‘You’re not allowed to throw shoes,’ she scolded. ‘Now come down and pick that up.’
‘Sorry,’ he said, arriving down the staircase on his bottom at a hundred miles an hour. ‘I’m going to sit with Saul again.’
‘Really?’ Francine stopped in her tracks. Grabbing the shoe, she sat the little boy on the bottom stair and helped him tie his laces. She didn’t molly-coddle her children. All of them were well able to dress themselves and brush their teeth from an early age. Cameron was momentarily surprised that his mother was assisting him now.
‘Saul’s fun,’ Cameron told her.
‘Of course he is,’ she said, biting her lip. ‘What’s his second name?’
‘I dunno.’
‘Okay. Run in and eat your breakfast like a good lad.’ Francine straightened as Cameron ran into the kitchen. Excitement bubbled up in her. Maybe Saul was Jodi Ludlum’s boy. Imagine if she could have the superstar as her new friend! Maybe it wasn’t a bad thing after all that she had some extra time on her hands.
Francine felt slightly less fractious as she reversed her people-carrier, complete with Mum Cabs bumper sticker, out of the drive on schedule.
Ten minutes later the older children kissed and hugged her at the school’s main door, then ran off to their respective classes. ‘You hold my hand like a good boy,’ she said to Cameron. ‘I can’t believe how big and grown-up you are now.’
He beamed up at her. ‘We’re allowed give the fishes some names today,’ he told her. ‘I want to call them John Cena and Randy Orton.’
‘Well, you’ll have to suggest those names to Mr Matthews,’ Francine said. ‘He might not want to call them after wrestlers.’
‘Why not?’ Cameron asked, clearly astonished.
‘Let’s just keep an open mind,’ Francine urged.
‘Mummy, look! There’s Saul,’ he said. ‘Can we ask him to come for a play date now?’ He ran across to his new friend, Francine following.
When she caught up, she bent down to look at the child. She was certain he was Jodi Ludlum’s boy. He had his mother’s famous green eyes, but there was no denying he was Darius Drew’s son too. He’d the same olive complexion and floppy dark hair.
‘I want to have Cameron to my house for a play date too,’ Saul said. ‘My mum said I can. She’ll talk to you at home time. She’s gone now.’
‘Oh, of course,’ Francine said. ‘I’ll tell you what,’ she ventured, ‘if I don’t catch her first, would you ask your mum to wait for me and we can arrange it?’
‘Sure,’ Saul said happily.
Mr Matthews rang his little bell to signal it was time for the parents to leave the room. Francine hugged Cameron, then rushed out, hoping she might catch Jodi leaving. It was a long wait until lunchtime. It would be just perfect if they could accidentally bump into one another and strike up a conversation organically.
Alas, there was no sign of her in the school grounds.
‘Francine!’ Jane called out. ‘A few of us are heading for a coffee in the village. Can you join us for a few minutes? We need to sort out a few details for the welcome coffee morning.’
Looking at her watch and pretending to go through things in her head, Francine scratched her chin. ‘I can pop in for a few minutes and then I’ll have to fly.’
‘I thought you said you were extending your annual leave this year?’ Jane said, looking confused.
‘Eh, yes, I am. But I need to pop into the office for an hour. I’m always in demand! You know yourself.’
The Coffee Pot was a hive of activity just after school drop-off time. The majority of the mothers congregated there because they offered free top-ups of coffee and there was always someone to chat to. Pushing the door open, Francine received waves from every direction.
‘Over here,’ Jane called, from a large round table.
‘Can I get you a coffee?’ Andrea asked, from near the top of the queue.
‘An Americano would be lovely, thanks, Andrea,’ Francine answered, rooting in her bag for her purse.
‘Put your money away. It’s on me,’ Andrea said.
‘Thanks. I’ll get you one next time.’ As discreetly as she could, Francine searched the room. Jodi wasn’t there.
She sat down with Jane, and Andrea soon joined them with a tray of mugs.
‘I was in the post office with Mrs Magee a minute ago,’ she said, setting the coffees down. ‘She had no idea Jodi Ludlum was living in Bakers Valley.’
‘Really?’ Francine was amazed. Mrs Magee, the postmistress, never missed a trick.
