by Hoy, E. S
“Rachel I can’t ever have children of my own, something happened when I was younger that left me sterile. Any child of Nathan’s; if we are still together, I would love to the best of my ability that’s all I can promise. If you think I am not good enough for Nathan you are probably right, but I do love him and he loves me; so for now that is enough.” Rachel wiped a tear off Eve’s cheek she leant forward and pulled her into a warm embrace
“I could see what a beautiful person you were, but now I see how strong you are too, if anyone can handle this situation it is you Eve. I am so sorry for what you have gone through and one day I would love to hear your story but you have my blessing whatever happens.” Eve knew that Rachel meant her words and she felt perhaps at some point she would like to talk to her. A woman who may help her understand how a mother could send her child away. Rachel didn’t appear to be a woman who could ever do something like that, she smiled and they went back inside to join the others.
Victoria looked at the shots and was thrilled with the results, she uploaded them straight to her website and then dinner was called. The table was beautifully set with Grant at the head Rachel and Victoria either side. Two young girls served the starter of scallops wrapped in pancetta with a cauliflower puree and edible flowers.
Eve felt like royalty it was nice but if she and Nathan ever lived together she wouldn’t want any staff, it just didn’t feel right. The main course was duck breast which was cooked medium rare just how Eve liked it; desert was a raspberry and white chocolate tart. Eve cleared all three courses much to her surprise; afternoon sex was good for the appetite. Nathan was still off alcohol even though he had gone without painkillers this afternoon; Eve had drunk more than she was used too and felt a little tipsy. They sat in the garden talking for the rest of the evening; Nathan and Grant took Buster off for a walk which left the girls alone. Rachel sent Victoria in to top up their wine,
“Nathan has told me about your parents and the discovery of your father, what an amazing coincidence he happened to turn up the same time you did after all those years. Finding your mum’s body must have been terrifying for you, how do you feel now you have had time to digest it all?” Eve wasn’t bothered by her question at all
“I feel sad that my mum died so young and angry that she never explained things to me before she sent me off with my sister. We were so confused I remember Izzy waiting for the phone to ring so we could go home but the call never came” Rachel looked puzzled
“Do you think she had already been murdered and that’s why she didn’t call?” Eve nodded
“Yes now I know she was murdered around that time it makes sense. Ian must have found out about me; or he was just angry about the affair; these are questions that I will never have the answer to. I had some good times, the kid’s home made me a tough person and I found Sue and Tara there so it was worth it just for that.” She thought about her friend; Tara would be hopefully safe and sound at Sue’s flat tomorrow, Sue promised to call to let her know she was okay.
Victoria returned with their drinks and chat turned to her fashion business, Eve promised to go with her tomorrow to the store and see if there was anything else she would like to buy. Nathan looked shattered after the walk so they said their goodnights and went upstairs to bed and this time they just slept. The wine had made Eve sleepy and all the exercise had flattened Nathan, they slept entwined but still even safe in his arms the dreams invaded.
She was in the graveyard again, running in the mist she was trying to keep up with the woman in the cap. Out of the mist loomed a grave stone with Leila Purnell Written on it her rosary draped across the top. Another gravestone had Rory sprawled over it his throat bleeding down the stone, screaming she ran and tripped over a body of an old man whose eyes were wide open in terror. Out of breath she heard the woman shout her to hurry, she was going to be too late she needed to run. Eve’s legs wouldn’t move and then she was falling into the dirt, hands shooting from the ground reaching for her. Out of the mist walked Freud who was mewing with his head cocked at a funny angle Eve screamed in horror.
“Eve Eve wake up baby your safe here” Eve was in the midst of a panic attack and it took Nathan a while to calm her down.
“Jesus Christ Eve what is going on with you? This is almost every night now.” Eve snuggled into his warmth finding solace in his arms; she tried to block out the images from her dreams. All she was consumed with now was the desire to feel loved, turning her face towards him she touched his body her intentions perfectly clear. Nathan rose to the occasion turned on by the hunger in Eve’s face, she had never instigated sex before and he found it alluring. The sex was hard, deep and intense, for Eve it was driven by a need to be consumed totally by her love for this man. And for Nathan it was the need to feel so desired by the woman he loved.
