More Than Just One Night (The Selwood Sisters Novellas)

by Claire Baxter

  Lily frowned. “Why don’t you sound happier about that?”

  To Cora’s horror, a tear dripped onto the hand holding the wineglass, and she hadn’t even realised that she was crying. She used the back of her other hand to wipe her eyes and blinked to clear her vision. “Sorry. I don’t know where that came from.”

  “Hey, don’t apologise,” Gwen said, waving her fork. “It’s good to see that you’re human. I always wondered.”

  “Gwen,” Lily said with a frown, “that’s not very nice. It’s safe to cry here if you want to, Cora. We’re your family and we won’t judge you,” she added with a pointed glance at Gwen.

  Gwen nodded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Go ahead and cry.”

  Cora took a deep breath. “Thanks, but I don’t want to. Alex’ ex-wife turned up on Saturday to drop off their daughter. It wasn’t pre-arranged, and he wasn’t pleased, but apparently this happens often. Sounds to me like she’s selfish and immature, possibly even manipulative, but I don’t know enough about her to make that call.”

  “Did she say something to upset you?” Lily asked.

  Cora smiled at Lily’s indignant tone. Shaking her head, she said, “No, she barely spoke to me at all. She argued with Alex outside, then left. No, it wasn’t that. It was Sophie.”

  Gwen and Lily exchanged a glance, then Lily said, “Is she a brat?”

  “Not at all. She’s adorable. Completely. But...” She took another drink. “I know this is going to sound shallow, but the thing is, I’ve already had my family. I don’t want to get involved with another one. I don’t want to go through all of that again.”

  Lily frowned, and Cora belatedly remembered her sister’s longing for a second child and her husband’s resistance. “Sorry, Lily. I should have thought about your situation.”

  “Oh, God, no. Don’t worry about me,” she said. “I was just wondering how involved you’d need to be. I mean, she already has a mother, so it’s not as if she’d live with you and Alex — if you decided to live together, that is.”

  Gwen said, “Lily’s right. You wouldn’t be expected to do all that stuff like making costumes for school plays. Her mother would do that, wouldn’t she?”

  Cora tried to imagine the woman she’d seen at Alex’s place making a turtle costume as she’d once had to do for Fern. “I’m not sure that she would, but I might be misjudging her. Still, I’m thinking rather of Alex being available to look after Sophie whenever her mother feels like going out on her own. I’d have to get used to our plans being overturned, and doing things appropriate for a four-year-old.” She sighed. “And I know it sounds like I’m being selfish and shallow, but I’m also thinking of Sophie, because if Alex is worrying about letting me down, he’s not going to be fully available for her, is he?”

  “She won’t be four forever,” Gwen said, “but I do see your point.”

  Lily looked bemused. “I’m sorry, but I don’t. Maybe I’m being dense, but couldn’t you just see Alex when he doesn’t have Sophie? Do you even know whether Alex is thinking about living together? Is he that serious?”

  “We haven’t talked about it, but it feels as if he’s serious. If not, he’s gone to an awful lot of trouble for someone he considers short-term.” She shrugged. “But it would be difficult enough to make a relationship work in our situation, without adding in the complication of a child. Alex’s career is in Sydney, and that wouldn’t change. I couldn’t leave Selwoods—”

  “Couldn’t you, though?” Gwen gave her a questioning look. “I mean, really, what’s to stop you? You could sell Selwoods, and live comfortably in Sydney on the proceeds. I certainly wouldn’t object to you selling — I could use the money. You could have a much simpler life if that’s what you want, and then you might be able to handle the occasional disruption of caring for his daughter.”

  “It’s our children’s inheritance. And Justin’s going to take over from me when he’s ready. That’s always been the plan, but I need to make sure it’s still viable when I hand it on to him.”

  “Does he want to take over? Have you asked him? Or was it a dream of Paul’s that’s no longer relevant?”

