by Emily Hudson
The date for Livvy’s party had fast approached and Marcus and I had returned to Sardinia with our “plus one”. Gemma unfortunately turned out to be next to useless; I could tolerate her lack of knowledge but the girl didn’t have a proactive bone in her body or, it appeared, an ounce of common sense.
I was going out of my mind as the guests were arriving and problems were cropping up left, right and centre; I was beyond irritated, this was a straightforward party for goodness sake. I could perhaps put some issues down to language barriers but, oh my, was I really going to have to do everything? Yes, was the answer. First there was an error with the place settings, the vegans being confused with vegetarians. I’d rather have been sipping champagne than sifting through ingredient labels to find out if the choices a guest had made for dinner would be potentially life threatening as he had forgotten to declare a soy allergy. Instead, I found myself behind the scenes continuing to iron out problem after problem. At least I managed to get everyone in the right place ready for the big surprise. Marcus had been nothing but understanding, as I left him to circulate; at the end of the day he wanted the event to go ahead without any hitches as much as I did.
I’d just finished lighting the last of the candles and I stopped for a moment to take a deep breath, pinching the bridge of my nose. I was contemplating ringing Gemma’s useless neck. When I felt two arms reach around my waist.
‘Has anyone told you how beautiful you look tonight?’
Just that touch, those words, surprisingly, he had a way of releasing all my tension. This wasn’t the way it was meant to be, I was supposed to be at his side. I’d apologised for not being there to see Livvy’s reaction but I really was trying to save this event from being an unmitigated disaster. Despite wanting to introduce me to his sister, he remained incredibly patient.
‘You do what you have to, just promise me, you’ll save me a dance.’
‘Of course.’ I said planting a kiss on his lips.
Tonight, was meant to be special for more than one reason. Not only would he no longer be my client after the stroke of midnight but I had news, big news I’d been putting off and telling him until tonight. Tonight will be special. It turned out there had been one very big reason why I’d been so emotional and tired. I’d trawled the internet, discounting chronic fatigue syndrome and other more far fetched diagnoses when it dawned on me that I hadn’t bought any tampons recently. When was the last time? How long? I picked up one of the 99.9% idiot proof pregnancy tests, rushed back to Kitty’s convincing myself I was just ruling it out as a possibility but as the three minutes ticked by, I’d decided it wouldn’t be a bad thing if I was. Counting down the seconds I picked up the contraption. 4-6 weeks pregnant. There was no denying it; I looked back at the packaging, 99.9% accurate.
Annoyed I’d missed dinner and dying for the loo, my frustration took hold. Mustering my inner “Carole” I gave Gemma an ultimatum, pull her socks up or consider herself out of a job. Thankfully the cloakroom was empty and toilet free. Relieved I’d picked the right moment as moments later I heard someone outside testing the door. Finishing up I made my out, to see two women in front of the cloakroom mirror. One of which was all too familiar. Tall, raven hair, legs a mile long, the exact same person I’d seen with her arm around Marcus. Tonight however, her eyes were bloodshot, she’d obviously been crying. ‘How can I tell Marcus I’m pregnant.’ she sobbed.
I gasped, having walked out at precisely the wrong moment.
‘It’s the last thing he’s going to want to hear.’ She continued. I pretended to mind my own business. ‘I’m sorry you had to hear all that.’ She said directing her attention to me.’ I pursed my lips neither denying or confirming. ‘What would you do?’
Oh my good God, was this really happening? Why the hell would she want my advice? I gave the only advice I could, an honest one. ‘If he loves you, he’ll be there for you and your child.’ My words seemed to boost her confidence.
‘Yes you’re right, thank you.’ She said instantly wiping away her tears. ‘Its Lucy isn’t it?’
I nodded, ‘I’m sorry.’ I said as the sadness filled my heart. ‘I’ve just got to check on my colleague.’
I couldn’t get away from the awkwardness of the situation quick enough but at the same time I wanted to retreat back into the toilet and hurl my guts up. In that split second my world, my future, had just been destroyed. I had to get away, had to think.
