‘I hope you’re going to behave yourself,’ Nina said.
‘If you’d wanted that, you shouldn’t have dragged me here.’
‘In that case, if you have to drink, you had better pace yourself. Three is your limit, so make them last.’
‘Three? What’s the point in that?’
‘The point is you remain in control of your actions. This is the first time in a long time I’ve been to one of Sarah’s New Year parties without feeling like everyone’s pitying me. Don’t spoil things,’ she said. ‘Please, Scarlett.’
‘I’ll just go in the back room and play with the kids then, shall I?’
Nina chose wisely not to point out that Scarlett was behaving like a child. It wouldn’t help the situation and she was holding out hope that Sarah’s daughter Charlotte would be able to keep Scarlett occupied. The six-year age difference meant they had never been particularly close, but she had to be better company for Scarlett than Nina.
‘Hello, lovelies,’ Sarah said as she opened the black lacquered door to her opulent home. She looked the picture of sophistication, as always, although the flush to her cheeks wasn’t her usual Elizabeth Arden shade and possibly had more to do with the bottle of Krug in her hand. ‘Champagne, anyone?’
‘Have you got any bigger glasses?’ Scarlett asked, refusing the crystal flute being offered by the waiter shadowing his hostess. ‘I’m only allowed three and apparently I need to make them last.’
‘I’m sure I can dig out a pint glass,’ Sarah said with a wink. ‘Of course, the easiest thing to do would be to give the large glass to your mum so she forgets to keep track of how much you’re drinking.’ She turned to share a look with Nina. ‘You’re not driving, are you?’
‘Not a chance.’
‘And I hope you’re off duty, Mr Thomas,’ she said to Bryn. ‘You’re not going to get called away at a moment’s notice?’
‘After the hard time Nina gave me about Christmas Day, no, I won’t ever be doing that again,’ he said, to make a point to whoever would listen.
‘I didn’t say a word,’ Nina said.
‘You didn’t need to, it was the look that did it.’
‘I’d have given you more than a look,’ Sarah said sternly as she led them through the cavernous hallway.
The click of Nina’s heels against the black quartz tiles echoed off smooth white walls that reached the full height of the house above a wide spiral staircase. Sarah’s ultramodern home was perfectly presented with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary art illuminated at strategic intervals and providing the perfect mood lighting – assuming you felt at home living in an art gallery. Nina didn’t. She couldn’t imagine Sarah coming home after a long day and kicking off her shoes, slipping into her PJs and slouching on the sofa to watch endless box sets and eat takeaway pizza. Not that she herself did that very often, if at all, but at least she could if she chose. She had never seen Sarah look anything less than perfect in this house.
‘I hope we’re not the first to arrive,’ Nina said. She could hear soft music coming from deep within the house but not the level of chatter she would normally expect from one of Sarah’s parties.
‘Apparently the snow’s caused havoc on the motorways and some poor souls are still on their way, but no, you’re not the first. Those that are here are a bit more civilized than what we’re used to, that’s all, but we’ll soon put a stop to that.’
When they entered the main reception room the temperature dropped by a degree or two. The bi-fold windows running the length of one wall had been pulled back and an awning erected to extend the room out into the garden. There was a fully staffed bar and waiters milling around small groups of guests with trays of hors d’oeuvres. Nina linked arms with Bryn and raised her head high. This year, there would be no slinking around the edges of the room as if the wide-open floor were an ice rink.
‘Wow, you look gorgeous,’ Charlotte said. The young woman had disengaged herself from a small group to come over and welcome her mother’s guests, and Scarlett especially. ‘I haven’t seen you in ages.’
‘Please don’t say I’ve grown,’ moaned Scarlett.
Glancing over her shoulder at the group she had escaped from, Charlotte said, ‘That’s all I’ve been getting so far, but don’t worry, the plan is to stay here only as long as we have to, and then I’m having my own private party upstairs. Some of my friends are on their way – but knowing them, they’ve been distracted by the snow.’
