Rob rolls his eyes at me, kisses my cheek, then walks towards Tristan and George. “Where’s the booze Tristan?” He shouts.
Laughing and shaking my head at him, I turn and see Carlos placing presents on the kitchen table. I haven’t really seen him properly, talked to him…since the news that Rob gave me.
I dash over to him and wrap my arms around him, even though it hurts.
“Carlos!” I gush. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to you,” I whisper, choking up again.
“Hey now sunshine,” he says, gently hugging me. “I’m so glad you’re ok,” he whispers.
“With you too,” I say, then I pull back, place my hands around his shoulders, and look him square in the eyes “Are they really sure, you have the all clear?”
“Yes,” he beams. I can see the relief in his eyes.
I take a deep breath. “Oh Carlos, you both had me so worried,” I whisper.
“I know, Rob told me and knowing what you’re like, in hindsight, we should have just told you,” he says.
“Yes, you should have. But I guess it’s in the past. I’m just so happy you’re ok,” I beam.
“Same here…with you,” he says, his eyes glistening over, we hug fiercely and kiss each other on the cheek. Rob comes over with two champagne flutes and goes to hand one to me.
“Can’t,” I say.
“I know,” he chuckles. “They’re for us,” he teases, handing one to Carlos.
I laugh at his teasing ways. “Git!” I really want to mock punch his arm, but I know that will hurt.
Rob chuckles at me, then waltzes over to my glass and brings it over to me, then he holds his glass up.“To new beginnings,” he says.
Carlos and I click his glass. “To new beginnings,” we both say then giggle.“I better go say hello to George and Phil,” I add.
“It’s good to see you,” Carlos says.
“You too.” I smile.
“Hey, what about me?” Rob jokes, Carlos and I chuckle at him.
“Take a look around you guys, this place is huge,” I offer.
“I’ve already seen it,” Rob jokes.
Oh yeah, he helped Tristan with the re-design of the bedroom! I turn back around and walk over to him, taking his hand in mine, I look up at him.“Thank you Rob, for the re-design…in the bedroom…I really appreciate it,” I say, trying not to cry.
Rob rolls his eyes at me. “Coral! You don’t need to thank me. Now stop blubbering and go say hello to everyone!” He orders.
“Ok!” I chuckle, and as I turn to walk over to George and Phil. I notice Tristan has already poured them both drinks, and he’s still deep in discussion with George.
I kiss and awkwardly hug Phil. “Happy belated birthday,” he says.
“Thanks,” I squeak.This is overwhelming.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Good, you know, a bit bruised, how are you?”
“Oh fine, I bought you some Moules Mariniere,” he says, tapping a large Tupperware container.
“Really?” I beam.
“Yes,” he smiles. “Figured you wouldn’t be in any state to cook, so I made it for you.” He cocks his head towards Edith. “Not that I needed to,” he adds whispering.
“She’s Tristan’s housekeeper,” I whisper back. “Been with him forever, she’s really nice.”
“It’s alright for some,” he scoffs. “Better go put your present with the others,” he adds.
Presents? Crap, I hope I don’t have to open them in front of everyone!
“Phil, you didn’t have to’ –“Nonsense,” he says interrupting me. “I’ll see you in a bit ok, and we can talk men,” he beams.
I chuckle as I watch him walk over to Rob and Carlos.Then taking a deep breath, I turn to face George, Tristan glances up and places his hand on George’s shoulder.“Another time,” he says.
George nods his head. “Yes, I think so. It’s been a pleasure to meet you Tristan.”
“You too,” Tristan says, they shake hands. Tristan walks over to me, gently plants a kiss on my forehead, then heads over to our other guests.
“Dear girl,” George says, his soft wistful smile making me crumble again, his arms open wide.
“Oh George!” I croak. I haven’t seen him in so long, and he’s talked to Tristan about my past, and so much has happened…so much I need to talk to him about…
Tears spill down my cheeks – Maybe this party wasn’t such a good idea?
“There now,” George says gently folding me in his arms. “We’ll talk soon,” he whispers in my ear.
“Oh George!” I croak again.
