Читать книгу Five Ladies Go Skiing: A feel-good novel of friendship and love - Karen Aldous - Страница 20

With stomachs stuffed of either saucisse de veau and frites or saffron risotto with Gruyere, we crossed the road to buy our lift passes then made our way to the car to collect our suitcases. Our chat and excitement was heady with far too much red wine, so it was a relief to stretch our legs following the road along part of the village before heading down a narrow icy path towards our chalet while singing ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’.

Angie stopped us briefly to point the chalet out. It was truly breath-taking, nestled on the hillside that overlooked the valley and surrounded by thick fresh powdery snow with miniature pine trees poking their heads up here and there. It was smaller than I expected but the smell of new wood was as welcoming as the warm air as we entered. The entrance porch was furnished both sides with racks for skis and boots, and ample hanging space for wet ski-wear.

‘We’ll soon fill this up,’ Angie said, kicking off her snow boots.

‘It’s nearly new, isn’t it?’ Lou said pushing open the door to the living space.

After removing her boots, Angie followed her, wriggling her case as she held the door. ‘Yes. This is its first season. Harold and Jean-Paul only finished it in October so we’re probably first for the ski season.’

Behind Angie, I pulled off my boots and wheeled my case to my other side and waited until Cathy and Kim were in stockinged feet and inside before Kim closed the door.

‘Is there an alarm, Ang?’

‘No idea, Harold never said.’

Kim rattled the door handle, inspecting the workings inside its structure and counting. ‘Oh, at least there’s seven locks on here. You’d think they would have a security alarm and cameras.’

‘Maybe they don’t have any crime here,’ Cathy said.

‘Seriously.’ Kim appeared indignant. ‘You can never be too careful.’

We sniggered. ‘What are you like!’ Angie laughed.

‘I know. I know. I can’t shake the habit. It comes naturally when you had a father like mine and had to keep looking over your shoulder.’

‘Lose it, sweet, he’s six foot under now,’ Angie said.

Kim shrugged. ‘I wish I could.’

Although the sun was now sinking behind the mountains above us, the living space was airy and bright. Flames from the ready-lit log burner gave a warm homely glow.

‘This place is beautiful.’ Lou ran and flopped onto one of the three olive-coloured loungers. ‘Oh, this one is too hard.’

Running across to the next and diving into a pile of faux-fur cushions and soft-looking throws, she closed her eyes. ‘This one is too soft.’

We watched and giggled waiting for her to try the last sofa.

‘So I’m staying here, Flowers,’ she said, wrapping herself in a throw and tucking up her feet.

‘Darling girls, this is stunning,’ Cathy chimed, flinging herself into one of two winged armchairs and raising her feet to rest on a solid oak coffee table placed on a grey-speckled rug in the centre, a few feet from the log burner. ‘So tastefully executed. I will take some photos before it becomes messy,’ she said, retrieving her tote bag from the floor and getting out her phone and glasses. ‘Lou, I’m afraid you’ll have to move.’

‘You’ll have to move me then. This is sooo comfy.’ Lou closed her eyes, stretching back her neck.

‘Darling, please?’ Cathy pleaded.

‘Do I really look that bad?’ Lou protested. ‘Actually, I’ve got a better idea. Flowers, come and sit with me, Cathy wants a photo.’

Cathy shook her head, her neat bob rippling. ‘You’re incorrigible, Lou Cavendish. If you were my pupil, you would be in detention.’

‘Ms Golding, if I was your pupil, you would have kicked me out the first day for swearing,’ Lou retorted.

‘Absolutely, darling,’ Cathy tittered, ‘now close in.’

We all sniggered at their banter. I ran over and sat next to Lou. Kim and Angie hugged into us.

Cathy snapped away with her phone. ‘OK. So, I’ll take one or two and then you will all stand behind me. Deal?’

We looked at one another and laughed. ‘Yes, miss.’ It felt great to have some fun with them again.

Cathy widened her mouth to demonstrate. ‘Cheese.’

‘Fromage,’ Lou and Angie sang together loving to wind Cathy up.

Cathy slowly took three shots whilst we fixed our grins. ‘Thank you.’ Then we dispersed.

Lou, Kim, Angie and I padded behind Cathy to the other side. A long wooden staircase ran up to the next floor and a long solid oak dining table almost matched the wood on the floor.

‘Oh, look at this. More wine,’ I said, pointing to three bottles of wine, a box of chocolates and a box of biscuits in between two tall ornate candlesticks. ‘We’ve landed in heaven. Let’s find some glasses. Forget the skiing. I could just stay cosied up here all week.’

‘Me too,’ Kim agreed. ‘Did you say we’re here a week or a month?’

‘Wouldn’t it be lovely to stay here a month, six maybe?’ I said. ‘All of us.’

The silence in the room was deafening as we dreamed.

