The Riviera

by Karen Aldous

‘No, me neither,’ Lizzie said, leaning on the worktop and observing her friend.

  Sophie tucked her photos into her bag and chewed on her lip. ‘Look, I know it’s early days, but I was thinking if I do have to go to the States, hopefully it wouldn’t be for long, but I wondered how you’d feel if I enlisted some help. I mean, I wouldn’t want to leave you high and dry and there’s a few really good people I know. I thought I should be prepared, just to keep everything ticking over.’

  ‘Proper little girl scout aren’t you? Fine, yes. If you feel they are up to your standard.’

  ‘Of course. I’m not saying it would come to that but…’

  ‘Go, you’ll be late.’ Lizzie stepped forward and hugged her friend. ‘Sounds exciting. I hope it goes well.’

  ‘Good. I’ll speak to Angus today, just prime him.’

  ‘Angus, a man?’

  Chapter 2

  Cal paced anxiously at the back of the boarding hall sipping yet another coffee. The flight to Boston had been long. What hadn’t gone through his head the last few hours? He was dizzy through lack of sleep but that hour he had dozed off had made him feel even worse. Now he’d been waiting another hour he swore he would lose his mind. He just wanted to see his son. Ensure he was safe. The frustration was his phone had lost power and needed charging. In his panic he’d taken it off charge and forgotten to recharge. Finally, the doors opened and he boarded the next flight to Nantucket. Jack would soon be home from school.

  He let out a sigh of relief as the taxi turned into Main Street and pulled up outside Jack’s home. Kelly and Reuben owned a traditional New England, grey-shingled house fronted by the obligatory white picket fence and, although built only seven years, it blended well with the seventeenth-century properties lining Main Street. The driver edged to the kerb just missing one of numerous elm trees still naked of any buds.

  ‘Thanks,’ he said handing the driver a twenty dollar note.

  Kelly pulled back the door just as he rang the bell. Immediately panic struck him. The girl he once loved was red-eyed and bare of her usual make-up. She heaved deeply before choking out the words.

  ‘Jack hasn’t come home, I don’t know where…’ Her voice broke away as she sobbed.

  Any blood that was left in his cheeks was now sapped right out. Cal swallowed hard, blinking back tears. ‘Kelly, why didn’t you collect him last night?’

  ‘I was alone here with the kids. Reuben was still in New York. He’s on a flight home now. But, Jack often walks or cycles back on his own. It’s just along the road.’

  ‘Christ.’ Cal rubbed his forehead. ‘So where had he been? When was he last seen and where? Have you searched the house, the garage, the garden?’

  ‘Hell, yeah,’ Kelly snapped rubbing her eyes and nose, then standing back she ushered him in. He followed blindly, waiting for her response. His instinct was to run through the house and rip up every piece of pristine furniture and every door and every wardrobe – anywhere he could to check she hadn’t missed something. ‘Have you checked the loft?’

  ‘Yeah, attic, summerhouse. Maria’s been here checking too,’ she said wiping a tissue under her nose. ‘Brett says they were at the harbour last night. He said they began walking back about ten. Brett went straight home. He was sure Jack wasn’t in any trouble. I’d waited, well, I thought, no wait until ten-thirty, but when he still wasn’t in, I rang Maria just after. She and Bob came up and from what I gather Bob has been out all night with some of the others. They took the boat out to scour the coast and beaches. No one has reported a boat missing, so it’s, well, who knows? I rang the police, they are looking.’

  ‘Fuck. I need to put my phone on charge. I need to check my messages and emails.’

  Kelly raced to the kitchen and pulled a plug from a drawer. ‘Here.’ She plugged the USB lead into the power socket as Cal handed it over.

  As soon as Cal powered it up, he checked every text message, every email and Whatsapp. ‘Nothing new, but read this and tell me anything you know,’ he said opening up his email and showing Kelly the message he’d received from Jack.

  She leaned across the work surface and grabbed the phone. ‘Oh my God, I can’t imagine…’

  ‘Has he argued with you or Reuben?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Any girls he’s got mixed up with?’

  ‘Not that I know of.’

  ‘Has he mentioned anyone bullying him at school?’

  ‘No. No, nothing.’

  ‘Homework, exams, sports?’