“I know, it’s a lot to take in,” he says, pulling back to assess me. “Now, let me take a good look at you.”Tristan appears with some tissues in his hand.How does he get so much right? How does he always seem to know what I need?
I gaze adoringly at him. “Thanks,” I take them off him and blow my nose.
“You look good,” George surmises.
I laugh dryly at him. “Blubbering all over the place and unable to move, I don’t think so George.” I answer dryly.
“There’s nothing wrong with tears,” he says.
“I know,” I whisper. But seriously, I wish they would stop now!
“Happy belated birthday,” he says.
“Thanks,” I answer shyly.
“We’ve got you a little gift, something to cheer you up,” he says.
I cock one eyebrow up at him. “Cheer me up?”
George nods, grinning widely at me.
“Aunty Coral!” I hear Lily’s voice screech, we both turn around. Lily is running flat out towards me – Uh-oh! This is going to hurt!
“Lily!” Debs shouts from the front door, she jerks to a stop with a guilty look on her face. “Come back here!” With a worried look on her face, she turns and walks somberly back towards Debs and Scott; they both kneel down and start talking to her.
“Catch up with you soon?” George questions.
“Yes please,” I smile. “It’s really good to see you George.”
“You too darling,” he leans across and gently kisses my cheek, then walks over to Phil.
“Coral.” Tristan appears, gently placing his arm around my waist. “Happy?” I nod unable to articulate anything. I finish my drink and place it on the side.“Hungry?” Tristan asks.
“Not yet,” I whisper, then look down the hallway.
Gladys and Malcolm have arrived, and are marching towards us.“Darling!” Gladys wails,her hands in the air as she dashes over to me, she’s so over-dramatic sometimes. Reaching me, she crushes me to her, making me gasp in pain.“Oh no!” She says standing back, patting me all over. “I’m sorry darling.”
“It’s…ok,” I say, trying to get my breath back.
“Tristan!” Gladys opens her arms wide and crushes him instead. “Oh darling boy!” she says her voice wobbling.Tristan seems bemused by her behavior, but enfolds her in his arms.
Malcolm shakes his head at Gladys and smiles, then leans down and pecks my cheek.“Happy birthday Coral.”
“Thanks,” I beam.
“Where shall I put these?” He asks, his hands full of presents.
This is going to be so embarrassing!
“Um…just over there thanks.” I point to the table.
“Right oh!” Malcolm says a quick hello to Tristan, shaking his hand, then makes his way over to the table. Tristan hands two Champagne flutes to Gladys who wonders over to Malcolm.
I look up, and notice Stuart is stood awkwardly with the front door open, although I don’t understand why. I watch Debs, Scott & Lily walk over to us,Lily looks really upset.
I grit my teeth in frustration – Why did they have to make her cry?
Debs pulls me into a bear hug. “You had me so worried,” she scolds.
“I know,” I whisper, wincing in pain. “Talk later?” I ask.
She nods once at me, then I awkwardly hug Scott.“Good to see you back on your feet,” he says.
“Thanks,” I smile tentatively at him.
“Aunty Coral?” Lily whimpers. I look down at her flushed, tear stained cheeks – Poor kid!
“Take my hand Lily,” I say.Lily beams at me, places her tiny hand in mine, and we walk outside onto the patio. I carefully sit on one of the loungers and pat my lap. Lily carefully climbs up and rests her head against my chest.
“So, Mommy and Daddy told you off?” I question.
“Yes,” she whimpers.
“Why?”
“Because Mommy said I wasn’t allowed to hug you, but when I saw you I forgot.” She sniffs.
“Well, I wouldn’t have minded if you had hugged me,” I say.
“You wouldn’t?” She squeaks.
“No kiddo.” I squeeze her tightly and kiss her hair.
“I’m so glad you’re ok Aunty Coral, Mommy said you were really poorly, she was crying a lot.”
“Was she?”Lily nods.“Well, that’s because we love each other and well…I was poorly, but I’m getting better now.” She sniffs again.
Debs must have really told her off. I need to cheer her up!
“I’m really happy you came today. I simply couldn’t celebrate my birthday without my beautiful little niece,” I hug her to me and kiss her again.