‘And look at that kitchen area,’ Angie said, staring wide-eyed in the last corner. ‘Oh, Lou, your Terry would love that. Look it’s perfect for entertaining and this could be a model for your Cosy Cottages.’

‘Yes, if we could build cottages square, this layout would be great. And, I’d just love to stay a month or six,’ Lou said, then pausing, twisted her mouth. I sensed something was on her mind. ‘Well, nothing’s settled, but if Terry and I sell the business, which we’ve been talking about doing this year, maybe these things are possible. I know it’s a leap, but we’re seriously thinking of retiring, so you could come travelling with us, Ginny. We could come back here. Spring and summer here must be lovely too.’

‘Oh no, sweetheart, you will want to spend time together,’ I said, knowing how the romance of it all had become so consuming for me and Mike. We’d had it all planned. It was something I’d often thought about this last year. Before his cancer, we were excited to be at that age where we could start thinking about semi-retiring at least. We’d spoken about long weekends away and country walks one day in the week. That excitement had naturally left me. This was the bit I was dreading: spending my last days on my own. And playing gooseberry to another couple on holiday wasn’t my idea of fun, grateful to Lou though I was.

‘You’re kidding. I’ve already told him he’s out the house three days a week – golf, fishing, voluntary work, whatever he decides – as I will be filling my days. There’s so many things I want to do and that includes spending time with my Flowers.’

Cathy padded over and took a photo of the kitchen. ‘Best thing I ever did, clock up enough years to claim my teacher’s pension. Travelling is amazing. Anthony and I have met so many interesting people. Bit exhausting at times, but I’d skulk off and do my writing or read my book leaving Anthony to chat to his heart’s content. He and Mike would talk to anyone, wouldn’t they?’ She turned to me.

I nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, the village gossip and my social secretary,’ I added as Angie stepped beside me and I felt a light comforting touch on my arm. ‘It’s fine,’ I told her. I didn’t mind talking about Mike. I thought I should do it more. Cathy was just thinking aloud, that was all, and I liked that he was mentioned in conversation. But, the thought of travelling alone or with a bunch of strangers scared me. I pinched the skin on my forehead. ‘Ah, wineglasses, that’s what I came here for.’ I remembered the glasses and trundled across the kitchen to search the cupboards. ‘Anyway, I’d prefer to work until I’m ninety, even if it’s part-time. I couldn’t imagine being at home on my own for the next thirty years. That’s if I have thirty years, of course. Besides, financially it could be a struggle. We drained our savings and the proceeds of the sale of Mike’s business when he couldn’t work. I’ve only got half a pension from Cashmere Cosmetics, as I hadn’t worked there long enough for a full pension.’

‘You’ll be able to top it up with state pension when you’re sixty-six though, sweet,’ Lou said.

‘Yes, but I’d rather work to keep busy.’ I gathered five large wineglasses by their stems.

With her black eyes following me back to the breakfast bar, Angie still appeared concerned. ‘I know you don’t really talk about Cashmere, but have you heard from any of your friends there?’

I sighed. ‘Mm, yes. Alex, one of the PAs who I got on with. She rings occasionally, but she has three teenagers keeping her busy. She says it’s not the same with Lucy steering my marketing ship.’ I grinned at Alex’s analogy. ‘Apparently, the team don’t have much confidence in her. I think Alex is just being kind. It’s early days and she’ll find her feet. I know, I employed her.’

Angie squeezed my shoulders and kissed my hair. ‘Aww, that’s a noble thing to say, and demonstrates your professional attitude – that’s a positive strength. I’m sure underneath you’re cursing for having trained her so well.’

‘Lucy’s a very bright girl. She’ll have her own style of managing and directing the team forward.’

Cathy picked up a clean tea towel and a supposedly cleaned glass and inserted her hand to polish it. ‘I think you dealt with it extremely well, considering. I just wish you could have told us sooner.’

A ‘yes’ echoed around the kitchen.

‘Plain and simple. I was devastated and … ashamed,’ I admitted, taking a deep breath and staring at Cathy’s busy hands. ‘I can’t really explain why I didn’t tell you all immediately. I could barely believe it. It didn’t sink in for a while and for some mad reason, I thought if I got another job straight away, I could pretend I had been looking to change anyway.’ I shrugged. ‘Utterly mad, wasn’t it? I suppose it felt like a personal attack, particularly so close to Mike’s death. I know I had to take a lot of time off when Mike was ill, but I got the impression they were sympathetic and understood. They paid me for the compassionate leave too. That notice was a bolt from the blue, especially when I’d just returned from my lovely trip to Australia. I was just beginning to cope. Now I wish I had abandoned them earlier and spent more time with Mike.’

