“Hello George. You look better today.”
His eyes found hers and she could sense he wanted to say something, but his speech hadn’t returned yet. She sat beside him and told him about Goldie and Angelika, school and her new job. She debated whether to tell him about his daughter, but decided against it. She wasn’t sure what the shock might do to him. She’d never known anyone who’d had a stroke. As she was leaving, she straightened George’s blankets and bent over to kiss him on the forehead. Her hand brushed his. She looked up and his face was full of gratitude.
“Wojciech will be here later, George. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Czeslawa fought back tears as she left the hospital. Thank God his daughter was coming. Imagine if his condition deteriorated. It made her think of her own father and wish she were back in Poland.
Czeslawa was putting Angelika to bed, when the phone rang.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” she said, kissing her daughter’s cheek. It was late. Perhaps it was Maria.
“Hello,” she said.
“Is that Ches lava?” the woman pronounced her name as if it were two separate words.
“Yes.”
“My name is Elise.”
“Hello. Maria said perhaps you call.”
“First of all, thank you for saving my father’s life.”
Czeslawa mumbled that it was no problem.
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m at the airport. I’ll be landing in Glasgow at seven thirty tomorrow morning. What hospital is my father in?”
Czeslawa told her and then said, “Would you like that I come with you? Your father expects me.”
Elise hesitated and then said, “I’d like that very much. You live next door to Dad, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I am sorry, I don’t have key.”
“Don’t worry. I still have one.”
Czeslawa rattled through her work, eager to complete as much as possible before Elise’s arrival. A black cab drew up just after nine thirty. A rather dishevelled, tired looking woman of fifty or so, got out, accompanied by a man, who looked more Czeslawa’s age. Czeslawa rushed out to help them carry their cases downstairs to George’s. Elise threw her arms around Czeslawa and said,
“Thank you so much. It was a blessing the day you moved here.”
Czeslawa gave a modest reply and then Elise introduced the man beside her. “This is my son, Stevie.”
Czeslawa shook his hand. Whilst Stevie made tea, Czeslawa filled Elise in on her father’s condition and suggested they might like to rest before visiting hours began at three.
“I think I’m too antsy to sleep,” Elise said. She looked at her son, who read her signal and made himself scarce. Emboldened by Stevie’s absence, Czeslawa explained as best she could, not only George’s condition, but also his situation and how he only had Goldie and now them to keep him company. She told her of his pain, but not his bitterness, at never seeing his family. She could see she had moved Elise. The older woman was clearly trying to hold back tears. Anxious to give her a moment alone and not upset her further, Czeslawa offered to make fresh tea. Elise gratefully accepted. On the one hand, Czeslawa felt sorry for Elise and for having to be so blunt, but on the other hand she didn’t. If anyone should feel guilty, it should be George’s family, for barely considering him over the years.
They stopped by the nurse’s station. Czeslawa had already discussed Elise’s potential visit with Matron who had thought it might be just the jolt he needed. She’d requested Czeslawa be there too. George was sitting up, watching TV. When Elise called ‘Dad’ in her Scots-Canadian accent, his eyes swivelled round, initially registering disbelief and then pleasure. He still wasn’t able to speak, but he managed to croak a response. He looked at Czeslawa with thanks in his eyes.
“I took parcel for you Saturday. It was from Elise. I wrote address. Easy to find phone number on computer,” she explained. George’s lips moved, in what almost passed for a smile. It was time to leave George alone with his daughter. His grandson was waiting outside. One shock at a time, they’d decided. Elise could bring him in, when she thought he was ready. They had a lot of catching up to do.
Chapter Sixty One
Venetian Dreams Launch
“Sandra, down a bit. Left. No, too much,” Maria said conclusively as Sandra and Czeslawa slotted the Venetian Dreams sign into place. Holly had chosen the venue with great care. Glasgow City Council had been very reasonable with its rates to one of its most recent protégées. The City Chambers, built in 1888 was one of the most majestic buildings in Glasgow. The splendour of the building was the perfect setting for the glamour of the occasion. An eight feet high laminated billboard lauded the imminent event. Waiters were dressed as gondoliers and seating areas were in the form of gondolas. Staff offered guests the opportunity to really get into the spirit of the theme by providing them with Venetian carnival masks.
