It Takes Two

by Emily Harvale

  Ali shook her head and between sobs, managed: ‘Everything. … You and Dad and this divorce. … You and Gertie arguing. … Everyone arguing. … Simon proposing. Simon lying. … Aidan being gorgeous and not an ogre, after all. … My hair. … Everything.’ She took the tissue Gertie proffered, wiped her eyes and blew her nose.

  ‘Did you say Simon proposed?’ Tabitha asked, clearly shocked. ‘Our Simon?’

  ‘He’s not ‘our Simon’ and yes. Although I think he was joking. Or drunk. I’m not completely sure. And trust you to pick up on that out of all of it.’ She blew her nose again.

  ‘Only because it was such a surprise, darling. I had no idea he cared for you in that way. What makes you think it was a joke? And when was this? At Sasha’s engagement party?’

  Ali nodded.

  ‘I always thought that young man was hiding his light beneath a bushel,’ Gertie said.

  Tabitha tutted but didn’t comment.

  ‘He was hiding more than a light,’ Ali said. ‘He was hiding the fact that he owns his mum’s house. That he was the one who suggested the conversion and that he was the one who paid for it. I bet he’s hiding lots of other things, too. I thought we told each other everything.’

  ‘I thought so too, darling. But never mind. And what’s this about Aidan being gorgeous? Is that Aidan Rourke? The one who gave you your promotion. You didn’t mention anything about his looks.’

  ‘Because you weren’t listening. I wasn’t even sure you heard me say I’d been promoted. All you said was “Wonderful. Must dash.” You never listen to me anymore.’

  ‘I said congratulations. … Didn’t I?’

  ‘No, Mum. You didn’t.’

  ‘I meant to. I’m so sorry, my darling.’ She kissed Ali on the forehead. ‘Oh dear. My mother’s right. I have become a selfish old bag. I’m so upset about turning sixty soon, and all this business with your father, I’ve completely forgotten about everyone else.’

  ‘Hallelujah!’ Gertie said. ‘Light has dawned.’

  Tabitha shifted her position on the sofa so that she could hold both one of Ali’s hands, and one of Gertie’s. ‘I’m sorry. Truly sorry. Although, you could be a bit kinder to me, yourself, Mum.’

  Gertie pulled a face in agreement. ‘I could. There’s no denying that. It comes to something when the youngest of we three is the wisest of us.’

  ‘There’s nothing wise about me,’ Ali said. ‘I let my best friend lie to me and I didn’t even know it, and my other best friend colour my hair, even though I absolutely knew something would go wrong.’

  ‘But it really does suit you, darling. I mean that.’

  ‘Tabitha’s right, my angel. You look even prettier than you did before. And you’ve always been a real beauty.’

  ‘Well I’ve been hiding that under a bushel.’

  ‘There’s not much I can do about your father and me, darling,’ Tabitha said. ‘But I’ll do my best with everything else. I’ll be nicer to Mum. I’ll listen to you whenever you want. I’m not sure I can help with either Simon or Aidan but I can be there for you when you need me, if that helps. And once you’ve slept on it, I think you’ll see your hair is lovely. If you don’t, I’ll take you to the best hairstylists in London and we’ll do whatever it takes to make you blonde again. Or another colour, if you prefer.’

  Ali nodded and finally managed a smile. ‘Thanks, Mum. Thanks, Gertie. I really love you both.’

  ‘And we love you,’ they both replied in unison.

  ‘I may be an old fool,’ Gertie said, looking at Tabitha. ‘But as far as you not being able to do anything about the situation between you and Tom, I’d say that’s stuff and nonsense. The question is, do you want to do anything about it? The pair of you were madly in love once. And that wasn’t so long ago. You could be again.’

  Tabitha let out a long, sorrowful sigh. ‘There’s too much water under the bridge for that. It’s very sad for all of us, but people fall out of love as often as they fall into it and then fall in love with someone else.’

  ‘Not in my day they didn’t. They worked hard at their marriages, not just at their careers. You’d be surprised what difference it can make.’

  ‘It’s too late, Mum. I didn’t tell you this because it bruised my ego I suppose, but Tom’s got someone else. A woman half my age. Less than half my age, in fact. What does he want with a sixty-year-old, with sagging boobs, and wrinkles, when he can have a smooth skinned, pert-breasted, sex bomb hanging on his arm?’