True to my word I did check on my colleague and told her it was her time to shine. Acting quickly on my feet I told her there was a problem on the mainland with one of the hotels. I picked up my bag and left.
Chapter Seventeen
I knew she wouldn’t be able to resist. From the moment we arrived Lucy has been flitting around like a blue arsed fly; she’s obsessed, ensuring everything is perfect. I swear she’ll do herself in if she carries on like this. I’m not sure if she approaches all events like this or whether she is striving for perfection because its for me, for my sister. I’m certainly questioning why the hell she actually brought her colleague, Gemma, who turns out to be hopeless. Lucy has pigeonholed all the waiting staff and appears to be debriefing with Frank on side translating. Apart from not having time with Lucy, everything is going to plan. Livvy’s flight is due to land within the hour, so while I wait there is only one thing to do, watch my angel at work. I duck and dive a couple of Livvy’s overly attentive giggly friends, who don’t seem to understand I’m not the eligible bachelor anymore. Surprisingly its not hard to make myself unavailable as opposed to my usual entertaining self. Finding a safe alcove I continue to watch her, I mean really look at her, she is in her element, she looks stunning and I don’t think I even told her that today. As if she can sense my attention she turns to my direction, a coy smile on her lips as she finds my focus immediately. Returning her smile, I point down to my watch, indicating I’ll be off to get Livvy soon. She indicates to her audience that she’ll return in one minute and strides over to me.
‘Drive safely.’ she says throwing her arms around me.
‘I’ll be back before you know it. You’ve done so well to pull this all together, everything looks great, but you, you look absolutely stunning. I’m the envy of every guy here.’ She blushes but laughs it off.
‘Well you see that lot over there,’ she said nodding toward a gaggle of girls watching our intimate moment. ‘I think they’re sharpening their claws and they’re ready to scratch my eyes out.’
Well in that case, lets give them a real show. Lifting her up and over my shoulder I carried her caveman style out towards the front door.
‘Agh! Put me down, Marcus, there’s not the time for this.’
Escaping through the door I put her down outside and placing her back against the cold stone wall. ‘I’ve been watching you all evening. I’ve been thinking about taking you in every single room in this house. Can you feel what you are doing to me.’
She was breathless, complete putty as I pressed up against her. But I did promise and I was a man of my word. Stepping back, I adjusted her dress from my manhandling. ‘I’m sure no-one is in any doubt who I have eyes for.’ I said with a twinkling of cheek, blowing her a kiss, ‘I’ll be back soon sweetheart.’ I said before I turned to jog down to the jetty.
Livvy was on a par with an excitable puppy when I collected her. The minute the automatic doors to arrivals opened, she was in my arms. I swear she didn’t stop talking from the moment we got into the car to departing the launch. Enthusing about this that and the other thing, I lost track after how wonderful it was that we would be together to share her birthday. Little did she know that her friends were also lying in wait. Tearing up the hill, I dutifully followed with her bags. Frank had been the lookout and as planned, ‘Buona sera Bella, Happy Birthday,’ he greeted, swinging her around. ‘All grown up now bambino. How does it feel?’ She didn’t answer, instead she was looking off to the shore. ‘Hey isn’t that The Hamilton’s boat?’ Shit! Quick, think quickly.
; ‘Yes it is, they’re visiting the island and asked to moor up.’
That’s feasible and apparently completely believable. Hook line and sinker!
Livvy, phone in hand had already engaged her fingers. ‘I’ll text Lotte and see if she wants to meet up tomorrow, oh this weekend gets better and better.’
Phew! ‘That’s a great idea,’ I bluffed.
With Livvy’s thumbs going ten to the dozen, Frank caught my eye with a wink. We’re good to go. Good God! I can't wait for this to be over, I don’t know how Lucy does it, it’s too stressful. I consciously exhaled as Frank opened the large wooden front door. There was no-one out of place, the hall was empty and the house was silent.
‘Why don’t you dump your stuff here and I’ll fix you a drink.’ My attempt to get her where she needed to be.
‘Sounds great, you know, I really fancy a lemon granita.’ I looked over to Frank, could we do that?
