Читать книгу The Riviera - Karen Aldous - Страница 16

Chapter 7

‘Well Jack, I must say, you have impressed me. OK, so you’re still worried, but you’re to be congratulated for the way you’ve handled this.’

‘What do you mean? I don’t think I’m handling it at all.’

Cal, trying to ignore the cold gnawing into his bones, crawled back on his elbows. He was tiring and he had to keep his son interested. He thought for a moment.

‘You’ve gone through a hard time and not overreacted, number one. You made a decision to return home, admittedly not indoors, but you made sure you didn’t put yourself in danger – admirable. And, in the last two hours, you’ve not only put your total trust in me but you’ve spoken about the problem, calmly. In my eyes, and my experience, that’s impressive so, another high-five!’

Jack’s lips curled upwards as he slapped his father’s palm and then he pouted his lips proudly. ‘Yes. I suppose I have.’

Brushing Jack’s hair affectionately Cal said. ‘So, tell me, what are your options?’

‘Well, I think we should go in and discuss it because you must be freezing.’

Pausing for a few seconds to look to his son for confirmation, Cal wiped his brow.

‘Great idea. Follow me.’ Cal’s muscles grumbled at his command. ‘Well, once I can reactivate these bones.’ Cal unfolded his chilled body.

Jack jumped up. ‘Ah, come on, I’ll help you. I know you’re my dad but I didn’t think you were that old. Pops, I can understand, he’s old. Not you.’

‘Ahem. I wasn’t in a sleeping bag and it’s bloody cold,’ Cal said, wriggling himself slowly backwards.

Jack scooted nimbly around him and guided his father’s legs to a step. ‘There, wait until you’re balanced.’

Gradually Cal felt the blood shimmy to his feet. ‘Thank God,’ he said beginning the descent. He jumped the last step and held the ladder firm to steady his wobbly legs.

‘Hold on,’ Jack barked, securing his trousers. ‘You go and keep mom from the lobby and hall. Tell her we’re going to hang out in the snug and I’ll wait outside and sneak past. Don’t let her come out, please?’

‘Cool. Ready.’

Cal couldn’t believe what just happened. He was convinced they’d be there all night. He peered up to the house. As expected, Kelly was at the kitchen door ready to pounce. He operated his legs in motion and marched in to her and led her inside the kitchen. She took some convincing to stay. She had Reuben bathing the children just so she could hover in case Jack came in, she’d told him. He wasn’t exactly comfortable but he stressed he’d promised Jack that was the deal and couldn’t risk him turning back. She finally relented when Cal assured her that her son was in good humour but wasn’t ready to face being questioned. She even insisted they have a warm meal she’d prepared. He did wonder if his vocation would have been easier in the diplomatic corps.

Feeling progress was at last being made, and getting a whiff of fresh herbs, he thought of Lizzie. How he wished she was here. He could really do with a warm hug and a good night’s sleep with her in his arms. His night was not over yet however and as he took a mug of coffee and a mug of chocolate from the glistening counter, he told Kelly to close the door behind him.

‘Just call if he wants to speak to me,’ she said. ‘I promise not to ask him anything. I just want to give him a hug, tell him.’

‘I will.’

After he gave the nod to Jack, he followed him up the stairs and into the snug. They were soon wrapped in soft fluffy throws and fast asleep.

Lizzie hadn’t been able to sleep much without Cal snuggled up beside her. She’d spent her nights wisely however and looked up and planned all of her and Thierry’s travel arrangements. The thought of travelling such a long distance alone with her son was a bit daunting. When they flew at New Year, Cal was amazing at keeping Thierry busy so she just hoped she had enough to keep him occupied for what would amount to about fourteen hours. She had hoped she could entice him with the prospect of a ferry ride at the other end. He would really look forward to that but the short flight to Nantucket was much quicker, and easier. She would have to find a boat ride during their stay. Seeing Cal again would be the carrot if he became irritable. She’d decided she wouldn’t mention that they would see Cal until he’d had a sleep on the flight otherwise he would get overexcited the whole journey. She just hoped her plan worked.