  ‘If I knew what was bothering him, I’d say. You know what he’s like, he…he does tend to put pressure on himself. I mean, we remind him how important the junior and sophomore years are to his future and,’ Kelly’s lips thinned as her eyes welled again, ‘I’ve confiscated his phone. I needed to reduce his time on social media and playing games instead of concentrating on his studies. Of course, he still has games on his desktop but, it has not gone down well. I suppose it’s possible he could be sulking about that, and be getting stressed over his exams.’

  Cal shot his hand across to the phone now back on the surface of the worktop. ‘That is not a boy worried about his exams, Kelly. Something’s wrong.’ He dragged a hand from the back of his neck and kept his gaze momentarily up to the ceiling. ‘I’ll have a good look around here. I take it you’ve checked with the school?’

  ‘Yes.’ Kelly scrunched her hair and turned for her coat. ‘He’s not there.’

  ‘I’ll quickly ring Lizzie, let her know I’ve arrived OK.’ Cal could barely hit the keys on the phone his hands were trembling so much. It was reassuring though to hear Lizzie’s voice.

  ‘So glad you got there OK,’ she said. ‘How is Jack?’

  He paused for a second. ‘Look I won’t go into it now, I’ve just arrived and I’m still at Jack’s. Is it OK if I give you a call later?’

  ‘Yes, of course. I’m missing you already.’

  ‘Miss and love you too.’ He placed the phone back down leaving it to charge and dashed for the lower ground floor. Of course he missed her already and wanted nothing more than for her to be with him. He still couldn’t believe he’d captured her heart and he was part of her world. Thierry’s too. He didn’t like himself for not telling Lizzie the reality about Jack missing but he didn’t want her worrying too. With any luck they’d find Jack soon anyway. Oh, God, Jack. This was a small island for God’s sake. Please, please be safe. I feel I’ve only just got to know you. Cal searched behind and under sofas and chairs, in cupboards, storage chests, anything he thought a sixteen-year-old could squeeze into. Each floor, including the attic rooms and the eaves, was minutely inspected before he raced for the garden scratching his arms on the bushes, leaving nothing or nowhere to chance.

  ‘Jack, I’m here,’ he called as he continued into the summerhouse, under it and then into the garage, scrutinising every inch of the garage loft where storage boxes and tools resided. ‘Jack, please come out. I’m here to help,’ he said, wishing this nightmare would end. If there was one thing in his life he could do to ease years of guilt, this would be it. He would be here in his son’s hour of need and prove to him he cared, let him know he’d always cared. Shifting box after box until he was sure he’d scrutinised every corner, a small photo-frame shot out and hit a rafter. Cal reached out and turned it over. His heart lurched as his finger circled the familiar face. The young Jack flashing a full-on milk-teeth smile. His first school photo Cal recalled with fondness but then saddled it with anger at why it was here. His own copy was securely placed in an album he kept close. In fact it was at Lizzie’s apartment whilst his belongings were in storage. Obviously, Kelly had more children and priorities where décor was concerned.

  ‘Cal,’ Kelly called from the garden. ‘Bob, Brett’s father, is here. Where are you?’

  Racing down the steps and jumping the last few, he almost crashed into Kelly entering the open garage door.

  ‘Ah…here, has he discovered anything?’ Cal urged.

  ‘No
. And he won’t go home and get any sleep. He’s going back to the harbour now while I get Harry and Bea. Do you want to go?’ Kelly led Cal back into the house. Bob closed the cloakroom door and came down the hall towards them into the kitchen.

  ‘Hi, Bob. Thanks for all your help,’ Cal said taking Bob’s large hand. He recognised the tall stature with receding brown-grey hair. ‘I really appreciate…’

  ‘Oh man, I can’t imagine what you guys are suffering right now, but I’ve run out of ideas if I’m honest.’ He shrugged, wiping his brow. ‘I think I’ve been around the island twice covering every road, and stopping at every diner or bar. I’ve shown this picture here to half the population and asked them to call the police if they see him. The police are on it too. They have a team out knocking on doors. They questioned Brett this morning. Apart from suggesting we look down the harbour, he’s not saying a thing. I’m not convinced. Boys talk. I’ll try again but I’ve sent him to school.’

  ‘Really good of you. I’ll stay here in case.’