  Gertie burst out laughing. ‘You’re as crazy as a coot, Tabby-cat. Sorry, Tabitha. If you think Tom would leave you and Ali for a bit of fluff, then you don’t know your husband at all. I’d stake my life on the fact that would be the last thing he would ever do.’

  ‘I’ve seen them together. More than once. And when I asked him where he’d been, knowing he had been at a restaurant with her, he lied. He told me he’d been working late. Working late, indeed! I know an affair when I see one. It’s what I get paid fortunes for.’

  ‘Mum!’ This was the first Ali had heard of another woman. Their arguments seemed to be about everything, except her dad having an affair. ‘Did Dad admit it? And why is this the first I’ve heard of it?’

  ‘Of course he didn’t admit it. But I couldn’t tell him I’d followed him, could I? How would that make me look? I told him I knew he was seeing someone, and I asked him to tell me who she was and whether it was serious. He denied it. Things had been a little difficult between us before that, but afterwards they obviously grew worse. I couldn’t sleep with a man who was sleeping with someone else. I didn’t want you to know, darling. I didn’t want you to blame him. I hoped he’d eventually own up and perhaps – just perhaps – there might have been a chance for us. He didn’t. And it’s far too late now.’

  They heard the front door open and Tom’s keys rattle as he tossed them in the wooden bowl. They heard him stride along the corridor towards his study and they heard him slam the door.

  ‘Your husband’s home,’ Gertie said, giving her daughter an odd look. ‘Aren’t you going to give him a drink and say hello?’

  ‘No. I am not. But I am going to get another for the three of us.’

  ‘And that, my child, is where you continue to go wrong. You’re as stubborn as a mule. And I should know. You get that from me. But I’ve just remembered. Weren’t you going to tell us something? Isn’t that why you asked me here in the first place?’

  The colour drained from Tabitha’s face. ‘Oh, yes. Yes I was.’ She gave a little cough. ‘I’ve met someone. A man, obviously. One of the partners in my firm, in fact. I’m not sure it’s love, exactly, but we get on rather well and, um … I think it solves our problems. Once Tom moves out, I’ve asked Alejandro if he’d like to move in.’

  Gertie shook her head and glared at her daughter. ‘Well, that change didn’t last long, did it? That’s the Tabby-cat we’ve come to know. Putting herself and her pleasure before that of anyone else’s. If you want to move in with me, my angel,’ she said, tapping Ali on the knee. ‘you’re more than welcome. I can’t imagine you’d want to stay here with a man called Alejandro and your mother romping around. Although you could move in with your father because I don’t believe for a second that he is having an affair. Not one second.’

  ‘That’s right. Blame me. I think you actually prefer Tom to your own daughter. And Ali’s going nowhere. This is her home and she’s staying here.’

  ‘No, I’m not! Gertie’s right. I’m not living here with you and your new man. No way. Not ever. This is Dad’s house as much as it is yours. Does he know anything about this?’

  The door, which was ajar suddenly burst open and Tom stood in the doorway, frowning.

  ‘What’s going on? I thought it was only Tabby and I who argued in this house.’

  ‘Well,’ Gertie said, getting to her feet. ‘You’re in for more than one surprise, tonight, Tom. I’m going home. Ali, would you come with me, please? I could use a hand and I think your mother has someth
ing to say to your dad.’

  Ali darted a look at both her parents and stood up to help her gran. ‘Of course,’ she said, heading towards the doorway.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Tom asked again. ‘What’s this about? Oh. Ali. Your hair looks lovely. I really like the colour.’

  He reached out and tried to hug her but she pulled away. ‘Thanks, Dad. But I’m really not in the mood for father and daughter time, right now. Is it true? Are you having an affair? You two are as bad as one another.’

  ‘Am I what? Of course I’m not. What in God’s name made you think that? Oh wait. I suppose it was your mother. For the umpteenth time, would you please tell your mother that I am not, nor have I ever, had a fucking affair!’

  ‘Nice going, Dad. But tell her yourself. She’s sitting right there. Frankly, I’m not sure I care either way at the moment.’

  Chapter Nine

  ‘I haven’t told you, have I, Ali-ba-ba? Bertie and Bonnie are getting married.’

