Nick saw the smile, registered my relief and encouraged by it, walked slowly towards me.
‘Sky.’ He smiled uncertainly.
‘Nick.’ I felt very close to tears.
We looked at one another for a while and the silence grew uncomfortable.
‘Where’s Miles?’ I finally asked.
Nick looked startled. ‘He’s not here, we kind of thought it would be better if I came alone.’
‘Is he waiting for us at home?’
Still looking baffled, Nick replied carefully, ‘Actually he’s staying in a hotel at the moment, it um, well, it just didn’t seem right him being with me.’
I remained silent, trying to take this in.
‘We didn’t really think you would want both of us coming with you.’ He seemed unsure of how to proceed. ‘Maybe we were wrong?’
‘Coming where?’ I was starting to feel distinctly uneasy.
‘What do you mean?’
‘You said I wouldn’t want both of you coming with me, coming where exactly?’
‘Coming to Marrakech, Sky.’
Suddenly cold realisation hit me. It wasn’t a mistake, nothing had changed, nothing had changed at all.
‘Oh, Sky.’ Able to read me like a book, Nick realised immediately what I’d been thinking and the pity on his face was more than I could bear. Anger surged through me.
‘And why the hell are you coming to Marrakech with me?’ I hissed.
‘We didn’t think for a moment you’d go ahead with the trip. Sky, we’re so worried about you, we couldn’t let you go alone.’
‘Couldn’t let me go alone?’ I couldn’t believe my ears. ‘I’m not a child Nick. I’m not exactly incapable.’
‘No, I know, I just wanted to see you, to talk to you, to try and sort this out.’ He took a deep breath. ‘We can, Sky, we need to. I love you.’
I could only stare in utter disbelief.
‘I rang the riad, they have another room for me, I, um, well I told them your husband was unwell.’
I rounded on him then, oblivious of the people around me. ‘Get out of my sight, Nick, get out of my bloody sight now.’ Never had I felt such hot rage, never had I felt so utterly humiliated.
‘Sky.’
‘NOW,’ I screamed at him.
There was an exclamation from the man behind and the mother of the lad in front clamped her hand firmly to the back of his head, preventing him from twisting around once more.
‘I’ll go to the back of the queue.’ Nick shuffled away, misery etched on his face.
‘Would you like to come forward?’ Mercifully, the check-in girl behind the desk was beckoning me.
I walked down the aisle of the plane, desperately praying that no one who had heard me at check-in would be near my seat. But, typically, the mother and young son who had stood in front of me in the queue were in the same row and my heart sank. Jesus, they must have overheard every word. Smiling uncertainly I slid into my seat and immediately took a book out of my bag; the last thing I wanted to do was engage them in conversation.
I had no idea where Nick was, but I’d seen him at the gate so I knew that he was on the plane. Mostly I felt furious with him but if I was being totally honest there was a very small part of me that felt almost relieved. What was that all about then? I was totally confused.
The last two weeks had passed in a blur. I had gone to work, operating on autopilot, and even managed a couple of meetings, so presumably I’d behaved as normal, but I had very little recollection of anything. I very much hoped so, I couldn’t afford to lose my job.
Normally I adored flying but not today. Today there was none of the usual surge of adrenalin that I felt when the plane took off. The last time I had flown I’d been with Nick and Miles and we were going to Scotland. Miles had surprised us both with the tickets the night before and I remembered being blown away and thinking how very lucky I was. We had ordered champagne on the plane, it was early in the morning and it had felt wonderfully wicked, we’d all been in such high spirits.
Suddenly I sat bolt upright, my book falling to the floor with a clatter. Had anything been going on between them then?
My heart was racing. Had their relationship already started? Had the whole holiday been a complete charade for them? Were they already cheating on me?
I started to shake and my eyes filled with tears. I desperately searched for a tissue. I could feel the hysteria building in me. I became aware that the lady next to me was moving, no doubt trying to summon a stewardess, I’d be thrown off the plane, maybe that would be no bad thing but I started to panic nonetheless.
Then I felt an arm gently slide over my shoulder and heard a soft low voice in my ear.
‘Take a deep breath now, in and out, in and out, that’s it, just keep taking deep breaths, take it nice and easy, it’s all going to be all right.’
The gentle voice was soothing and as I followed the instructions I gradually felt the panic subside.
‘OK, that’s better,’ the soft voice continued. ‘Here, I have a tissue here for you, well it’s actually a wet wipe but it will do the same thing.’
I took the wet wipe and began to rub my face but my hand was shaking too much to be effectual.
‘Have some chocolate,’ she said, delving into her bag and producing a bar of fruit and nut. ‘It will help.’
I smiled weakly. ‘Chocolate always helps.’ I accepted a slab. ‘I’m so very sorry about all of that, I hope I’ve not upset your son.’ I watched as the little boy tugged his mother’s arm.
‘Not in the least.’ She smiled. ‘He’s been totally absorbed in his game and is now delighted that the chocolate has come out early.’
‘Jesus, you must think I’m crazy.’ I bit into the chocolate. It tasted like nectar. When was the last time I had actually eaten anything? ‘I’m so sorry, I don’t normally behave like this, I really don’t but it’s just that… well, the thing is…’
‘It’s OK, you don’t have to explain.’
