Читать книгу Five Ladies Go Skiing: A feel-good novel of friendship and love - Karen Aldous - Страница 19

A spectacle of hands waving from a car window immediately gave them away. I hurriedly placed my wine on the table beside the other glasses and the two waiting bottles and rushed to the side of the road, waving like a moron. People sitting at the tables must have thought: stupid old woman. Nothing new. I giggled to myself. Will and my girls think that about me too.

I got to the car as it stopped beside the Belleview, and gigantic bees with white teeth gazed back at me from the open windows; my friends in their designer sunglasses, no doubt prescription, like mine. I chortled to myself. Opening Angie’s door, then Ginny’s behind her, I laughed out loud at our matching Flowers T-shirts.

‘Welcome, Flowers!’ I steadied Ginny as she clambered out, wriggling her newly worked-out body into operation.

‘Aw, great to see you,’ I screamed and hugged her. ‘You look amazing.’

Ginny fell into my arms. ‘Oh my God!’ she said, with a wobble. ‘Whoa, a bit stiff. You too.’ It was good to feel her squeezing me. Her eyes scanned me as she stepped back and added, ‘Wow, you’ve knocked a few years off.’

I smiled, pleased with myself. ‘Thanks. Just hope I’ve done enough.’

‘Sorry we couldn’t get here earlier. Have you been OK on your own?’

‘Ace, but much happier now you’re all here,’ I said as she stacked my arms with her coat and hand luggage. ‘I stayed at La Poste up there. Never eaten so much in my life. The bloke who runs it is Italian and just kept feeding me – every dish in his kitchen I reckon.’

Ginny laughed, took her coat and slipped into it, then threw her tote bag over her head before aligning it on her hip. She appeared relaxed, which undid some tension from the back of my neck. I greeted Cathy and Lou, then Angie, observing they too had worked out and were in good shape. I was happy to see them all again as it had been Mike’s funeral when I’d made my last – very brief – visit and it wasn’t the best time for a proper get-together. Their excitement at seeing me was quickly forgotten however when Cathy shrieked at the panoramic view from the terrace.

‘I’ll just go and park up,’ Angie told me, waving her hand to make sure I’d heard.

I nodded and made my way back to the table. The girls herded behind me and began rejoicing again when they realised our table offered a front-seat spectacle of the valley. Ginny began pouring the red wine into their glasses and handing them around. She topped mine up. ‘Great spot, Kim,’ she said, joining Cathy by the glass veranda.

‘Perfect, this view is to die for and you’re a saint, Kim,’ Lou said, lifting the other bottle. ‘Just what we’ve all been gasping for. Well, in Ginny’s case, dribbling for.’

Ginny turned her head. ‘Err … yes. I must have been dreaming of wine in the car.’ She turned back to Cathy and the view.

I picked up my refilled glass, my heart content they were finally here despite their distraction. I couldn’t blame them. I’d spent the last hour soaking up the exact same beautiful scene. The snow-filled valley was stunning, particularly whilst sipping the sumptuous local wine. I could feel my adrenaline pumping, imagining the week ahead, spending time with them. I took a mouthful of wine as I watched them – that wonderful upbeat cheer and palpable love for one another that I missed so much; it set me wondering what it would take to persuade Will to move back to England. I didn’t want to end up at loggerheads with him again, but I didn’t think it was unreasonable or selfish to want to discuss it, and at least have a plan in place; whether it was potentially two years or ten years away, I needed to know it would happen.

‘Oh, it’s gorgeous, Kim,’ Ginny said turning to me. ‘Not what I envisaged at all. And it’s so warm.’

‘Couldn’t be happier,’ I said.

‘I know, it’s so good to see you. Did you see Mai?’

I squealed. ‘Yes, she looks so well, and after her wobbly start at Mantero – totally self-induced, she admits – she’s settling in well. She’s working with a team on some vintage silk ideas apparently. It all sounds terribly romantic but she’s working hard.’

Ginny put her arm around me. ‘It’s been her dream. I’m so pleased to hear that. And does she like Milan?’

‘Yeah, she’s finding her way around. Sharing an apartment with an English girl so they’re also sharing an Italian tutor. She’s pretty conversant but he’s helping her on the business terminology. Overall, she’s doing great. I really miss her though.’

‘Aww, I can imagine. Well, if you want to be in Europe for a few months, you know you are always welcome to stay.’

‘Don’t tempt me, Ginny!’