‘Your wish is my command birthday girl.’ he simply added.
With my hand on the door handle I slowly opened the drawing room door, allowing her to enter first. ‘SURPRISE!’ came the cacophony of voices. Livvy as predicted went into a shrill exaggerated shriek. ‘You!’ she said hugging me still jumping up and down before moving her assault onto Frank. Scanning the room of faces I couldn’t see Lucy anywhere, I was desperate to make the introductions. I wasn’t worried but it was incredibly important to me that the most important women in my life got off on the right foot. With still no Lucy in sight I managed to corner her assistant.
‘Gemma, have you seen Lucy.’ The poor girl nearly jumped out of her skin.
‘She’s out the back trying to sort out the place settings, apparently the caterers had mixed up the vegans from the vegetarians and we hadn’t been notified about a guest with a soy allergy. She’s told me to hold the fort in here, too many cooks spoiling the broth and all that. I wouldn’t go out there if I were you. She might be wielding a knife by now.’
I laughed, my angel was certainly a perfectionist I dread to think what she would do if provoked, perhaps I better check just in case.
Sadly, I never got the chance, I’d planned to rescue/kidnap her back to the party but I was collared by a couple of Livvy’s college friends. When I finally managed to catch up with her, she’d finished lighting the final candles outside. She was in a world of her own as she surveyed everything, sneaking up behind her I put my arms around her waist, feeling her instantly relax after the initial shock. ‘Has anyone told you how beautiful you look?’ Turning her head to look at me, I asked. ‘Do you think Cinderella can come to the ball now?’ She nodded, looked back at the gardens, it was spectacular. ‘You’ve done so well.’ It was honest praise.
‘Thank you, but I can’t take most of the credit, this place is so beautiful. Hey I’m sorry I wasn’t there for the surprise; was she suitably shocked?’ Suitably shocked was an understatement.
‘I’m surprised you didn’t hear her scream.’ She seemed genuinely relieved and a little tired. ‘I promise when this is all over I’m going to put all my energy into relaxing you, in the meanwhile, come, let me introduce you.’ Why is it when I want to find someone I can find everyone but. Having scoured the ground floor we couldn’t find Livvy anywhere.
‘Camille, have you seen my sister?’ In a heavily French accented English my sister's flatmate explained she couldn’t possibly wear the same clothes she travelled in to her own party.
‘Of course not, sacrebleu!’ I joked raising my eyebrows. Oh hell, what now! I thought as I saw Gemma making her way through, looking like a rabbit caught in headlights. Rushing up to us, ‘Can I borrow you a sec?’ Luce turned to me apologetically. ‘I know, you go; just promise me you’ll save a dance for me.’ I knew I had to let her go, not that I was happy about it, it was turning out to be a very lonely evening, making my way to the bar, I ensured a very large measure came my way.
Whatever the problem was it hadn’t resolved itself by the time it came to dinner. I stared at the empty place setting beside me and tried to focus on conversations shooting across our table, I dread to think how I came across, barely civil I imagine. By the end of the first course Livvy and Camille were having some hushed heart to heart between them that resulted in Livvy jumping up. ‘I don't want to think about it right now.’ she said rushing off. Only to return for the second course on cloud nine. I’ll never understand women. It was getting later and later, I’d given up being sociable and searched the grounds, Luce was no where in sight. Seeing Frank walking back up the path, I shouted out. ‘Have you seen Luce?’
He nodded, ‘She’s had to go to the mainland, some problem with one of the hotels.’ Sensing my disappointment, Frank turned me round with his manly arm around me. ‘Lets get you a drink.’
That drink turned into many, eventually even Frank left as I nursed yet another bottle of beer. ‘Bring Lucy back.’ I pathetically slurred as he left to shuttle the guests back to the mainland. ‘She’sss not answering her phone.’ Bored and increasingly inebriated, I must have made ten calls or more drunkenly telling her that I knew she had a job to do but I was missing her. There was the slight possibility in one I fired her and when the stroke of midnight came I told her I was no longer her client anymore and followed on by detailing exactly what I wanted to do to her but was rudely interrupted by a beep. My time was up, her answer machine, full.