With just a few hours to go before setting off for their flight, Lizzie picked up her Kindle again. She read the first paragraph but her mind was still wandering back to Cal. How blessed was she to have him? It was still crazy to think back to last summer, Thierry’s third birthday. The day she’d found out Cal wasn’t her mother’s lover. After months of being convinced they were a couple, it had come as a real shock. A lovely shock though. Cal and she could admit how much they were attracted to one another. How she recalled being blown away by the fact. She’d made a real fool of herself tripping over and dropping things, not to mention almost dropping the beautiful Thomas Tank birthday cake. Then the night they’d first made love at his cottage. It was what dreams were made of. They were both so hungry for each other, and yet it was such a naturally sensual experience. Stop. Stop – you’ll drive yourself mad.

With very little sleep, Lizzie popped into the office first thing. Sophie was already working with a client. It was becoming quite normal for early and late appointments for Botox and filler treatments. Even lunchtimes. Lizzie just hoped her friend wouldn’t burn out. As the client left, Lizzie slipped in.

‘Don’t you ever sleep?’ she jested.

Sophie turned in surprise. ‘Oh, hi Lizzie. I don’t mind. Charles is working virtually twenty hours a day so I might as well be here.’

‘I don’t know why he doesn’t just move in with you.’

‘Well, that was the plan, but quite when he actually gets around to it, I’ve no idea. I’m hoping Easter when I get back from the US. I expect I will end up organising it.’

‘Have you completed on it yet?’

‘Two weeks then it’s officially mine. Exciting! I’ll get a few bits sorted. I need to speak to Jean-Luc. Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be going to the airport?’

‘Yes, just popped in to say bye. I’ve brought these in for Josephine too. She’s interviewing a couple of guys tomorrow. One I saw yesterday was good.’

‘Oh brilliant. Well you don’t want to worry about that now.’

‘Did you speak to Charles about going with you to America?’

‘Briefly. He’s preoccupied. I will though – now I’m armed with all that info you found.’

‘Good. Well, don’t burn yourself out while I’m away,’ Lizzie said hugging her friend. ‘And I’ll see you when I get back. Ring me if you need anything.’

Lizzie skipped back to her apartment. This time tomorrow she would be with Cal.

The brief stop-over wait was tedious but once on their flight to Boston, Lizzie was beamingly chuffed with herself for her forward planning. Thierry was a little treasure; colouring, doing miniature puzzles and playing games on his Leapfrog tablet. She did have to rein him in a bit when he began taking photographs of other passengers though. One lady sleeping with her mouth wide open would not have appreciated it! Once he’d tired himself out, Thierry slept. She had to wake him but that was easy. All she did was tell him that Cal would be meeting them.

After the long wait at security and two full packs of sweets consumed, they finally reached the arrivals lounge. Thierry was sat on the loaded luggage trolley as Lizzie wheeled it out when suddenly, Cal jumped out from the crowd.

‘Whoa!!’ Her heart leaped! ‘Cal.’

‘Cal,’ Thierry echoed instinctively, his arms reaching up to him. ‘It’s Cal, Mummy.’

Cal reached out for Thierry and swept him up, simultaneously grabbing Lizzie to his chest, sending her legs clinging to his knees.

‘Yes it’s Cal. I’ve missed you two, so much.’ He squeezed them both while kisses fired between them like bullets.

‘Oh, you won’t believe how much we’ve both been pining for you.’ As soon as she said it, she winced inside. Did she sound too needy? It was probably just a bit too much information.

‘Oh that’s music to my ears. It’s great to feel loved. Am I brave enough to confess my pining too? Why not? I can’t pretend otherwise.’ Cal kissed her on the nose and whispered. ‘I’ll put that right later.’

Lizzie, at once felt a surge of anticipation rush through her. Her cheeks blushed as he placed her back on terra firma, her knees buckling. ‘Ha, ha. Anyway. So happy to see you. And glad to be getting out of here.’

Swopping Thierry into the other arm and squeezing him, he said, ‘And, little man, you look great, buddy! Let’s go and find our next plane. You will love it!’

‘I can swim, Cal.’

‘You can?’

