Francine was rooted to the spot: her son had trashed Jodi Ludlum’s house and was currently being chased up the road by the movie star with her underwear on show. Still, this was a woman who’d done sex scenes with umpteen men in front of hordes of cameramen and God knows who else.
As Francine watched with horror, Jodi caught up with him and Cameron began to flail about like a wild animal.
‘Hey, dude,’ Francine heard her say, ‘I’m not going to hurt you. Let’s just go back to your mum, yeah? It’s okay about the mirror. We can get it fixed. Come back and see your mum, okay?’
As Jodi stepped towards him, he spat at her, narrowly missing her foot. ‘Fuck you!’ he yelled, and bolted towards the school.
Francine witnessed the entire scene in slow motion, then ran towards them. ‘I’m so desperately sorry. I’ll see you tomorrow,’ she called over her shoulder as she hurried after Cameron, leaving a stunned Jodi in her wake. When Tommy Hilfiger had designed her espadrilles he clearly hadn’t taken into account crazy chases down country roads.
She found Cameron in the school grounds perched on a dangerously high branch of a horse chestnut tree, shouting angry taunts at a small group of older children who’d gathered at the foot.
‘Cameron.’ Francine heaved, she was so out of breath. ‘Get back … down here this minute.’
‘No!’ he yelled rudely.
The sky began to spin as Francine squinted up at him. As she leaned against the tree, gasping for breath, she wondered how on earth her entire life had swung so quickly from such a high to this desperate low.
Chapter 7
Saul was devastated. When Jodi got back to the cottage, he was curled in a ball on the sofa, sobbing. ‘Cameron hates me, doesn’t he?’
‘No, sweetheart, he’s just having a bad day. I think he was embarrassed about breaking the mirror so he got angry and upset,’ Jodi explained.
‘Will he still be angry tomorrow?’ Saul looked nervous. ‘He bit Katie this morning and I don’t know why.’
‘Well,’ Jodi said, ‘sometimes children lash out when they’re feeling bad. I’m sure he feels awful after he’s been mean.’
‘I think I’ll play with Peter and Rebecca tomorrow. They don’t bite or kick ever,’ Saul decided.
‘Okay, sweetheart,’ Jodi said. She wanted Saul to enjoy school but her heart broke for poor Cameron. It was only the first week and he seemed to be leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Jodi knew all too well what it was like being a marked child.
As Jodi gazed at Saul, worrying about whether or not Cameron would be his friend the following day, she was overcome with a wave of protective love.
‘Saul,’ she clasped his little hands in her own, ‘no matter what happens, you’re going to have lots of friends in school. Today’s play date wasn’t brilliant but the next one will be better, I promise.’
The next morning Mr Matthews greeted them cheerfully. ‘Would you like to go over to the easel and do a painting, Saul?’ he asked.
‘Can I bring my picture home to Mum later?’
‘Of course you can. Let’s get started.’
Jodi watched for a moment, wanting to make sure Saul was happy.
‘Everything all right?’ Mr Matthews asked.
‘Yes and no,’ Jodi found herself admitting in a whisper. ‘We had a play date yesterday. Saul’s first ever. It was an unmitigated disaster and I’m a bit anxious he’s going to struggle here today.’
‘He’s a good kid. I wouldn’t worry about him. He’s really outgoing and well able to hold his own.’
‘Good,’ Jodi said.
‘I’ll keep an eye on him for you and let you know how he got on at home time.’
‘I’d appreciate that,’ Jodi sighed. ‘I expect I’m worrying needlessly. It’s probably me rather than him having trouble settling in here.’
‘I know the feeling,’ said Mr Matthews. ‘I felt like a real fish out of water when I arrived a few weeks ago. I didn’t even leave my apartment for the first six days!’ He grinned. ‘But I ventured to the pub one evening and was astonished by how friendly the locals are. Give it a chance and I’d say you’ll love it around here too.’
‘Thanks,’ Jodi said.
Mr Matthews smiled and Jodi felt her cheeks heating.
In the corridor, she sidestepped the women gathered there and hurried out of the building. She wasn’t sure if Francine had been waiting in the bushes or simply skulking out of sight of the other parents, but the woman pounced as she neared the front gate.