The two of them lay spent and totally sated, but Nathan was still troubled by Eve’s nightmares.
“Eve tell me about the dream” Eve nestled closer their naked bodies embedded, she talked him through the graveyard dream, all the deaths that were haunting her
“I think that the woman with the cap is the key Nathan I don’t know why, she is in each dream and I haven’t met or spoken to her. She was standing over Freud that day and she watches the house, I have a bad feeling and I think she is the answer.” Nathan tried to reason it out but came to a similar conclusion, this woman was disturbing him too. Reporters had cameras she didn’t, they nosed around and questioned the neighbours but as far as they were aware she hadn’t spoken to a soul. They needed to find out when they got back, Nathan was loving being with his family but Sasha was causing grief and Tara’s state of mind was bothering Eve.
“We should fly home Tuesday, meet Christopher tomorrow have a nice meal then fly back the following afternoon. What do you think?” Eve agreed, she was having trouble sleeping and was restless, she would feel a lot happier when she could see Tara and check she was alright. They managed to get a couple more hours sleep before Shona disturbed them with their new favourite breakfast.
“Thank you Shona, and thanks for the ointment too; look at Nathan’s face he has made an amazing recovery, you brewed a magic potion there” Shona blushed with pleasure and touched Eve’s cheek
“Bless you child but I think Master Matheson’s recovery is down to you, it warms my heart to see you both together so happy you are.” With that she shuffled out of the room leaving the couple to devour their breakfast. Nathan’s face was looking far better today the swelling had all but disappeared now, the bruising had also faded away. Christopher chose that moment to call Nathan’s mobile; Eve was trying to eaves drop and what she heard terrified and excited her. Nathan ended the call and turned to her
“We are invited to a gala dinner at Christopher’s home tonight; he was checking first whether my appearance would be detrimental or not. I have reassured him that I am looking more human now; he has invited the two leads in the movie for an introduction. He still won’t tell me who, so we will be meeting him there before the other guests arrive to look over the scripts and time scales. Why are you looking so terrified Eve?” Eve was shaking with nerves
“Nathan I packed jeans, shorts and a denim mini skirt! What the hell am I going to wear out socialising with A list movie stars?” The enormity of the night to come hit her like a steam train and she was terrified.
Chapter 16
Eve shot up off the bed; an idea had sprung to mind leaving her breakfast half-finished she hopped off the bed much to Nathan’s surprise,
“Sorry Nathan you will have to do without me today; Victoria has to help me and I need her more than you.” Kissing his stunned face Eve threw on the yellow sundress and ran down the stairs on a mission. After searching the ground floor and pool she had almost given up hope of finding her, she entered the kitchen to seek out Shona. Victoria was elbow deep in flour kneading out some dough with a huge smile on her face as the chef stood behind his hands over hers, the pair were giggling like teenagers. Eve hadn’t seen the
ir posh new chef; he was obviously French and very good looking. The look on Victories face when she saw Eve was that of a naughty girl caught with her hand in a sweetie jar. Eve stood smiling hands on hips while the two of them blushed and tried to appear innocent.
“Good morning Eve this is Michel our chef, he was teaching me the art of making a French baguette. Were you looking for Shona?” Eve nodded to Michel and he gave her a smirk.
“Actually I need you Vic, if you can tear yourself away? I have a crisis only you can help with. Christopher Novak has invited Nathan and I to a dinner with A list celeb’s tonight and I have nothing to wear” Victoria rinsed off her hands excitedly, she gave Michel a flirty slap on the arm and dragged Eve out of the kitchen.
