by Brenna Darcy
“Mum says that too.”
“You’ve got a smart Mum. I’m happy because that is the best pirate ship picture anyone has ever given me. Every time I open my fridge it’ll remind me of you.” Flic gave him a hug before joining Dave and Lacey in the lounge room.
“I didn’t know what to get you, so I bought a few things you might like, but not for the house.” Dave slid a large flat box out from under the couch.
Flic frowned. “You shouldn’t have bought me anything, this is all too much.”
“Not at all, just open it.”
Pulling the gold ribbon from the box Flic lifted the lid. Inside were three separately wrapped gifts. “Do you want me to unwrap them in any particular order?”
Dave pointed. “That one first.”
Flic tore the tissue paper to reveal a black leather box, inside a beautiful silver pacer style pencil and lead refills. “Oh Dave, it’s beautiful, thank you.”
“Now open the big one, they go together.”
Flic tore at the paper, curious, too big to be a notebook. Another box. Lifting the lid folding away more tissue paper she found a soft leather compendium. “This is too much Dave, I can’t accept it.”
“Of course you can, now the last one.”
Their generosity embarrassed her. They’d done so much for her already. She didn’t deserve the fuss they were making over her, especially Dave who she hadn’t trusted enough to confide in. Guilt oozed over her like a growing disease.
Tearing the paper from the final gift, Flic opened yet another box. This one contained a key, attached to a sparkly key ring. “A spare key to the cottage?” she guessed.
Dave shook his head.
“Please don’t say something corny like it’s the key to my heart.” Lacey fluttered her eyelashes.
Ty roared with laughter.
“No, my house.”
“Oh no, Dave, that’s so forward,” Lacey said, her frown as deep as Dave’s used to be.
Flic laughed. The gift didn’t quite have the same effect with Lacey’s comment and look of disgust attached to it, but she thanked Dave with a quick peck on the mouth, which earned a groan from Ty.
Lacey and Dave prepared a beautiful lunch, which they ate outside by the pool, and finished off by a cake decorated by Ty.
Relaxed and enjoying good company, Flic relished being outdoors in the afternoon sun. It was the most content she’d been since she’d arrived in town.
She was beginning to believe she might find happiness again, despite missing Ellie every day.
Chapter Eleven
BESIDES THE FIRST MORNING she walked into Mim’s, she never had to decide what to wear. The tedious black trousers and white t-shirt, her uniform, became as automatic as brushing her hair. Customer attire varied, tourists more casual than locals, who seemed to like an excuse to dress up.
The evenings were beginning to cool off as soon as the sun disappeared. Flic chose an outfit somewhere in between local and tourist. It was their first date, but still she didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard. Fitted skinny jeans, a black strapless top teamed with black strappy stilettos. Taking extra care with her makeup, she finished off with a smear of red lipstick. Leaving her hair to fall in soft curls down her back was a change from the way she wore it whilst she was working.
Dave turned up at six thirty with a bunch of red tulips, arranged to stand in a white box. “Wow, you look too good to take out.”
“Thanks, you look pretty good yourself.” Flic gave him a peck on the mouth, not wanting to leave red smudges on his face.
“You did say tulips, right?”
“Yes, I love them. Thank you.” Flic placed the box in the centre of the kitchen table.
“Shall we go?”
She nodded. “I don’t know why I feel so nervous.”
“Maybe because Monday nights are packed with locals and they’ll be gossiping about us from the moment we walk through the door.”
She laughed. “The women in meditation class have been since that first week.”
“I love those ladies, they’re great aren’t they.”
Flic grabbed her jacket and purse as they left.
Conversation flowed easily, and never broached forbidden topics of the past. Flic relaxed. Openly steering the focus to him and his childhood, and how he came to write novels for a career. She could listen to his stories all night.
Half way through their meal, Rachel interrupted. “Sorry Flic, but the guy at the front desk keeps asking for you. I think he’s drunk because he won’t take a hint and leave.”
Peering around Rachel, her heart began to race—Jason.
“I have to get out of here, Rachel can you distract him. Dave, we have to go.” Dread gurgled from deep within, coming to life and spewing out in unmanageable sizes until she began to shake. That bastard Ross must’ve recognised her and opened his big mouth to Jason. Why of all nights did he show up when she planned to explain everything to Dave, once they got home?
“Flic, what’s going on?” The concern in Dave’s tone reflected the panic undoubtedly evident on her face.
Jason turned as Flic tried to duck behind Rachel, but was too late.
“There you are, Flic baby,” he said, loud enough to get the attention of those sitting at surrounding tables. “Don’t you look pretty, all tarted up? Ross said you were waitressing, he didn’t tell me you were escorting as well.”
Flic cringed, and Rachel walked toward the kitchen.
“I don’t know who you are, mate, but I suggest you leave right now.”
Jason acknowledged Dave for the first time, sized him up, then ignored him again. “Did you look in the mirror tonight before coming out, you look like a slut sucked into that teenage clothing you insist on wearing. Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
Dave stood up. “Perhaps you didn’t hear me the first time, mate.” Dave was right up in Jason’s face.