‘Francine, what on earth are you doing?’
‘I need a word. Can you come and sit in my car for a minute, please?’
‘Sure. What’s up?’
‘I have to chat to you about yesterday.’ Francine was looking ten years older. ‘I can’t begin to tell you how dreadful I feel about the whole drama.’
‘Don’t worry, Francine. Kids will be kids,’ Jodi said calmly. ‘Starting school is a massive step for them and I’m sure Cameron’ll settle down soon.’
‘I wish it was just that, but I’m terrified it’s more,’ Francine said. ‘All I’ve done over the last twelve hours is cry. Carl tried to tell me I’m over-analysing the whole thing and it’ll all blow over but I’m not so sure.’
‘I see,’ Jodi said, although she didn’t really.
‘The signs have been there, but I’ve chosen not to take any heed,’ she continued. ‘I’ve been hoping against hope that it’s a phase or even that he was coming down with chicken pox or a virus …’
‘Maybe he is,’ Jodi ventured.
‘Honestly, I don’t think so.’ Fresh tears threatened, and Francine ducked to root in her bag for a tissue.
‘Do you want to come to my house and have a coffee?’ Jodi offered. ‘I’m probably not the best agony aunt you’ll ever meet, but I can listen if that’s any good.’
‘If it’s all the same to you, can we go to mine?’
‘Was my coffee that bad?’ Jodi smiled.
‘Worse.’ Francine managed a watery smile.
‘At least you’re honest.’
‘Eh, Jodi …’ Francine took a deep breath.
‘Yes?’
‘Please may I ask you to keep all this conversation under your hat?’
‘I’m the queen of keeping secrets,’ Jodi assured her. ‘I wouldn’t dream of discussing your private business with anyone else. Besides, I don’t really know anyone else around here.’
‘Thank you.’ Francine heaved a deep sigh of relief.
They drove through the village and out the other side, then turned into a small cul-de-sac with a stone plinth marked ‘Verbena Drive’.
‘This is lovely,’ Jodi said politely. Twenty years ago this would’ve been all her dreams incarnate: a small, intimate, community-based development with large but not imposing houses. But years of living out of a suitcase with nowhere to call home had left Jodi longing for a house like no other, in an area where hustle and bustle took a back seat.
‘Welcome, and please come in,’ Francine said proudly.
‘How long have you lived here?’ Jodi peered inside tentatively.
‘Just over four years.’ Francine led the way to the kitchen.
The house was large, with higher than average ceilings, marble flooring, chandeliers and sweeping curtains held back by thick silk ropes with tassels.
The kitchen was spotless.
‘Did you actually feed four kids and two adults in here less than an hour ago?’ Jodi asked, astonished. ‘Saul poured Coco Pops all over my kitchen earlier and I made a cup of my brew and the place is like a war zone!’
‘We had pancakes this morning,’ Francine said. ‘I’m a firm believer in cleaning up as I go along. I run a tight ship, as Carl says.’ She smiled. ‘It was essential. I’ve had to juggle my time for many years.’
Jodi perched on a shiny high stool and within moments Francine had produced freshly brewed coffee complete with frothy milk and a home-baked cake. The pale fudge-colour
ed icing looked achingly sweet yet delicious.
As Jodi took a mouthful, her eyes rolled in delight. ‘OMG! This is to die for! Please tell me you had it delivered or catered!’
‘Not on your life. I pride myself on my baking. And that Aga you have in your house is crying out to be used to its full potential,’ Francine told her.
‘And the coffee is yum. I never normally drink it because it’s bad for my skin and all that yadda-yadda – but this is worth the wrinkles.’
Francine beamed, feeling vaguely absolved of Cameron’s appalling behaviour. ‘About Cameron yesterday … None of my other children ever acted like that,’ she began, as she sat on a stool opposite Jodi. ‘He’s a law unto himself. It’s like he goes into a place where I can’t reach him. I’m terrified he’s going to become a serious problem.’
‘How long has it been happening?’ Jodi said, trying not to stuff cake into her mouth. ‘Sorry, but this is so delicious I can’t get enough of it!’