“Tell Nathan I fancy the chef and I will make you look like Mrs Doubtfire tonight” Eve giggled and linked Victoria’s arm
“Victoria your secret is safe with me; he is a delicious morsel though I don’t blame you at all. I felt like I had walked into that scene from Ghost but with bread dough!” The two girls were giggling away heading out of the front door when Rachel shouted to them.
“Girls where are you off to?” Once she heard about the dinner she was as keen to help as her daughter. Rachel grabbed her camera and phone then headed out with the pair to Vic’s store.
VCM was a small store but in an excellent position, situated along the same promenade as Chanel and Calvin Klein. Victoria may have avoided using the family name to gain recognition, but she didn’t hesitate in using their money to give herself a head start. Not many new designers could afford such a prime location. The store was laid out beautifully; two glamorous customer service assistants greeted them warmly. They both stared openly at Eve looking star struck, Eve flushed a little, and she assumed that they had both seen her photo on the stores website.
“Girls this is a very special client of mine, Eve Purnell. Eve is going to star in a huge movie later this year and soon America will know who she is, she is also dating my brother! Eve has a special function tonight; so we are going to close the store for the rest of the day and put together a dress that will get us noticed tonight. There will be many A list celeb’s in attendance so we could attract new clients. Can you two make us a drink and set up the sewing area please, I am going to take Eve out the back and play for a while.” The two girls got straight to work turning the open sign round on the front door.
Eve was taken into a back room with Rachel; Victoria began taking measurements deep in thought. An hour later there were four large drawings for Eve to choose from, her body looked amazing in sketch form and each dress design was equally stunning. Eve was spoilt for choice and felt a little lost for words,
“To me they all look wonderful, I am hopeless at this sort of thing, which do you prefer Rachel?” Rachel examined each swatch of cloth with each design; she selected a pale duck egg blue silk to match a floor length strapless corset dress that was figure hugging in the extreme. Victoria selected the same cloth but with a very short one shoulder dress with a flirty hem line. Eve was happy with either so in the end they asked the two shop assistants for their opinion. The two girls looked at Eve’s brown legs and sided with Victoria.
“Those legs are amazing you should have them on display” the decision was made and the girls waited while Victoria cut out a pattern and pinned it onto Eve. Then it would be cut out in fabric and hand stitched together. Eve was excited; it would take a couple of hours so Rachel dragged her down the road to a salon.
“This will be my treat Eve nails and hair; two things that have to be perfect in LA” The receptionist recognised Rachel immediately and they were fussed over by everyone. Eve had the works; finger and toe nails, waxing, makeup and hair. Her hair had been given a keratin conditioning treatment and was trimmed and layered. Franco a wonderful camp young man then skilfully blow dried her hair to look twice as thick and so glossy. After Rachel paid the bill Eve left them a healthy tip, she would return here if ever she came to visit in the future.
Back in the store the dress was complete; Victoria was overjoyed with the finished product and led Eve over to a full length mirror. Eve looked beautiful the dress was a perfect fit and the blue made her skin look gold and her eyes appear bluer. The skirt was very short but displayed her legs to perfection; the bodice hugged her curves and nipped in her waist.
“Victoria you are so talented, I am going to pay for this dress and I want to pick up a few more of your items while I am here. Thank you so much you have saved my skin today.” Rachel was staring down at her bare feet she looked up at Victoria who ran out of the door giggling. She returned with a pair of platform heel sandals in gold and matching clutch.
“Now you are perfect” Rachel took some shots of her which they were going to keep until the next morning, the press would be there tonight so she would be all over the media first thing. Victoria would launch her new range to coincide with the coverage. The new dress was carefully hung in a clothes bag, Eve then became a mannequin as items of clothing were thrust on her and photos taken. She left the store with a stack of carrier bags and a huge smile. She hadn’t realised how much fun a girlie shopping day could be. Eve was keen to do it again, maybe take Tara to Manchester when she got home. Thinking of Tara made her frown and she sat in the car with Rachel and gave her a call which went straight to answer machine. Frustrated that her friend hadn’t sorted out her credit yet she sent Sue a message again.
