by Jacobs, Anna
‘What’s bringing that frustrated expression to your face?’
She tried to think of something to say.
‘I think I’ve already mentioned that you’re the world’s worst liar,’ he said with a grin.
‘I’m trying to find out how to contact my son,’ she blurted out.
He took her hand. ‘Oh, Linda, leave it be. You’ll only get hurt. He doesn’t want to see you.’
‘But I want to see him. I need to. Only not in public.’ She saw him open his mouth to protest and added firmly, ‘I’m not going to give up, Nat. I’ve mourned Greg for years, imagined what he’d look like . . .’ She was annoyed when her voice shook and she couldn’t continue for a moment or two. ‘I’m his birth mother. I have a right to see him privately, at least once. If he doesn’t want to see me after that, he’ll have to tell me so face to face.’
‘Promise me you’ll not go to see him on your own, then, even if you leave me outside in the car.’
‘I’m promising nothing, Nat, except to wait till after the show tonight. I think he’ll be more open to a meeting once that’s over.’
He looked at her thoughtfully. ‘You know, there’s more steel under your gentleness than people give you credit for. I’ve watched you sometimes dealing with our tougher customers and you don’t let them get away with anything.’
‘I used to be very weak but I’ve come a long way in the past few years, partly thanks to your help and support.’
‘My pleasure, love.’
They were silent for a few minutes, then as they walked into the street, he changed the subject. ‘It’s wonderful not to be going home alone. Would you like to come and see my house tonight?’
‘Yes, I’d love to.’ She’d never seen his new house, though she knew the postal address, of course.
Nat’s house was at the end of a cul-de-sac. It was pretty, with a gable at one end and a sprawl of garages at the other.
‘Do you really need three garages?’ Linda teased.
‘That’s how it was when I bought it. I added another room at the rear as well, a workshop.’ He pressed the remote and the right-hand garage door, which was closest to the house, opened noiselessly. There was plenty of room inside, even for his big four-wheel drive.
He came to help her down, stealing a quick kiss before leading the way towards a door at the side. ‘If you don’t like this house, we’ll find another.’
‘Just like that?’
‘You of all people know how comfortably off I am, Linda. What’s money for if not to buy what you need to make you happy? Now, this is the mud room and through here is the kitchen.’
‘Wow! It’s a cook’s dream.’ She went to stroke the pink-tinged granite surfaces and run her fingers along the gleaming stainless steel of the six-burner cooker. ‘It’s a lot of house for one person.’
‘Yes. It’s a lot for two people as well, but my children sometimes come to stay when they’re visiting London and we can invite your daughter round as well. I never thought my kids would both settle in the provinces.’ He gestured to a photograph on the wall. ‘I’ll move that before you come to live here.’
‘Why?’
‘Well, you won’t want number one wife staring down at you, surely?’
‘I don’t mind. I liked her the few times we met and I don’t mind that you loved her very much.’
He framed Linda’s face in his hands and gave her a gentle kiss on each cheek. ‘You’re a wonderful woman and I’m a very lucky man. She’d approve of me getting together with you. We always said if one of us went first, the other should look for someone else.’
He kissed her again, more urgently, and as he pulled away, they stared at one another breathlessly. Romantic love didn’t just belong to the young, she thought in wonderment. She was lucky too, lucky to have met a man like Nat. ‘Show me the rest of the house.’
When the tour had finished, he looked at her. ‘Well?’
‘It’s lovely. I’d be very happy to live here.’
Nat beamed. ‘When can you move in?’
‘Give me a week or two. I’ll need to sort out my things, decide what I want to bring, and that might mean you getting rid of some things here, too. I have a few pieces of furniture I’ll definitely want to keep.’
‘I want it to happen more quickly than that. I want everything about us to happen quickly. I’m thinking permanence here, Linda.’
She jumped in hurriedly before he could talk about marriage, because she wasn’t rushing into that, wasn’t even sure she believed in it any more. ‘I think two weeks is quickly, for me at least. Don’t push too hard, Nat. I still haven’t told my daughter about us living together. And you might not like living with me, after all.’
‘I’ve been spending my days with you for years. I think I know you pretty well by now, and you know me just as well. I don’t grow horns and a tail after I come home at night.’
‘I’ll phone her soon, then.’
Beth was so busy at work she didn’t have time to think about herself for the first few hours. Only then did she realize she’d asked Ghita to buy stuff for a celebratory meal, completely forgetting that she had a date with Edward.
She rang home and no one picked up. She wondered if this was yet another example of Ghita treading carefully. When the answering system kicked in, she called, ‘Ghita, please pick up the phone. It’s me.’
To her relief the phone was answered. ‘Is that you, Ghita?’
‘Yes. I’m sorry. I didn’t think I should answer your phone.’
‘Oh, please do. And use it, too. It’s much cheaper than mobiles.’
‘You’re very kind.’
‘And very forgetful. When I told you to buy food for a celebration meal, I forgot that I had a date tonight. I’ve had to put Edward off once, so I don’t want to do that again. Can we do our celebrating tomorrow instead? Would you mind?’
‘It doesn’t matter. You mustn’t let your friend down.’
