by Jen Silver
“Oh, come on, Freya. You’re overreacting.” This from Tris who was now on his feet.
“Carry on with your celebration. If you phone down to the bar, I’m sure they can rustle up a bottle of champagne for you.” She barely resisted slamming the door on her way out.
†
“Do you think I should go after her and explain?” Beth stood in the bedroom doorway staring at the door Sam had slammed on her way out of the chalet.
“Explain what? Nothing’s happened.” Jordan smiled at her. “I think you should get dressed and come and enjoy some of this food. I’ll open the wine.” She picked up the bottle and examined the label. “Andi obviously has some influence around here. This isn’t any old cheap plonk.”
Jordan was relieved when Beth turned back into the bedroom. She was also happy to see there was a corkscrew among the glasses on the counter above the fridge. Pouring out the wine and setting the sandwiches on plates, Jordan reminded herself of the essential rule—don’t get involved with students. Beth was a very attractive woman, but she was only here until the end of next week, and her love life was already complicated enough.
When Beth returned, dressed in hip-hugging jeans and a low-cut blouse that revealed more than a hint of cleavage, Jordan didn’t know how long she was going to be able to resist breaking that rule.
After one sip of wine, Beth leaned back into the chair, eyes closed. “Mm. That’s good.” She opened her eyes again. “I’m so sorry, Jordan. Sam already thinks I’m a slut, but now she’ll be thinking you are as well.”
“Once she knows what really happened, I’m sure she’ll be fine. I can see about transferring her to another group.”
“Shouldn’t you be teaching now instead of babysitting me?”
Jordan sipped her own wine before answering. “Yes. I should be on the driving range, but since Rosemary’s the only one of our group who will be there, I’m sure Roger will look after her.”
“I wouldn’t want to be responsible for getting you fired.”
“Thanks to Andi, Lady Temperley obviously now knows where I am and why. I’m sure she’ll be happy that I’m taking care of one of the guests. And after our adventure in the rain, I would rather be sitting here with you drinking this excellent wine. How did you get caught out? Didn’t you see the storm coming in?”
“I fell asleep. It was the rain starting that woke me up, otherwise I would have been washed out on the tide.”
Jordan picked up a sandwich and stared into the fire, not wanting to envisage that scenario. She felt guilty enough for having suggested that Beth go down to the beach in the first place. For a few minutes there was just the sound of them eating and the crackling of the logs.
“What made you decide to take up golf?” Jordan put her empty plate on the table.
“I spend so much of my time indoors with work. I thought it would be a good way to get out in the fresh air, and that it would be something Lydia and I could do together.”
“Why not just get a dog? Golf is a good walk spoiled, as someone famous once said.”
“Mark Twain.” Beth smiled at her. “And Lydia doesn’t like dogs.”
Without having met the woman, Jordan was developing a strong dislike of Lydia. It was going to be difficult to give her a friendly greeting when she did eventually turn up.
†
The first person Sam saw when she came downstairs for a pre-dinner drink was Rosemary.
“What happened to you this afternoon?” Not waiting to hear her answer, Rosemary continued, “I’ve learned so much. We had a great lesson on the driving range. That Roger is a real card.” She lowered her voice. “I mean Jordan didn’t turn up either. It was just me on my lonesome. But he was ever so nice about including me with his group. Are you all right, dear? You look a bit peaky.”
“Um, yes, thanks. I would like a drink though.” They entered the Library together. “Can I get you something?”
“Oh. A gin and tonic would be lovely, thanks. I’ll find a seat.”
Tammy was leaning on the bar waiting, two pints of beer in front of her. If she calls me Sammy, I won’t be responsible for my actions. But she just smiled at Sam and said, “Today was fun. I can take another week and a half of this.”
I’m not sure I can. Sam nodded. “Is the beer any good?”
“Yeah. It’s a local brew. I can definitely recommend it.”
The barman turned from the till and handed Tammy her change. “What would you like?” he asked Sam.
“A gin and tonic and a pint of whatever she’s had.”
Tammy was just turning away from the bar with a glass in each hand. “Good call. You won’t regret it.”
Sam looked back at the barman. “What’s it called?”
“Potion number nine. One of my favourites, too.”
Tammy and Liz had seated themselves with Rosemary, so Sam had no choice but to join them.
“Hey, I hear you had a putting lesson with Andi,” Liz said as she sat down. “That must have been ace. I’m so jealous. She is hot.”
Tammy slapped her partner’s arm. “Cool it. We’re in mixed company.”
Sam didn’t think she needed to worry. Rosemary was oblivious to the innuendo and proved it by saying, “Yes. She’s nice. I didn’t know women played golf professionally.”
To forestall any caustic comments about Rosemary’s limited world view, Sam asked, “So, what did I miss earlier? What did you learn on the range?”
“We had a gas.” Tammy put a heavy emphasis on the last word.
Liz went on to explain. “It’s an acronym, GAS. Grip, alignment, stance. We each were given a seven iron and shown how to hold it before even attempting to hit a ball. Roger says it’s the most forgiving of all the clubs so that’s what they start you off with.”
“I can’t wait to use a driver though.” Tammy had already drained half her pint.