  Cora couldn’t answer the question. It had never occurred to her that Justin might not want to take over Selwoods. It had been a given, ever since Paul had told her that he dreamed of one day handing down the company to their son.

  Justin had never given any indication that he wasn’t keen on the idea, but on the other hand, he hadn’t shown any eagerness to come home and take up the reins. He was young, and she understood the urge to see some of the world before settling into such a demanding role, had encouraged it even, believing that the experience could only benefit him when he did take over. But — and it was a very big but — she’d never talked to him about what he wanted in the long-term. Was it possible that Justin would be pleased, even relieved, if she sold the family business?

  Gwen and Lily were watching her, waiting for her to respond. She shook herself. “I’ve just realised that I don’t actually know. I’m going to have a talk with Justin before I get ahead of myself.”

  “Right. Well, good luck with that. I hope a chat with Justin helps you to decide.”

  Lily said, “I don’t think I want you to sell, though. I like working at Selwoods.”

  “You won’t need to work once you have your share,” Gwen pointed out.

  Lily shrugged. “I enjoy it.”

  “I do feel responsible for the people who work there,” Cora said. “Some of them worked for Dad.”

  “I know, and it’s understandable that you’d care about them,” Gwen said. “The business has been a big part of your life, but you shouldn’t let it stop you having the future you want. How did you leave things with Alex?”

  Cora sighed. “I told him I needed more time to think about us. He wasn’t happy, but he agreed to let me have the time to think.”

  Chapter 12

  Cora decided it was late enough in London to phone Justin. Even if she woke him, he couldn’t complain that it was an unreasonable hour.

  He answered on the first ring. “Mum, hi!”

  “Hello, darling. I didn’t wake you?”

  “Nah, I was up. I’ve got a full-day planned. I’m going sky-diving.”

  Cora closed her eyes. “Just what a mother wants to hear. Tell me you’re kidding.”

  He hesitated, then said, “All right, I’m kidding. Uh, but I can’t talk for long because I’m going...out, okay?”

  “You’re really going sky-diving?”

  “It’s perfectly safe. I’ve got a parachute and everything. I bought it second-hand.”

  “You bought a used parachute? Is that safe?”

  “Well, it’s used, but the advert said never-opened.” He laughed. “I’m kidding, Mum.”

  “Justin, that’s not funny.”

  “Sorry. In fact I go to a reputable club with high safety standards. All their equipment is checked and double-checked.”

  “You’ve done this before?”

  “Yes, and lived to tell the tale. Now, did you call for a reason, or just for a chat?”

  “For a reason.” She took a couple of deep breaths, trying to put the horror of unopened parachutes out of her mind. “I want to talk to you about Selwoods.”

  “As in, the business, not the family?”

  “Yes, the business. It occurred to me that we’ve never talked about what you want to do about the company.”

  His tone became serious. “Do about it? What do you mean? Is there a problem?”

  “No, no problem. It’s just that I’ve never asked you whether you want to take over the company the way your dad always intended.”

  He sounded puzzled when he said, “I don’t understand why you’re asking the question, but the answer is, of course I do.”

  “You do? Oh. Really?”

  “Are you struggling to cope, Mum? Is that it? Do you need me to come home now?”

  “No, I’m not struggling. I just want to make su
re that you mean it, and you didn’t just say it because you consider it’s your duty to take over.”

  “You’re making my head hurt now.”

  “Because if that’s the case, we could sell the business and you could use your share of the money to set yourself up in whatever you really want.”

  The line went silent for a moment, then, “Mum?”

  “Yes, darling?”

  “You can’t sell Selwoods.”

  “Well, I can if—”

  “No, you can’t. Grandad started it and built it up. Dad made it more successful. It belongs in the family. Please, don’t even think about selling it. I do want to take over, and seriously, if you need me to come home sooner than planned, I will.”