‘How are things going?’
‘Very well. The boys and I are going out to the park this afternoon, and I’ve unpacked some of our things.’
‘That’s great. I’ll be home before seven, then.’
She only just managed that, because anything that could go wrong that day did, including one of their older vacuum cleaners breaking down and someone calling in sick.
As she rushed into the flat, she asked the others to let Edward in when he arrived and went to take a shower.
She hummed as she got ready, hearing the intercom ring and the front door go.
When she emerged, she found Edward playing ‘little horses’ with Mikey, while Kaleel waited shyly for his turn for a ride on Edward’s knee. She stood in the doorway, amazed at how good he was with the children.
He looked up, winked, then put Mikey down. ‘I think there’s time for Kaleel to have a quick ride, don’t you?’
‘Of course.’
Mikey instantly threw a tantrum. ‘Do it again! Do it again!’
‘Ignore him,’ Jo said. ‘He thinks he’s the only person in the universe.’
Kaleel began to look distressed as Mikey’s crying continued.
‘Stop that, you silly boy.’ Jo picked her son up and talked softly to him as Edward gave the other little boy his ride.
‘Have a good time, Mum!’ she called as they left, winking at Beth.
‘How are you coping?’ Edward asked as they waited for the lift.
‘Fine,’ she began, then grimaced. ‘Well, actually, I’m missing my peace and quiet already. The girls try hard to keep the kids quiet, but they’re only three, for heaven’s sake. Mikey’s cries are particularly piercing, though.’
Again there was a taxi waiting for them. They got into the back and Edward continued the conversation, seeming genuinely interested in her situation. ‘Ghita seems very good with the boys.’
‘She’s brilliant at looking after people, period. She ought to train as a childcare worker or a housekeeper, something on the caring
side.’
‘No reason why she can’t.’
‘She’d need childcare herself to do it. At the moment Jo couldn’t manage without her.’
‘It’s hard for young women on their own, isn’t it?’
Beth nodded. ‘I employ a few who’re single parents. I lean over backwards to help them.’
‘You employ?’
She flushed. ‘I own the cleaning business.’
He smiled. ‘I’d wondered if it was something like that. Pete still thinks you’re a cleaner.’
‘I started off as one after my marriage broke up, just temporarily. I was desperate for some ready cash, you see, and Shane was being as awkward as he could about maintenance. I didn’t want to ask my mother for help because she had enough on her plate, so I took the first job that paid quickly. I soon saw the opportunities in commercial cleaning, the way the people employing me were making the real money not the cleaners, so I continued cleaning to extend my experience while I took courses on setting up a small business. Then I took the plunge and started Sherbright Cleaning.’
She frowned, thinking over that time. ‘I think I was less attentive to Jo’s needs than I should have been around then. I was working all hours of the day and night. Maybe that’s partly why she ran away.’
‘And maybe she’d have run away whatever you did.’
‘Could be. We’ll never know.’ She hesitated then added quickly, ‘I won’t mention it again tonight, but has your cousin said anything more about my mother?’
‘Not a word. I’m keeping away from him as much as I can, though. I didn’t even record the TV show tonight. Pete’s trying to persuade me to go back to work for him, but I won’t do that.’
‘I don’t think my mother will let it rest till she’s met him and spoken to him.’
‘I can understand that. She must be desperate to see him. But he definitely doesn’t want to see her.’
She decided it was time to change the subject. ‘What’s he done to replace you?’
‘I doubt he’s even thought about it, if I know Pete. He’s brilliant at interviewing people, has on-screen charisma and the camera loves him, but he thinks things organize themselves.’
They arrived at the restaurant, which was so elegant in an understated way that it took her breath away. There were three celebrities she recognized, two other people whose faces looked familiar, and the food was exquisite. Since Edward was again using taxis, they were able to share a bottle of wine as they chatted.
‘It’s easy, isn’t it?’ he said suddenly.
‘What is?’
‘Us. Chatting. Spending time together. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed an evening more. I hope we can do this again.’
‘I hope my life settles down and lets me. I’m a bit worried about both Jo and my mother.’
‘You’re not responsible for everyone else in your family, you know.’
‘It feels like it sometimes.’
‘Take time for yourself, Beth. I’m going to. I’ve danced to Pete’s bidding for far too long.’
Later, as they stood up to leave, he asked casually, ‘Want to come back to my place?’
She hesitated. If she did, it would probably lead to intimacy. Did she want that yet?
She looked at him and was lost in his wry, patient smile. Yes, she did. He was right. She did need to take time for herself. And besides, he roused something in her that had been quiescent for years. She felt more alive with him, feminine, softer, happier. It wasn’t a fiery feeling, more a question of like recognizing like.
Five years ago, she’d have dithered. But if she could carve out a niche in the business world, and a lucrative niche at that, she was more than ready for this . . . whatever it turned out to be. She looked him straight in the eye. ‘I’d like that very much.’
‘Good.’ After they’d paid, she took his hand and they walked out, not needing to speak, simply enjoying being together.
Could a relationship possibly be so easy?
She felt the luxury wrap itself round her as they entered Edward’s flat. ‘You have a beautiful home.’