I was just about to ask how she was when Cathy called us for a photo. We scuttled across the wall, my mind still whirling.

Will thought I was overly nostalgic for Kent and our friends. Although he got to know them all and their partners when we began our relationships and married life, I couldn’t expect him to ever really appreciate how much the girls meant to me, especially Ginny and her family. No explanation could really describe what I felt for the girls, but it was a major obstacle that held Will and I back from setting off for Australia back in the day. It took Will five years and a lot of persuasion to get me there. Of course, I loved him so much I didn’t want to deny him the opportunity that called him to Oz, but I did push him to agree to return to Kent at least once a year for a holiday and of course to see our friends. And us girls had made a pact to write often.

Over time, he began to appreciate just how much Ginny, and the others had saved me as a young girl, preventing me from falling into a pit of despair. None of my friends in Australia came anywhere near close to these guys and I cared for them greatly. I was particularly concerned for Ginny right now. I really wanted to be there for her, to repay her, especially now she was on her own.

I was attracted to nursing because I was a natural carer. I liked to help. It probably stemmed from being the oldest child of four and trying to protect my siblings and my mum from the vicious man who was our dad. Before we escaped his wrath and bullying to the safety of Kent, Mum had ended up in hospital for three months with head and neck injuries and we were put into care. Dad was finally arrested. I was only eleven, my sister Paula nine, my brothers, eight and six. The authorities wanted to split us up until, that is, Ginny’s mum heard about us. Her friend was a foster carer who took us all in for a few days until our fate was decided, but she already had three children of her own.

Ginny was an only child and her parents’ house had two spare bedrooms, so amazingly they agreed to take us in voluntarily until Mum fully recovered in a Kent hospital nearby. Our dad was never told of our whereabouts. I did all I could to help Madeline, Ginny’s mum. I took as much responsibility as I could for my siblings. I was so grateful and I loved Ginny and her parents so much for the kindness and love they gave us.

I then helped Mum to move into the house. That was in August. In September, I started at the grammar along with the girls. Fortunately, I could get the bus with them as my stop was just one away further down the village. Mum was so much happier. Like us, she put on some weight, found a local job, although the hours were long. I was always rushing off the bus to collect my sister and brothers from the village school, but I had Ginny’s parents’ help. Luckily for us, we settled quickly in the village with a fresh start. Naturally, after that, all I ever wanted to do was care for people and ensure they were safe. Particularly Ginny. Even though we lived miles apart, my love and loyalty for Ginny, her family and friends never faltered. I only wished I could have been around physically to help with Mike. And now she was on her own, it would mean so much to me to return home and support her as much as she did me.

I watched as Ginny and Cath continued marvelling at the view. I sidled up to Lou. ‘Spectacular, isn’t it?’

‘Oh, amazing. I love it here already.’

Lowering my voice, I was keen for an update. ‘How is Ginny?’

Lou bit her lip and, staring down at her glass, spoke almost in a whisper. ‘Oh gosh, who knows with Ginny. Getting there I think. She’s not herself though, is she? High one minute, low the next. I can’t tell whether it’s the thought of skiing or the anniversary that’s worrying her. I’ve asked, but she says she’s fine.’

In front of us, Ginny got out her phone and wandered along with Cathy to a low wall to take photographs.

‘Mm. I’m worried,’ I said, raising my voice a little. ‘It must be hard, obviously. Neither of us knows how she feels. How can we? We’ve not lost a husband. But … has she mentioned anything else?’ I asked, digging to find out if Ginny had learned about Mike’s infidelity and if she had confided in Lou.

Lou shook her head. ‘Not to me, no. Like I said, she says she’s fine. Doesn’t want to leave home much despite our efforts. Hasn’t really opened up to any of us except to say she’s lonely but feels she’ll get used to it.’

‘I’m sure she is. I feel so useless. Hopefully we’ll have a chat. I can’t help wondering if she is in some sort of denial.’

Lou ran her fingers through her newly styled wispy hair. ‘Exactly my thoughts. When Mum and Dad died in that accident in Spain I was the opposite. I needed people around me. These guys were great, and they helped me so much. Ginny was amazing. I get the impression at some point her mask will crack. I think losing her job shook her just as much as Mike’s death. More maybe. I suspect she had time to come to terms with Mike’s death during the last few months of his life; the redundancy was a jolt she wasn’t prepared for at all. And not to tell us for two months. I don’t know why she holds everything in.’