‘Gillian in Spar was as much use as a glass cricket bat,’ Jane scoffed. ‘I went in to see if she’d met Jodi yet and she went off on a mad one, screaming and holding her hands to her face, telling me how much she loves her films.’
‘Well, I have to say it’s pretty bloody astonishing that Jodi Ludlum has moved in down the road and none of us knows a thing about it,’ Andrea mused.
‘That’s very Hollywood of her, though, if you think about it logically,’ Francine said, and sipped her coffee. ‘It makes sense, actually. Why on earth would she announce to the world and its mother that she’s coming to live here? I mean, she must want some privacy in her life.’
‘She’s a worldwide star, Francine,’ Jane said, pointing out the obvious as usual. ‘I doubt she wants to hide away.’
‘Well, her son is a gorgeous little boy. Himself and Cameron have hit it off, as it happens,’ Francine said smugly. ‘I’m organising a play date later. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.’
‘Are we pressing ahead with the coffee morning on Friday week?’ Jane asked.
‘Of course.’ Francine pulled a bundle of the flyers she’d made on her computer from her bag. ‘I gave out some yesterday, as you know, but we’ll need to distribute these later on. We should have a good turnout. There are lots of newbies who’ll appreciate the opportunity to network.’
‘Not to mention the draw of Jodi!’ Jane said.
‘It’ll be fantastic if she manages to come,’ Francine said, with a set smile. ‘But obviously we’re doing this to welcome each and every parent equally.’ She wasn’t going to let Jane know she was holding her breath in the hope that Jodi would turn up. She was adamant she was going to play her cards right.
Befriending Jodi would act as a sort of balm for Francine right now. The other women were used to being housewives and hanging around the village, but she’d never seen herself as that sort of person. While she’d nothing against them, she’d enjoyed the buzz of being in a constant hurry all her life. Jodi might unwittingly take the sting out of Francine’s having to spend so much time at home. She could just imagine the glossy-magazine headlines …
Jodi Ludlum, with best friend Francine Hennessy, relaxing by the sea on one of their many weekend breaks at the French Riviera.
‘Francine and I are soul sisters. I’d be lost without her,’ the actress told our reporter.
‘Francine! Did you hear me?’ Jane was looking puzzled.
‘Hm?’ Francine said, as she drifted back to reality and the rather burned-tasting coffee she was meant to be drinking.
‘I asked if I should bake some cookies for the coffee morning.’
‘Let me think,’ Francine said. ‘That would be great, thanks, Jane. If you do chocolate-chip ones, I’ll do scones. Can you manage flapjacks, Andrea?’
‘Of course,’ Andrea said, looking affronted.
‘That’s all sorted so,’ Francine said. ‘Now I have to go. I’ve so much to do it’s unreal,’ she said, glancing at her watch. ‘See you later, and thanks for the coffee. It’s my turn next time,’ she reminded them.
She made a mental note to host a coffee-at-home event over the next few weeks. The school ones were marvellous but Francine felt there was nothing quite as lovely as being invited to someone’s house. When she’d been working, it had been the only way she could see several mothers at once. Besides, if things worked out the way she was hoping, she and Jodi would be well on
the way to being great pals by then. So Jodi would be her guest of honour.
Francine zoomed home and made a few notes in her index cards. With a slightly trembling hand she created the most exciting new card ever. As she filed it under ‘L’ she could barely contain herself. Never in her wildest dreams had she envisaged having Jodi Ludlum’s card in her box!
Francine was astonished by how slowly the morning passed at home. Normally she’d have done a ton of work at the office by now. Dejected, she realised she’d accomplished very little. How on earth was she going to get used to this?
Parking at the school at twelve fifteen, leaving plenty of time for the twelve-thirty pick-up, she pulled down the sun visor so she could check her makeup once more before getting out of the car.
‘Cuckoo! Francine, are you coming?’ Jane knocked on the car window, nearly giving her a heart attack.
‘Jeekers, Jane!’ Francine tutted as she opened the door and got out. ‘I was miles away there. You gave me such a fright.’ She swiftly replaced her frown with a smile.
‘I’m dying to see Jodi again. God, I’ve been wishing the morning away so I can get a good look,’ Jane confessed.
