Naive Retribution

by Dawson, H A

  Drawn to an accusing stare from the nurse, he stood up. ‘I should go.’

  ‘Call me?’ she said.

  He gave her a blank stare and strode out of the ward. She bit her lip, regretting her accusation, and wanted to chase after him. But the nurse had appeared at her bedside.

  ‘Brother? Really?’ she said. She passed her an envelope and walked away.

  Jade held it in her hands. It felt like a get-well card, but from whom? Given it had been hand delivered, it must have come from one of her tennis friends. Joy surged through her body.

  She ripped it open. Upon the front was a vase of the flowers. The painting was in intricate detail and it was quite exquisite. Warmed by the gesture and wondering which of her friends had been the most thoughtful, she opened the card. It said: ‘Coward and liar. You were lucky not to die. But is death the end?’ There was no signature.

  Chapter 29

  Luke had spent the morning preparing for Crystal’s visit. The house was spotless and the food prepared, ready for the early evening meal. He had selected wine from the cupboard and purchased snacks from the local store. There was nothing left to do but wait.

  Even Ava Rose was acting kindly and was asleep in her cot. She was the perfect baby, content and happy, and cried only when she needed something. He glanced to the detailed instructions Sarah had left, several pages of heavily laden text, and her ranting repeated in his head. She had made such a fuss about feeding and nappy changing that he thought she would never leave. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t managed before. Little Ava was putty in his hands.

  The phone sounded. Fearing Crystal was cancelling, he leapt across the room and picked it up.

  ‘Now,’ Imogen said, ‘have you made an effort?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘For Crystal. Have you blow-dried your hair and put on that green shirt she likes.’

  He glimpsed in the mirror. His hair had been washed but it was flat against his head, and his shirt was white, hardly stylish. ‘No . . . I-’

  ‘Oh Luke. What are you like? What time is she coming?’

  ‘Any time.’

  ‘Then go change. You want to make a good impression.’

  Luke sighed. ‘I’m not trying to make an impression. She’s a friend.’

  ‘Then make an effort for a friend. Are you wearing the Paco Rabanne I got you for your birthday?’

  ‘I might be.’

  ‘That’s something.’ Imogen hesitated. ‘Luke, she’s hot for you. You do know that, don’t you?’

  His pulse quickened.

  ‘Be kind to her, and don’t talk about Sarah.’

  ‘You women are all the same. I’ve had Sarah fussing this morning. She was going over the instructions so many times, it was doing my head in. I might be from a different planet to you girls, but I’m not totally useless.’

  ‘I know you’re not. You’re my two best friends, I just want . . .’ There was a sound in the background, like a door slamming, and Imogen swore under her breath.

  ‘What is it?’ he asked.

  ‘Got to go,’ she whispered.

  The phone disconnected. His stared at the receiver, puzzled, then dashed upstairs, stripped off his shirt, and selected his jazzy green one from the wardrobe. He was still buttoning it when the doorbell sounded. He raced downstairs, glimpsed at Ava, and opened the door.

  Crystal looked stunning. His eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and he held his breath. She was wearing an aqua coloured mini dress with a pleated wrap-over top with jewel trims and a flowing skirt. It accentuated her curves and complimented her red hair. Holding out his hands, he told her how good she looked. She thanked him and he invited her inside.

  She headed straight for the cot. ‘Is this the first time Sarah has left Ava with you?’

  ‘It’s the first time I’ve had her overnight.’

  ‘She’ll be anxious. It’s a big deal.’ She leaned over, touched Ava’s hand with her finger, and cooed.

  ‘She needs a break. She’s going to a dinner and awards ceremony with a friend.’

  ‘Yes, Imogen said.’

  Luke tensed. What else had they been speaking about? His love life? His past troubles with Sarah? Whatever they had discussed was meant to be private, and certainly not for sharing with an ex.

  ‘Want a drink?’ he asked, making every effort to stop the tension from creeping into his voice.

  ‘A coffee would be nice.’