  With a heavy heart, Cal returned to the garage. Time was getting on and fear was gripping his stomach and throat. He covered his face with his hands then rubbed his eyes in both tiredness and despair. He returned to the roof space in the garage and began climbing the steps. Something made him stop. He peered back at the summerhouse. He observed the pitched roof for a moment, noticing a porthole window to the front. He ran to the summerhouse door and inside, in the centre of the ceiling was a small-framed door hatch. His eyes scanned the room for a hook. There was nothing visible. He grabbed a chair and climbed up, pushing in the hatch which released and swung open.

  ‘Jack. Are you there, Jack?’ He pulled the narrow folded steps down and unfastened the clasp allowing the length of the steps to fall to the floor. He peered up, dust particles flitted through the beam of daylight from the tiny window. He then climbed up. ‘Jack.’

  Chapter 3

  Lizzie was still pondering on the idea. A male cosmetic surgeon. It wasn’t a case of being sexist, she just hadn’t thought about it. And, certainly, some of her clients may prefer to be treated by a man. It could certainly be a bonus to have someone with Sophie’s skills on standby who knew the business, with the busy season coming up in just ten weeks. Lizzie scanned last year’s timetable to ensure she would have plenty of hair and beauty consultants working for the salon to cover the demands of the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. She prayed Sophie wouldn’t be jetting off to the States during that time. Not that everyone would be requiring rigorous cosmetic surgery, but the Botox and filler treatments would certainly be in demand.

  She sat back and brushed her temple. This was quite phenomenal, she thought to herself, and still early days. Their salon in the Rue d’Antibes had barely been open six months. Maybe it would be a good idea to also have male grooming consultants on board. As excitement bubbled inside her, she wished Sophie was around to talk to, and Cal.

  ‘Bonjour, Lizzie.’ Josephine, her Manager, poked her head round the door.

  Lizzie looked up with a start. ‘Oh, Josephine. How are you? Sorry, I was miles away.’

  ‘Yes, good. A bit tired. I was out watching a band last night, so still a little hung over.’

  ‘Oh, good sign. Sounds like you had a good time. How are things downstairs? I’ve had my head stuck in these,’ she said pointing to the spreadsheets on the screen.

  ‘Yes, all running OK. Madame Joubert is down there if you want to say hello.’

  Lizzie smiled. ‘Oh thanks, I will. Oh, and before you disappear, tell me what you think of this?’

  Lizzie explained to Josephine her idea of introducing a male grooming section.

  ‘Absolutely great.’

  ‘It would mean extra work so I thought Lucie could get more involved in assisting you. She’s good at working with the schedules.’

  Josephine nodded.

  Lizzie’s mobile rang. ‘Excuse me a minute,’ she said, her eyes brightening as she spoke. ‘Cal.’ Josephine made for the door.

  Barely thirty seconds later, Lizzie slipped the phone back down onto her desk. Pulling a face, she leaned her elbow on the arm of her chair, sliding her fingers through her hair and picturing his worried face shadowed by dark unruly hair. She could only conclude it was difficult for him to talk. The conversation was very brief.

  Finding it hard to imagine he was now thousands of miles away, already she yearned to be next to him and hold him. Tell him things would be fine. She never doubted Cal wouldn’t cope but she wanted to be there for him and it was suddenly strange that he wouldn’t be at the apartment tonight. The main thing was, she consoled herself, was he’d arrived safely and he was with Jack. He would soon have his son back on track, that much she was sure. Cal seemed to know how to deal with any situation. Now the question was, should she mention anything to Rose, his grandmother? She didn’t want to have her panicking and worrying about her grandson. Although, she pondered the thought, Jack may have confided something relevant. Lizzie rang down to reception.

  Cal’s mother’s face was glowing after her facial fifteen minutes later.

  ‘Rose, so lovely to see you. You are looking lovely,’ she told her honestly. Lizzie had always thought she had great skin for her years and Cal had obviously inherited the eyes and her naturally oozing charisma. She kissed her lightly on the cheeks.

  ‘You too, sweetie, and thank you again for that lovely dinner last week. I’ve been meaning to call Cal actually.’

  ‘Oh, I enjoyed your company. I’m sure he won’t mind me telling you, he flew over to see Jack this morning.’

  Lizzie witnessed immediate concern in Rose’s eyes.