‘Ah, leave the poor girl alone,’ Francine said, pretending to be uninterested. ‘Besides, she’ll probably send a chauffeur to collect the boy.’
‘Do you think so?’ Jane looked disappointed.
Before they could speculate any further, Jodi floated through the gate. She was wearing a long, tight jersey dress with a simple wide-brimmed straw hat to shade her eyes from the sun.
‘Oh, my God, Francine, there she is! I think I’m going to wee into my wedges,’ Jane said, squeezing Francine’s arm.
‘She really looks like a movie star, doesn’t she?’ Francine said, losing her nonchalance in the heat of the moment.
‘She bloody is one, that’s why!’ Jane giggled.
‘Shush, she’ll hear us behaving like goons,’ Francine hissed. ‘Let’s go.’ As Jodi approached, Francine managed to fall into step with her.
‘Hi, there! I’m Francine, we met briefly yesterday,’ she said.
‘Oh, yeah. Hi.’
‘Eh, this is my friend Jane.’
‘Hello,’ Jodi said, glancing sideways.
‘Hi, Jodi,’ Jane said, grinning like a drunk chimp. Jodi’s eyes shot straight to the ground.
Francine elbowed her friend sharply and motioned at her to shut up.
‘What?’ Jane mouthed, as Jodi walked ahead. Francine put a finger to her lips.
They trotted after Jodi, jostling to stand closest to her.
‘Not much sense of humour, has she?’ Jane whispered to Francine, as they stood outside the classroom door.
‘She’s probably just shy,’ Francine said, out of the corner of her mouth. She really wished Jane would go away and stop annoying her. She needed to make sure she nailed this play date.
The children spilled through the door before Francine could strike up a conversation. Much to her delight, Saul and Cameron had one agenda only.
‘Cameron, this is my mummy, Jodi,’ Saul said. ‘Where’s your mummy so we can organise our play date?’
‘I’m just here,’ Francine said, pushing herself forward gleefully.
‘Can Cameron come to our house, Mummy? Please? You promised he could, remember?’ Saul said.
‘Okay,’ Jodi said, picking him up and kissing his cheek.
‘When?’ he pressed.
Francine was secretly thrilled. This was going better than she’d dared hope. If she stood back and bided her time, the boys would arrange everything.
‘Can I go tomorrow?’ Cameron asked, looking up at Francine.
‘Well, that’s up to Saul’s mum,’ she said.
‘How about I collect the boys after school and take Cameron to our house? I can drop him home if you tell me where you live,’ Jodi offered.
‘Oh, now …’ Francine stuttered. ‘I hope you don’t mind, but Cameron can make strange and I generally don’t leave him with people he’s not familiar with, seeing as he’s only four. Would it be a terrible hassle if I accompany him? Just for the first time? You understand, don’t you?’ she said.
‘Oh,’ Jodi said. ‘Uh, yes, I suppose so …’
There was an awkward silence as she looked at the ground. Francine was mortified. She didn’t know what to do. Clearly this woman didn’t want her anywhere near her. Perhaps they weren’t going to become bosom buddies after all. Feeling snubbed, she grasped Cameron’s hand. ‘Maybe we should leave you to settle in here at Bakers Valley a little longer. How about you let me know when might suit better? Come on, Cameron.’
‘No, Mummy!’ he shouted. ‘I want to go to Saul’s house tomorrow. You’re a fat pig.’ As he kicked her in the shins, Francine thought she was going to pass out, both from the pain and the dreadful embarrassment.
‘Mum!’ Saul said, tugging Jodi’s hand. ‘You promised!’
‘I know I did, dude. Listen, tomorrow’s cool by me,’ she said. ‘Come too, if you like, Francine.’
‘Right. Only if you’re sure, though,’ Francine said, bending down to rub her shin. ‘Sorry about this,’ she added, pointing at Cameron, who was pouting crossly. ‘He’s just overexcited.’
‘No problem.’ Jodi smiled thinly and walked off.
‘So I’ll see you here at the same time tomorrow and we can go to your house?’ Francine said loudly, so all the gawping mothers could hear.
‘Fine.’ Jodi waved over her shoulder.