‘I’m ashamed to say it’s probably been going on a long time,’ Francine said. ‘I rang Annie last night. She’s our childminder.’ Jodi nodded again. ‘It turns out she’s been having a total nightmare with Cameron for ages.’
‘Why didn’t she tell you?’ Jodi asked.
Francine dropped her head into her hands and began to sob. ‘She said she’d tried to but I wouldn’t listen. I feel so ashamed. I was so caught up in my job, the house, the cooking, Carl, the other children …’ She looked utterly miserable as she gazed at Jodi. ‘I was busy being perfect and didn’t notice my son was running wild.’
‘Don’t be too hard on yourself. Stuff like this happens. You’re aware of it now so you can deal with it, right?’
‘I suppose,’ Francine said.
‘I’m sure his antics are normal for a small kid, no?’
‘No.’ Francine’s voice was barely above a whisper. ‘I think it’s more than that. His anger and frustration aren’t normal. He becomes violent at the flick of a switch and flies off the handle. He’s very sorry and totally wrung out at the end of it, but it’s just not good enough.’
Jodi saw real pain in Francine’s face.
‘I’m terrified he’s not going to behave at school and we’ll be asked to take him out. He’s been there just two days and he’s already causing havoc.’
‘Can’t you take him to a child psychologist or something?’ Jodi asked.
‘I know all you movie stars think shrinks are the norm, but here in Bakers Valley that sort of thing is still taboo. I wouldn’t even know where to start looking for one.’
‘I’m sure the school would be able to advise you better than I can,’ Jodi said. ‘It might be that he needs some help with social skills or something quite simple.’
‘Oh, good Lord, no! I wouldn’t ever tell the school how I feel. Imagine if it got out to the other committee members that I have a child who requires medical intervention!’ Francine looked stricken.
‘But surely it’s more important that Cameron gets the attention he needs.’ Jodi was perplexed.
‘Jodi, I pride myself on being an upstanding pillar of the village community. Being looked up to and admired is what makes me tick,’ Francine said, dropping her eyes. ‘If my friends thought I was falling apart at the seams I’d die of shame.’
‘But if they’re really your friends, surely they’ll understand and want to support you,’ Jodi said gently.
‘Yes …’ Francine hesitated ‘… there is that, but there’s always a boundary within friendships. We all need to keep up our guard to some extent. That’s the unwritten law of dynamics, isn’t it?’
Jodi had always assumed that falseness only existed in her work circle. Actors were renowned for being fickle and cutthroat. That was a given. But part of the reason Jodi had moved herself and Saul to Bakers Valley was to escape that world of pretence. She’d been desperate to raise her son in a more ‘real’ environment in which people still lived by old-fashioned values, accepted and supported one another. Surely the whole world wasn’t playing make-believe.
Jodi spent the entire morning in Francine’s kitchen. For the first time in her life, another woman was taking her into her confidence.
Francine talked about her love for Carl and how she’d been so mindful in planning each step of their lives. ‘Now I can’t help feeling I’ve failed,’ she concluded. ‘Look at me! I’m a sobbing mess.’
‘You haven’t failed, Francine,’ Jodi said. ‘The only fault I can find in all of this is that you’re too hard on yourself. You’re a good person and a great mother. I’m sure everything will work out for the best.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘Look at the time! We’d better get back to collect the boys.’
‘I feel like I just wore the ear off you and moaned. Next time I’ll try to be a little less suicidal!’
‘I really enjoyed the chat. It’s lovely to spend a morning talking about real stuff. In my job it’s either filming or interviews, which may sound very glam but it’s actually exhausting. I’m delighted you felt you could talk to me.’
At the school a short time later, Francine got out of her car and waved at the group of mothers. Her confidence had returned. She turned to Jodi and asked her again not to tell anyone about their conversation.
‘Mum’s the word.’ Jodi smiled.
Francine linked her arm and walked her to the school door.
‘Hello, you two,’ Jane said, as they approached, unable to hide her envy that Francine had obviously spent the morning with Jodi Ludlum.
‘Hi, everyone. How was your morning? Jodi and I were so naughty – we had all sorts to do and ended up in my kitchen gossiping, didn’t we?’ Francine said.