“Oh yes!” She beams. “I forgot, happy birthday Aunty Coral, I got you a present,” she says, bouncing up and down excitedly on my lap – Ouch that hurts!
“Can I open it?” I ask, gritting my teeth and trying to smile.
“Yes!” She squeals excitedly, jumps down from my lap, and runs back into the house.Moments later, she re-appears with a small square box, wrapped with shiny red paper, and it has a cute bow on the top – How sweet!
“Happy birthday,” she beams holding the present out.
“Thank you Lily.” I take it off her, and try to unwrap it, but there’s so much sellotape! “Did you wrap this up yourself Lily?” I ask.
“Yes,” she squeals excitedly – It’s no good, I can't open it – I have no strength!
“Can you help me Lily?” I say handing her the gift, her eyes widen as she takes the present off me, and only as a child can, she demolishes the paper in seconds.
I look down and sat in her hands is a clear plastic box, and inside the box is a small photo-frame in the shape of a red heart. Inside is a picture of Lily and I, taken a couple of years ago, on the frame are the words –Always in My Heart
“Lily it’s beautiful,” I say, tears pooling my eyes again. “Thank you.”
“It’s for when we leave,” she whimpers.
“When you go to Spain?” I ask.
She nods once. “It’s so you won’t forget me,” she says, tears spilling down her cheeks. Crap!
“Lily!” I open my arms and she sinks into my lap. “I could never forget you.” I let her cry it out, gently rocking her. “It’s ok,” I soothe, but she just doesn’t stop crying.
I feel like I need to probe, dig deeper as to why this little girl is so upset, so that’s what I do.
“Don’t you want to go Lily? You’ll make lots of new friends.”
She shakes her head and cries even harder – Double Crap, this is not good!
When she finally stops crying so much, she looks up at me.“I want to stay,” she whimpers.
My heart sinks. “Yeah…I can see that Lily. Have you told Mommy?”
She shakes her head at me.
I sigh inwardly. This is a difficult one. I really don’t want to get involved in Scott and Debs life, but this child is unhappy and that’s just not right.
“Well maybe you should tell Mommy,” I say. “Be a big brave girl?”
Her bottom lip starts to wobble again and she shakes her head at me.
“Maybe you want me to talk to Mommy?” I offer, she nods at me. “Ok kiddo.” I hug her to me for a while longer; this feels nice, really nice…
“Oh there you are!” Joyce’s voice booms.I look up and smile, then immediately frown. Joyce is mad with me, I can tell – Great!
“Hey Joyce, Lily and I were just talking, she got me this,” I say showing Joyce my present, she slaps her hand to her mouth, trying to stop the tears – What is it about everyone crying?
“Oh Lily, that’s so thoughtful sweetheart.” She smiles up at Joyce.
Looking down at me, Joyce discreetly gestures for me to follow her, she wants to talk – Crap!
I swallow hard – I really don’t want another bollocking!
“Hey Lily, guess what this house has?” I say.
“What?” She beams excitedly.
“A swimming pool,” I say, my eyes widening, teasing her.
“Really?” She squeaks excitedly.
“Yes, and I bet if you ask Tristan nicely, he’ll show you,” I say smiling down at her.
“Ok,” she beams. I kiss her forehead and release her from my arms. “See you later Aunty Coral,” she says dashing off to find Tristan.
I look up at Joyce and frown. I’m seeing her in a completely different light now I know she and Tristan were already acquaintances before she sold. Shaking her head several times, she sighs heavily then places her hands on her hips – Here we go!
“Coral.” She closes her eyes for a moment, when she opens them she is glaring down at me. “Why on earth didn’t you tell me what was going on, what that woman was doing?” she asks, her lips tightly pressed together.
I sigh inwardly. “You know…” I whisper.
“Of course I know,” she hisses. “Tristan told me everything!” Ok, she is really pissed at me. Damn you Tristan Freeman!
“Oh…” I wrap my arms around myself. I want to hide away. I don’t want to talk about it anymore, but Joyce needs an explanation, I can see that, and in fairness, she deserves one, she’s been so good to me.
“I’m sorry Joyce, to everyone…for not sharing, especially you…but I…” I break off. “If it makes you feel any better Tristan is really pissed at me!” I stare out at the view – I really love the light nights that summer brings.
