Damaged Goods by Diane McNab - HTML preview

Jane felt she had made a fool of herself the night before. Not explaining to Martin her reason for shutting down, not even understanding it herself. A dark cloud had come over her which she just needed to run away from and she had abruptly left the restaurant.

She read the card again and decided to call, not sure if she was doing the right thing or what the outcome would be.

Obviously the number on the card was a direct line to Martin as he picked up after three dial tones.

“Hey thanks for the flowers they are very beautiful. I apologise for my abrupt departure last night. I just got overtaken by a need to leave, like right there and right then, it's hard to explain.”

“No need to apologise I just worried I had gone and upset you again and wanted to make sure you are ok” said Martin.

“Yeah I am fine just a little embarrassed” replied Jane.

“No need to be embarrassed, as long as you are fine. How about dinner next Friday? I know a place that makes the perfect escargot, what do you say?”

“I say yes” said Jane quickly before she changed her mind.

“Wonderful I will pick you up from your office at 6.30pm and Jane I am looking forward to seeing you again.”

The day of her date Jane fussed over her outfit like a girl going to her first prom. She eventually decided on a simple black dress with sling back heels and a Chanel handbag.

She arrived at the office in her usual smart attire holding the dress and accessories, quickly placing them in her bathroom attached to her office.

However, Michael was no fool, noting the subterfuge.

“You are going to get hurt” he declared emphatically.

“By doing what, going out to dinner with someone I like?” asked Jane.

Michael answered saying “Dinner is quite acceptable. After all each and every one of us likes to do that at the end of a day. However, it is what takes place later that you have to watch out for. Is Dr. Charles Wife attending the event or is she indisposed?”

“Don't be such a prick Michael, that's below the belt” Jane said looking angry.

“Its exactly what's below the belt that I am worried about” he answered.

“I think we have talked enough on this subject Michael. We have work to do, let's deal with that” Jane said.

“You look wonderful Jane” said Martin on seeing her.

“All thanks to your handy work” Jane replied trying to take a light approach and ignoring the fact her heart was hammering inside of her.

Over dinner Jane decided to address the elephant in the room.

“Each time you have mentioned children I have jumped down your throat and been a little angst to say the least. The truth is I can never have children of my own. Quite frankly I am not sure that I would have ever wanted them but the decision was taken out of my hands at an early age, therefore, I never got to explore that option. It's just that at times I am reminded of my failings in that regard” Jane said.

Before Martin spoke Jane noticed a look of almost relief cross his face. He covered that quickly and said “Well I hardly think not having a child is a failing Jane but I am glad you could share that with me.”

The rest of the night went beautifully.

Approximately a week after the surgery Jane went out to lunch with Zac and Summer. She was aware she looked a little different. Not that she looked fifteen years younger by any means but definitely a change had occurred.

“Okay Sis spill the beans. You have obviously helped yourself to a little tip and tuck. Am I right or am I wrong?” asked Zac.

“No big deal, I just decided to freshen myself up a bit so to speak” answered Jane.

Summer looked horrified. “Why would you feel the need to do that? Our faces are like a canvas showing the world who we truly are.”

Summer looked closely at her and said “Whoever did it did a good job but it upsets me you felt the compulsion to do it in the first place.”

“Well I didn't like what I saw reflected in the mirror Summer. On my particular canvas all I could see were ugly scars so I had them erased” replied Jane.

“That is the saddest thing I have ever heard” said Summer.