Echoes of Grace

by Caragh Bell

  ‘Tune? It’s awful noise,’ said Nana Peggy in disgust. ‘I think I’ll go to bed soon.’

  ‘That DJ is incredible,’ said Molly breathlessly. ‘He’s been playing for four hours straight.’

  ‘Incredible,’ echoed Craig.

  Rihanna and Calvin Harris began to play, its heavy beat pulsating through the room. Aurora threw her hands up in delight. ‘Oh, I adore this song,’ she said, walking barefoot onto the dancefloor. Tyler followed and soon they were moving in sync.

  ‘I’ve never seen her drink so much, ‘said Laura speculatively. ‘She’s always such a good girl.’

  James finished his mojito. ‘I think we’ve all overdone it, Lolly.’

  Christian strode into the room and went straight to the bar. Laura watched him order a scotch. He hadn’t looked her way once. Throughout the day he had acted as if they were strangers. It seemed like days ago when she was lying in his arms with her leg draped over his thigh. There was no sign of Tara or the groom, so what was the problem? This was the man she was going to marry, for goodness’ sake.

  Getting to her feet, she kicked off her shoes and joined Tyler and Aurora on the dancefloor. Flipping her hair back, she started to move, closing her eyes and gyrating to the music. Tyler’s eyes nearly fell out of his head. Encouraged, he grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. Glancing over his shoulder, she could see Christian watching them. Wrapping her arm around Tyler’s neck, she let him swing her around, clinging to him tightly. Throwing her head back, she laughed loudly and allowed his hands to roam around her body.

  ‘Jesus, look at that,’ said Molly who was sitting with Colin, rubbing her sore feet. ‘Will there be a sequel to Sam’s wedding?’

  ‘Luca’s daddy doesn’t look too pleased,’ said Val, pointing to a dour Christian. ‘He looks like he’s going to pop.’

  ‘She’s making him jealous,’ said Colin. ‘Like, duh? There’s no way she fancies Tyler.’

  ‘Looks like it’s working,’ said Molly as Christian marched over and pulled Laura away. ‘He’s not a happy bunny.’

  Laura tried and failed to free her arm from his grasp. ‘Let me go,’ she said angrily. ‘You’re not supposed to be seen with me, remember?’

  ‘Don’t speak,’ was the reply and he hauled her after him out into the garden.

  He strode on and then pulled her forcibly behind a large tree. Pushing her up against the trunk, he kissed her hard on the lips. She tried to resist, but weakened immediately.

  ‘You’ve been smoking,’ he said gruffly. ‘You know I hate that.’

  ‘You deserted me,’ she retorted. ‘What you hate is of no interest to me.’

  He pulled the strap of her dress down and kissed her shoulder. ‘Why did you dance with that boy?’

  ‘Why not? It’s been pretty boring so far.’

  ‘You’re going to be my wife,’ he continued. ‘You cannot behave like that.’

  She pushed him back. ‘I’ll behave how I please. We’re nothing here. You have no right at all to dictate.’

  ‘Laura,’ he said dangerously. ‘Don’t push it.’

  ‘Oh, piss off,’ she answered, pulling her strap back up. ‘You’ve treated me so badly, Chris. I’m not sure I want to even talk to you.’

  He grabbed her wrist. ‘Then don’t talk.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Shut that beautiful mouth of yours.’ He pressed up against her. ‘If we stay quiet, no one will notice.’

  Her breath quickened. ‘What? Here?’

  He yanked down her dress. ‘I said, don’t speak.’

  Molly pulled Colin to his feet. ‘Right, it’s bedtime,’ she said yawning. ‘It’s almost three.’

  ‘Where’s Val?’ he asked sleepily.

  ‘Oh, he headed off ages ago,’ she answered, picking up her sandals. ‘You kissed him goodbye and everything.’

  ‘I did?’ Colin’s eyes were glazed.

  ‘Joe headed off to meet that Giacomo guy and Tyler’s chatting up the barmaid.’

  ‘Where are James and Aurora?’

  ‘They went outside a few minutes ago.’ Molly squinted. ‘They headed off arm in arm, laughing and singing.’ She put her head to one side. ‘I can’t figure them out, to be honest.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘It’s the way they look at each other. He knows everything about her and she’s the same. They seem so in tune.’