“But Roger said that’s the last club you need to use as a beginner,” Rosemary offered.
“So did you manage to hit the ball?” Sam took a sip of the beer and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth taste.
“Yeah, I was getting some good shots away. Hit the fifty-yard mark a few times.” Tammy sat back in her chair looking pleased with herself.
“Mine barely got off the ground,” Liz said.
“You were probably standing too close to the ball.”
“Oh, so you’re an expert now, after one lesson.” Liz gave her partner a venomous look.
Any further acrimony was delayed by Rosemary saying, “Oh, look. Isn’t that Lord Temperley? Such a handsome man. Lady Temperley’s a lucky woman.”
They all looked over towards the bar where Lord Temperley was talking to the barman. Sam didn’t think she should disabuse Rosemary’s view of the lord and lady of the manor as a happily married couple. They were possibly happy with their marriage, but there wasn’t likely to be any coupling going on.
Sam became aware of the hum of conversation in the bar, various groupings talking about golf. Something that was no doubt replicated in club bars up and down the country. This was the kind of thing she was being paid to observe and record. Somehow she was going to have to tune out the turmoil churning around in her gut and get on with the job.
†
Andi had reached the path leading to the ornamental garden at the western side of the house when she saw Freya emerging from the entrance that led to their apartment. She called out and Freya hurried towards her. Taking her hand she pulled her into the arbor that hid them from view.
“What is Goran thinking?” Freya demanded.
“He’s headed too many footballs. Thinking isn’t a strong point.”
“I’ve told him he should have talked to you before doing anything.”
“Thanks, Frey. Don’t suppose that went down well.”
“No. They’re probably necking some of our best champagne as we speak.”
Andi held onto the smaller woman, breathing in the scent of her hair mixed with the flowe
ring plant surrounding the trellis. Considering she spent so much of her life on manicured golf courses, she should be more conversant with flora but the only flowers she could name for certain were roses.
There were times like this, when they were close, just holding each other, when Andi knew she should tell Freya she loved her. Every time, though, the words stuck in her throat. The only other time she’d spoken those words, she’d had her heart stomped on. How long was she going to let Sonya Ericsson’s callous dismissal of her affections rule her life? It had been fifteen long years already. She’d known Freya for the last eight of those.
Freya was much more than just her safety net. While she could acknowledge that with her head, her heart still stuttered over the long ago hurt.
“Is there somewhere we can go? Finish what we started earlier?” If she couldn’t say the words, she could at least show Freya how she felt with her body.
Andi felt Freya’s nod, then soft lips brushing her neck as she lifted her head. “Room 5 is unoccupied. I’ll go in first. Follow in a few minutes.”
Watching her go, Andi wondered how many more times she could avoid the inevitable. Why couldn’t she just tell the woman she loved her?
Part Three: Temperley Cliffs – Back Nine
Chapter Ten
Lydia cursed as she got the voicemail again. It was bad enough being delayed, but she couldn’t even tell Beth in person. Was she going to believe a message telling her that fog had made the roads past Exeter impossible to navigate safely? Probably on a par with the-dog-ate-my-homework excuse.
Lydia’s plan to arrive in time for dinner on Saturday evening had been hindered by the unexpected and impenetrable barrier. It was equally frustrating that she had been only two hours away from Temperley Cliffs. Now, with Sunday drivers adding to the long crawl of caravans creeping into Cornwall, it would likely take more like three.
Beth had sounded distant the last time they spoke on Friday evening. She could hardly blame her. Their time together on this holiday had been cut in half and it was entirely on her head. That was the trouble. She had responsibilities that she couldn’t ignore and she thought Beth had understood that from the outset of their relationship. Lydia wasn’t trying to make things difficult, she really wanted it to work between them, but the job was getting in the way.
Still, she didn’t need to worry about arriving a week late. Although this was a women-only session, she suspected the other students would all be blue-rinse matrons well past middle age. Beth was probably bored out of her mind. That would be why she had sounded a bit off.
When she finally turned into the drive leading to the Temperley Cliffs manor house, it was getting close to lunchtime. She parked next to a battered VW Golf that had Yorkshire registration plates. Not all rich bitches taking the course, then.
The impressive entrance hall was empty. She approached the reception desk in the far corner and found a bell to press. After a few minutes a young man appeared from a doorway with the word Library inscribed in the lintel. Good to know. She might be able to get some reading done if she didn’t want to play golf.
“How can I help you?”
“Lydia Carmichael. I’m a latecomer for the course.”
“Oh yes, we’ve been expecting you.” He went behind the desk and opened a drawer to retrieve an envelope. “These are your joining instructions. The chalet keycard is in there. If you can wait a few minutes, I’ll bring a golf cart around to the front to take you and your luggage up there.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
He was as good as his word and within five minutes they were on their way up a narrow track, past the manor house. It wasn’t far but Lydia was glad to have help with her suitcase.
After he had carried the case onto the porch and made sure she could open the door with her card, he left her to explore on her own.
The living room area certainly looked comfortable. The first thing she wanted to do though was use the bathroom. It was also well equipped and clean. Only when she had washed her hands and dried them on the unused towel by the sink did she realise it was too tidy. Where were Beth’s toiletries—toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo?