‘That’s not surprising,’ Angie said, throwing her arm back around my shoulder and lightly squeezing the top of my arm. ‘I would be bitter. I’m so glad you can talk about it now though.’ Angie scanned the room. ‘We all are.’

Lou struck the marble kitchen top with her hand. ‘Absolutely! What are friends for if we can’t share our troubles? Gosh, we’ve almost spent our entire lives together; there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to say what’s on our minds. Sweetheart, you can’t bottle things up like this. You should trust us by now.’

Fighting off a lump in my throat, I swallowed and leant forward to grab a bottle of wine. ‘I know, and I do. I trust you all immensely. And, going forward I will. It was such a shock and … I don’t know why … my job was part of me, and …’

‘And, it’s understandable, sweet,’ Lou said assuring me. ‘Our identity is a major part of us. Had you found something similar immediately, you may have accepted it sooner and been able to deal with it. No doubt, rejections from the other companies and having to settle on a job you weren’t happy with was the crux of your reluctance. The self-doubt soon creeps in.’

Angie gave me another squeeze. ‘It’s not important now. What’s important is that you’re moving forward. And, maybe the right job still out there for you.’

‘Yes, it’s in the past now. I’ll keep looking.’ I lifted the wine bottle. ‘Shall we have a look upstairs before we open this?’

‘Yeah, sure; if it’s done out anything like this, it’ll be fab,’ Kim said, heading for the stairs with Lou and Cathy. ‘Oh, we have to put our names into a hat, don’t we? To find out where we’re sleeping.’

‘We can do that after,’ Lou said, disappearing up the stairs. I placed the bottle down and felt a tap on my arm.

‘Can I have a word?’ Angie beckoned me. ‘Bring the wine; I’ll get two glasses.’ I followed her to the dining table. She unscrewed one of the bottles of red wine and began to pour as she sat down, so I sat opposite trying to ignore the squeals of delight upstairs.

‘Ginny, I thought I’d mention it now, as I hope to bring you some cheer to start your holiday. I know you’re not happy with your job so I thought it worth mentioning – I will be needing someone with … Look, how would you fancy working in the fitness and nutrition industry? I’m thinking of getting a marketing professional, but you’d be great. Not full-time to begin with – three days a week. Possibly more later.’

I glared at her as if she had gone mad. Angie had built up quite an empire over the last few years after several years working her butt off to get it to its current size. I was sure she didn’t need my help. I was wary of working with close friends, too.

She handed me one of the glasses of wine. ‘It would be a new role. I’ve never had what I consider a top professional marketing person but thinking about it, we could both benefit from your expertise. The business can afford it now. Naturally, I currently keep an eye on what my competitors are doing, but the industry is becoming so large and competitive that maybe your scientific or methodical approach, whatever you call it, could help give us the edge.’

Clutching my chest, I was touched and felt very honoured that Angie thought me capable of taking on such a risky role. I gulped a mouthful of wine. ‘Angie, you’re so lovely. I’m really flattered. It’s incredibly thoughtful of you, and that’s such a great offer, it really is. And working part-time. But you’re my friend and I couldn’t bear to ruin that friendship.’

‘My dear Ginny, you would have control, I promise.’

‘Oh, you are adorable, and I’m tempted, but …’

Angie grimaced. ‘Look, you don’t have to answer me now. You’ll want time to think about it. What I will say is that I would totally trust your judgement. Cashmere Cosmetics is a very successful company and I’ve no doubt you’ve been very much a part of that. Whether I employ you or you’d rather work freelance as a consultant, it’s up to you but I believe Fit & Nourished are at that stage where we need expertise. I’d much rather have someone I could trust.’

‘And Rob, what would he think about employing a friend?’

Angie frowned then puckered her lips, giving a mischievous pout. ‘It was him who suggested I get professional help. It was only the other day when I came back exhausted. But it’s my business, honey – Rob is only allowed to come in to tell us to turn the computers off and on when they go wrong.’

We both sniggered, and I imagined Rob rolling his eyes as Angie told him to take a hike if he interfered.

‘No really, he would approve. And he does get involved to some extent. He does all my IT. He could help you with designing your own software if you need something bespoke. You will have your own office. We can share an assistant for now. I know you’ll cost, but like I say, it will benefit us both, so you’ll be worth it. Promise me you’ll think about it.’

Elated, I ran around the table to her chair and wrapped my arms around her neck. ‘The offer sounds amazing. Thank you for thinking of me. You’re a treasure. I will give it some serious thought,’ I told her, but tempting as it was, I couldn’t bear to lose a friendship because we had disagreed over a business decision. I squeezed Angie’s arm and smiled. ‘I promise. I’m flattered. Can I let you know after the holiday?’

‘Of course.’

‘Well, for now, there’s a lot of excitement up there; let’s go and see what all the fuss is about upstairs.’