  Ali stared at her gran in disbelief. That was a joke, obviously. Gertie must’ve said it to try to break the silence that sat awkwardly between them as they walked, arm-in-arm, towards Gertie’s house. Gertie’s gait was much slower these days but as Ali’s feet hadn’t completely recovered from Saturday night – although the plasters one of her team had recommended were definitely helping – the snail’s pace suited them both.

  ‘Very funny, Gertie.’

  Gertie stopped and threw Ali a confused look. ‘Funny? Why is that funny? You know I take my little darlings to church for the animal blessings service once a month. The new vicar is very open-minded. He marries all sorts: women, men, pets. He has no objection whatsoever, provided someone in the wedding party believes in God. I don’t, as you know, but your grandfather did, and as I feel he’s as good as sitting on my shoulder, I’m sure that counts.’

  ‘They’re dogs, Gertie. Yorkshire Terriers. Not that their breed makes any difference.’

  ‘You say that as if you think I don’t know. I’m not senile yet, my angel. Although my darling, Tabby-cat may well drive me to it before much longer. And I mean your mother. Not that I’ve now got a cat.’

  Ali laughed at that. ‘I know who you meant. Are you serious about your dogs? Marriage? Really?’

  ‘At least there’s a good chance it won’t end in divorce. Although I’m thinking of asking Tabitha to draw up a pre-nup just to annoy her. The problem with that is there’s a distinct possibility she’ll try to have me committed.’

  ‘I’m considering the option myself. I know you love your dogs but …’ Ali shook her head. The entire world was going mad.

  ‘Oh it’s only a bit of fun. We all need a good laugh. Especially with the current situation between your parents. And a good party. Bertie and Bonnie are going to have a wonderful wedding breakfast at Josie’s. I’m having special collars made for them, too. And a wedding basket for them both to sleep in. They’ll be as snug as bugs in a rug.’

  ‘And when is this … happy event taking place?’ Ali tried to stop laughing but she couldn’t. This was too much.

  ‘On Tabby-cat and Tom’s wedding anniversary.’ Gertie beamed at her. ‘I thought that was quite appropriate. But there’s a lot to do beforehand. I’m having a cake made and the wedding invitations are being printed this week. They’re in the shape of a bone. I’d like you to be a bridesmaid, but if you hate the idea, that’s fine – as long as you come to the wedding.’

  ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world. That you can count on. No matter what. And I’m happy to be a bridesmaid. It may actually be fun. And I could definitely do with more of that in my life right now.’

  Gertie squeezed Ali’s hand, their arms still linked. ‘Excellent. Everything will work out for the best, my angel. You just wait and see. Life’s a bit like a river. Sometimes it meanders slowly. Sometimes it burbles with laughter even when there are rocks in its path. Sometimes it races towards the wide-open sea. And sometimes it tosses and turns and twists and leaps. But all the time, it keeps on flowing towards its destination.’

  ‘Yeah. This Alejandro business, and Dad’s supposed affair were both a bit of a shock. Especially on top of finding out Simon had kept things from me. What with everything else going on, I think my river is headed for Niagara Falls. And I’m not sure what’s at the bottom.’

  ‘Oh I’ve been there with your grandfather. Lovely place. It was many years ago, but I can tell you, my angel, there are rainbows at the bottom. I’ve seen them. And boats full of tourists, of course.’ She gave Ali’s hand a second squeeze. ‘Look for rainbows, Ali-ba-ba. And don’t let anyone tell you they don’t exist. Now, tell me about this Aidan chap. What’s he like?’

  ‘As you would probably describe him, he’s as gorgeous as a summer day, and as hot as a summer night.’

  ‘I like the sound of that.’ Gertie kissed her on the cheek. ‘You see, Ali-ba-ba. Rainbows, my angel. Rainbows.’

  ‘Me too. But there’s usually rain when there’s a rainbow. And I’m not sure I want much more of that, metaphorically speaking, of course.’

  Chapter Ten

  Since the Rourkes’ purchase, life at The Shimmering River and Water Sports Centre continued much as it had done before, the only difference being, that Ali was now the manager. Aidan Rourke had not put in an appearance since they had met on Sunday and as it was Tuesday, he clearly wasn’t interested in her after all. That was rather disappointing. At least all the staff approved of her new hair colour. Jules had sent a flurry of apologetic texts and left a couple of voice messages, offering to do anything and everything to restore Ali’s original blonde, but in truth, Ali quite liked the dark, copper red colour. A few weeks of river water, sea water and sunshine would naturally lighten it anyway.