Taking a large mouthful of wine, I almost spluttered. ‘Me neither – shocking, wasn’t it? The irony is, she is amazing with our problems, but not her own. I only heard when Cathy emailed me. And, not wanting to push Ginny about it, I waited, thinking she would be in touch that day, but I rang her the following morning. It’s heart-wrenching when our friend is too embarrassed to even tell us. I mean, she had just arrived back from Australia when she received the letter. I would have been straight on the phone to her if it were me. And redundancy is a normal occurrence in this economic climate. It’s nothing to be ashamed about – though I guess she’d been there so long, and after Mike’s passing, I don’t suppose she ever imagined the company would do that to her.’

Lou pulled her collar up around her neck, no doubt acclimatising to the shorter hair, ‘I know, we were all surprised at that, but trying to hide it, to have us believe she was just changing jobs, I did wonder what was going through her mind. I think it got worse for her when she began applying for jobs believing doors would be wide open. Being repeatedly turned down, with her experience in marketing, I imagine it ripped her confidence ragged. Sadly, she’s not at all happy in her new job. Apparently, there’s very little, if any, number crunching or marketing analysis, which she loved in her old job – the stats, the charts. She does like her figures as you know, but the company rely solely on advertising and PR to get their brand out there. Seems a bit odd in this day and age, especially with all the data available. She said she would have normally brought it to their attention, but it’s not her place to tell them how to run their company. I can’t help wondering if her lack of confidence is affecting her judgement. Either that or her heart just isn’t in it.’

I sighed raising my eyebrows. ‘Well, at least she’s revealing something. Could be her confidence is so frayed.’

‘We think so. Cathy, Angie and I have all noticed quite a change in her. I’ve popped in to see her a few times over the last few months, and she’s looked so withdrawn, sounded it too. And I never get to stay long. It’s like she’s trying to usher you out as soon as you arrive. She doesn’t invite you into the lounge. No offer of a drink. Very peculiar. Let’s just hope it doesn’t prevent her from enjoying this week. Angie and I were chatting the other day about her confidence affecting her skiing. She was nervous on the dry slope. Though Cathy was too.’

I was concerned about Ginny, but a picture of the energetic sporty Ginny I used to know crossed my mind. I guffawed. ‘She’ll leave us all standing, I’ll bet,’ I told Lou. ‘Well, at least she won’t be alone. Four of us can’t ski. And I’m sure we’ll gee one another along. I’ll never forget the strength you girls gave me when I met you.’

Lou squeezed my arm. ‘We’re all a bit anxious, but until we try it, we’ll never know, will we? I can’t wait.’

‘Lou, you’re ace – that bold spirit hasn’t left you. I think it was such a great idea to do something totally different. Especially under the circumstances. She and Mike never skied together so she won’t have any associated memories. I would never have thought of it had I been there.’

Lou’s voice rose again. ‘Oh, the weekend at the hotel. You’d have loved it, the building, the grounds, the spa. A band even arrived and played for us. We were up dancing and making fools of ourselves. It was an amazing weekend.’ She stroked the side of my head. ‘Your hair looks great by the way. Suits you short. I like the gold hues running through it too.’

I ran my fingers through the top of my hair. ‘Caramels, darling. I used to love the colour of Jennifer Aniston’s hair. Verity, my hairdresser, suggested the shorter style. I told her to stay away from the pixie-wispy blonde otherwise you might think I’m trying to copy yours. Oh, here’s Angie,’ I said, interrupting myself. ‘Sorry, Lou. Let me get you a glass of wine, Ang.’

‘So good to see you, Kim,’ Ang said cheerfully and peered across the valley. ‘This scene never fails to impress me even though I’ve been coming here for years. It feels good to be back. Sunshine too. Don’t know how you got that in your suitcase, Kim!’

‘A beauty, isn’t it? It folds up nicely with a sheet of tissue,’ I said. ‘Let’s hope it continues for the week.’

The others had returned from their photoshoots and I handed Angie a full wineglass and raised mine with my voice. ‘Well, Flowers, here’s to a fabulous ski trip. Santé!’

‘Santé!’ We all chinked glasses as we gathered around the table, settling in our seats, breathing in the fresh mountain air, sipping sunshine and wine. ‘And, Ginny, I hope this week sets you up for a great year ahead,’ I added. I smiled to myself; I was in a dream. In a beautiful setting for a whole week with my beautiful friends. I was afraid that if I pinched myself, I might wake up. Finally, together again.

