Family Divided

by Allen, Anne

‘Like a baby. Must be the bed!’ she said, with a teasing smile.

  He reached out and pulled her underneath him. ‘I think it was more than my, admittedly comfortable, bed.

  Let me show you.’

  Fifteen minutes later they both laid back on the pillows, sweat cooling on their exhausted bodies.

  Andy traced his fingers down Charlotte’s stomach before kissing each breast.

  ‘I hate to say this but I should be at work. A new client is due at the office in half an hour. Would you mind

  very much if we postponed this meeting and re-convened later? This evening perhaps?’ The words formal but

  the tone anything but. Desire still clouded his eyes.

  She giggled. ‘This evening would be perfect, Mr Batiste. You’d better shower first unless we can double up,’

  she said, stroking the stubble on his cheeks.

  Andy swung his legs out of bed, laughing. ‘It is a double shower but I think it would be safer if I showered

  alone. Could you make a pot of coffee while I get ready?’ He padded across the floor to the adjoining bathroom,

  giving Charlotte ample time to admire his athletic physique. The jogging certainly paid off, she thought, as she

  got up and threw on the robe hanging on the back of the door. In the kitchen she was relieved to see a cafetière

  on the worktop. That she could manage. The coffee was in a tin in the cupboard above and while the kettle

  heated up she hunted down mugs and milk.

  When Andy came down, freshly shaved with his hair still damp from the shower, her stomach flipped over.

  Wafting the subtle scent of lime and sandalwood she found him incredibly sexy dressed in a cream open-necked

  shirt tucked into reddish-brown chinos. He smiled as he spotted the brewed coffee.

  ‘You made it, thanks. Wasn’t sure if you knew how, you said you couldn’t cook.’

  ‘Well, making coffee is hardly cooking, is it? I’m not completely without talent, you know,’ she said, pouring

  out two mugs, not wanting to admit she had been shown how to make coffee by Louisa. ‘I even managed to

  warm the milk in case you preferred it.’ Charlotte pushed the jug of milk towards him.

  ‘Oh I know you’re not without talent, Miss Townsend. Far from it if last night was anything to go by,’ he said,

  slipping an arm around her waist.

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  She dropped her eyes, suddenly overcome with unwarranted shyness. In the cold light of day…

  ‘Don’t go all shy on me. I loved what we did in bed. You’re not having any regrets are you?’

  Charlotte raised her eyes. His forehead was creased in concern.

  ‘No, of course not. It’s just…well, it’s been a long time since I…I slept with someone other than my husband

  and it feels…strange.’

  His face relaxed and he pushed her hair back behind her ear. ‘I understand. It was the same for me after I split

  with my ex.’ Glancing at the clock, he gulped down his coffee, before adding, ‘Sorry, I really must go. I’ll ring you

  later about this evening. Just drop the latch on the way out and here’s the taxi number.’ He scrawled it on a pad

  next to the phone. A quick kiss and he was gone.

  Charlotte sipped her coffee, hugging to herself the thought of seeing him again that evening. In the meantime

  she had to shower, dress and return home to Louisa’s. And make some phone calls.

  Louisa had left for work by the time Charlotte arrived home, relieved to put off the inevitable cross-examination.

  Once she was changed into clean clothes she sat down to phone the rector and advise him of her return. Martin

  said he was due to visit Maud over the weekend and would ask if a new meeting could be arranged, preferably

  on Monday. Charlotte did not want any further delays. She then rang La Folie to speak to her mother.

  ‘Good morning, Mother. How are you today?’

  ‘Not too bad, thank you. I had a massage earlier…’ She went on to describe what was planned in the way of

  treatments, adding she had already started taking Paul’s “concoctions”, as she called them. Charlotte was happy

  to listen, glad her mother had accepted the treatments without question. She thought Annette was probably

  reassured by Gillian being a qualified doctor, adding credibility to the alternative treatment. To the best of her

  knowledge her mother had never even experienced a massage before, let alone the Reiki and chakra balancing

  Paul proposed. Charlotte had thought to visit her mother that day but it seemed she was too busy with

  appointments so they agreed she would call in on Saturday afternoon. As she switched off the phone, Charlotte

  could not help smiling at the thought she might be spending Saturday morning in Andy’s bed. But she was fairly

  sure they would be up and about by the afternoon.

  The first thing Louisa said when she arrived home at teatime was, ‘I assume you spent the night at Andy’s.

  So…?’ She was grinning from ear to ear.

  Charlotte gave her an edited version of events and then let drop she was seeing him again that evening and

  might not be back until Saturday sometime.

  ‘I’m really pleased for you, my friend. You deserve to have some fun and Andy’s a nice guy who needed to get

  out more. I think you’ll be good for one another,’ Louisa said, giving her a hug. ‘Have you told your mother about

  him?’

  ‘No, it’s too soon and, well, while she’s so ill it doesn’t seem appropriate to talk about my love life, does it?’

  she said, experiencing a slight twinge of guilt. ‘Mind you,’ she continued, ‘Mother hasn’t once asked me if I’m

  seeing anyone since Richard left. So I don’t imagine she’s likely to start asking now. She’s never been one to

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  show much interest in what I’m doing and it’s one of the reasons we’re not close. Although since being

  diagnosed with cancer again, she’s thawed a bit towards me. Which is something,’ Charlotte said, with a sigh.

