Follow Me Follow You

by Laura E. James

  ‘It wasn’t an affair, Chris. It was a moment. A mistake.’

  ‘You think there are degrees to sex? Is what Lacey did with Tommy more acceptable than what we did? Does it only count if you go all the way?’

  Victoria pulled at the scraggy piece of tissue, then screwed it up and tucked it in her trouser pocket. ‘It doesn’t matter what I think. You have to find your own resolution.’

  ‘She could have said no.’

  ‘Ultimately, she did.’

  ‘She still let him … do stuff.’ He gave his chin a hard rub, and then closed his eyes.

  Victoria sighed. ‘Okay. Perhaps you should hear what I think. Lacey used Tommy. She was so scared of losing you to a stunt, she held onto him by whatever means necessary. He was her safety net. Someone who’d look after her and the boys if you died.’ She paused. ‘I actually think it proves how much she loved you.’

  With his eyes still shut, Chris tried to see Victoria’s point, but there was just a jumble of words tumbling around in the dark. He shook his head. ‘I’m going to struggle with that.’

  ‘I don’t know what else you expect me to say,’ Victoria continued. ‘We’re all guilty of making bad choices. We put right what we can and learn to live with the rest.’

  In less time than it took to inhale, Todd’s entire life raced through Chris’s mind. No parent was prepared for the death of their child. ‘I live with a lot,’ he said.

  ‘I know.’

  He felt a disturbance in the air around, and when he looked, Victoria was beside him, offering to take his hand. He accepted, and was stilled by her touch. It was as if she’d soothed his forehead with a kiss.

  ‘But you have to give yourself permission to grieve,’ she said. ‘It’s your time now.’

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  The number of people Frank could accommodate in the bungalow kitchen never ceased to amaze Victoria. Today wasn’t as much of a squeeze as Christmas, although that had been fun, but six was still a tight fit around the old table.

  Her father’s permanent smile and the glint in his eye led Victoria to suspect there was more to the invitation than an Easter Day lunch.

  She watched him from her seat. ‘Are you sure I can’t help?’

  ‘No, thanks. Nearly ready. Will Chris be here soon?’

  Victoria pushed back the sleeve of her red jumper, to reveal her watch. ‘Another ten minutes. He’s organising an Easter egg hunt for the boys for when we get back.’

  ‘He said to start without him.’ Rick hovered in the doorway.

  ‘Hands washed?’ Olivia’s voice drifted in from the hall, her frame hidden by Rick’s. He nodded. ‘Then stop being a teenager and go and sit down. I’m hungry.’

  Rick obeyed, grinning as he pulled out a chair for Olivia.

  ‘So how’s school?’ She nodded her thanks.

  ‘It’s good, thank you, ma’am. I’m on the basketball team.’ Rick took a seat next to Seth, who was concentrating on colouring a page of complex patterns. ‘And I scored top marks in media studies on the last day of term.’

  Victoria smiled. Rick had settled into secondary school life far better than she or Chris imagined. He was still a thinker, and still quiet on occasions, but his confidence was growing, as was the light in his eyes.

  She switched her attention to her father. He was skipping from left to right as he took the plates from the oven, checked the pot on the hob, and stirred the veg. He had the energy of a man half his age. And the love of a good woman. She nudged Olivia. ‘How’s business?’

  ‘Hectic. I don’t know my arse from my elbow most days.’

  Seth broke away from his work. ‘You said arse.’

  ‘I did, and I shouldn’t have, but you’re so quiet, I forgot you were here. What’s your excuse?’ Olivia pulled a face at Seth, and he responded with a giggle. She returned to Victoria. ‘I’ve got so many orders for driftwood craft, I’m having to work on several projects at once.’

  Adorning oven gloves, Frank swung round with a large, orange, ceramic pot, and placed it in the middle of the table. ‘Olivia’s turned her living room into a second studio to accommodate the materials.’ He collected the plates, stacked them in the centre, and removed his mitts, hanging them over the back of his chair. He took his place beside Olivia. ‘She’s a very popular lady.’

  ‘I think you’ll find it’s my prices that are popular. I enjoy art for art’s sake. That’s why I became a teacher. Speaking of which … How is Seth getting on at pre-school?’