The final straw came when Gemma told me everything was cleared and she was off too. ‘Where the hell is she?’ I bellowed. My calls resumed to the hotels, no-one had seen or heard from her. Sobering up quickly, I was frantic.
With the sunrise, there was still no sign of her. Frank had spent the night trying to reassure me but now, even he looked worried. ‘What if she has had an accident?’ I voiced the thought that had been whirling around in my head for hours.
‘I’ve checked with the hospital, nothing.’ Frank had obviously had the same thoughts. ‘If she’d had an accident, we’d have heard by now, I’m sure. His words were little comfort as my mind pictured all kinds of horrendous scenarios.
Still no word by seven, I only knew one other person that Lucy might have been in contact with.
‘What the hell Marcus, its just gone six, what’s the matter mate?’
‘I can’t find Luce.’ With the desperation sounding in my voice I didn’t expect his laughter.
‘Not you too.’ Then I remembered the incident in New York when Luce helped him find Alicia.
‘This is not fucking funny, she went across to the mainland last night and hasn’t been seen since. The police won’t do anything. I’m going out of my fucking mind here.’ Ethan’s tune changed quickly, if anyone knew what I was going through it was him. ‘Just let me wake Licia.’ I heard what sounded like a very grumpy Alicia being woken, when Ethan came back on the line, he explained that they’d just checked her phone and she’d not heard a thing.
‘Tell him her phone is not even taking messages.’
Alicia shouted in the background. ‘It’s alright, she’s going to phone Lucy’s parents, see if they know anything. We’ll keep you posted.’ Thinking I could be causing a whole lot of alarm over nothing I added.
‘Tell her not to unnecessarily worry them, she was exhausted last night, I’m hoping she’s just fallen asleep somewhere and will be back in a few hours.’
Chapter Eighteen
‘Well you look like shit!’ Livvy’s eloquent greeting as she joined me at the table clutching a coffee. I sighed, still wearing last night’s clothes, she wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know. Running my hand through my hair, wanting to tear it out, to feel something other than this numb feeling of limbo.
‘I can’t find Lucy.’ I said moving my fingers to my forehead and eyes in some vain attempt to ease my tension.
‘She was fine when I saw her.’ She said with a twitch of her shoulders.
‘When did you see her? Where was she?’ I practically jumped out of my chair, last I knew I’d failed to introduce them.
&
nbsp; ‘Whoa! Slow down, honestly she was fine, she was coming out of the toilet last night. Which reminds me I need to tell you something.’
I saw red, what the hell now? ‘Really Livvy, I haven't got time for you and your little problems, what is it?’ No doubt it had something to do with whatever petty little thing her and Camille argued about at dinner? ‘I’ve got bigger things going on here!’ I stated not banking on her reaction.
‘Well fuck you too!’ She said loudly, practically throwing her chair backwards as she got up, storming off up to the house.
‘Its just timing Livvy, fucking timing!’ I shouted after her. I love my sister to pieces but she can be so self absorbed at times; I’d give her the sun, the moon and earth normally, but just not right now. To my surprise she came marching back down towards me.
‘No you’re right, it is bad timing, but there is never going to be the right time.’ Drawing breath, she blurted out two words with the power to stun me, quicker than a taser.
‘I’m pregnant!’ She shrieked. My eyes wide, hers like daggers, I stood motionless, watching as she turned and scurried away.
I sat, elbows propping myself up in utter shock. Classic Livvy. BOOM! Then get the hell away from the fallout. Well, I wasn’t ready to run after her like I always did. No doubt she was probably cursing my existence as she jogged back to the house, obviously and probably quite rightly upset.
Livvy of all people would know I needed the time to process this. Racking my brain I couldn’t remember Livvy mentioning anyone special, I suppose in my eyes she would always be my little sister, the thought of her with someone, anyone…no stop right there! Need to erase that image from my head. Whoever it is, I’ll make sure they face up to their responsibilities. Feeling my blood pressure rising further as I wound myself up, I took a walk down the path to the sea. Aimlessly I started throwing pebbles into the sea. I was lost.