  ‘Well, I do hope you two become closer as you don’t know how long you have left together. I still miss Mum so

  much…’ Louisa said, wistfully.

  Charlotte threw her arms around her and they stood entwined, sending out to each other invisible waves of

  support. Finally Louisa pulled back, brushing a tear from her eye. ‘I’ll put the kettle on. Fancy a cuppa?’

  ‘Thanks. Now, tell me about your day before I go and change. And how things are between you and Paul these

  days.’

  They sat in the kitchen as Louisa told her about the new members of staff being recruited which would allow

  Paul to reduce his hours. In the meantime Malcolm was taking over some of Paul’s admin until an office manager

  was appointed. Consequently Paul was, according to Louisa, more relaxed and they were enjoying spending

  more time together.

  ‘If we go on like this, then it looks as if we’ll be living together sooner than planned. I can hardly wait,’ Louisa

  said, a dreamy look in her eyes.

  Charlotte laughed. ‘I’m beginning to think there’s something either in the water or the air in Guernsey! So

  many people seem to be coupling up after arriving on the island.’

  ‘Ahh! Do you think it’s serious between you and Andy? As in long-term?’ Louisa asked, her eyebrows raised.

  She shrugged. ‘I don’t know. It would be so complicated with my living in London so I’m not thinking that far

  ahead. I have to live in the moment and enjoy it while it lasts,’ she said, mentally crossing her fingers.

  Andy surprised Charlotte by taking her to The Doghouse, a gast
ropub famous for live music, on the outskirts of

  Town. He had been lucky to book a table in the restaurant as the night’s entertainment was a popular Stones

  tribute act over from England.

  ‘I took a gamble on you loving the Stones’ music as much as I do. Was I right?’ Andy asked, driving down the

  Rohais.

  She smiled. ‘You were. I’ve loved their music for as long as I can remember. Should be fun.’

  The familiar sounds of ‘Honky Tonk Women’ blasted from the speakers as they entered the pub. Glancing

  quickly at the band, which looked as energetic as the original, Charlotte allowed herself to be steered towards

  the dining area where the sound was only minimally reduced. A waitress showed them their table and took an

  order for drinks.

  ‘What a contrast to last night,’ she shouted above the music, tapping her feet and hands to the music.

  Andy grinned and put his arm around her. There was a small dance area in front of the band and couples took

  to the floor, waving arms and joining in with the words. The atmosphere was infectious and when Andy grabbed

  her hand she didn’t hesitate, keen to join in the fun. By the end of the evening Charlotte was both exhausted and

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  happy. She couldn’t remember the last time she had danced to such lively music and Andy proved to be an

  enthusiastic dancer. No just waving the arms about for him. She collapsed, laughing, into his car and when he

  asked where to, her reply was to pull him towards her and kiss him firmly on the mouth.

  ‘I take it that’s my place, then,’ he said, when he finally eased away and started the engine. She leant back in

  the seat and smiled. She had brought her toothbrush. Just in case.

  ~ ~

  Andy woke the next morning wondering if he’d died and gone to heaven. The most wonderful woman he’d ever

  met had spent the past two nights with him and not only shared his taste in music but laughed at his jokes. And

  enjoyed being in his bed. Carefully turning his head he sneaked a glance at the still sleeping Charlotte. With her

  flushed creamy complexion and lustrous hair spread out over the pillow, she reminded him of the subject of a

  Pre-Raphaelite painting. He knew he was falling in love and could only hope she felt the same about him. But

  even if she did, would it all end in tears? Their backgrounds couldn’t be more different, for one thing. And her

  life was centred in London and he couldn’t imagine leaving Guernsey. He’d worked so hard to build up the

  practice…Charlotte stirred and, opening her eyes, she saw him and smiled. His body tightened with desire as she

  stroked his face and kissed him.

  ‘Good morning. Thank you again for the most wonderful evening and…night,’ she said, her voice husky.

  ‘It was my pleasure. I had no idea you could…dance like that,’ he said, folding his arms around her.

  She laughed and pushed her naked breasts against his chest. ‘Oh, I’ve always known how to move my body.

  And you’re quite a good mover yourself,’ she added, her eyes cloudy with desire.

  He was happy to show her a few more moves.

  They made it downstairs about eleven and Andy offered to make scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, to be

  washed down with a pot of coffee prepared by Charlotte. He enjoyed the intimacy of preparing breakfast

  together and chatting about inconsequential things like the weather.

  As they sat down with their heaped plates and steaming mugs, he asked what her plans were for the day.

  ‘I’ve offered to visit Mother this afternoon, other than that nothing. What about you?’

  ‘I’ve got some work to catch up on but it won’t take long. How about if we go out for a late lunch before you

  see your mum? I can drop you off and pick you up later. Looks like it might remain fine for a walk,’ he said,

  wanting to spend every waking minute with this wonderful woman.