  ‘He’s doing very well.’ Victoria gazed at her son. ‘He’s come so far in five months.’

  ‘I think you both have,’ Olivia whispered, giving Victoria’s hand a congratulatory pat. ‘And the counsellor the school suggested? Worth the effort?’

  ‘Despite my initial resistance? Worth every second. Which is also what she said about you and Dad, and the support you provide. We wouldn’t have got here without you.’ Victoria smiled. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘That’s what families are for. Remember, boundaries, patience, and a sense of humour. It’s a parent’s mantra.’ Picking up the oven mitts, Olivia removed the lid from the casserole dish.

  ‘Along with consistency and realistic expectations.’ Victoria peered through the steam at her dad. ‘I had my very own expert to show me that.’

  Frank grinned and picked up a serving spoon. ‘I’m proud of you,’ he said. ‘For everything you’ve achieved. Personally and professionally. Both you and Juliette.’

  ‘Where is Aunty Joo?’ Seth, collecting his paper and pencils together, looked expectantly at Frank.

  ‘They’ve gone to see Uncle Dan’s mum. Your great aunty Gwendolyn.’

  Seth sat back, ready to receive his dinner. ‘I like Great Aunty Gwendolyn. She’s funny.’

  ‘Eccentric,’ Frank mumbled. ‘Anyway, I’ll phone them after lunch to see how they all are.’

  ‘Exhausted, I should think, after all the fuss.’ Victoria set Seth’s plate before him and he thanked her. ‘Did you catch the news?’

  ‘I’ve just read last week’s Echo,’ Olivia said, reaching behind for the recycling box. She grabbed the topmost paper. ‘I saw EweSpeak made the headlines.’ She pointed to the photograph of Annabel, and ran her finger under the caption, Lamb to the Slaughter? ‘It’s a tad harsh.’

  Victoria laughed. ‘Annabel can handle it. She’s like Juliette. They’re so much better at publicity than me. Neither of them gets stuck for something to say.’

  ‘I think you’re more than capable of holding your own,’ Olivia said.

  ‘I am now. I can even stand on the beach and scream into the wind with minimal embarrassment.’

  ‘We can do that.’ Seth turned to Rick. ‘You’re better than me, aren’t you?’

  ‘I’m louder.’ Rick’s wonderful sloppy smile received an equally adorable response.

  ‘Tommy Stone’s story broke this week. I expect you saw.’ Frank retrieved the paper from Olivia, folded it in half and returned it to the recycling box. ‘That’s one less crook on the streets.’

  ‘Dad.’ Victoria frowned, hoping her father would say no more.

  ‘What? He deserves a custodial sentence.’

  ‘Can we practise a little diplomacy? He’s Rick’s godfather.’

  Rick cleared his throat. ‘Mr Paveley’s right. Tommy stole from my family, and I’m glad the police caught up with him. I’ll sleep better knowing he can’t hurt us anymore.’

  ‘I didn’t like him,’ Seth said, shaking his head. ‘I’m glad he went away.’

  ‘Me too, bud. Would you like my broccoli?’ Rick speared a floret with his fork and offered it to Seth, who accepted with an enthusiastic nod. Rick grinned. ‘Cool. Dad will be pleased.’

  Victoria looked on, her heart light with contentment. Six months ago s
he had no idea life could be so fulfilling.

  It hadn’t been the easiest of journeys, but every step advanced her, even the baby steps she’d taken with Chris. They travelled together, slow and steady, and when the wounds inflicted by Tommy healed, and Victoria and Chris had got to know one another as adults, they’d made love. Proper no holds barred, man-and-woman-on-the-edge love.

  Victoria’s thoughts were brought to a close by the ringing of the doorbell. ‘That’ll be your dad,’ she said to Rick, rising from her chair.

  ‘Sit down,’ said Frank. ‘You’re looking a bit flushed. I’ll go.’

  The gentle clattering of cutlery took the place of conversation, as the party waited for Frank and Chris to appear.

  ‘Here he is,’ Frank said, bundling Chris into the kitchen. ‘Sit down, lad.’ He guided him to his seat.

  Beaming at Victoria, Chris tapped Seth on his shoulder, and quickly hid his hands under the table so as to cover up his mischief. It was a game he played with the boys from time-to-time, which usually induced a fit of giggles in Seth.