‘No I do,’ I replied. ‘You’ve been so kind, you deserve an explanation, and besides I’ve got to practice saying it.’ I bit hard on my lip and tasted blood. I wiped it away and took a deep breath. ‘My husband has left me.’ I paused before starting again. I knew I was talking faster and faster but couldn’t seem to shut up. ‘My husband has left me for a man, my husband doesn’t care for the female form anymore…’
‘Up to you,’ she butted in very quickly, ‘But maybe “due to irreconcilable differences my husband and I have split up”.’
I turned to look at her for a moment. ‘I’m so sorry, of course that’s the one to go with. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there, I think it’s fair to say that the differences are pretty bloody irreconcilable.’ I smiled at her. ‘Do I look vaguely presentable? Have I managed to wipe the streaks of mascara away?’
‘Not a trace left.’ She smiled back.
‘The trolley is on the way, can I buy you a large drink to say thank you?’ I reached for my purse.
‘Thank you very much, that’s very kind. I’ll say yes to a gin and tonic.’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m Gail, by the way, Gail Scott, and this is Sonny.’
‘He’s gorgeous,’ I said, smiling at the young lad and noting his caramel complexion and huge brown eyes. ‘I’m Sky, Sky Walker.’
‘As in Star Wars?’ Gail giggled.
‘You’re not the first to make that joke.’ In fact everyone always made the same joke, even the vicar at the wedding, all very funny at first but now intensely irritating. ‘Perhaps now is the time to revert back to my maiden name.’
‘Which is?’
‘Rossi, Sky Rossi.’
‘Wow, how very glamorous, beats the hell out of Gail Scott.’
‘I’m half Italian, half Scottish, with a father obsessed with the Highlands and Islands. My sister is called Iona. Unfortunately my father couldn't spell Skye.’
The trolley arrived and I bought two gins for us and a juice for Sonny.
‘Ah, but I was listening to every word.’
‘Hard not to I imagine.’ I grimaced. ‘And then my hysteria. Certainly not the best way to begin a relaxing holiday.’
Gail turned to check that Sonny was occupied with his juice and Game Boy before replying.
‘Well, if I’m truthful it was a most welcome distraction.’
I raised my eyebrows.
‘It’s my turn to be honest with you.’ She gulped at her gin before continuing. ‘This isn’t exactly going to be what you’d call a relaxing holiday.’ She leant towards me and spoke in a low voice. ‘I’m actually going to Marrakech in order to find Sonny’s father.’
‘And does Sonny’s father know this?’ I was instantly intrigued.
‘Sonny’s father does not know of Sonny’s existence.’
‘Bloody hell.’ It was my turn to gulp at the gin. ‘We may need another one of these. And what has brought all this on?’
‘I overheard my sister say I was dull and boring.’
‘You seem anything but to me,’ I replied with feeling.
A shadow loomed over me, and without looking up I knew it was Nick.
‘Hi.’
He stood in front of me. He looked surprised to see me chatting. He’d clearly expected to find me slumped in my seat, tearful and morose, and I was pleased that I wasn’t.
I looked up at him but didn’t say a word.
‘I, um, I just wanted to… oh, excuse me.’ He broke off to talk to a passing air stewardess. ‘Excuse me, would you be able to find me another seat, I’m currently crammed in like a louvred door in nineteen E. The couple next to me have embarked on a gargantuan picnic and egg sandwiches are on the menu.’ He pulled a face. ‘The smell is atrocious. I’ll pay any money.’
She laughed. ‘No worries, sir, we’re not full.’
‘I love you.’
She blushed. Nobody could resist Nick.
He turned back to me. ‘I’m not sure if you know but the riad is sending a car.’ I still said nothing. ‘I just wanted to tell you. He’s called Ibrahim, the driver that is not the car, and he’ll be holding a sign saying Riad Fontaine.’
There was a gasp of surprise from Gail. ‘Riad Fontaine, oh my God, that’s where we’re staying. How wonderful!’
‘Really? You’re staying there too?’ I was over the moon.
Nick held out his hand to Gail. ‘Well, it looks like we’re going to be sharing the same quarters, I’m Nick.’
‘Pleased to meet you.’ She leant across me and took his hand. ‘I’m Gail and this is Sonny.’
‘Sonny, wow, what a cool name. What does it go with?’
‘Scott,’ Gail replied briefly. I could sense that she felt slightly awkward.
‘Sonny Ray,’ Sonny added, eager to establish his full credentials. ‘Ray is after an uncle what’s dead.’
‘Sonny Ray Scott.’ Nick said the names slowly, looking with admiration at Gail.
‘I did think I had maybe gone too far with Ray.’ Gail smiled.
‘Not at all. It’s wonderful.’ He turned to the young boy. ‘Sonny, you absolutely have to learn to play a musical instrument, I’m thinking the saxophone. With a name like that you are going to be a jazz musician, you can’t possibly be anything else.’ He bunched his fist into a pretend microphone.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the one and only Sonny Ray Scott on sax.’ He winked at Sonny who grinned, utterly captivated by this tall man with twinkly blue eyes and red hair.