‘Building snowmen?’ Nina asked.
‘More like writing in the snow with “yellow ink”, if you know what I mean.’
‘Is it warmer upstairs?’ Scarlett asked.
‘I thought you youngsters were impervious to the cold?’ Sarah asked. ‘You’re always parading around half-naked.’
‘Not me.’
‘By that, Scarlett means she feels the cold,’ Bryn said wryly.
Sarah wrapped a protective arm around each of the young girls. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll look after you.’
At first Nina thought Scarlett was trying to wriggle free from Sarah’s clutches, but rather than attempt to get away, her daughter hid behind her. Nina was about to ask what was wrong until she spied Miles coming into the room with two new guests.
‘You invited Mr Swift?’ she asked.
‘It was more a case of inviting his wife and mother-in-law,’ Sarah explained. Looking directly at Scarlett, she added, ‘You know, the one who isn’t dying – or at least her prognosis is far better than I was led to believe.’
‘But she does have cancer,’ Scarlett mumbled.
‘It was lucky you didn’t meet the mum first,’ Bryn said, and for Scarlett’s benefit added, ‘It just goes to show how idle gossip can lead to all sorts of trouble.’
‘Is that his wife with him?’ Nina asked as she tried not to stare at the young woman with long curly hair in a tiny sequined dress.
‘Yes. She’s a sweet little thing, isn’t she?’
‘At first glance, I thought she was more Scarlett’s age,’ Nina said.
Clearly offended by the remark, Scarlett shot a look over Sarah’s shoulder and said, ‘She’s way older than me.’
‘I do remember her now, Mum,’ Charlotte said, and for everyone else’s benefit added, ‘We went to the same gym club for a while. I never made the connection that she was the girl who married Mr Swift, and I can’t believe she’s got a kid already.’
‘Saying that, I couldn’t have been much older than her when I had you,’ replied Sarah. ‘Although I probably didn’t look like I should still be in school uniform.’
Charlotte was scowling as she looked from the wife to the teacher. ‘It’s probably what he sees in her.’
‘That girl’s looks are deceptive, you mark my words,’ Sarah said. ‘All she needs is the right person to take her under their wing – and it just so happens I’m on the lookout for a protégée now that my daughter has turned her back on the family.’
‘If that’s meant to make me jealous, Mum, it’s not working. I told you, I’m not buying and selling houses for a living, and I definitely don’t want a career shifting slabs of dead animals.’
‘Well, that’s certainly good to know, Charlotte,’ Sarah said with a sniff. ‘And I presume that means you wouldn’t want any of the financial rewards that come with my tedious business deals either.’
Nina shared a smile with Bryn. Sarah’s brazen attempts to manipulate were entertaining when they were being directed at someone else.
‘Whatever, Mother,’ Charlotte said, and was smiling too when she added, ‘Maybe I should go so you can talk business with your new apprentice. She’s on her way over.’
‘Can I come with you?’ Scarlett asked. She had remained hiding behind Sarah as Miles approached with the two new guests.
‘I’m so pleased you could make it,’ Sarah said to Vikki before turning her attention to her escort. ‘Ah, the infamous Mr Swift. I can see why all the schoolgirls say they drool over you.’
/> ‘Not all of them,’ muttered Charlotte. ‘Vikki, hi, how are you? It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other!’ The two girls embraced with the slight awkwardness of schoolgirls meeting again as adults.
Rob was more interested in his current pupil who was staring intently at the floor, waiting for it to swallow her up. ‘So what have you been telling them, Scarlett?’
Nina held her breath. Her daughter had arrived at the party under duress and it was only going to take one wrong word to upset her. Sarah and Mr Swift had already exceeded that particular quota, but to Nina’s surprise, Scarlett stiffened and raised her head.
‘Nothing about you, you’re not that interesting,’ she said coldly.