  ‘They’re brother and sister, Mol,’ said Colin. ‘Of course they’re close.’

  ‘But they’re not actually blood-related,’ she argued. ‘Not really.’

  ‘I think you’re imagining it. I mean, I’m sure he’s engaged.’

  ‘Maybe.’ Molly didn’t look convinced. ‘Engaged or not, I bet you ten euros that most of the pictures in his camera are of her.’

  ‘Look at the stars!’ Aurora put her head back to gaze at the night sky. ‘They’re like little diamonds on black velvet. It reminds me of that Thomas Hardy poem where he talks about the full-starred heavens.’

  ‘You see the romance in everything,’ said James. ‘Honestly, it’s like you live your life in some kind of poetic haze.’

  ‘Perhaps it’s Henry’s literary genes.’

  ‘He’s a playwright, not a poet.’

  They reached the pool and found the gate closed. ‘Oh no,’ she said in dismay. ‘I wanted to sit in those wicker chairs from yesterday.’

  James glanced around. The area was deserted and dark. The only light came from the moon and the stars.

  ‘I’ll give you a leg up and we’ll climb over the fence.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ Her eyes widened. ‘What if someone sees us?’

  ‘Be quiet,’ he said, ‘and step on my shoulder.’ He bent down and allowed her to use his body as leverage. With a squeal, she fell over the fence and landed in the shrubbery on the other side. Laughing, James followed and helped her to her feet.

  The water shimmered in the light, lapping gently against the tiled edge of the pool. Aurora hiked up her dress, sat down and put her legs in the water. ‘Oh wow, this is amazing.’

  James watched her put her head back and close her eyes. Her hair was half up and down, its long tresses escaping from the pins that held them in place.

  ‘Borealis,’ he said softly.

  ‘Hmmm?’

  ‘Can I take down your hair?’

  She opened her eyes immediately. ‘Whatever for?’

  ‘It’s in no man’s land. Let me take the pins out.’

  She shrugged. ‘Okay.’

  He knelt down beside her and took out pin after pin. Her long hair slowly fell around her shoulders in a dark cloud. Without a word, he gently massaged her scalp. ‘It must have been heavy holding that amount of hair up all day,’ he said, kneading gently. ‘Did any of the pins jab into your head?’

  ‘Just a few,’ she answered letting his fingers work their magic. ‘Wow, James, you’re talented.’ He moved down to her neck and pressed on the muscles. She felt her body slump in relaxation. ‘Where did you learn how to massage like this?’

  ‘I had a masseuse girlfriend at uni,’ he answered, pressing on each vertebra individually. ‘She taught me all the tricks.’

  ‘Well, put it on your CV and the Beeb will definitely hire you.’

  He smiled and pushed her hair to one side. ‘Is it hard to manage a mane like this?’

  ‘Not really.’ She turned to face him. ‘Is it hard to manage a beard like that?’ She rubbed his stubble playfully.

  ‘Hey, I’m going for the sexy unshaven look.’

  ‘Well, it’s certainly unshaven.’ She laughed and splashed the water gently with her toes. ‘Wouldn’t you love to swim? The water looks so inviting.’

  He trailed his finger in the pool and sighed. ‘It’s lukewarm.’

  ‘No one knows we’re here,’ she said, standing up. ‘Who would know or care if we took a little dip?’

  ‘Christ, Borealis, I don’t know. An alarm might sound or something.’

  The alcohol had gone to
her head and made her feel fearless. Immersing her body in the water was all she could think about. Surely he wouldn’t deny her that?

  ‘Come on,’ she cajoled. ‘Just for a few minutes.’

  James could hold his drink but that night he had mixed wine, beer and cocktails. Looking at her excited face, he hadn’t the heart to say no.

  ‘Fine, five minutes.’ He opened his shirt and pulled down his pants. ‘I’m so glad I wore my Calvin Klein’s,’ he said, smiling.

  She pulled her dress over her head. ‘I’m glad I wore my new bra.’ She threw the gold dress to one side and faced him. Her skin glowed in the moonlight. Her matching underwear was black and gold lace. James averted his eyes for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then, his eyes moved back to meet hers and they stared at one another.

  ‘Right, let’s go!’ She lunged forward and pushed him into the water. There was a loud splash and when he resurfaced she was laughing her head off at the edge of the pool.