  She smiled dreamily. ‘Sounds good to me. After all these wonderful meals I’ll need to walk around the island

  at least twice.’

  ‘I think we’ll make do with a quick walk on the cliffs before it gets dark. But we could go for a longer walk

  tomorrow if you like.’ His brow furrowed. ‘Assuming you’re free?’

  ‘Yes, I’d like that. But don’t you go to your parents’ for Sunday lunch?’

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  ‘Normally, yes, but they’re going to friends tomorrow, so I have a clear day.’

  Charlotte nodded. ‘Good. Let me take you out to lunch somewhere nice. You haven’t let me pay for anything

  yet which is totally sexist and inappropriate in these days of equality,’ she said, straight-faced but with eyes

  dancing.

  He laughed. ‘It’s a deal! Now, is there any more of your delicious coffee, please? For some reason, I feel a little

  tired this morning.’

  ~ ~

  Charlotte almost floated into La Folie that afternoon. Only the thought of her mother’s illness kept her from

  beaming at everyone she saw. It didn’t seem fair when she had finally found something – or rather, someone – to

  make her laugh and feel good about herself, her mother faced a tough battle in order to live. C’est la vie didn’t

  quite sum up her thoughts on the matter and she made a conscious effort to not seem as happy when she found

  her mother in the sun room.

  Annette was sitting at a table by the window, gazing longingly at the garden leading to the cliffs. A keen

  walker, it was clear from her expression she wanted to be outside. But Charlotte knew for the moment her

  mother was not strong enough. Feeling guilty over her own rude health, she kissed her mother’s cheek before

  sitting opposite to her.

  ‘Charlotte! I didn’t see you arrive. I was admiring the garden and wondering how it would look in full bloom,’

  Annette said, turning round. Charlotte studied her face. The skin was no longer yellow and the eyes looked

  brighter, but sadness played around the thin lips.

  ‘It is a beautiful garden but not as lovely as yours, Mother. And I don’t think anyone’s roses can compete with

  those you grow back home,’ she said, with a smile.

  Her mother’s eyes lit up. ‘Yes, my roses are rather special, aren’t they? I only hope Jenkins will prune them

  properly while I’m away. I don’t like leaving such important tasks to him, as you know.’

  Charlotte was fully aware Jenkins was solely responsible for the care of the roses and her mother barely

  lifted a pair of secateurs to them. But if it made her happy to think otherwise…

  ‘You’re looking better, Mother. What treatments have you had over the past couple of days?’

  Her mother described the therapies in a way which made it clear she had forgotten Charlotte had twice been

  a guest at the retreat. And as she had always loved being the centre of attention, had welcomed the fuss made of

  her as perfectly natural. Charlotte listened to descriptions of the other guests, only some of whom her mother

  felt able to socialise with. She couldn’t help thinking maybe not everyone wanted to befriend her mother either,

  but kept quiet. As the waitress served them cups of tea and Chef’s low-fat cake, she gave Charlotte a sympathetic

  smile. Whether because of her mother’s illness or for being her mother’s daughter, she wasn’t sure.

  An hour later she left her mother to be taken off for a hydrotherapy session and promised to call again.

  ‘There’s no need for you to do that, Charlotte, I’m being perfectly well looked after, as you can see. Pleas
e

  don’t put yourself out on my behalf,’ Annette said, dismissively.

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  Gritting her teeth, she gave her mother a brief kiss and walked into the garden. All the warm, fuzzy feelings

  she had arrived with had evaporated. As she sent a text to Andy saying she was ready to be picked up, she hoped

  he would be able to re-ignite them.

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  chapter twenty-two

  Charlotte was pacing up and down in front of La Folie, telling herself to calm down, her mother was unlikely to

  change, when her mobile rang. It was the rector, saying he had seen Mrs Batiste and she would be happy to see

  Charlotte on Monday afternoon around three. She was so excited that all the hurtful feelings her mother’s

  attitude had evoked dissipated into the air, like a burst balloon. When Andy pulled into the drive minutes later

  she was all smiles.

  ‘Well, you look pleased to see me! Missed me that much, did you?’ he teased, before giving her a kiss.

  She chuckled. ‘I’ve just arranged something which will please you. I’m seeing Maud Batiste on Monday

  afternoon. Happy?’

  Andy kissed her again. ‘Very. Now, as we seem to be attracting some attention, I think it’s time to leave,’ he

  said, nodding in the direction of a pair of elderly guests giving them disapproving looks. Turning the car around

  he drove down the lane. ‘How was your mother?’ he asked, innocently.

  Immediately Charlotte felt her shoulders tense. ‘Physically a bit better but as a mother as bad as ever…’ she

  repeated her mother’s words and Andy sighed, reaching to clutch her hand.

  ‘Do remember she’s been told she might not have long to live. That would make anyone resentful.’

  ‘I accept that, but Mother’s resented me since the day I was born! Or so I assume, as obviously I don’t

  remember quite so far back,’ she replied, with a faint smile. ‘I’m doing my best to help her get through this awful

  time, but she doesn’t seem to acknowledge it. She wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t suggested it and she’s being so