  “No, that’s not necessary. There’s no reason to change your plans.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure, I won’t. I don’t want to rush you, but if there’s nothing else, I’d better go. People are waiting for me.”

  “Well, be careful, won’t you? I love you.”

  “Of course I will. Love you too.”

  She stared at the phone in her hand. She’d almost convinced herself that Justin would jump at the chance to be relieved of the burden of managing the family business, but she’d been wrong, and now she was back where she started.

  It had been lovely to hear Justin’s voice, even if she was now going to worry about him jumping out of a plane. Why he wanted to do such a thing was beyond her, but then, she wasn’t in her twenties. Life looked different at that age. At her age she should know better than to believe things would fall into place so conveniently just because she wanted them to.

  Fern knocked on the open study door, then stepped inside. “Were you talking to Justin?”

  “Yes.”

  “I thought so. I couldn’t hear what you were saying, but I could tell by your tone of voice.”

  Cora looked up, surprised. “How is it different?”

  “It’s just obvious when you’re talking to your darling son. Not that I mind. I’m not jealous or anything.”

  Taken aback, Cora said, “I should hope not, because I love you both equally. You must know that.”

  Fern flopped into the recliner where her father had often read stories to her and Justin, one sitting on each knee, Cora remembered. Fern shrugged. “I just came in to say that I’m leaving now, and...there’s something else.” She moistened her lips. “You’ll be pleased to know that Russell and I have broken up.”

  “Oh, Fern! Are you all right about that?”

  “Yeah. Well, I was the one who ended it.”

  Cora fought her curiosity, and lost. “Why did you do that?”

  Fern gave her a puh-lease look. “You know why. He’s too old for me. Huh, he bought some yellow trousers.” She rolled her eyes.

  Cora bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself smiling. “He didn’t. Did he?”

  “With checks. Can you imagine that?”

  “Like Rupert the Bear.”

  “Who?”

  Cora waved the question away. “Before your time. I’m showing my age.”

  “Right. He said they were only for playing golf in, but he was still wearing them one day when he picked me up for lunch.” She grimaced. “My uni friends saw him in them. I’ve never been so embarrassed.”

  Cora struggled not to laugh. “That’s one of the three classic signs of a mid-life crisis, you know. Seriously, it’s been studied. Wearing yellow pants is one. Buying a sports car is another,” she said, counting on her fingers. “And dating a child is the third. So, there you go. He satisfies all three criteria. He’s having a mid-life crisis, and believe me, you’re better off out of there.”

  Fern looked at her. “Does this mean you don’t want to throw me out now?”

  “I never wanted to, honey. I just couldn’t stand that man coming here. I hated seeing you with him. Honestly, if I thought Russell would make you happy, I wouldn’t have a problem with the age difference.”

  “Really? I thought you had a huge problem with it.”

  “I did at first, I admit. Now, though, I don’t think age makes a difference to how happy people are in a relationship, it’s who they are that matters. And Russell…I’m sorry, but he just wasn’t right for you. Even if he’d been in his twenties I wouldn’t have liked him.”

  “I know.” Fern chewed her bottom lip. “Talking of age differences, what’s happening with what’s-his-name — your boyfriend?”

  “Alex. You know that’s his name.”

  “Whatevs.”

  Cora winced at the expression, then hesitated before saying, “Nothing’s happening.”

  “What, have you broken up as well?”

  “Not exactly. We haven’t made a decision to break up, but I think it’s inevitable. I don’t see how it can work.”

  “Oh. That’s a pity.”

  Cora’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

  “I said, that’s a pity. I know I told you I didn’t like it, but I’ve been thinking, and I suppose you’re not all that old at forty-two.”

  “They do say that fifty is the new thirty.”

  “Yeah, old people do. Anyway, you’re probably lonely when I’m not here. I get that now.”

  “I don’t mind being alone, but lonely is something else. I didn’t realise I was lonely until I met Alex.”

  “So, why can’t it work?”

  Cora took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Because of complications.”

