Carter begrudgingly ended up going back to work. Later that night, there was no mention of what happened. We’d both had our say and had put it behind us. After dinner, we snuggled on the sofa and fell into easy conversation. Nothing deep. Nothing about my illness. Just normal, everyday things. It was nice.
“I’ve been thinking,” he says. Okay, this could be dangerous.
“About what?” I ask sceptically.
“Justine was talking about some girly spa place she goes to. Why don’t you let me book you in for a pamper day? It will do you good.” I tilt my head back and smile up at him, shrugging at the same time.
“I don’t know. It sounds lovely, but that’s something Meg and I always used to do together. It’ll be no fun on my own.”
“I could come with you.” I start laughing as I roll onto my stomach to face him.
“You’d go and get a facial and a Mani/Pedi?” I ask in disbelief, because that’s something I couldn’t imagine him doing.
“What’s a Mani/Pedi?”
“A manicure and pedicure.”
“Oh,” he deadpans, making me laugh again. “Yeah, maybe that’s not my thing.”
“It’s definitely not your thing,” I agree snuggling back into him.
••••
The following Friday, Carter takes me back to the John Hunter Hospital in New Lambton, to have my stitches removed from my chin. Yesterday I completed my second last week of the radiation therapy. Words can’t express how happy I am that it’s almost coming to an end.
Next week we have to stay for an extra day in Sydney, because Friday I’ll be having another scan and some blood work to see how successful the treatment has been. My headaches have practically ceased, so I’m confident we’re going to get good results. Well, I pray we do.
Things have been different between Carter and I this week. He’s really stepped back, which makes me feel so much better. He still fusses over me like a mother hen, but he seems a lot more relaxed. I’ve had a pretty good week as far as the side effects go. I still feel dreadful, but my nausea isn’t as bad so I’ve been able to keep most of my food down.
Mid-Saturday morning, Carter asked me to be showered, dressed, and ready by lunchtime. I didn’t ask why, I just presumed we were going out to eat. We do that often when I’m feeling okay.
I’m wearing a new pair of jeans and a nice top when he comes upstairs just after midday. I bought some new clothes last week because I’ve lost a few kilos since treatment started. Most of my clothes I can still wear, although they’re a little big on me now, but my jeans? No. I like them to be fitted.
“Grab your purse,” he says when he enters the apartment. “I’m taking an extended lunch break.”
“Where are we going?” I ask when he gives me a mischievous smile. He’s up to something, I can tell.
“The Day Spa.”
“What?”
“You said you didn’t want to go alone, so I’m going with you.” I can’t help it. I start laughing. Carter Reynolds at a day spa. This I gotta see.
“I thought you said a Mani/Pedi wasn’t your thing.”
“It’s not, but I want this for you, so I’m prepared to hand them my balls at the door. Don’t worry, I’ll collect them on my way out.” We’re both laughing as we walk down the stairs, heading for the car.
After parking down the street from the Day Spa, he walks around to my side to open my door. I’m still shocked that he’s actually here with me. I love that he would go to any lengths to make me happy.
While Carter closes my door and locks the car, I stand on the sidewalk and tilt my head back letting the sun’s rays hit my face, making my skin prickle. Although we’re in the middle of winter, it’s a beautiful sunny day. I feel my lips curve up after I inhale a large breath, taking the fresh air into my lungs. When I open my eyes, I find Carter staring down at me, with a sweet smile on his face.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yeah. Just enjoying being outside.”
“It’s good to see,” is all he says, leaning down to kiss the top of my head.
Lacing his fingers through mine, we make our way down the street. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be out in the fresh air and sunshine again. I’ve been cooped up in that apartment way too much lately. A simple thing like being outdoors, was something I once took for granted. Not anymore. It’s funny how you realise just how important the little things are once they’ve been taken away from you.
“You sure you want to do this?” I ask.
“Positive,” he answers. “You need this, babe.”
“Have I told you how much I love you today?”
“Yes, but I’ll never get tired of hearing it,” he admits as he pulls our linked hands up towards his face and places a kiss on my fingers. “So feel free to tell me again.”
Carter pushes open the door of the spa, moving to the side so I can enter. I only make it a few steps before I’m stopped in my tracks. Tears instantly rise to my eyes. Oh. My. Fucking. God. Turning my head to look up at Carter, I find him gazing down at me with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. “Surprise,” he says. Surprise is an understatement. I can’t believe he would do this for me.
Tears are now streaming down my cheeks as she rises from her seat in the foyer, closing the distance between us before engulfing me in her arms. I’m so overwhelmed. “Meg,” I whisper as I wrap my arms around her waist and squeeze her tight. I can’t believe she’s actually here in the flesh.
“I fucking missed you,” she cries, tightening her hold on me.
“I’ve missed you too. Like you wouldn’t believe.” I’m so overcome with joy right now.
She pulls back to make eye contact with me. Even though we’re both crying, we have huge smiles on our faces. She hugs me to her once more. We hold each other for the longest time. I don’t want to let her go.
Eventually, she takes a step back before reaching up and pinching my arm. “Ouch,” I say, frowning at her. “What was that for?”
“I can’t believe you’ve been sick and you didn’t tell me, bitch.” I can clearly hear the hurt in her voice.
“I didn’t want to worry you.” She takes me back into her arms and squeezes me again.
“I love you,” she whispers. “I want to know this shit. Don’t keep things from me.”
“I love you too, Meg. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
••••
I had the most amazing day ever. Just having my bestie here has lifted my spirits like you wouldn’t believe. I couldn’t thank Carter enough when we got home, for what he’d done.
Apparently, he had stolen Meg’s number out of my phone and called her. She jumped on the first plane once she heard that I was sick. I’m not sure how long she’s staying, but I’m going to enjoy my time with her while she’s here.
Carter had booked us in for the full spa package. We were there for over four hours. We had a therapeutic Hydro Bath, exfoliating treatment, hot stone massage, a facial, and of course a manicure and pedicure. It even included lunch. It was just what my tired body needed. I felt revitalised when I walked out of there. As amazing as it was, just spending time catching up with Meg was the highlight for me.
••••
When Carter finishes his last job for the day, he finds Meg and I chatting on the sofa when he walks into the apartment. Making his way towards us he bends down, brushing his lips against mine.
“I’m gonna have a quick shower, then I’m taking you two out for dinner,” he says smiling down at me.
“Okay,” I reply returning the smile. My eyes are glued to his arse as he turns and makes his way towards our bedroom. He is still refusing to have sex with me. It’s getting to the stage now that I’m tempted to tie him to the bed in his sleep, just so I can have my way with him.