‘I swimmed in the pool wiv Mummy a long long way!’

‘That’s great news, T, well done. We’ll stick to the aeroplane for this crossing though.’

‘Not another aeroplane!’ Thierry sighed, dragging his feet.

Cal glanced at Lizzie and they mirrored each other with an empathetic smile.

‘Last one, buddy. You want to come and stay with me don’t you?’ Cal asked. ‘We have been very lucky. Jack’s mom and Pops have very kindly let us stay at their beach house. What do you think about that?’

‘Is it on the beach?’ Thierry asked as they reached the departure gate.

‘It certainly is. We can go every morning to the beach and we can paddle or ride bikes, and guess who is staying with us?’

Thierry looked up to him with searching eyes and a hesitant smile. ‘Mummy.’

‘Yes, of course, Mummy. Who else?’

‘Who else?’ Thierry repeated. ‘Is Jack going to stay with us?’

‘Yes! That’s right.’

Thierry began bouncing again at the news and then as they boarded the lighter aircraft fired more questions. It was another twenty minutes and they were in the air again before he settled with his tablet and Lizzie could finally get a word in.

‘So, how are things with Jack?’

Cal grimaced and lifted his eyebrows. ‘Well – and this is in confidence – Mum was right. There was some grief with a girl and it has seriously knocked him back. He has spoken to me about it, but he’s not ready to face school or any social normality. Rightly or wrongly, I’m trying to persuade him to go back to school and just complete his SATs but…’ He shook his head. ‘He doesn’t agree.’

He continued telling Lizzie the story so far. Giving her an account of the last six days since he’d arrived. It was hard to believe that since the first day, little progress had been made with Jack psychologically. His son was still adamant he couldn’t face going to school. Cal had visited the school Principal and between them they discussed some possible solutions, The short-term being a homebound instruction and some counselling. His only option to transfer schools was Martha’s Vineyard. There wasn’t another high school on the island. Jack agreed to the schooling but not the counselling and neither he nor Kelly felt they should push him until he was ready.

Lizzie reached across the narrow aisle and took his hand. ‘That’s really tough. It’s going to be a waiting game by the sound of it.’

‘Yes. That’s all I can do for now. Obviously, try to keep him upbeat and try to shift this idea he has of living in London out of his head. He’s too young and, to be honest, running away isn’t the answer. I don’t know. I’m not sure that it’s my selfishness or his best interest. I don’t want to return to London. Not now I’ve just got my life together.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘And, things have just come together for me. Well, for us, but I’d do it if I had to.’

Lizzie swallowed hard as her mouth numbed. ‘Needs must,’ she said, hoping it wouldn’t come to such drastic measures. ‘I’m sure we’d work something out.’

‘We’ll wait and see. Maybe in a week or two he’ll feel differently.’

Thierry chatted incessantly as they completed their journey to Nantucket Island and in the car as Cal drove down the long dark track to the beach house. Lizzie could see the lights from the dwelling getting closer and with it a mix of relief and anticipation warmed her. It stood alone out on the marshy dunes overlooking the now black sky. As they neared the entrance a face appeared at a window on one side of the house. It was Jack and then another; Kelly.

‘Jack’s looking out for you, Thierry,’ Cal said. ‘Can you see Jack?’

Lizzie’s mouth engaged before her brain. ‘Oh, is Kelly staying too?’

Cal smirked. ‘No. She’s just stayed with Jack whilst I flew over. I would have brought him but he wanted to stay put.’

‘Oh, right. Yes.’ Lizzie sat back tightening her lips.

Cal pulled up next to Kelly’s parked car.

‘I’ll get the bags if you want to get Thierry,’ he said.

Kelly opened the door as Cal stacked the bags on the wooden deck. Lizzie led Thierry to the door where Kelly stepped out and embraced her.

‘Hi, guys, Lizzie,’ she said kissing her cheek and Thierry. ‘Well look at you. My, you’ve grown even more handsome than before.’ She leant down and kissed his forehead.

‘Say hello to Kelly, Thierry. You remember Jack’s Mummy?’

‘See Jack in the house?’ Thierry asked.