“I will talk to my wife, the mother of my child, however the fuck I like, mate.” Jason pushed Dave hard in the chest.
“You’re married?”
“No, I’m separated.”
“Separated huh? She didn’t tell you about me, or our little girl? Why’d you leave Flic, not pregnant again are you?”
“You have a kid with this asshole.”
“Had, I was going to tell you tonight, but not like this.”
Coming out from the kitchen, Mim rushed to Flic’s side. Tim followed. “Dave, this isn’t the time, or the place, take Flic home and talk to her.”
“You mind your own business.” Jason pointed at Mim. “Get up Flic, I’m taking you home where you belong.”
Flic didn’t move. She hoped Dave wouldn’t believe his lies.
“I’ve heard enough, this is bull shit.” Dave turned and left.
“Too bad Flic. It would never have worked out for you anyway because you’re already married—to me, remember.”
“How could she forget you bastard, now get out of my restaurant before I have you arrested for disturbing the peace.”
Jason turned back to Mim, the look of fury in his eye, and he gritted his teeth. His face reddened. Fists clenched, he lifted his hand to strike her. Flic, predicting his next move, stood. His fist connected with the side of her face and sent her sprawling to the floor.
“Oh shit, Flic, what’d you do that for?”
“Get out,” Mim roared at him.
He hesitated a moment before storming out, hurling abuse all the way.
Tim and Rachel helped Flic to sit.
Mim handled the crowd. “I’m so sorry he disturbed your meal,” Mim said loud enough to be heard over the chatter. “Rachel will take orders, please have a drink on the house.” Mim took over from Rachel. Flic’s cheek throbbed, her head spun as her meal threatened to present itself again. Sucking in deep breaths she managed to prevent further humiliation.
“Let’s take her to my office. I’ll phone Lacey, she can come get her.”
“No please don’t I
’m fine. I just need some fresh air,” Flic begged.
Mim looked at Tim for support.
“Don’t look at me, if the lady needs air, she needs air. He won’t be coming back.”
“Do you think you can manage here without me for about fifteen minutes?”
“Of course.”
“Come on, I’ll take you home.”
Flic didn’t argue, there was no way she could walk all the way back to Dave’s in heels so high, especially with her head spinning so fast.
She was already embarrassed for creating a scene, but to drag Mim away from the restaurant because Dave had left her, was beyond humiliating. To drag Lacey into the mess would only make matters worse. Ty would be in bed, asleep already, and the last thing Lacey needed was to deal with her and Dave’s relationship issues. The regularity of their disagreements proved Jason was right about one thing, it would never work out between them.
So much for living under the radar, going unnoticed by anyone. Her plan to start over and lead a quiet life was no longer possible. The bruise she could feel forming was a reminder that no matter how much distance she tried to put between her past and her present, she would never escape it.
“You shouldn’t have stood up, but thank you for trying to protect me,” Mim said on the drive back to Dave’s. “I’m really disappointed in Dave and wish it was his head that hit connected with, he could do with having some sense knocked back into him.”
“It’s not his fault, I should have told him.”
“Maybe, but he knew you were running from something. Even if he was shocked he should have known better than to leave you stranded with that lunatic attacking you.”
Flic sighed. She was already disappointed in Dave without Mim adding to it.
Mim cleared her throat. “It’s none of my business,or anything, but what he said about being pregnant, is that possible?”
“Do you honestly think I’d have gotten involved with Dave if that were the case? I’ve had nothing to do with him since the accident.”
Mim nodded. “I was just going to say, if you wanted someone to come with you for a check-up, I would.”
“Thanks, I really appreciate it. Please take the house drinks out of my pay.”
“Thank you, but no.”
Pulling up in front of the cottage, Mim walked up the path with her. A note had been taped to the front door. Mim pulled it off and put it in her pocket. “This won’t be rational.”
“I’d still like to read it. You can’t protect me from him, he’ll tell me when he sees me anyway.”
Mim handed her the note. Opening it, she read: This is your eviction notice. I was a fool. I can’t believe you’d walk out on your own child. You’re a disgrace.
Flic cringed, as if he’d screamed the words at her. She’d been so carefree when she walked out the door earlier. Entering the cottage now was like stepping into a depressive chamber, sucking the joy she’d rekindled and spitting it to the wind. “Thanks for everything Mim, and I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you.”
“Nonsense. Get some rest, and perhaps some ice for your face, although I think you’re too late to prevent the bruising.”
Flic touched her cheek, the throbbed a reminder of the pain that never left her. After saying goodnight, Flic collapsed on her bed. She didn’t bother to change, or wash her face, or even take off her shoes, but slept as she was, on top of the covers.
FLIC DIDN’T GET UP when someone continuously pounded on the front door. Knowing it was Dave’s style, she wasn’t in the mood to deal with him, so ignored it.
She heard the door unlock. That bastard had a spare key. She sat up too fast, her head spun and pain shot through her face like it was splitting in two.
“What is she an escaped prisoner also?” Dave said to someone who didn’t answer.
Who the hell was he bringing inside?
“Wait here and I’ll get her.” Moments later, Dave walked into her room. “Cops are here for you,” he said before looking at her. “What the hell happened to your face?”