  Victoria smiled as Seth stared at Rick.

  ‘Wasn’t me, bud. I’m too busy eating.’ Rick nodded towards Chris. ‘There’s your culprit.’

  Turning to his right, Seth eyed Chris with suspicion. Without a word, he pushed his fork into a tree of broccoli and replanted it on Chris’s plate. Then he raised his hand for a high five with Rick.

  ‘Nice one, man,’ Rick said, rewarding Seth with a gentle clap.

  ‘I hate broccoli,’ Chris said, laughing.

  ‘Eat your greens,’ Frank said, directing his order at Chris. ‘And then open this.’ He passed over a bottle of champagne, and then filled the boys’ glasses with lemonade. ‘Bubbles for everyone.’

  Chris wiggled the champagne cork free and poured each of the adults a glassful. ‘Special occasion?’

  Frank, still standing, glanced at Olivia, and then gave a small cough. ‘I am pleased to report that even at my great age, one can fall in love again, which I didn’t think possible until I met Olivia. Now, we’ve been seeing each other for some time, and a few days ago I asked Olivia to move in with me.’

  Victoria grinned. That explained the glint in her father’s eye. ‘That is wonderful news.’ She hugged Olivia.

  ‘Wait. Olivia DeVere said no.’

  ‘Frank, don’t tease.’ Olivia tutted. ‘I said no to moving in here because I know Frank’s heart lies on Portland, as does Victoria’s.’ She gave Victoria a knowing wink. ‘So I suggested Frank move in with me. Above the craft centre.’

  ‘And I said yes.’ Frank raised his glass. ‘Of course, this was before the living room was turned into a studio, but I’m game.’

  ‘If I may?’ Chris pushed back his chair, and picked up his champagne. ‘That’s the best news I’ve heard in ages. Welcome home. To Olivia and Frank.’

  Victoria repeated the toast, gave Olivia another squeeze, and skipped around the table to her dad. ‘Good decision,’ she said, hugging his neck. ‘Local babysitters.’

  Chapter Thirty

  ‘Follow me.’ Chris hooked his index finger and beckoned Victoria out of the annexe.

  She did as he requested – she’d been following him for years – she wasn’t going to stop now, not when there was a twinkle behind his every look. He was as bright and sunny as the early summer weather. Something was going on. ‘You do know I’m not a stalker, right?’

  The corners of Chris’s mouth twitched as the warmth of his brandy eyes spread across his face. ‘I never had you down for one. I should think it’s tricky keeping tabs from behind that fire door.’

  ‘Almost impossible.’ Victoria smiled.

  Every night the free access between the castle and the annexe was closed, with the Nobles one side and the Framptons the other. It didn’t stop Victoria and Chris enjoying each other’s company, but she was yet to spend a whole night in his bed. She longed to wake up beside him, and for them to make love in the light of the rising sun.

  It wasn’t her call to make.

  ‘Come on, slowcoach. Pick up the pace.’

  ‘Is it time to collect the boys already?’ As Victoria left the confines of the castle walls, Chris curled an arm around her waist.

  ‘No. Frank said he’d give them lunch, so I’ve arranged to meet them on the beach at two.’

  Victoria flicked her wrist over and squinted at her watch. ‘It’s almost one.’ The boys had been gone for three hours. ‘Where did that time go?’

  ‘We spent most of it in the conservatory.’ Chris turned his head from side-to-side, and rubbed his neck. ‘One day, I will replace that porter’s chair.’

  Victoria grinned. ‘The high sides are a challenge.’

  ‘You’re surprisingly flexible for a woman your age.’ Chris squeezed her to him.

  ‘Don’t start that mature woman stuff again,’ she said, as she nudged her elbow into his ribs. She kissed him as he stooped. ‘It’s a glorious day.’ She breathed in the summer air, taking the salty essence deep into her lungs. ‘So, what are we doing?’

  ‘First we’re going to the cottage, then before we collect the boys, I’d like to take a stroll along the beach.’

  ‘Can we manage that in an hour?’

  ‘As long as we don’t get distracted.’

