He’s promised to come back next week and he’s signed up for my exercise class.’

Mark stopped in his tracks. ‘He’s signed up for your exercise class?’

‘Absolutely.’ Holly laughed at the look on his face and her eyes challenged him. ‘Why shouldn’t he?’

‘Well, because...’ Mark gave a gulp of disbelief and shook his head. ‘Because keep fit isn’t exactly Jack Finn’s scene. I can’t see him in Lycra somehow, can you, Ian?’

Ian was laughing. ‘Frankly, no. How did you do it, Holly?’

‘You’re both awful!’ Holly gave them a disapproving look. ‘For a start, keeping fit isn’t about Lycra and it certainly isn’t restricted to women. How about you, Mark? You keep fit, what’s the difference?’

Mark was still laughing, undaunted by her disapproval. ‘That’s different. I don’t dance around a room in tights.’

‘Which just goes to show that you’ve never attended one of my classes,’ Holly said calmly. ‘I challenge you to join us on Monday, Dr Logan. You might be surprised. In fact, that’s an excellent idea. If I can tell everyone that you’ll be there, too, it will encourage the rest of the men.’

‘Great idea!’ Ian slapped Mark on the shoulders and Mark shook his head, his gorgeous eyes still creased with laughter.

‘I’m not much of a dancer, Holl.’

‘It isn’t about dancing,’ Holly told him primly. ‘It’s about keeping fit. And seeing as you pride yourself on being in peak condition, you can come and show us all how it’s done. I’ll guarantee you’ll sweat.’

‘Yes, boss.’ Mark grinned at her and she smiled back, admitting to herself that he was a good sport.

‘And, for your information, I haven’t called it Keep Fit.’ She reached across to one of the tables and picked up a leaflet that Caroline had designed for her that morning. ‘Caroline and I decided that Get Physical had more of a universal appeal. It’s g

oing to be a series of eight classes to begin with and I’m going to give everyone additional exercises to do in between classes at home.’

‘Are you really hoping to attract lots of men?’ Samantha asked curiously. ‘I think that’s a brilliant idea. The men always get left out.’

‘If Holly’s dressed in Lycra the men will be queuing back to Dorset,’ Mark said dryly, touching her gently on the cheek. ‘Better wear a baggy tracksuit.’

Holly rolled her eyes and gave him a disapproving look. ‘Haven’t you got anything better to do than laugh at my fitness class?’

Mark grinned. ‘Offhand I can’t think of anything—’

‘Come on, lad.’ Ian grabbed him by the arm. ‘Mrs Fry has just come in and you know you’re her favourite.’

Mark groaned and followed Ian across the room, leaving Holly with Samantha.

‘I’ve gathered a group of eight in the coffee-room,’ Samantha told her, handing her a list of names. ‘Mostly women, all wanting to discuss diets. We’re ready when you are.’

‘Brilliant.’ Holly gave her a smile. ‘Let’s get started, then, shall we?’