“I paid you a month in advance, so screw your eviction notice, and get the hell out of my room.”
“Whatever, but seriously the cops are in the lounge room.”
Flic groaned, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, and tried to stand. Her shoes were still on, and her face hurt.
“Oh, for Christ sake.” Dave walked over, took her shoes off and helped her up. “He hit you?”
“He meant to hit Mim, actually.”
Dave pursed his lips and helped her out to the lounge room and onto the couch. “If you’re going to arrest her, you might want to get her checked out at the hospital first,” Dave said, as he left the cottage.
“Is your friend always so strange?”
“He’s an author,” Flic said as though it made sense of the strange behaviour.
The younger policeman sniggered.
“Mim tells me you’re wearing your husband’s handy work,” he pointed at the bruising she was yet to look at, but the pain indicated it was a shiner.
“Yes, he hits hard too.”
The policeman nodded, but didn’t continue this line of questioning. “Look there’s no easy way to say this, I would have come around sooner, but it took some time to track you down. Last night after Mim’s your husband, Jason?”
Flic nodded, then stopped, holding her hand to her head as though trying to stop it from moving.
“Jason, made a nuisance of himself at the local pub for a few hours before heading home. He had an accident, his car was reported early hours this morning wrapped around a tree.”
Flic, tried to process what he was telling her, but her head was too sore to focus properly. “Did he hurt anyone?” Her first thought was Ellie, but that wasn’t possible, not again.
“No one else was involved, but I’m sorry to tell you that Jason didn’t make it. He died before we arrived.”
Flic’s hand flew to her mouth in shock. She didn’t love Jason anymore, pretty much detested him, but still she didn’t wish him dead despite what she may have said in the past.
“We’re very sorry, Mrs Hanley.”
Flic looked up at him, tears welled in her eyes.
“Is there anyone you’d like us to phone?”
“No that’s fine, thank you.”
“We’ll show ourselves out.”
Flic didn’t know what to feel, or how to react. This whole nightmare kept growing, sucking life away from her.
Too sore and exhausted to process, she headed to the bathroom to clean herself up. She hadn’t felt so bad since before she arrived over a month ago. How her life had changed in such a short time.
Now she was a widow.
“BATT HER EYELIDS AND fool you too did she?” Dave joked as the two police officers walked past him in the garden.
“Look mate, I don’t know what your problem is, but we have just had to deliver some pretty disturbing news. After all she’s been through in the past, a little compassion wouldn’t go astray.”
Dave stopped writing. “What’s the problem?”
“Speak to her about it, but perhaps without the attitude.” They didn’t hang around, but got in their vehicle and left.
He’d be damned if he would ask her to explain. He’d given her ample opportunity. Besides, she wasn’t the sort of woman he wanted in his life. No reason was good enough to support walking out on a child. He didn’t care how much of an arsehole the father was, and even more reason she should’ve stayed to protect her little girl.
THE BATH DIDN’T LEAVE her feeling any better. Looking around, everything suddenly seemed foreign. She needed to go home for a while, visit her Mum and sort out what was left of the life she shared with Jason. The house and their belongings, none of which she wanted, but her problem all the same. She couldn’t dump this on her mother, as she had after Ellie died, it wouldn’t be fair. The funeral was another matter and one she’d leave her mother in charge of, a hypocrite she’d be to even attend
his service. She hadn’t wanted to see him when he was alive, why in death would it be any different.
Pulling a suitcase from under her bed, Flic carried it out to the coffee table and began to pack. She desperately wanted to take the photographs of Ellie, but knew she would be back soon enough. The small photo she carried in her purse would have to suffice.
She didn’t intend to be away for long. As tempted as she was to run again, Lacey and Mim needed her, and besides, she liked being so close to the beach. Even if she had to make alternative living arrangements, she would.
To a certain degree she blamed herself for Dave being confused and angry with her. But, his reaction to remove himself from the situation, and to kick her out without giving her the opportunity to explain her side of the story, was all on him.
A knock at the door pulled her away from packing. A part of her hoped Dave would be standing on the other side, although she dreaded another confrontation. She took her time walking as the dizziness persisted. The tablets she’d taken after her bath didn’t even touch on the pain. Opening the door she was surprised to see Lacey, not Dave, standing on her front step.
“Ouch. You up for a cup of tea?”
“That’d be great. I haven't had one this morning.”
“Mim called me. I’m really sorry, Flic.” She shrugged and stepped inside. “I don’t know what else to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I’d be lying if I said I was heartbroken, but I am sad.”
“Of course you are, at some stage you must have loved him to get married and have his child, but circumstances change, and he was a jerk. I dislike Ty’s dad, doesn't mean I wish him dead.” Lacey hugged her, stroking her hair as a mother would her child.
“Now, you go sit, I’ll bring the tea.” Lacey ushered her out of the kitchen.
Flic sat on the couch and closed her eyes. How had simple hopes turned into such a disaster? Only a year ago she’d thought she was the luckiest woman alive, the contrast was brutal.
“Going somewhere?” Lacey finished making the tea and was standing beside the coffee table, which acted as the stand to her partially packed suitcase.