There was one dark cloud, however, that I needed to offload; I had to tell Ginny what I knew about Mike. The trouble was, I didn’t know if Ginny knew already. It would be a risk telling her because it might make me feel better, but I didn’t know if she would ever forgive me if I admitted to knowing. I just had to hope it wouldn’t cost me my friendship.

The girls from Camfield Bottom were still my closest buddies, although they were Ginny’s first.

After her parents offered to take our family in the term before we started senior school, Ginny, Lou, Cathy and I were all in top set in the village primary school, so I was fortunate that I fitted in. And staying at Ginny’s house was the best thing that had ever happened to my family. I mean, accommodating four of us, trusting us in their home – me, my younger sister Paula and two younger brothers, Ian and Mark. We were treated so well. And even when we were housed in a village council house, in the rougher end of Camfield Bottom, Ginny and her family, and the other girls, remained so friendly; we really gelled. They all had big hearts as well as their little foibles. That was why I loved them.

Ginny and Cathy were comparing photos and showing them to Lou.

‘Have you been to the chalet?’ Angie asked.

I quickly reached into my pocket and dangled the set of keys. ‘No, but I got the keys. Harold had left them with Stefano, the hotel owner.’

‘Oh, cool. You’ve not taken your things there yet then?’

‘No. Well, I thought we would go together and besides, I thought you might be hungry.’

Angie rubbed her stomach. ‘Mm. You could say that. Actually …’ She pulled out a packet from her pocket and asked, ‘Do you want some of these?’

‘What are they?’ I held out my palm.

‘Just my beans. Edamame beans,’ Angie said pouring out a small portion of crispy-looking yellow pods. ‘Just a snack. They’re crunchy, try.’

‘Oh, young soya pods, I like them fresh on my salads. They’re green.’

‘That’s it, but full of protein and healthy fats. Just handy to carry when you work out a lot.’

‘No doubt good for someone who doesn’t eat meat then. You and Cathy are pescatarians, aren’t you? I thought you might have changed your thinking now that animal rearing is strictly regulated and monitored.’

Angie frowned, turning up her nose. ‘Ew, no. Hormones, antibiotics. Probably worse. Anyway, I still couldn’t. It’s still like eating a pet to me. No, there’s lots of alternative nowadays. I’m a real sucker for the cheeses out here. Can’t beat a nutty Swiss Gruyere.’ Angie’s eyes lit up and she put her packet back in her pocket. ‘They do a lovely saffron risotto here actually, but try Gruyere grated over it instead of Parmesan.

‘We can eat here,’ I said tipping my wine to my lips. ‘Might as well enjoy the sunshine and the view, and try something different. That sounds nice. I do enjoy veggie dishes.’

‘I’ll get the menus,’ Angie said.

We didn’t know Angie until we were older. She was Ginny’s neighbour when Ginny and Mike bought their first house in Greenwich. Will and I were still in London too then. Then we all gradually moved to the village. Will and I were there for four years before we moved to Oz. I’ve missed them loads. But Oz called Will and had so much to offer. We were still young and looking for adventure. It was a wonderful place to work and bring up the girls, but Camfield Bottom would always be my home.

‘How are you feeling about skiing?’ Angie asked me as she handed the menus round the table.

‘Nervous, but it would be a shame not to as we’re here and we’ve worked ourselves so hard.’

‘You’ve all done brilliantly. Hopefully, you’ll all thank me when your legs ache.’

‘The girls are jealous their ol’ mum is off skiing.’

‘The boys are too.’ Angie laughed.

‘I was blown away when Ginny messaged me asking me to come out to ski. I’d always fancied the idea, but Will has always been more of a water-skier and I admit I’ve enjoyed that over the years, especially living in Perth and BT – before twins.’

‘Yes, I remember.’ Angie nodded. ‘How are the girls?’

‘Well, I’ve seen Mai, spent yesterday with her. She’s thriving in Milan. I’ve missed them like crazy since they left for uni and their jobs in Europe. I wished I’d extended the trip to Avril in London.’

Angie nodded. ‘Yes, that would have been nice.’

I was thirty-eight when they miraculously surprised us. All the medical knowledge between Will and I, the IVF treatments we had gone through, couldn’t make it happen; then hey presto, like magic they blessed us with their arrival. One on the thirtieth of April, hence Avril, and Mai, half an hour later on the first of May.