Joyce sighs heavily, then comes and sits next to me. “Coral,” she says grabbing hold of my hand, and squeezing it tight. I turn and see she has her eyes closed. “I just don’t understand why you didn’t confide in me? I thought we had a good relationship?”
“We do Joyce…I just…” I stop and shake my head. “I nearly told you, so many times…but I knew it was Tristan I really needed to speak to about it. And I didn’t want to worry you,” I add.
“Worry me?” She says incredulously.
“Well, yeah…” I say. “You…you have enough going on,” I add, thinking about John.
“Of all the things….” She says, then closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
“Joyce, please…I don’t think I can take anyone else being pissed off at me,” I breathe, closing my eyes, hoping she’ll get the message. I feel her pat my hand. I open my eyes and smile tentatively at her.
“So he’s mad with you?” Joyce says.
“Yes, very,” I balk.
“Well, he has every right to be,” she scolds.
“I know,” I whisper.
“Oh my dear girl!” Joyce carefully wraps her arm around my shoulder and presses her head against mine. “If I’d have lost you too…” She chokes.
“I’m sorry,” I say again and wrap my arms around her waist trying to soothe her, we stay like that for a while. Honestly, I think it’s Joyce that needs this more than me!
“Well…” She says, pulling back and sitting up straight. She takes a handkerchief out of her purse and dabs her eyes. “All is well now I suppose. Are you going back to the company?” she asks.
I frown up at her. “I don’t know…Maybe. Depends what happens I suppose…” I say, Joyce nods.Then I really think about it, by the time I’m better, Tristan might have hired someone else.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” she says.
“Me too,” I say. “When are you leaving?” I add.
“Oh not for a
nother six weeks,” she says despondently.
“Joyce, is that really where you want to be – In Florida?” I ask.Joyce smiles awkwardly at me, which pretty much answers my question.“Joyce, if you don’t want to’ – “I don’t really have a choice,” she interrupts. “I can't stay here,” she adds.
I nod. I can understand that – If I had lost Tristan…
“Come on,” Joyce says brightly. “Let’s go open some presents!” Crap!
I plaster a fake smile across my face. Joyce helps me to my feet, and we slowly make our way back inside. As I scan the room, I instantly freeze – Malcolm’s daughters, Erin and Ellie are here?
They both come rushing over to me.“Oh Coral, we’re so happy to see you up and about.” Ellie says.“Yes, Dad told us what happened, we were so shocked.” Erin adds.
“I’m shocked you’re here,” I say, feeling bemused. “But thank you for coming,” I quickly add.
“The kids have gone to watch a pantomime, we left the Dad’s in charge,” Ellie says, giggling. “Yeah, god knows what chaos we’ll return to,” Erin adds.We all laugh, then I notice in my peripheral vision, a small balding man sitting uncomfortably on the sofa – Bob!
“Can we catch up in a while?” I ask.
“Sure.” They say together, and I hobble as quickly as I can towards Bob.
He looks up as I slowly approach him. “Coral,” he croaks, smiling widely at me.I sink to my knees in front of him and take his hands in mine.
“Hey Bob.” I softly say.
“Hello sweetheart,” he says, I can tell he’s choking back the tears.
“Bob!” I choke, as the memory of him lying on my studio floor; bleeding and hurting flood my mind. His head still looks sore from where Susannah attacked him. I reach up, and carefully hug him, he looks so frail. “How are you feeling?” I softly ask.
“You’re worried about me?” he asks incredulously, pulling me back to look at me.
“Well yes…of course I am,” I say.
Bob shakes his head at me. “You survived,” he says, gently squeezing my shoulders.
“You too,” I whisper, swallowing against the lump that’s formed.
“Hell of a place he’s got here,” Bob says, changing the subject.
“Fancy living here?” I ask, taking the bull by the horns.Bob stares at me in disbelief.“I’m not kidding,” I say. “Tristan’s asked me to move in with him. I’ve said yes, so I won’t be there to look after you, be close to you, how I would like it to be. So I want you to seriously consider this offer. We would like you to move in with us.”
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 100