Read Online Dog Handling by Clare Naylor - Free Book Online Page B

through the house as though it were an art gallery was the most normal thing in the world. Well, it was certainly a regular occurrence. And as she held out her hand the papier-mâché chest fell to the floor, leaving Liv decorated only by a few columns of weather forecast and the cricketing news.
    “I’m Suzanne. I’m a psychotherapist,” the woman replied, and nodded sagely at Liv. A grimace formed on Laura’s brow.
    “Just helping a friend out,” Liv twittered, plunging to the floor and reapplying the cast before it set. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I just have to go and finish myself off.” Liv closed the bathroom door behind her and splashed some water onto her mould to soften it.
     
    When Liv turned the tap off she heard hushed and urgent tones filtering in from the living room.
    “She’s English,” Laura whispered.
    “I think that girl probably has some issues,” Suzanne muttered. “Serious case of exhibitionism. It’s a power thing, I think. In keeping with the lingerie fixation. The lingerie is about placing a veneer of unattainability between herself and the world outside.”
    “But did I tell you that I think she could be abusing substances, too? It stinks of glue in there. And that talk about finishing herself off. You don’t really think she’ll commit suicide, do you?” Laura asked grimly.
    Needless to say, Liv couldn’t imagine who Laura and the woman were discussing. She presumed that it must be an actress from Laura’s theatre company. Though she couldn’t think why they’d be surprised at an actress being a pathological exhibitionist. Just as long as they didn’t bring her anywhere near the house; otherwise Liv’s position as acting landlady would be severely compromised.
    When Liv finally emerged from the bathroom wielding the perfect impression of her average breasts which James could use to make his bras, Laura and her shrink had gone, leaving Liv free to test-drive the leopard print G-string in comfort and privacy for the rest of the afternoon. Though it wasn’t a comfortable experience at all. She realised at once that if these knickers were for women, the first thing to be done was to remove the sagging pouch of fabric from the front and add it to the back, where a woman was grateful for all the coverage and support she could get.
     
    “So you’ve met Laura then?” Alex asked as she swept across the airport car park with a slick wheelie suitcase in tow, looking sickeningly tanned and relaxed after her trip away with Charlie.
    “She’s really sweet—all that therapy stuff’s a bit much, though. What happened to her?” Liv asked.
    “Dunno. Charlie hasn’t said. But I guess we’ll worm it out of her eventually. Have you hung out with her much?” Alex walked to the front of the taxi queue and jumped into a waiting car ahead of a dozen businessmen. This was a perk afforded only to those confident few who had never had to suffer the indignity of camel-toe when they tried on their jeans.
    “Nah, she pops up occasionally like a piece of toast, but I haven’t really seen anyone all week,” explained Liv.
    “Well, I’m here now.” Alex gave Liv a huge hug. “Aren’t you glad to see me? Bet you’ve been bored out of your brain,” Alex said as the taxi sped away.
    “Actually, I’ve sort of got a job. And I know I said I’d go sightseeing with you tomorrow, but I’ve got to work,” Liv said, feeling guilty at getting Alex over here on emergency standby and then dumping her.
    “Not tomorrow you haven’t,” said Alex, pulling a couple of badges out of her bag and waving them under Liv’s nose. “I’ve got tickets for the gee-gees.”
    “Horseracing?” Liv took the bright orange badges and examined them. Judging by the gold trim and little safety pin on the back, they were the business. Royal enclosure. Undoubtedly sitting on the Queen’s lap. Champagne, et cetera. Though she expected no less from Alex, Liv was actually quite looking forward to her first