  He shuffled to the kitchen and prepared the mugs, his mind still spinning. How much had Imogen influenced Crystal? Was that why she wore such a stunning outfit, in an attempt to coerce him into something more than friendship? Tensing, he poured the steaming water into the mugs, stirred, and inhaled the delicious coffee scent. It was a Starbucks brand, one of her favourites.

  ‘I recognise that smell,’ she said, appearing at his rear. ‘Did you get it specially?’

  His concerns melted. ‘I did.’

  She strode to his side and stretched out her arm to reach a mug. Her hand brushed with his. Their eyes locked and his body tingled. Captivated, he traced her glistening eyes, soft skin, and moist, shiny lips, and he edged closer.

  She dashed away.

  Forlorn, he followed her to the living room and sat in the armchair. Crystal was occupied with Ava, talking in a high-pitched sing-song voice and leaning into the cot. He craved her attention, yearning for a feel of her skin on his, a warm, lingering touch. Yet despite believing she had dressed to seduce, she acted disinterested and was doing all she could to avoid eye contact and meaningful conversation.

  Crystal picked her up and held her against breast. They were the perfect partnership and fit together as though they were one. Ava’s eyes were wide and analysing, whilst Crystal bleated, adoringly.

  ‘She’s the most adorable little baby,’ Crystal said, ‘you must be so happy.’

  ‘She is delightful. Sarah seems to have more trouble with her than I do, but I suppose they’re together for longer.’

  ‘Is she tense?’

  ‘She is a bit.’

  ‘That’ll be why. Babies can tell. She’ll be a daddies girl, for sure.’

  Crystal placed her on the sofa, and leaning over, blew a raspberry on her face. Ava looked a little puzzled. She did it again, and this time, his daughter smiled. The antics continued.

  Luke was mesmerised. Crystal was a natural, unlike Sarah who had fumbled though the first couple of weeks and seemed to have a habit of making the situation worse. She wasn’t a calm person, at least not with Ava, and had so often screamed and yelled when a cuddle would have sufficed, soothing the situation. Even when Sarah did play with their daughter, it was forced. She wasn’t able to let go easily, and had even told him baby talk was inappropriate. Apparently, if people talked normally then baby’s intelligence would increase. Luke didn’t consider it worth the effort.

  ‘When was she fed?’ Crystal asked.

  ‘She’s due one.’

  ‘Can I do it?’

  ‘Of course you can. I’ll go get it’

  Luke scampered to the kitchen, retrieved the bottle of milk and having given it a little shake, presented it to Crystal. Ava latched on immediately. Crystal was ecstatic and could not keep her head still. It was a wonderful moment. He plucked his phone from his pocket to take a photo, but stopped when he saw he had received a message. It was Imogen, and she had asked if they had kissed.

  He tapped in his reply. ‘None of your business!’

  ‘You have! That’s so cool,’ she replied.

  Dismayed, he shook his head and pointed the camera to Crystal and Ava. It was a beautiful shot, one he wished to frame.

  ‘I wish she was mine,’ Crystal said, ‘it’s making me feel all clucky.’

  ‘I wish she was yours too.’

  She stared, puzzled.

  ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.’

  Crystal seemed unconcerned by his slip up, and quickly returned her attention to his baby girl. It was a little disappointing that
she had not wanted to persist with the conversation, and he willed her to ask him what he meant. She said nothing and his awkwardness prevailed.

  Needing to escape from his muddled emotions, he announced he was going to prepare a meal. It was a little early, but Crystal had no objections and continued to give his daughter her entire attention. Once out of view, he glanced back. She remained unaware, and he feared she was glad he had left the room. With a sinking feeling draining his energy, he sank his weight onto the worktop and searched a solution.

  Silently, he repeated he was with Sarah. It was wrong to feel anything for another woman, let alone a recent ex. He had made his decision and he had to stick by it. It was what he had promised; it was what was expected. He must cast aside his arousal and he must find a way to get through the remainder of the day without making a fool of himself. Then he must never put himself into this situation again.