  She knew what he meant. It was easy to get caught up with one another when it was just the two of them. She sighed. ‘I expect the cottage is ready.’ She hadn’t visited it for a fortnight, putting off the inevitable. The moment the decorating was finished, she’d have no reason to stay at Hope Cove. A grey cloud darkened her thoughts, and the sun. Victoria shivered. ‘Why is June so unpredictable?’ She huddled closer to Chris.

  ‘I like impulsiveness.’ He spun Victoria from his arm, caught her by her fingertips, and reeled her back in. He clasped her to his hard body, threaded a hand through her wayward hair, and eased her head to his.

  As she snatched a breath, he pressed his lips to hers, and claimed it for his own. Her insides contracted with instant desire, and she thrust her hands down the back of his jeans. The blast of a car horn brought her back to the roadside. Hot and flustered, she pulled away, whistled and shook her head. ‘You’re a dangerous man, Chris Frampton.’

  ‘Me? I’m a pussy cat. Hear me purr.’

  Her skin lifted into bumps of pleasure as he produced a full-throated, low-level rumble close to her ear. From her breasts to her pelvis, her body responded to the continuous vibration, and she closed her eyes, allowing her mind to send Chris’s mouth further down.

  When all she could hear was the cawing of a gull, she opened her eyes. ‘I’m so alive when I’m with you.’

  Chris stroked a finger along her collarbone. ‘As much as my ego is desperate to accept that, I can’t take the credit. Everything you feel comes from within. That sense of freedom was already there.’

  ‘Not with Ben.’ Victoria pinched at her T-shirt to loosen it from her skin. ‘I couldn’t let go with him.’ She broke away from the embrace, bounced on her toes, and set off at a steady pace. Love made light work of walking, even with legs aching from a morning of inspired sexual positions. ‘I’m not questioning it. I’m enjoying it.’ She swung her arm back and Chris took her hand.

  ‘I’m glad,’ he said. ‘I am, too. Now, no more distractions. We need to get on.’

  Victoria stood in the front room of the cottage inspecting the crisp, white décor. There was still an odour of fresh paint, but another day or two would see to that.

  Another day or two. That was all the time she had left at Hope Cove. After years of missing breakfast, she’d grown accustomed to sharing tea and toast in the morning, with Chris and the boys. And Seth was going to feel Rick’s absence in the same way he missed his front tooth. He’d developed an ulcer from where he kept poking his tongue through. Not seein
g the Framptons every day was going to hurt.

  Victoria tried to view it through rose-tinted spectacles – Seth would be settled, Frank and Olivia would be next door, and the castle was literally only a ten-minute walk away.

  It didn’t help. The bright side remained shady.

  And she didn’t know how it would affect her relationship with Chris. Her main concern was that the physical separation would cause an emotional detachment, and she’d had enough of that in her life. Over the last few months she’d learned that spending time with the people she loved was the best way to maintain a bond. The old dictum about families playing together was true.

  She exited the front room and wandered down to the kitchen. While it hadn’t been destroyed by the collapsed ceiling, or damaged by the water, Victoria opted to have it updated at the same time as the repair work. Choosing kitchen units and wall tiles was fun, and she’d stayed within her budget, sticking to her philosophy that the best things in life were free. She’d allowed a little movement on that maxim. Some of the best things in life cost, but as long as she didn’t go overboard, her conscience maintained its integrity.

  She’d saved the large Belfast sink and the Aga, and spent two days giving them both a thorough clean. Rick had pitched in. There was something James Herriot about him, dressed in green overalls, with his hand shoved into the depths of the ovens. Victoria joked he’d have to wash the floor if he pulled out a calf. He didn’t understand, which made Victoria laugh more.

  She hitched herself up onto a worktop and wondered what was to become of him. They’d grown extremely fond of one another, and often spent a few quiet moments each day talking about Lacey and Todd. He found it hard to hold a conversation about them with Chris, anxious the memories would trigger flashbacks. No amount of reassurance convinced him it would be okay, but while Victoria was living in the annexe and pottering around the castle, it wasn’t an issue.

  Things were going to change for everyone.

  ‘What do you think?’ Chris’s voice reached her before he did. His footsteps echoed on the wooden floor of the hall. ‘Upstairs is great. You know, that first bedroom is big enough to split into two. This could be made into a three bedroom property.’