Francine told Cameron to fetch his school bag from the classroom as the other mothers surrounded her.
‘Is that really her?’ one asked.
‘She looks so young up close …’
‘She’s not exactly friendly, is she?’ Jane said. ‘She doesn’t look at you when you speak to her and it didn’t seem like she wanted to be here.’
‘Girls,’ Francine hissed, ‘let’s not stand around talking about the poor woman. She might hear us. That wouldn’t be good. She’s just a mum like the rest of us. We don’t want her to feel she’s on show all the time.’
‘Get off the stage, Francine,’ Jane scoffed. ‘She’s certainly not like me! Her clothes aren’t washed out, she doesn’t need to lose two stone and she hasn’t three inches of grey roots on the top of her head. She’s a multimillionaire and looks it.’
‘Well, in my opinion she’ll be happier if some of us can see past all that and accept her as a true friend,’ Francine said, with her nose in the air.
‘Ah, my arse.’ Jane laughed. ‘She’s a real Hollywood wan. Look at the way she waltzed off barely speaking to us. I’d say she’s a real snobby cow. She probably thinks she’s too good for the likes of us.’
‘She is!’ Sarah giggled. ‘But the first coffee morning is on Friday week and she might actually come. So we all need to plan what to wear. We can’t have her thinking she’s landed in a one-horse town with a pack of hicks.’
‘Hey, how come you’re not working tomorrow, Francine?’ Jane asked. The group turned their attention to her.
‘I told you. I’ve extended my usual annual leave. I want to settle this little one and make sure I’m ready for the coffee morning next week,’ Francine said.
‘Since when have you needed to take time off to get ready for anything?’ Jane said, laughing.
‘Maybe she needs a breather,’ Sarah said, shooting Jane a dirty look.
‘Francine and breathers don’t go hand in hand,’ Jane said, utterly unaware of the anxiety she was causing Francine.
‘Back to the coffee-morning outfits,’ Sarah said.
This gambit was met with widespread approval as all the mothers began to discuss what they had in their wardrobes.
‘Here I am, Mummy. I got my school bag like you said,’ Cameron announced, as he flung it at Francine’s feet.
Stooping to pick it up, Francine seized the opportunity to flee and tugged Cameron towards their car. ‘You’ll be a good boy for me tomorrow, won’t you?’ she asked her son.
‘I’m always a good boy,’ Cameron answered.
‘That wasn’t nice behaviour just now. You shouldn’t have kicked me. It hurt and it’s very bad manners. I don’t like the way you’ve started throwing things either. It’s rude.’
‘You didn’t want me to play with Saul,’ he said.
‘Cameron, you’re not to kick people, ever. Do you understand me? If you can’t behave, you won’t be invited to Saul’s house again.’
‘I’m sorry, Mummy,’ he said.
‘All right, then,’ she conceded. But she was prone to misgivings about Cameron and his behaviour. Only last week they’d been at the removal service for a committee lady’s father when Cameron had made her want to crawl into the pine box beside the deceased. Francine had been so deep in prayer that she hadn’t noticed her youngest child slipping away.
Cameron had gone behind the altar, removed a white table runner and draped it over his shoulders, mimicking the presiding priest.
The bereaved family had thought he was hilarious. They’d hugged Francine afterwards, saying their father had been a real prankster in his day and would’ve loved it.
She’d apologised profusely for any offence that might have been caused, adding little phrases like ‘the innocence of him’, and finished, ‘You never know what they’ll do next.’
She’d almost needed to be anaesthetised as Carl drove them home.
‘He didn’t mean any harm. He’s only little. None of the grieving family was upset. In fact, I reckon they were delighted with the bit of diversion.’ Carl had chuckled. ‘We’ll have our work cut out with this one all right!’
Francine still didn’t see the funny side. She’d frogmarched Cameron to his room and told him he was on time out. ‘If you ever show me up in public like that again, there’ll be trouble,’ she’d said, her hands shaking and her voice cracking. Francine Hennessy did not produce ‘problem children’. She wasn’t going to stand for it, and if it killed her, she’d stamp out that kind of behaviour before it took hold. She was of the firm belief that any children who were unruly only acted that way if they were allowed to.
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