Lydia looked in the bedrooms. Both beds were made and when she opened them, the closets and drawers were empty. There had to be a mistake. They had booked a chalet to share.
No need to panic. She was sure it could be sorted out. Leaving her case unopened since it was likely she wouldn’t be staying here, she collected her handbag and the keycard and walked back to the manor house. When she pressed the bell, the same young man appeared. Had she wandered into some Twilight Zone and he was the only person, besides herself, left on the planet?
“I think there’s been a mistake with the booking.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I’m supposed to be sharing with Beth Travers. She arrived last week, but there’s no sign of her belongings in the chalet.”
He looked down at the desk and rooted about, eventually coming up with a clipboard. After studying it carefully he said, “As far as I can see you and Beth Travers are booked into Chalet One. That’s where I dropped you off.”
“She must have moved.”
“Um. Sorry, I don’t know anything about that. I’m just the barman. I can give you directions down to the clubhouse. One or two of the golf pros will be there and they can probably be more helpful.”
“All right. Thanks.” The sooner she got this sorted out, the sooner she could enjoy relaxing in what looked like very pleasant surroundings.
On her way down the hill to the clubhouse she glimpsed expanses of the golf course fairways and she could see there were golfers out playing. Maybe Beth was one of them, but from the distance she couldn’t tell.
The sea views were sensational; the whole place lived up to the “Cliffs” in the name. Beth had chosen a lovely place and Lydia was looking forward to sharing it with her.
†
Jordan had finished tidying the shelves. She couldn’t wait for her shift to end to take advantage of the fine weather and get in a few holes before teatime. When the phone rang, she saw it was a call from the manor. Better not be Roger saying he’ll be late taking over.
“Hi. It’s Kevin here. There’s a lady on her way down. Linda something or other. Seems to be a problem with her booking. I said you could help sort it out for her.”
“Sure, Kevin. Thanks.”
Linda? They didn’t have a Linda booked. Then the light dawned. Oh shit, this would be the late Lydia. She needed to warn Beth. It seemed a shame to ruin her day but they had known Lydia would be arriving. Whatever happened between them, it wasn’t likely to be pretty. She wondered if she should let Andi know as well. But Andi was out on the course with Lady Temperley and Jordan couldn’t see that it would help much to interrupt their game.
†
Beth wiggled her toes in the sand and laughed at her companion’s words. A rather lame joke about a penguin but for the first time in months she felt at ease.
“Do you think we need counselling?”
“No. I think we’re doing all right on our own.” Beth smiled at Sam. “Not entirely on our own, though. You’ve been getting advice from Andi and I’ve been talking things through with Jordan.”
“Is that all you do with Jordan?” Sam shaded her eyes with one hand to look up at her from her prone position.
“Yes. And I might ask if that’s all you do with Andi.”
“She’s not my type. And anyway, Lady T would kill me.”
“So, what is your type?”
“You know it’s you and always will be. Stop fishing for compliments.”
Beth lay back in the sand and watched as a fluffy white cloud drifted across the clear blue of the sky. The tide was out and they were sheltered from the light breeze within the small cove they’d discovered not far from the path. Sam had persuaded her to come down to the beach again, undeterred by the new sign at the top advising caution and that the path was dangerous in bad weather.
Ever s
ince the awkward meeting on Tuesday evening, when Sam had offered an embarrassed apology for accusing her of sleeping with Jordan, they had been spending time together, encouraged by the two golf pros. Beth knew she had hurt Sam badly and wasn’t sure if there was a chance of a reunion. Things would never be the same between them even if Sam did want to have her back. How could she expect Sam to trust her when she’d betrayed her so completely?
But she was taking steps to repair the damage. Step one had been to ask if she could move from the chalet to one of the bedrooms in the manor. Jordan had helped her relocate on Friday evening. Beth approached Lady Temperley on Saturday after the morning’s golf lesson to ask about payment. Freya just smiled and told her not to worry about it. Beth suspected Andi had something to do with that and planned to tackle her about it next time she saw her.
“Maybe we should move down here.”
Beth glanced over at Sam. “Are you serious?”
“Well, the weather’s better. You won’t have any trouble getting a job and it doesn’t really matter where I’m based.”
It was hard to read Sam’s expression; her eyes were closed and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Beth’s heart took another leap as she realised Sam was talking about “we,” as if she was thinking of them as a couple.
The peace of their idyll was broken by the sound of her phone’s ringtone. If it was Lydia she would ignore it but it was a number she had just recently added to her contact list.
“Hi Jordan. When do you finish? It’s gorgeous down here.”
“Glad you’re enjoying yourself. But I think that’s about to end. Lydia’s on her way to the clubhouse and Kevin says she’s going to be quizzing me on why you’re not at the chalet.”
“Did he say that?” Beth hoped not all the staff members were aware of her predicament.
“Not in those words. She just thinks there’s been a mistake with the booking. Oh, this looks like her now.” Jordan ended the call abruptly.
“What’s up?” Sam had rolled onto her side and was looking at her quizzically.