  A clucking sound drew Luke’s attention. Crystal was charmed by Ava and relishing every moment. Her cheeks were a rosy red, her smile stretched across her face, and her eyes danced. She did not look like a woman who craved his company. She was here for his baby. He took a replenishing breath and told himself his plan would work.

  Feeling a little more at ease, he removed the containers of chopped vegetables from the fridge and banged shut the door. Then he extracted a pan from a cupboard. In his haste, it clattered to the floor. Frustrated, he muttered under his breath.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Crystal asked.

  ‘Nothing . . . just clumsy.’

  ‘You made Ava jump.’

  ‘Is she okay?’

  ‘Of course.’ She placed the bottle onto a table and wiped Ava’s face. Then she turned her onto her stomach and tapped her on the back.

  ‘You seem to know what you’re doing,’ he said returning to the kitchen.

  ‘There’s nothing to it.’

  ‘She’ll need a nappy change soon.’

  ‘Yes, I’ll be onto it. In one end and out the other.’ Crystal was standing at the doorway with Ava in her arms. ‘When I was little we had a puppy. It was just the same. You had to be quick, else there was a mess to clean up.’

  ‘So that’s where you’ve got your experience.’

  ‘Some of it.’

  He looked at her, awaiting a fuller response.

  ‘I’ve just picked things up from television - soaps and dramas. It’s hard not to know what you’re doing.’

  Luke smiled.

  ‘You’re good with her too. I’ve seen it.’

  He appreciated her comment and was just about to respond when a smell filled the air.

  He frowned at the baby and stretched out his arms. ‘I’ll do it. It’s not a nice job.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, you’re cooking. Let me.’

  He held his position.

  ‘I am capable,’ she said.

  ‘I didn’t ask you around to be her nanny.’

  ‘I know you didn’t, Luke!’

  Crystal grabbed the bag containing Ava’s nappy changing items, and skipped away leaving Luke in a static pose. For a minute, he watched her progress. She seemed unperturbed by the intense smell, and proceeded like a professional. She knew exactly what to do and in what order, and hadn’t even glimpsed at Sarah’s instructions. It was a beautiful moment. Never before had he gained so much pleasure from seeing such a simple act take place. Reluctantly, he returned to his task.

  He could not concentrate; Crystal was controlling his thoughts. She was everywhere, bathing the baby, caressing his naked skin, and listening with avid interest to his monotone voice and the boring recollections of his day. He switched off the heat and strode towards her.

  ‘Put her down,’ he said.

  ‘What? Why?’

  He stared until she relented, and then he swept her into his arms and kissed her succulent lips. Her breath was fresh and warm and her touch urgent yet delicate, and prickles oozed across his skin.

  She pulled away. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘I can’t pretend any more. I love you.’

  ‘But what about Sarah?’

  ‘I’ll tell her tomorrow.’

  Tears filled her eyes. ‘I love you too.’

  Chapter 30

  Luke practised his poker face in the mirror ready for Imogen’s arrival. It was a feeble attempt; his eyes danced and his pleasure oozed from his pores. He tried again, this time her satisfied expression leapt into his thoughts. His attempt was even worse, and a grin stretched from ear to ear. Deciding he would have to tolerate her gibes, he dried his hands and returned to his office.

  It was difficult to concentrate, and whilst he made every effort to sift through his emails, he found himself having to reread the same message multiple times. Instead, he twiddled a pencil between his fingers and spun from side to side in his swivel chair, all the time craving the sound of the doorbell.

  He felt like a kid again, when Emily Jason had kissed him in front of the class. It was a wondrous feeling, and his heart swelled with delight. The world was such a beautiful place filled with amazing people achieving amazing things. What more could he ask for? Even the sun was cooperating, and warmth and serenity fluttered in the air.

  There was tinkling sound. Imogen arrived in the office

  ‘Feeling good?’ she asked.

  ‘I’m all right.’

  ‘All right? Can’t you do better than that? You’ve just got together with the love of your life, and you say you’re all right.’

  ‘I like to keep my private life separate from my work.’

  ‘Is that why you have a dreamy look in you eyes?’