‘There’s definitely something poignant about the empty-nest syndrome,’ Angie went on. ‘I’m glad I had my little fitness business to focus on, even though it wasn’t turning much profit then.’

‘Yes, I need something. I’m hankering to be back in Europe near them and with you guys,’ I said. ‘I just don’t know that Will has any intention of giving up his career to come with me. He is so absorbed in his work, which I understand. I’ve just got long in the tooth with mine in comparison.’

Angie swooned. ‘Aww, I love Will, he’s so driven. It’s a good quality. Maybe he can find something similar in Europe and teach Rob a thing or two.’

We chuckled.

Will’s dedication to his current work and research, and the wellbeing of cancer patients, was admirable, and why I fell in love with him. We were both driven to curing and caring for our own reasons. Of course, I took pity on him when he revealed his motivation to succeed as a cancer specialist. Losing his mother to breast cancer at twelve and recognising he had the power to discover hope for others seemed extremely mature and gallant to me.’

‘I know. I should be grateful. And tolerant. It’s a great purpose to have.’

‘And, why you love him,’ Angie added, draining her glass. ‘More wine?’

‘Yes, and yes please.’

Mine and Will’s connection and chemistry had been evident to everyone except me. We were young, and no one was more surprised than me when this attractive new doctor gave me so much attention. Every one of our colleagues noticed his flirting, and even some of the patients did. Apparently, our sexual energy charged the hospital air. Within just two weeks of meeting, we couldn’t bear to be apart. We bought our first flat together in London and remained a strong couple.

Until now, that was. As much as I still loved him, things had changed. I had changed. The arguments about when and where we would retire had created a lot of tension. And a couple of months ago, after another heated discussion, I threatened I would return to Europe alone if I had to, telling him he could join me when he was ready. That was a sad moment. A moment I regretted. I hurt him deeply and to be honest, I didn’t know how he was still talking to me. Will could have washed his hands of me, so I was grateful for the way he dealt with it.

‘At least you’re honest,’ he’d said. ‘And if you need to go, then I can’t stop you. I committed five years to this project. Do what you need to do, and I’ll join you.’ Naturally, guilt ripped into me and I wondered if I could really go without him. The angels must have been looking down on us though. He kissed me and assured me that our love was strong enough to deal with it. I breathed out a sigh of bliss and thanked the angels for my state.

These last few years, I have discovered my spiritual side through doing yoga and meditation. So many patients of mine have trusted their guardian angels, I now find myself doing the same, and as always, I add my gratefulness. I believe Ginny and her mother were mine. It’s only since meeting these beautiful Flowers that my life has changed for the better. OK, the blip was the years Will and I waited for the twins, but sometimes, I feared it was too good, and at any second it could all go tits up. But here we were, together, and I was going to enjoy it.

‘More wine, anyone?’ Angie was asking the girls, seeing their wineglasses drained.

I caught the waiter’s attention and he smiled as he came across to our table. I pointed to a bottle on our table. ‘Encore le vin rouge, s’il vous plaît?’

‘Oui.’ He nodded.

‘Carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît,’ Angie said turning to the waiter, then back to us. ‘Phew, not sure if it’s the sun or the altitude that is dehydrating me already.’

‘Probably all that stress driving and making sure we all got here in one piece,’ Ginny said.

Cathy tousled her hair parting, then her crown, making her bob soften her face. She then held out her glass. ‘I think you deserve a toast for getting us all here safely. Thank you, Angie. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride from Geneva and along the lake, but that last bit had me gripped in terror, I confess; it was scary. So well done, and cheers to you.’

‘Cheers, Angie,’ we chorused.

‘My pleasure girls.’ Angie gave an embarrassed smile. ‘All good practice for next time, eh?’ Her eyes checked each of us for approval but was met with apprehensive stares. ‘OK, we’ll take a snow check on that one,’ she sniggered. ‘It’s given me an appetite though. I think it’s the perfect time to order lunch.’ Her suggestion was met with smiles. ‘Then we can go to the lift station to buy our passes ready for the morning.’

Ginny nodded. ‘Absolutely.’ Then she turned towards the valley, the tension smoothed from her face.

‘So lovely to see you happy and full of energy,’ I told her, hoping it was true.

‘So lovely to be here with you all.’ Ginny gazed at me then, squinting her eyes, she sat back in her chair. That jarring feeling shot through me again, making me wonder if she did know about Mike and if she could sense I was hiding something.