It had been an inspired idea to hire the Banqueting Room in the City Chambers. Gold leaf and filigree covered the walls. The area around the podium had been converted into a miniature of St Mark’s Square, with a scaled back version of the cathedral painted onto a 3D backdrop. A three tier cake depicted the hotels overlooking the Grand Canal, complete with gondolas below.
Maria’s company, Occasions had been hard at work, contributing to the arrangement of the décor and Anastazy had volunteered his services, to help Maria out, since it was such a huge undertaking. A dressing room had been set up for Holly within the City Chambers, so she could be on hand if required, but still look her best for the occasion. She’d never met Anastazy before, but Maria had talked of him a great deal in the last few months. She’d grown very close to him, in the aftermath of her trip to hospital with Amy. Holly hadn’t quizzed Maria on her relationship with him. She was just glad to see her friend so happy. Maria’s children had always been a source of great comfort to her, but now she seemed to be learning to enjoy an adult relationship again.
Maria had been so relieved that the head injury Amy had received, although enough to keep her in for a few days observation, hadn’t been too serious. All the same she had been frantic at the time. Anastazy had taken control of the situation less than an hour after meeting her, when she’d been at her most vulnerable and had waited with her whilst Amy underwent tests. Once she’d been stitched back together and given the all-clear, Anastazy had calmly driven Maria back. They’d managed, over the coming weeks he spent in Scotland, to talk a lot, despite the language barrier. Hiring Czeslawa had been one of the best decisions Maria had ever made and she was thankful for the day she met her.
*
Holly appeared in an amber empire-line dress, with a gold band hugging her ribcage. A few dark curls of her hair, hung loose framing her heart-shaped face. The remainder was held up by two gold-leaf clasps. A touch of bronzer, an amber coloured bangle jangling on her wrist and a string of tiny gold leaves hanging from her neck, completed her Autumnal theme. She looked sensational. It was her big night. She was out to impress. Her heels click clacked across the marble floor, as she clipped across to Maria to ensure everything was ready. She was really looking forward to tonight and was glad that Tom, Antonia and Jennifer would all be here.
Her thoughts turned to her parents and she hoped they were looking down on her with pride. It seemed selfish to wish her sister there to offer her the moral support she craved, but she was crestfallen at her absence. She still couldn’t believe it. Two months after the accident, Lucy was mentally still in pieces. Everything she’d known had been taken away from her. She’d been lucky not to get a prison sentence, after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. The General Medical Council hadn’t yet ruled on whether she’d be struck off or not, but her reputation had been irreparably damaged. Carl had broken off all contact with her. Anyone could see she was on the verge of a breakdown. For usually big-hearted Carl to act as if Lucy didn’t exist, to not even try to understand or forgive her, was Holly thought, what pained Lucy most. Holly kne
w Lucy had treated Carl badly, but Lucy was such a mess. Grief for Robbie overwhelmed her and she couldn’t comprehend that he was gone. On the few occasions when she’d spoken to Holly and appeared to have any semblance of the old Lucy, she’d still been in a piteous state. One mistake had cost her Robbie’s life and in many ways her own too. Lucy couldn’t believe she was the reason he was gone. She’d loved him. It was only now, she realised how much.
When Lucy visited Holly in Tuscany, Holly knew something was different about this guy. Of course Holly had never met him, but she had attended his funeral. Robbie’s family had specifically requested Lucy stay away, but Holly had gone. Successfully passing herself off as a friend from university, she had seen his photo in the chapel of rest. It was apparent that he had been a very handsome young man. She felt sorrow at Robbie’s life being cut short, yet protective of her sister, who’d always been there for her.
