Discovering Dr Riley

‘No, of course we don’t. Where would we get the time to do that?’ She grinned, jerking her thumb at the back wall. ‘That’s our fundraising operation.’

The wall was covered with canvases, ranging from tabletop height almost as far as the ceiling, jostling together in a chorus of colour. ‘You painted all of these?’

‘I wish. There are over a dozen of us in the group, and everyone contributes a few paintings. The tea shop displays them for us and gets ten percent of sales. It brings people in here and they have something to put on their walls. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.’

‘And you use the money to fund the work that you do for charities.’

‘Yes. Charities, schools, hospitals …’ That impish grin appeared again. ‘Actually, we haven’t done any hospitals. But we would, if we got the chance.’

Tom chuckled. ‘Anywhere in mind?’

‘No, not specifically. We’re just open to the possibility.’

‘I see.’ He could think more clearly now. ‘So can you tell me what all this has to do with art therapy?’

She laughed. ‘I was wondering when you were going to ask me that.’

‘It’s the obvious question. As I understand it, art therapy is all about the process of engaging people in some kind of artistic pursuit in a safe environment, and working through the issues that it raises for them. I’ve only seen the first half of that process today.’

‘It has its benefits, though.’

‘I’m not denying that.’ Tom nodded a thank-you as the waitress put a cup and saucer and a small teapot down in front of him. ‘I think what you’ve done at the centre is fantastic. It’s welcoming and inclusive, and at the same time it’s challenging …’

‘But you’re right. It’s not art therapy.’ She flashed him a smile. ‘It is sustainable, though, and it’s helping to create a culture where users of the centre can use art to express themselves. I’d like to have a conversation with you about doing something of the sort in your department.’

This was something that she lived for, that set her alight, the way that medicine set Tom alight. And fire suited her. He wondered what it might be like to feel her heat flickering across his skin, warming him on a cold night.