  ‘Very funny,’ he said. ‘Hilarious.’

  Without a word, she dived into the water, appearing beside him moments later. She smoothed her hair back and smiled. ‘Isn’t this just bliss?’

  Her brown eyes shone as she bobbed beside him. Reaching out, he pulled her bra strap up on to her shoulder, as it had fallen down during the dive.

  ‘Shall we do laps?’ she suggested, splashing him gently. ‘We could have a race.’

  He said nothing. Instead, he reached out and caressed her cheek. Reaching out under the water, he put his hand on her waist. Her lips parted slightly and she allowed him to pull her weightless body closer.

  ‘James,’ she breathed.

  ‘Shhh,’ he said, putting his finger to her lips. ‘Shhh, Borealis.’

  They could hear shouts from the street and a door slam. Her breasts pressed up against his chest and he cupped her face with his hand. Throwing her head back, she allowed him to guide her lips towards his.

  Then a bright light shone onto the pool and a man started shouting in Italian. Like lightning, James pulled back. ‘Fuck,’ he said, swimming towards the steps. ‘They saw us on CCTV. He wants us out right now.’

  He apologised in rapid Italian and grabbed his shirt. Aurora followed and wrapped her dress around her body. Her hair was plastered to her head and she shivered. Barefoot, she followed them to the exit, trying to make out what the man was saying. You could tell from his tone and hand movements that he wasn’t pleased. They got to the gate and he pulled out a bunch of keys. When they were outside the pool area, he gestured for them to go back to the hotel. James shook his hand and apologised again.

  ‘Are we in trouble?’ she asked wide-eyed.

  ‘Just go to bed,’ he replied. ‘I’ll sort it.’

  ‘Are you okay?’ She touched his arm.

  He moved back slightly, out of her reach. ‘I’m fine, Borealis. Just had far too much to drink. Go to bed. I’ll sort this.’ He didn’t quite meet her eyes. ‘Goodnight.’

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  Laura zipped up her dress and inserted her feet into her heels.

  ‘It’s only four,’ said Christian who was lying naked on the bed. ‘You got another hour here at least.’

  ‘Goodbye, Christian.’ She picked up her clutch. ‘Please don’t contact me any more.’

  ‘Say again?’ He sat bolt upright. ‘Laura?’

  She walked towards the door and turned one last time. ‘Goodbye.’

  She turned to go but, just as she opened the door, his strong arm banged it shut.

  ‘What the fuck do you think you’re doing?’ he demanded, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back to the bed. ‘What do you mean “goodbye”?’

  ‘I can’t do this, Chris. I can’t be second best.’ Her eyes filled with tears. ‘You have treated me like total shit the last few days. I’ve never felt as cheap as I did tonight. I hate myself for coming up here with you.’

  ‘Laura, be reasonable.’ His brown eyes were warm. ‘You’re overreacting.’

  ‘No. No, I’m not.’

  ‘You are.’ He stroked her arm. ‘We get to leave tomorrow and then that’s it.’

  Her eyes began to flash. ‘You see, it’s not “it”. You’ll still put her first. You’ll still try to hide me away. Nobody knows about our engagement. What do you say to that?’

  ‘We both agreed.’

  ‘No, we did not! You decided! You made the rules. I wanted to tell the world.’ She held up her bare hand. ‘I couldn’t even wear my bloody ring. How degrading is that?’

  ‘You know my reasons.’

  ‘But what about me?’ She stood up. ‘Hurting me should be the last thing you’d want to do. Instead, you’re so obsessed with sparing other people’s feelings that you stamp on mine.’ She wiped a tear away. ‘I can’t live like this. Goodbye, Christian. It’s over.’

  She walked towards the door once more, her heart heavy.

  Just as she opened the door, he called her name. ‘Laura!’

  ‘Yes?’ she said, not turning around.

  ‘Stay with me.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘I mean, sleep here with me and let the world see it. Stay with me.’

  She hung her head. ‘You don’t mean that.’

  He circled her waist from behind and kissed her neck. ‘Stay with me and we’ll tell everyone tomorrow. No more secrets.’

  ‘About the wedding?’

  ‘About everything.’

  She turned to face him. ‘You’re serious? You’d do that for me?’

  ‘Why sure. Now close the door and protect my modesty. I’m naked right here.’