Vikki was the first to laugh. ‘Nice one. The last thing you want is a teacher with an ego.’
Scarlett continued to scowl and Nina wished Charlotte would follow through with her threat to leave, taking her daughter and the awkward atmosphere with her.
‘Shall I do the introductions?’ Sarah said, showing no indication of being aware or concerned about Scarlett’s discomfort – or Charlotte’s, for that matter. ‘Vikki, Rob, this is my dearest friend Nina and her husband, Bryn. Nina, of course you know Rob, but this is Vikki, who I hope will be my newest friend.’ She beamed a smile at Charlotte as she emphasized the last word.
‘Sarah was worried you wouldn’t come,’ Nina said. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be sworn enemies?’
‘I am trying hard to hate her, but she won’t let me,’ Vikki said.
Charlotte was fidgeting. ‘Shall we go and make some cocktails?’ she asked Scarlett, and was about to take her away when she saw Vikki’s eyes light up. ‘Did you want to come too? Maybe if we get really drunk, we can do some back-flips on the dance floor.’
Scrunching her nose, Vikki said, ‘I’m not sure I could do one of those any more.’
‘You haven’t tasted one of my cocktails yet. Anything is possible.’
Vikki’s cheeks flushed with temptation. ‘I’d better not.’
‘Can we go now?’ Scarlett asked, pulling Charlotte away from the group.
‘And please, Charlotte,’ Sarah said, ‘remember Scarlett is still technically a child.’
‘A man could get a complex,’ Rob said after they had gone. ‘Is my company that bad?’
‘Would you want to spend time out of school with your teacher?’ Miles asked, which made Nina smile. If one of her teachers had looked anything like Mr Swift, then yes, possibly.
‘I don’t suppose there’s any chance they’ll be making non-alcoholic cocktails,’ Bryn said. ‘I don’t want to be carrying Scarlett home.’
Nina lifted her empty glass, which Sarah proceeded to fill. ‘No chance at all,’ she said, ‘but I’m sure you can manage both of us.’
‘Your daughter’s very beautiful,’ Vikki said to Bryn.
‘She’s my stepdaughter actually,’ he said, ‘so I’m afraid I can’t take any credit for Scarlett’s good looks.’
‘No wonder she’s giving you sleepless nights,’ Miles added, not taking his eyes off the girls, who were giggling with the bartender.
‘Is she?’ Rob asked.
‘No, not really,’ Nina said. She wished she had never mentioned Scarlett’s secret tryst with Linus to Sarah. ‘You know what they’re like at that age.’
All eyes remained on Nina as they waited for her to elaborate, but it was Bryn who read her mind. ‘I’m sure Scarlett wouldn’t want us talking about her private life with her teacher.’
‘Spoilsport,’ muttered Miles.
15
The Accusations
As Vikki watched Freya toddle off towards one of the nursery assistants, she felt her heart wrench. It wasn’t that long ago that she had been looking forward to the prospect of her daughter starting school, and she hadn’t given a thought to how difficult it would be, offering her up to someone else’s care. She had to take on trust that these relative strangers would look after her little girl and that would be true for the entirety of her school life. Whether Vikki wanted them to or not, these people would play their role in moulding her child into a woman. How had she never realized before how frightening a proposition that was?
‘Don’t worry, she’ll be fine,’ the nursery assistant said when she noticed Vikki’s hesitation.
But as Vikki left the nursery and walked across the small playground, she did worry. The future didn’t just scare her, it terrified her. She wished she could go back to her teenage years and start again. Where would she be now if she had made different choices? And what decisions would Scarlett need to make in the coming weeks and months?
Vikki knew she ought to be worrying about her mum’s hospital appointment that morning. It was an important one and Vikki had promised to go with her, but as she headed back to the car, she couldn’t push Scarlett from her thoughts. Slipping behind the steering wheel, her anxiety began to build, bringing with it a wave of nausea that forced her to lean back out of the car and retch. How was she going to offer her mum any useful support when she was so desperately in need of it herself?