‘Thierry, say hello. Where are your manners?’ Lizzie insisted.

Thierry pointed his chin up to Kelly. ‘Hello.’ He pulled a cheeky grin with mischief pouring from his eyes.

Lizzie’s eyes closed as she made a disapproving face, her head nodding from side to side.

Kelly laughed. ‘Oh, I can see you’re gonna be a real charmer with the girls, young Thierry. He knows how to woo the ladies, Mommy.’

‘Oh, no, anything but follow in his father’s footsteps. How are you, Kelly?’

Kelly stepped back with her hands on her hips and swept back her now blonder hair.

‘Over the worst, I hope. Jack’s looking forward to seeing Thierry. Take him straight in, Jack is in the lounge. I’ll help Cal with the bags and then I’m sure you’ll want a drink.’

Thierry ran to Jack as soon as he spotted him and Lizzie was so pleased to see Jack’s face light up and his arms stretch out ready to catch him.

‘Hey, bro. Good to see you,’ Jack said lifting him straight onto his lap.

It was such a sweet moment and Lizzie became quite choked. Cal’s son was so good with him. And the term ‘bro’ was pretty endearing too. She watched for a moment as Thierry introduced Jack to his figure, Raphael Turtle.

‘Well, while Cal’s taking your bags upstairs, what would you like to drink?’

Lizzie turned to face Kelly behind her. ‘Oh a coffee would be lovely.’

‘How do you like it?’

‘Oh just white, no sugar please.’

‘Pop your coats in the hall,’ Kelly said as she dashed off to the kitchen.

Lizzie, feeling rather like a spare part with Thierry’s attention diverted and Kelly rushing around after her, did as she was told and then went to join her in the kitchen.

‘It’s a beautiful place. It’s yours and Reuben’s I understand?’

‘Yes, we moved here when we first came to Nan. Great for the beach but I was too far from civilisation. Jack and Reuben loved it here but Main Street is far more practical for me and school each day. It’s only six miles but, no we rent it out most of the year now.’

‘Don’t you use it in the summer?’

Kelly tucked a mug under the coffee machine and, throwing in a capsule, hit the switch. ‘We have done on the odd occasion it’s not let. It earns too good an income and we can cycle out with the kids now. Yes, there are bikes here and a child seat. Toys, beach boards, balls, fishing gear – anything you can think of really. Help yourself.’

‘Thank you. It’s very kind of you to let us use it.’

‘Haw, no problem.’ Kelly lowered her voice and passed Lizzie her coffee. ‘It’ll be good for Jack. Hopefully it will distract his mind and little Thierry will give him something different to focus on.’

‘Such a shame it’s too cold for swimming. Thierry’s just taken his first strokes.’

‘Well, there are wet suits, but the community pool will be better suited. It’s close to town.’

Lizzie nodded, placing her hot coffee on the worktop.

Kelly beamed pearly-white teeth. ‘Cal, coffee’s here. Just how you like it, and I’ve made some of your favourite bites. They’re in the fridge, I’ll get them out,’ she told him as he sauntered in.

Lizzie caught Kelly’s eyes fixed on Cal like she was seeking approval.

‘Thanks. Presumably smoked salmon bagels. Will Thierry eat…?’

‘Oh, I’ve made the boys ham and cheese,’ Kelly cut in. ‘So, I’ll be off. Just ring if you need anything. Bye. I’ll go say goodnight to the boys.’ She pecked them both, Lizzie on the cheek and Cal, Lizzie noted, on his lips.

Lizzie clasped her fingers around her coffee mug, gripping it tight. ‘Bye and thanks, Kelly.’ She forced a smile and followed Kelly with her eyes as Cal’s ex unhooked her coat in the hall and dashed through to say goodbye to Jack and Thierry.

She focused her attention back on Cal munching away at the beautifully prepared food.

‘You’d better eat something,’ Cal said with flirty eyes. ‘You’ll be needing the energy.’

Lizzie felt heat race to her cheeks.

‘Ahem, I haven’t gone yet!’ Kelly mused, zipping up her coat. ‘Enjoy your, erm, sleep.’