Her sister had already lost so much. Who knew how the GMC hearing would turn out? Guilty until proven innocent. The Media hadn’t been lenient with her either. A young, beautiful, talented doctor causing the death of a promising young student. She still didn’t know how the papers had got hold of the fact that Lucy had lied about being at a conference in Hampshire. Certainly Carl wouldn’t have told them, she knew there was no love lost between his mother and Lucy. When it came out that Robbie was a student at the university where Lucy taught, coupled with a few hotel staff coming forward and volunteering that they looked very much in love, it hadn’t painted Lucy in a favourable light.
Lucy was holed up in a rented flat. Holly had suggested Lucy stay at hers, but she’d refused. She made a point of visiting Lucy regularly. Her sister had changed overnight. The oomph had been knocked out of her. No longer slim and beautiful, she was rake-thin, with dark shadows courting her eyes and hollowed out cheeks.
“Holly, your publisher’s here,” Czeslawa said.
Maria took that as her cue to go and change. Tom arrived with Carl and took in the luxurious décor, as he glanced around for his fiancée. He accepted a drink from a gondolier, surprised that guests were already arriving. But Tom had turned up early to enjoy Holly’s success. He was so proud of her. He knew she’d be thinking of her parents tonight. It hadn’t been an easy time for her family lately. First Felix, then Lucy. Surely his and Holly’s wedding in the spring would boost the family’s morale? For now, he prayed that Holly’s launch would do the trick and buoy everyone up.
Tom introduced Carl to Czeslawa and asked where Holly was. Czeslawa indicated a room off the main hall and hinted that Holly might have gone in there with her publicist. Unsure whether to disturb Holly, Tom lingered in the Banqueting Hall and admired the substantial efforts which had gone into making this Scottish literature’s event of the year. No detail had been spared.
Carl stood chatting with Czeslawa and Sandra as they finished the preparations. The launch start time wasn’t for another thirty minutes. Czeslawa informed Carl that the publicist was simply early. At a loose end, Carl asked if he could help with any last minute tasks. He wondered how many people would know about his situation, Lucy and Robbie. The Media had swarmed around his house and his parents’ for weeks afterwards, eagerly awaiting some titbit. Since he was the injured party, they expected him to spill his guts to get back at her. But it wasn’t his style. What had appeared in the press had been injuring enough. A few eager journalists had turned up at the restaurant, but they’d soon been turned away by Carl’s impromptu bouncers. In that respect the builders had proven invaluable. Carl wanted to be here for Holly. They had always got on well. Their relationship might have difficulty moving forward in the future, but for the moment, it was important to him to be here. Tom had told him Lucy wouldn’t be attending and he’d drawn a sigh of relief.
When Czeslawa had put the finishing touches to her display, she thanked Carl for his assistance and summoned a passing waiter to fix him a drink. She excused herself and went to change. As she headed for the dressing room, she thought about how much her world had improved since Maria had become part of her life. She adored her job, her colleagues were very nice to her and were fast becoming like family. A born organiser she couldn’t have been placed in a better role than with Occasions.
Her daughter had adapted seamlessly to life at Kirk Park School and had made plenty of friends. Wojciech’s altercations at work had ceased and he was progressing happily. His men respected him greatly and his boss was delighted with the consistently good job his team left. Czeslawa couldn’t be happier. Her course was going well too. Elise had helped her practise in the few months she’d been staying at George’s, preparing the sale of his home. Meanwhile her husband had found something suitable for George in their town, back home in Canada. His daughter had asked him if there was any real reason why he couldn’t emigrate. When he examined her question carefully, he’d realised there wasn’t. This way he could spend the rest of his life with his family and even though Czeslawa and her family would miss him enormously, there was no doubt this was the best solution for all concerned. She was delighted that George’s family had finally appreciated how important he was.
Maria was applying mascara when Czeslawa entered the Ladies’. She smiled, “Everything ready?”
“Yes. Anastazy is at the door, ready to receive the guests. I think we have about ten minutes.”
“You had better get changed then.”
“Yes. See you in a minute.”