  Aurora woke with a splitting headache. Laura’s bed was unslept in which was no surprise. Reaching for the bottle of Evian on the bedside locker, she drank thirstily. Unused to such large amounts of alcohol, she was even more unaccustomed to hangovers. Slowly the events of the night came back to her: the dancing, the cocktails, the pool . . .

  She sat upright and her hand flew to her mouth.

  The pool.

  Her hair was still damp and so was the pillow she had been sleeping on. Her gold dress was in a heap on the ground and she was still wearing her fancy underwear. Lying back, she blushed furiously.

  James.

  Did she imagine it? Was it all a dream? She struggled to think. It all seemed surreal somehow.

  What happened exactly?

  They were swimming and then he pulled her close. He told her to be quiet and she waited for him to kiss her and then . . .

  The Italian man appeared in her memory, angry and shouting. He had interrupted them at the last minute and prevented anything from happening.

  What would have happened?

  She buried her face in the damp pillow. He was going to kiss her. She knew that. She could feel his breath on her lips just before they were caught. The thing is, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to hold her and touch her and . . .

  She closed her eyes in confusion. What happened? It was crazy to even contemplate it. James was her brother. Her much older brother. Her best friend. Her pal. Kissing him was just plain weird. Wasn’t it?

  She swung her legs out of bed and winced as her head began to pound. Slipping on a navy sundress, she combed her hair and brushed her teeth. A cup of strong coffee sounded like just what she needed.

  The breakfast room was full of guests. Ignoring the long buffet table filled with hams, cheeses, patisserie and fruit, she made a beeline for Colin and Val who were sitting by the French windows. Colin was nursing a Bloody Mary and was wearing enormous Dior shades.

  ‘Morning,’ he said, sipping his drink. ‘Sunshine is not kind to my horrendous hangover.’

  ‘Morning,’ she said, smiling. ‘Have you two seen Laura or James?’

  Val looked up from the newspaper he was reading. ‘I met James an hour ago in the foyer. He had an early flight.’

  Aurora’s face fell. ‘You mean, he’s gone?’

  ‘Yes.’ Val shuffled the newspaper and disappeared behind it once
more. ‘He spoke to Lyd and told her that he’d have the photos in about a week. Great turn around if you ask me. Very prompt for a wedding photographer.’

  ‘Are you taking notes?’ asked Colin with a pointed look.

  A waiter appeared with a jug of juice and filled their glasses. Aurora’s head was spinning. Why had he left without a word?

  Laura and Christian walked in, holding hands.

  Colin nudged Val and pulled down his shades for a closer look. ‘I thought that was a no-no. They look like teenagers.’

  Aurora waved at them to join them. Christian ignored her and took a seat at a table for two by the door. Laura walked over, her blonde ponytail swinging from side to side.

  ‘I thought public displays of affection were forbidden,’ said Colin, stirring his drink with a stick of celery. ‘Do tell.’

  Laura beamed at them all. ‘I gave him an ultimatum: either we go public and tell everyone about the wedding or it’s over.’

  ‘Wedding?’ Colin nearly spat out his cocktail. ‘Don’t tell me you’re getting married too?’

  ‘Next month.’ She held up her left hand and then groaned in disappointment. ‘I keep forgetting that I had to leave my ring in New York. I wish I could flash it around.’

  ‘Have you told Luca and Lydia?’ asked Aurora.

  ‘Yes. We called over to their room this morning.’ She shrugged. ‘Luca got a bit of a shock, but Lyd was delighted for us.’

  ‘What about Tara?’ said Val. ‘I presume he told her personally.’

  Laura bristled. ‘Of course he did. We’re not monsters, you know.’ Her face fell. ‘She was quite put out. She berated him about having a mid-life crisis and that he’d never hold me and that soon I’d be replacing his catheter.’

  ‘Ouch.’ Colin picked at his fruit salad. ‘Although, she has a point. In another ten years, he’ll be a pensioner and you’ll be in your thirties.’

  ‘Colin!’ Val glared at him.

  ‘He’ll always be utterly gorgeous to me,’ said Laura simply. ‘Liver spots and all.’

  ‘Well, all’s well that ends well,’ said Aurora, taking her hand and squeezing it. ‘I’m no longer the clandestine bridesmaid then?’