‘Yeah,’ Jodi said. She had no problem with Francine wanting to keep their conversation under wraps, but the pretence was a little too Hollywood for her comfort.
‘No doubt I’ll spend the rest of the day chasing my tail but sometimes we all need a good old natter!’ Francine flicked her hair, took a deep breath and strutted towards the classroom door to collect her son.
Jodi had to admit she was stumped. Francine was wasted in Bakers Valley. She should be phoning Noelle on the spot and telling her there was an actress of epic talent just waiting to be discovered.
‘Muuuum!’ Saul shouted, charging over to her.
‘Hey, monster, how was school?’
‘Sooo fun!’ Saul said, hugging her. ‘Me and Max made a T. Rex from Play-Doh. He has big teeth and everything!’
‘Cool!’
‘Can Max come tomorrow for a play date? His mum is over there in the red jacket,’ Saul begged. ‘He’s really gentle and I know he won’t smash my stuff. Please, Mum? Pleeease.’
Jodi glanced around her, hoping Francine hadn’t heard what Saul had said.
‘Give me a minute.’ She steeled herself to approach the tall blonde who was talking to another glamorous woman. Jodi was astounded by the mothers’ style. From perfect hair and makeup to up-to-the-minute fashions, the school car park posed as much pressure for her as a red carpet. Her idea of spending her time in Ireland free of makeup and dressed in tracksuits was fading fast. Being a full-time mother wasn’t as relaxed as she’d thought. It went far beyond raising a child: it was a whole new world she knew nothing about. As she came up to the small huddle of chatting mothers, she inhaled the waft of delicate fragrance and took in their beautifully manicured hands.
‘Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but is one of you Max’s mum?’ she enquired politely.
‘I am. Beatrice Williams, pleased to meet you, Jodi Ludlum.’ She smiled. ‘I’m a huge fan and beyond delighted you’ve joined the school. Nothing like a movie star to shake us all up – in a good way!’ she joked.
‘Thank you.’ Jodi blushed.
‘I hope Max isn’t causing your little fella any grief?’
‘No, the opposite. Saul would love Max to come and play, if you were open to that?’
‘I’m sure he’d love to. The only snag is that I’m back to work tomorrow.
I can only afford to take the first few days of term off. Once I know he and his older sister are settled, the childminder takes over and it’s business as usual,’ Beatrice explained. ‘I run the pharmacy in the town and I have to ask an agency guy to come in and cover for me, which is a bit of a juggle.’
‘I can pick up Max and bring him home, if you like?’
‘That’d be super. Thank you,’ said Beatrice.
As Jodi and Saul walked home and Saul chattered about the friends he was making, she knew with certainty that she’d made the right decision, despite the misgivings she’d had. Ireland was her original home, after all. And Saul was thriving in Bakers Valley.
When Jodi opened the front door, a trickle of sudsy water crept towards her feet. ‘Oh, cripes! Where’s that coming from?’ Jodi screeched, as the landline began to ring.
Saul ran to answer it. ‘Daddy! … I found another friend today and he’s called Max. He doesn’t bite or anything!’
As Saul talked to Darius, Jodi ran into the kitchen. The water seemed to be coming from the big corrugated pipe at the rear of the washing machine. Puzzled, she went outside to the small boiler house. From the corner of her eye, she saw Sebastian’s combine harvester making its way down the field. As he drew closer, Jodi ran to the fence and waved her arms to attract his attention. Thankfully, he pulled up and jumped down.
‘Sebastian!’ she said. ‘I’ve a bit of a disaster on my hands. There seems to be a leak but I can’t figure out where it’s coming from.’
Sebastian went inside the boiler house to investigate. ‘So you’re not from around here then?’ he said, as he pulled at tubes and pipes.
‘Well, I was born in Dublin.’
‘You don’t sound like a Dub.’
‘I left Ireland in my teens,’ she replied, suddenly conscious of her accent, which she hadn’t been for a very long time. Not since the day she’d realised her strong Dublin brogue was hindering her career.
‘I used to talk like dat,’ Jodi said now, flicking into the accent she’d been taught not to use.
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