  She hadn’t seen Simon since Sunday breakfast, either. The phone call on Monday was the last time she’d heard from him. She wasn’t sure if he was as mad at her as she was at him. She considered calling to tell him about her mother’s latest bombshell, but couldn’t bring herself to press his number.

  She hadn’t spoken to her parents since last night. After walking back from Gertie’s, she dashed upstairs to bed and locked her bedroom door. That was one thing she liked about the eight-bedroom, monstrosity of a house – the bedrooms all had locks on the doors. Why, so-called executives needed to lock their bedroom doors, whilst other people didn’t, she had no idea, but at least it prevented her mum and her dad from both trying to ‘have a word’. She had had enough of those from both of them.

  On her way home from work, she popped into Shimmering Scissors Hair and Beauty. Jules was sweeping hair cuttings from where they had fallen on the purple and gold streaked floor. She stopped the moment she saw Ali.

  ‘I’m so, so sorry, Ali. Are you still mad at me?’

  Ali smiled at Jules, walked over to her and gave her a hug.

  ‘Bloody hell, babe. I thought you were going to hit me for a moment. Does this mean we’re friends again?’

  ‘We never stopped being friends. I just had a bit of a temper tantrum, that’s all. I’m getting more like my mum every day.’

  ‘You’re nothing like your mum. But I do remember she was lovely, once upon a time. Perhaps that’s what age does to us.’

  ‘I sincerely hope not. You haven’t heard the latest. Apparently, Dad’s having an affair. And Mum’s got some bloke called Alejandro. He’s a new partner in her firm and he’s moving in as soon as Dad moves out. Won’t that be fun?’

  ‘You’re kidding.’

  ‘Sadly not. That’s why I’m here. I don’t suppose there’s any chance I could come and stay with you for a while, is there? I would ask Sasha. But as her mum is Dad’s sister, I’d rather not take sides.’

  ‘Of course, babe. Stay for as long as you like. I should warn you, the place is a tip. There’s wedding stuff everywhere. I tell you, if I wasn’t such a control freak, I’d make Bruce pay for one of those wedding planner people. It’s a nightmare. I’m tempted to call the whole thing off.’ She g
rinned at Ali and nudged her arm.

  ‘Yeah, right. You can’t wait to be married to Bruce. I sometimes wish I could feel like that.’

  ‘You can, babe.’ Jules dashed into the back room, reappeared with her bag, linked her arm through Ali’s and walked towards the door. ‘There’s plenty of time for Mr Right to come along. I know you hate the whole marriage thing, but people change. Take me for example. I used to be a complete and utter, good-time girl. Look at me now. I hardly go out at all.’

  Ali laughed as they left the salon and Jules locked the door behind them.

  ‘When do you want to move in? Tonight? Tomorrow?’

  ‘As soon as possible, please.’

  ‘Let’s make it tonight then. We’ll go to The Golden Dragon and I’ll call Bruce and tell him to meet us. We’ll have a drink, and after that we’ll go and get your stuff.’

  ‘Thanks Jules. I owe you one.’

  ‘After what I did to your hair, it’s the least I can do. But I still think it looks really lovely.’

  ‘So do I, to tell you the truth.’

  They walked the few metres to The Golden Dragon and, still laughing over ‘the hair disaster’, and how much worse it could have been, they headed to the bar.

  ‘Ali?’

  She recognised the voice immediately, and turned to look to her right. ‘Hello, Simon. Oh hi, John. Is Sasha here?’

  John shook his head. ‘She’s at yoga.’

  ‘I love what you’ve done with your hair,’ Simon said, staring at her as if she were a complete stranger. ‘Why the sudden change? You never mentioned wanting to colour your hair.’

  ‘I don’t tell you everything, Simon. Just like you keep things from me. But thanks. Everyone seems to like it. Especially my new boss.’ Why she said that last part was a mystery. It just popped out.

  Jules gave her a curious look but was wise enough not to say anything.

  ‘You can join us if you want,’ Simon said, his brows furrowed as if thoughts were running around his head like balls on a billiard table.