He closed the door and swung her into his arms. ‘Never mind the flat, I’ve been dying to kiss you all night.’
Feeling as if she was in a dream, she raised her face to his and let the warmth of his lips, the closeness of his body fill her with happiness. Returning his kisses and caresses, she felt herself melting into the warmth of shared love-making as if she’d known him for years.
She’d expected embarrassment, awkwardness; she found pleasure, a man comfortable in his own skin who made the loving easy and joyful.
Much later, as they lay in bed nestled against one another, he asked, ‘Are you staying the night?’
She sighed. ‘I’d better not. It sets a bad example to Jo and Ghita.’
‘I thought you’d say that. Pity. Next time, perhaps.’ He planted a kiss on her nose then got out of bed, searching for his clothes, before finding a sweater.
‘There’s no need for you to come out again. It’s too far. I can order a taxi door to door.’
He smiled. ‘I’m old-fashioned. I like to pick my lady up and deliver her safely home again.’
Which made the warmth inside her burn up again, and it was a moment before she could speak coherently.
She’d been on her own for so long. She’d forgotten what it was like to have someone else care about her safety and happiness. Had she ever known this degree of caring?
Not with Shane, for all their early happiness together.
Edward could become . . . addictive.
Pete resented spending the money to keep two security men alternating at his flat, and he grew increasingly annoyed with Fran’s greed. After all, she hadn’t earned the money she was trying to take from him; he had. The divorce laws might be fair to couples who’d supported each other as they made their way in the world, but all Fran had done was be decorative and sexy after he’d achieved some success – and spend his money like water. That didn’t make a relationship last, as he’d found out.
In fact, he grew increasingly irritable about this situation, knew it, but couldn’t stop himself. People at the studio stared at him and began to treat him warily.
It took several days and a series of shouting matches for Fran to agree to his terms. It sounded to him as if her lawyer had more sense than she did.
In the end Pete wrote down exactly how much it cost for an hour of a lawyer’s time, extending that to three months. This was money which would not be available for either of them after the divorce. ‘I shan’t change,’ he said coldly. ‘I’d rather spend my money defending what I’ve earned than hand it over meekly to you.’
She stared at him then, anger clouding her lovely eyes, making her lips go thinner, giving her face a predatory look.
‘You’re still beautiful enough to snare some other rich fool, after all,’ he added.
‘We shouldn’t split up. We make a perfect celebrity couple.’
‘I want more than good looks from a wife. I want children and a home.’
‘You do?’
‘I didn’t know it till now, but you’ve made me think hard about my future. Do we waste our time and money on lawyers or do we come to an agreement? I’m not being ungenerous, after all.’
‘I could get more if I hung on.’
‘Doubtful. The lawyers would certainly get more, though – a lot more. And I’m not giving you anything except basic money to cover your daily living till we’ve come to an agreement. It could drag on for years. How will you manage without shopping and new clothes?’
In the end he felt it was that argument that was the clincher.
That evening she greeted him with, ‘My lawyer wants me to accept your terms.’
‘Good.’
‘But I still think you’re being mean and I’ll never say a good word about you again,’ she snapped.
‘Better be careful what you say or I’ll be suing you for slander.’
‘I’m n
ot moving out till I’ve found somewhere decent to live.’
The place she found to rent cost more than he wanted to spend, and he was sure Edward could have negotiated better terms for the lease. But without his cousin’s help, Pete was finding details difficult and time-consuming to sort out. He just wanted to get her off his back.
Damn, but he missed Edward! Missed his cousin’s company as well as his efficiency.
Pete made sure he was there to oversee the removal of Fran’s possessions from the flat, making sure she took only what they’d agreed on. This led to some more sharp words, but eventually she clicked her way out, her legs as long and sleek as always in her high heels. Yet somehow he was unmoved by her beauty now.
The security men saw to the changing of the door locks then they too left.
Afterwards Pete walked round the place on his own, making a triumphant fist as he stood on the balcony. He made a cup of coffee, drank it slowly then hesitated, uncertain what to do with himself. Play some music? No, she’d taken the sound system. He must buy another. Read? He hadn’t read a book in ages, must visit a bookshop and buy a few. Call friends? No, he wasn’t in the mood for drinking or for sympathy.
He went out for a meal because he’d never learned to cook, choosing a small local café he’d not used before. Fran would have turned her nose up at this place, but the food was excellent and no one asked for his autograph.
He walked home and stayed in, surprised at how quiet the flat was without Fran. After drinking a couple of beers, he fell asleep in front of the television, waking with a start as music blared out suddenly.
He was in bed well before midnight, back in the master bedroom. For once he lay awake. He might have settled Fran’s hash, but he still hadn’t decided what to do about his mother. He needed answers, but didn’t want to hurt her.
His meeting with his mother promised to be even more painful than his break-up with Fran.
Thirteen
The next morning Beth slept until eight o’clock, which was late for her. She wakened and stretched, feeling her body humming with physical well-being.
When she went into the kitchen she found Ghita clearing up the breakfast things while the boys watched a children’s show on TV, jigging about to the music.