Tara should have arrived at her sister’s last night; apparently Sue received a text to say she had someone to visit first and maybe delayed a couple of days. Sue had no clue who that person was and Eve couldn’t imagine either. Ending the call Eve sent a text to Tara just plain and simple “Where are you?” It was only minutes later she got a response, “Invited to a colleagues flat, you don’t know him but I will introduce you soon” Eve frowned Tara never kept anything from her, if there was any hint of a man on the scene eve would have picked up on it. Tara had been quiet lately; could a new man be the reason? She had been so sure that Tara had fallen for Michael, a bad feeling churned in her stomach and the moment they got back to the house she called him.
“Michael hi it’s me, just wondering have you been near the house at all. Tara was supposed to go to her sisters but she has taken a detour. Have you seen her?”
“I went passed this morning and her car was missing, I assumed she was with Sue. To be honest I haven’t seen her since the morning you left, she has been avoiding me recently so I can’t help you I’m afraid” This fitted with what she had thought. Tara had been avoiding Michael so maybe she had met someone new. Eve was a little hurt that she hadn’t confided in her, perhaps her relationship with Nathan and her dad made her feel isolated. They said their goodbyes and Michael was pleased to hear she would be home tomorrow; she was actually looking forward to seeing him again too.
Eve hung all her new clothes and went out to the pool to grab her last couple of hours in the sun. Nathan stood to greet her; she could swear his face had improved yet again with the sun and Shona’s miracle cream. Nathan stroked her hair and admired her nails
“You have been busy, I am looking forward to seeing your new dress my mother says you will stop traffic in it” Eve laughed and turned to Rachel and Victoria smiling, the wonderful Shona appeared with a tray of sandwiches. Eve hadn’t eaten today so helped herself to a few; if she was going to drink tonight then she better not have an empty stomach. After they had all had their fill of lunch Victoria started to clear away the dishes much to her parent’s amazement.
“I will take these down to the kitchen; it will save Shona the trip.” She winked at Eve who covered her giggle with a cough. Grant and Rachel stared after her in shock
“Well that is a first, my daughter helping out the staff she seems to have taken an interest in cooking recently perhaps she is in training to become a wife” Eve turned away so they couldn’t see her smile, how close they were to the truth and didn’t know it. Eve was sure there would be no stigma from her parents i
f she fell in love with a chef. However the little time Eve had spent with Victoria told her she was just after sampling his wares rather than planning on marrying the man.
As her hair and makeup had already been done Eve couldn’t practice her swimming today, they weren’t flying until late tomorrow so she would have time in the morning she hoped. Covering her hair and face with a large straw hat she lay on her front, the back of her legs needed a little more sun to match the front. Nathan stroked his fingers up and down her back and before she knew it she was asleep.
Standing in the grave yard Eve could see Michael standing over the body of someone and as she drew close she recognised the cap lying beside his foot. He was smiling at her with blood on his hands; Eve felt a hand grasp her ankle and screamed.
Nathan was beside her instantly as she sat up gingerly, her back had stiffened up and felt sore. She must have been asleep for a while; Rachel and Grant were looking concerned. Eve tried to appear nonchalant.
“Sorry everyone I am having odd dreams at the moment, I guess finding a dead body plays havoc with your imagination” Nathan pulled her into his arms to calm her trembles
“Eve this is every time you sleep now, maybe you should see a doctor about it, he may be able to prescribe something to help you sleep” Eve shook her head
“I am not taking sleeping pills, I thought it was the cottage that made me dream but it is obviously just me. I am sure it will pass soon; all the upheaval in my life is bound to have an effect on a person. I have moved house lost both parents then found a new one; I have a new man and am about to be front page news. Things like that don’t happen every day or certainly not all in the space of a month.” Rachel agreed with her and recommended counselling which Eve promised to consider when she gets home. Eve and Nathan had returned to their room to dress for the party, Nathan dragged her to the bed and sat her down.