Holly strolled back out of her temporary dressing room, glass of champagne in hand, flanked by her Commissioning Editor and entourage from Reisen Publishing. The happy party made their way over to Tom and Carl who had since reunited and were standing making small talk with Sandra. Introductions were made and then Anastazy announced over his walkie-talkie that the first guests had arrived.
As she walked towards the door of the Banqueting Hall, Holly thought about how much she wanted to really enjoy this party. Of course it was important to her and her publisher that it was a huge success, but more than anything she wanted to revel in what she had already achieved. The previous launch hadn’t been as grand an affair. She had been lavish this time, but she had also received an unexpected contribution from her publisher towards it and had quite a few dinner speeches lined up over the festive season, which would net her some funds. She felt justified in hosting this bash. She’d earned it. There were many people involved in making it a success. They deserved a good party too. After the launch, would come the opening of Carl’s restaurant, then the Christmas season, then New Year and unfortunately a no-doubt dismal January, before Spring arrived and finally her wedding. Guiltily, she realised she’d invested more time in the launch party than in the wedding arrangements so far, but that would change after this was over.
“Jennifer. You look amazing,” Holly kissed and hugged her friend, careful not to crease her fabulous dress. Jennifer looked like a film star. The figure-hugging red dress, with a plunge neckline, would have looked sluttish on anyone else, but on her friend looked just right. It had been so long since she had seen Jennifer look anywhere near as smart. New lowlights in her hair gave her the wow factor. Holly stepped back to admire her friend and then hugged her again. Once she finally released Jennifer, her friend introduced Maggie, whom Holly had met once or twice. Even Maggie had made an effort. Her usually unkempt hair was sleek and shiny. Whilst her outfit didn’t quite have the polish of Holly’s or Jennifer’s, it far surpassed what she usually wore. It just proved that anyone can scrub up nicely, thought Holly.
“This is Ben,” said Jennifer. Holly appraised Jennifer’s boyfriend and liked him instantly. Dressed in a pale blue shirt, navy chinos, no tie and with his top button undone, he seemed very down to earth. Her friend had chosen well. Enthusiastically Holly hugged him and kissed him on both cheeks.
“Nice to meet you, Ben,” she said genuinely. She led them into the hall and after they had put their masks on, she signalled for drinks to be brought. No sooner had she found them a place to stand and admi
re the décor, when she saw movement at the door again and excused herself to greet her latest guests.
“Wow, would you look at this place,” said Jennifer. She focussed on a backdrop of the Grand Canal, with all the houses simply disappearing into the water, one or two steps being all that separated the canal from the residences. She giggled when she saw the gondolas. “Let’s try one of those out,” she said. Ben smiled at her. Maggie rolled her eyes.
“C’mon then,” she said. Some guests would prefer to stand at the bar or at the many high bar tables dotted around the room. But Jennifer wanted to fully experience the launch the way she thought Holly had intended. She snorted as she almost fell into the gondola, even with Ben’s assistance. Maggie wasn’t convinced.
“Come on Mags. Don’t be a spoilsport.” That clinched it then. In she went. The three of them sat in their four person gondola, sipping their champagne. A gondolier passed by with canapés; bruschetta with a choice of sun-dried tomato, parma ham and gorgonzola, which they readily accepted.
Shortly afterwards, Holly returned.
“Some writer friends,” she confided. “They’re nice, but I’d rather hang out with you guys. Where‘s the canapé man. I’m starving!” She edged her way into the gondola, careful not to catch her dress and waved encouragingly to a waiter circulating with canapés. Tom and Carl arrived just then and took the gondola next to them.
“I’d sit with you guys, but that would involve clambering back out of the gondola and I’ve only just managed to get in,” Holly explained.
“No problem Hols,” Carl told her not to worry. “No offence taken,” he grinned.
“Love the décor.”
“Me too. The girls have done a great job.”
“So, you lot,” she said, turning to Jennifer and co, “What’s the goss? I haven’t seen you in ages,” and she settled back to listen.
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