‘Sonny, Sky and Gail. You sound like a weather forecast.’ Gail and Sonny both giggled. I didn’t.
‘OK, well I’ll see you when we land I guess.’ Suddenly the laughter had gone out of his voice. He looked down at me but I didn’t look up.
‘Bye, Nick, see you later.’ Gail spoke quickly to cover the awkward pause. ‘I hope you find a decent seat.’
‘Nice man,’ Sonny announced before turning back to his game.
‘So everyone says,’ I said flatly.
‘He’s very charming.’ Gail shrugged apologetically.
‘Yes, everyone loves Nick,’ I said. ‘Including, it would seem, my husband.’
CHAPTER FIVE
The heavy wooden door swung shut behind him and Philippe paused for a moment to savour the cool, quiet interior of the hallway of Riad Fontaine. It was a graceful hallway with a carved cedar wood ceiling and large wooden panels, a calm sanctuary away from the savage sun and bustling souk outside. Through the far archway Philippe could see the pool glinting in the inner courtyard.
Though he hated to admit it the trip had tired him out more than he’d imagined it would. His head was throbbing and his injured knee was agony.
He sank down onto the wooden bench and leant back against the soft cushions.
‘Are you unwell, Monsieur Philippe?’ Ibrahim gently enquired.
‘Nothing that a mint tea and a thousand painkillers won’t cure, Ibrahim.’ Philippe smiled wearily up at the tall Moroccan. ‘You go ahead, I’ll follow you in a moment.’
Bending down he eased off his shoes, relishing the feel of the cool marble beneath his feet. He rolled up his jeans and massaged his knee. Then, closing his eyes, he stretched his arms above his head and gradually let the tranquility of the building begin to seep into his body, savouring the few moments of silence and breathing in the indefinable scent that belonged uniquely to Riad Fontaine.
Moments later he heard the clatter of heels, the murmur of voices and a low, smoky laugh. He reached for his walking stick and stood up slowly.
She stood silhouetted in the archway, her hair a shimmering halo, arms outstretched and the familiar Guerlain perfume emanating from her.
‘Bea.’ He smiled.
‘Philippe, bare feet, how wonderfully bohemian.’ She moved gracefully into his arms and kissed him full on the lips. Taken aback he looked at her in surprise.
She shrugged unapologetically. ‘I have missed you.’
‘And I you, cheri.’
They gazed at each other. He noted her luminous skin and clear blue eyes, she saw his pallor and the lines of pain etched on his forehead.
‘You look amazing, Bea.’
‘You don’t,’ she said with her usual honesty. ‘Come, Bushara has mint tea ready for you.’ She took his hand and led him through the archway to a small table shaded by a thick, gnarled olive tree.
The courtyard was as bright as the hallway was dim and the air was heavy with the fragrance of the flowers. As the cool interior of the hallway had calmed him so the brilliance of the colours of the courtyard began to energise him.
A grey cat was lying on a nearby chair. Philippe walked towards her but she arched her back and hissed.
‘Why do your cats always hate me?’
‘Because you hate them.’
‘I don’t hate them at all, I just prefer dogs.’
‘And I prefer cats. We should have realised our marriage was doomed from the start.’ She laughed but there was a slight hint of sadness in her eyes. ‘And talking of animals, what is this I hear about a piglet?’
‘Emmie rescued him, he was the runt of the litter, the tiniest thing you have ever seen.’
‘Piglets grow into pigs, cheri, even tiny ones,’ Beatrice said smiling.
‘I know, I know,’ he said, running his hands through his hair, then he looked at her and laughed.
‘He is called Sausage and he’s Emmie’s new best friend.’
‘And where does Sausage sleep?’
‘I’ve built a small sty for him in the outbuildings.’
‘And I ask again, where does he sle
ep?’ She grinned at him mischievously, knowing full well what the answer would be.’
‘In the kitchen.’ He threw up his hands in surrender. ‘It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? He’s turned the whole household upside down, he’s even given Belle a new lease of life, they chase each other around the pool.’
‘That I have to see,’ Beatrice said, trying to imagine the huge Bordeaux mastiff running around with a piglet. ‘I despair of you all, what on earth does Rosa think of a piglet in her kitchen?’ she asked, referring to his housekeeper.
‘Rosa is the worst of them all, she’s the one who bought him into the kitchen in the first place, said she couldn’t bear the thought of the small baby alone and afraid.’
‘Mon Dieu, you have all taken leave of your senses.’ Beatrice shook her head in amazement.
‘It’s actually very good for Emmie, she has to measure how much milk to give him, she writes it down in a notebook and weighs him every day.’ He sipped his mint tea. ‘She’s taking it all very seriously, she feeds him last thing at night, first thing in the morning and when she comes home from school. The animal never leaves her side. She really dotes on him.’
‘And you on her.’ Beatrice chuckled. ‘Philippe, you know as well as I do that if Emmie had wanted a whole litter of piglets you would have said yes.’ She paused for a moment. ‘Should we have had children, Philippe?’
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