Wiping her mouth with one of Freya’s wet wipes, Vikki took slow breaths. She could go home and try to eat some dry toast to settle her stomach, or she could use the time to settle her mind. She turned the key in the ignition and waited for a gap in the traffic. Driving away from the nursery, she didn’t turn towards home, nor did she head south towards her mum’s house. Vikki took a much shorter journey to Sedgefield High.
It had been six years since Vikki had been a student, but as she drove past the school, she had a good idea what was going through the minds of the groups of schoolkids milling around the gates. There was that desperate need to be accepted, a fear of not fitting in, and plenty of frustration about a world that didn’t understand them; and this on top of the usual anxieties about exam results and the enormity of the future ahead of them.
Unable to find a parking space close to the main entrance, Vikki pulled up further down the road. She was still parallel with the school grounds, close to the staff car park on the other side of the railings where she thought she could spy Rob’s Ford Focus. That wasn’t why she was there, though. She hadn’t doubted that Rob had gone straight to school, not really. The reason she had been drawn to the school came in the form of a young girl walking along the road in her direction.
Scarlett was on her own with her head down and the weight of the world on her shoulders. She didn’t notice Vikki, even though she came within only a few feet of the car. She was oblivious to the fact she was being watched so intently, although she did scratch her head as if she knew someone was trying to drill down into her thoughts. When Scarlett had passed, Vikki released her grip on the steering wheel, leaving tiny fingernail indentations on the faux leather. Picking up her handbag, she got out of the car quickly before she lost sight of Scarlett – not that she had any idea what she was going to do next, if anything at all.
16
Before
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Vikki wanted to pinch herself as she stood in the Tavistocks’ home, sipping champagne. She couldn’t claim to be completely at ease, but she was enjoying the occasion, even though most of the guests they spoke to preferred talking to Rob. Many of them had sons and daughters in Sedgefield High, or simply of school age, and were eager to seek his advice; and once they got talking, the conversations inevitably moved on to other subjects like sport or politics. It was all Vikki could do to concentrate long enough to nod at what she hoped were appropriate intervals.
While Rob was absorbed in a rather intense debate about school academies, Vikki looked around for a means of escape, her eyes lingering on Charlotte and her growing group of friends at the bar, whose laughter could be heard high above the drone of chatter. Vikki wasn’t that much older, and wished she had had the courage to accept Charlotte’s earlier invitation to join them, but where once she might have fitted in, now she had nothing in common with them.
It was perhaps a bless
ing in disguise: playing with the children was hardly going to impress Sarah, and Vikki did want to impress her. Forgotten by the group she was with, including Rob, Vikki found herself gravitating towards the first couple she had met. Nina Thomas didn’t have the airs and graces that Vikki found intimidating in the other guests and she knew she would be looked after.
‘You got away then?’ Nina said. ‘I was wondering if I should go over and rescue you.’
‘Oh, did I look that uncomfortable?’
‘No more than I usually do at these things,’ Nina admitted. ‘You only have to ask Bryn. I wasn’t even going to get out of the taxi last year. Do we need to rescue your husband?’
When Vikki looked over at Rob, a sixth sense told him he was being watched and he turned to give her a wink and a smile. ‘No, I think he’s quite happy where he is.’
Vikki was happy to leave him there too. She relied on Rob too much to take care of her. He always led the conversations when they were out at social gatherings, which she didn’t particularly mind. He did his best to bring her into the discussion where he could, and if they were going to a school function, he would gently coach her so she would feel more confident in the role of a teacher’s wife. His efforts, however, tended to reinforce the feeling that she was still a student. She supposed she was something in between: too old to get away with back-flips on the dance floor, and too young to convince anyone she had a view on the latest immigration policy, or whatever adults were meant to talk about.
The Affair Page 13