  He edged back in his seat. ‘I do not.’

  She raised her eyebrows.

  ‘Okay, if you must know I’m pleased to see you.’

  She passed him a disbelieving look and switched on the computer, pulled out the chair, and sat down. Her arms were folded, her expression smug. He wasn’t going to hear the end of it. She’d spend the entire day reminding him how brilliant she was, and she’d want the details.

  ‘Ask what you have to, and then we’ll forget it. Okay?’

  ‘I don’t need to ask anything. I got all the details from Crystal last night. She came around to my place and spilled the lot.’

  He looked to a notepad on his desk.

  ‘She told me everything.’

  Her didn’t want to look at her, but in the end relented to the intensity of her gaze.

  ‘She thought you looked hot in that green shirt. I’m glad you changed it.’

  ‘I already had it on.’

  Imogen grinned. ‘She liked your pants too . . . said they had a nice cut. They hugged your bum.’

  He bit his lip and held his breath.

  ‘She said it was nice and firm.’

  Luke clutched a pencil in his fingers, gripping with an unnecessary strength. He wasn’t going to react. She was trying to wind him up. Crystal would not have said anything; she wasn’t like that.’

  ‘Aw. You’re not going to let me have my fun?’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘Have it your way.’ She started to type. ‘I’d get that mole seen to though.’

  ‘What!’ He jerked backwards.

  Imogen laughed. ‘Like I said she told me everything.’

  ‘She wouldn’t . . .’

  ‘Oh Luke, you’ve a lot to learn.’

  He turned to his computer screen and tried to force his attention back onto work. Imogen’s self-satisfied gaze held his attention.

  ‘You seem happy today,’ he said, ‘good weekend?’

  ‘Not really, my Mark . . .’ she stopped abruptly and her face clouded over. ‘Never mind.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘It doesn’t matter. Are we going to see Jade today?’

  ‘We are. She’s out of hospital.’

  ‘Oh right. Thing is, I still want to drop in at the hospital. Dawn Dobbs?’

  ‘Yes. I haven’t forgotten. Is it all planned?’

  ‘It is. This job is
so cool.’

  ‘I’m glad you think so.’

  A solemn look dissolved onto her face, catching his attention. Something was wrong and he sensed it was to do with Mark. Deciding she would tell him when she was ready, if in fact it was important, he slipped back into work mode. His juices flowed.

  Jade was at the window of her home searching for an excuse or a quick fix to avoid the meeting with Luke. Her mind was racing and her actions frantic, and she struggled to maintain any calmness. She fiddled with the hem of her blouse and she rotated her necklace to a more appealing position. She needed to occupy herself, yet at the same time could not maintain sufficient concentration.

  Pacing the room became a necessity to ease the ache in her legs, but it did little to settle the soreness in her shoulders and neck. She tried sitting down, but the instant she met with the padded chair, she returned to her feet, fidgety and anxious.

  A passing car drew her attention. She had shopping to do and would have no time later. Perhaps she could fit it in now, before Luke arrived. She glanced to the hallway and the staircase, and listened for any movement coming from William’s office. He need not even know her plan. She would only be gone five minutes if she went to the local shop. Luke was not likely to be punctual.

  Jade grabbed her handbag from the floor in the lounge, grasped the car keys, and tiptoed to the door. Someone knocked on the other side. She jerked. It was Kath.

  ‘Hello,’ her sister said, ‘Can I come in?’

  ‘I’m just off out.’

  ‘It won’t take long.’

  ‘Is that Luke?’ William called.

  ‘It’s Kath.’ Reluctantly, Jade guided her inside.

  ‘Oh right. Hi Kath.’

  ‘Busy working?’ she asked him.

  ‘I am.’ He appeared at the top of the steps. ‘I’ve loads to do. I’ve a couple of shows coming up, and I have several customers to sort out before then.’

  ‘If you ever need any help call me. I’m very efficient and hardworking, and will do whatever hours suit.’

  William appeared thoughtful. ‘I’ll keep that in mind.’

  They wandered through to the lounge.