The voices grew louder with screams and lots of shouting as we climbed the stairs. They were like kids at a soft-play party. When Angie and I walked into the front bedroom Lou was spread-eagled across one of the two queen-sized beds and Kim was throwing half-sized furry cushions across the beds with Cathy.

Lou scraped her hair off her face and knelt up. ‘Come and play Piggy in the Middle with us. It’s fun,’ she urged.

‘Wow, this is gorgeous,’ I said, ignoring Lou, knocked out by the dramatic effect. Again, oak was floor to ceiling but with flecks of a richer brown running through it. Both beds were draped in full-size faux-fur throws in the shades of mountain wolves: browns, greys, whites. It was full-on luxury and faux-fur rugs felt soft and warm under my feet as I glided through to the en-suite bathroom. Instantly I wanted to soak myself in bubbles as I peered at a free-standing roll-top bath that took centre stage, nestled in the oak that matched the bedroom, whilst his and hers marble sinks sank into oak cabinets suspended under full-width mirrors with a huge shower enclosure glistening in marble and chrome to the other side.

‘Just stunning,’ I said. ‘You often complained about ski accommodation being poky. This is not what I’d call poky.’

Angie gasped beside me. ‘That was when we first went. Standards have changed. I think we’ve struck gold with this though. I know it’s not particularly large, not when you see some chalets out here, but I’m sure it should be double the price Harold has charged us.’

A breathless Lou whirled in. ‘A real gem, Angie. It’s beautiful. And let’s thank our lucky stars, eh?’

‘I should say – just beautiful,’ I agreed, heading across the landing. Apart from the shades of soft furnishings, the second bedroom mirrored the first. ‘OK, my beautiful Flowers, you need nourishment – time for wine,’ I said, dancing towards the stairs. ‘And to sort out our rooms.’

As we drank our wine, admiring more and more detail in the chalet, Cathy pulled down her glasses from the top of her head and wrote our names on four Post-it Notes, which she had found in a kitchen drawer, folded them and put them in a mug before shaking it and holding it out to me.

‘OK. Pick out two, darling,’ she said.

‘Why me?’

Cathy lowered her head and peered at me in her teacher-like manner over her specs. ‘Because, my darling, we decided on you and because the two you choose will share with you. Unless you just want to share with one?’

‘I’m happy with whatever you Flowers have arranged,’ I said, feeling special and picking out the first piece of paper.

‘Drumroll,’ Angie said, then proceeded to create weird ‘brrrhl’ sounds with her tongue.

We rolled our eyes at each other as we burst into laughter.

‘OK,’ I squealed, opening it. ‘First to share with me is …’ I paused to create a bit of drama like they did on TV shows ‘… is our amazing Aussie Flower, Kim.’ I clapped, and Kim clapped with me then leaned forward for a high five.

‘I’m stoked. That’s ace,’ she said slapping my hand harder than I was expecting.

‘Right, and for our next roommate,’ I continued, tipping up the mug and shaking it again before picking the next. Lou was gritting her teeth as she looked at me. ‘Drumroll please?’

We looked at Angie and she obliged with a longer ‘brrrhl.’

‘Our next roommate,’ I said opening the next, ‘is … our marvellous motivator, Angie.’

‘Yes,’ Angie screamed, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

‘High five,’ I squealed, slapping her palm. Then I asked, ‘So, Lou, Cath, which room would you like: front or back?’

They looked at one another. ‘Are we worried?’ Lou said, shrugging.

‘Darlings, they both have a bath and beds.’ Cathy laughed. And instinctively I knew they would offer me the room with the valley view.

‘You take the front,’ Lou said, ‘we’ll take the back.’

‘No, no my exquisite Flowers—’ I shook my finger ‘—the special treatment stops now. I’ve really appreciated everything you’ve done, your compassion, you’ve all been so amazing to organise all this and be here for me, but please, no more singling me out, or treading on eggshells just because Mike passed away or because I was made redundant. We’re here to have fun. You’re on holiday too and I want you all to just let it go. You two have the front so you have the view – I know how much you love it, Cath,’ I said, glancing at her. ‘Besides, we’ll have an excuse to visit you in your room.’

Again, they exchanged glances. ‘If you’re sure,’ Cathy said. ‘Kim, Angie?’

They both nodded, and Kim added, ‘We’re with Ginny. Absolutely sure. There’s the veranda downstairs and I’m sure the view of the village will be interesting.’

‘Thanks, Flowers,’ Lou said tilting her head whilst her eyebrows furrowed, her hair still skewwhiff. ‘I’ll put the music on whilst we unpack and then pop up to the supermarket for some bubbly.’

‘I’ll come with you,’ I said. ‘Then we can get ready for our, erm … pre-ski après-ski.’

For the second time that day, my spirits lifted. The chalet was a dream and even though we were tired, the voltage in the room was high.