  “Like, me?”

  “Even more complicated than you,” she said with a wry smile. “Alex has a daughter too.”

  Fern sat up straighter. “I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “There was never really an opportunity. You weren’t interested in hearing anything about Alex at all.”

  “But I should have been told about a potential sister. Are we about the same size? Will we be able to swap clothes?”

  Cora shook her head. “For a start, talking about sisters is getting way ahead of where things are, and besides, Sophie is only four.”

  Fern blinked, then she tilted her head. “Actually, that could be even better. Having a little sister would be awesome. I could babysit.”

  “You? Babysit?”

  “Don’t say it like that. I’m studying nursing, you know. I’m not a moron.”

  “Of course you’re not. I never thought you were a moron.”

  “In fact, I’m thinking of becoming a midwife.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful news. I’m so proud of you, honey.”

  “I’m not sure yet, though. I might prefer paediatric nursing.”

  Cora nodded. “Well, that’s a wonderful thing to do too. You have plenty of time to make up your mind.”

  “And looking after my new little sister will help me do that.”

  “Hmm. Well, anyway, there are other problems, such as Alex living in Sydney and me living here.”

  “You can work that out, can’t you? You should be able to, you’ve been managing a business for years.” Fern checked her watch. “I’d better go. I’m meeting some of the girls for dinner.”

  “Have a good time.” Cora got up to give Fern a hug. “I love you, and I’m pleased that we had this chat.”

  “Me too.”

  She waved as Fern drove away, grinning at a mental picture of Russell in his yellow trousers.

  Chapter 13

  Cora had spent Saturday going over some project reports in her study when the doorbell rang. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and rose from her desk reluctantly. She was still puzzling over an issue with a client’s demands when she opened the front door.

  “Alex!”

  He gave her a smile that made her insides turn to liquid. He did it to her every single time. “Hello, Cora.”

  “I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “No. My turn to do the surprise thing. We do seem to be taking it in turns, don’t we?”

  “Well, you’d better come in.” Once she’d closed the door behind him,
she led the way to the kitchen. “Tea? Coffee? Cold drink?”

  “No, thanks. I don’t want anything. I just want to talk to you.”

  She poured herself a glass of chilled water, then turned to face him, gripping the glass in a hand that was visibly trembling. “Do you want to sit down?”

  He shook his head.

  She leaned back against the kitchen bench. “What did you want to say?”

  “That you’ve had enough time to think. I’m tired of waiting.”

  “Impatient, aren’t you?”

  He shrugged. “It’s been three weeks.”

  As if she didn’t know that. “Still, three weeks in the scheme of things—”

  “Cora, I need to know. Was it Sophie? Because things were going really well until she arrived. I know she was quiet, but she’s timid with strangers. It’s not that she didn’t like you, I swear. She’s a good kid, and she opens up when she gets to know people.” He paused. “Don’t you think you could grow to like her?”

  “She’s a sweetheart, Alex. Of course, I could like her. I do like her.”

  He blew out a breath.

  “I don’t know how you could think otherwise.” She shook her head. “Anyway, that’s not the issue.”

  “Well, that’s something. But clearly there’s still an issue, and I need to know what it is.” He pulled out a chair from the kitchen table. “I’ve changed my mind, I will sit down.”

  She slipped into a seat across the table from him. “Okay, I admit that Sophie is part of the problem, but it’s not because I don’t like her. I can’t believe you even thought that.”

  “Well, like I said, we were having a ball till she arrived, then you upped and left.” He frowned. “So, she’s part of the problem. What does that mean?”

  “It means, you need to live near her so that you can see her as often as possible, so you need to live in Sydney. There’s your job too. I can’t ask you to leave any of that and come and live here. And I wouldn’t.”

  He looked surprised. “Right.”

  She went on, “But I can’t move to Sydney. If it was possible to sell Selwoods, then maybe I could, but it’s impossible—”