  ‘Oh heavens, something is up,’ Rose said, her hand reaching for her chest.

  ‘He’s just gone to make sure Jack is OK.’

  ‘He didn’t say.’

  Lizzie gently clasped Rose’s arm. ‘No, it was rather last minute as Jack was upset and asked Cal for help.’

  ‘Hmm, I wonder if it’s anything to do with that girl?’

  Lizzie’s eyes widened. Jack had obviously confided in his grandmother and she didn’t feel right asking her.

  ‘Cal didn’t know exactly.’

  ‘Well, youngsters have so many things they worry about and, unlike Kelly who seeks an Oscar every time she has an issue, Jack is the total opposite. He internalises everything and probably thinks way too deeply about the ins and outs of everything. He’s so like Cal. We were talking about his exams. Now, Jack doesn’t struggle but worries. “What if I don’t get the grades, Gran, what if I don’t get to this college or that”, and he did mentioned a girl being nasty but you know what youngsters are like, friends one minute and…oh perhaps I should have been a little more sympathetic.’

  ‘Rose. You’re there for him, obviously. You can’t know what’s going on in his head all the time.’

  ‘No, but I should have rung Cal sooner.’

  ‘Well, Cal’s there now and I’m sure he’ll get to the bottom of it all,’ Lizzie said, adding a light reassuring squeeze to her arm. ‘I’m going to speak to him soon if you’d like me to mention it.’

  ‘Oh, I should ring him,’ Rose said clasping her forehead.

  Lizzie straightened her back to unleash the tension building in her spine. She was treading on delicate ground and wondered if she’d done the right thing. Now Rose was feeling dreadful and blaming herself.

  Rose put her other hand on Lizzie’s. ‘Sweetheart, it makes sense if you are speaking to him soon to mention it. You’ll get to speak to him before me I guess. I have a dental appointment so I won’t be home for at least…yes, would you tell him?’

  ‘I’ll try him in a while and don’t worry, he will understand.’

  ‘You are a treasure. Thank you, Lizzie. It’s lovely that you are concerned. I’m sure Cal realises what a gem he has in you,’ Rose said, hugging her. ‘I should be on my way.’

  ‘Lovely to see you. I’ll ring you later and let you know how Jack is.’

&nb
sp; ‘Well, pop in with Thierry later if you’re not too busy.’

  ‘I’d love to.’

  A sense of relief swept over Lizzie as she watched Rose manoeuvre carefully out the door. The first time she’d really ever met Rose properly was when Rose had fallen over outside the salon. She’d run out to her when she’d twisted her ankle. She’d only known her as Madame Joubert, a client. Then to learn, after a later visit to her Villefranche villa, she was in fact Cal’s mother, was quite a shock. It soon materialised she’d remarried and hence Lizzie had not recognised the name nor made the connection. Getting to know Rose and speaking to her had certainly helped seal her trust in Cal. And seeing how much Cal respected her was comforting; she’d never imagined trusting a man ever again, so she would be forever thankful for that fateful meeting.

  She waved Rose off and climbed the stairs back to her office. The swirl of that sweet memory climbed with her. The image of Cal stood on Rose’s balcony late October and then that moment when she gave every part of herself evoked such shameless emotion.

  Itching to relay the information to Cal, she rang his mobile. It went to voicemail.

  Damn. Should she leave a voicemail?

  Half an hour later she tried again.

  ‘Hi, Lizzie,’ Kelly’s voice bellowed. ‘Cal was here a while ago but I can’t find him. I’ll give a shout and have him call you.’

  ‘Yes, can you tell him it’s important please?’ Lizzie said then took a gasp questioning whether she should just mention it to Kelly. She was Jack’s mother after all. ‘Thank you Kelly, bye.’

  Deciding she would let Cal make that decision, she hung up. She and Cal, she considered, were very close in their still-brief relationship but she didn’t feel ready to get too involved in his domestic set up with Kelly. There was a fine line and she feared she would be crossing it. Cal was obviously with Jack now and they would probably be working things through.

  Feeling like a loved-up teenager, she took out a photo of herself, Cal, Thierry and Jack posing together on Jack’s sixteenth birthday the day after the New Year’s party. Reuben had taken it with the camera Cal had bought her for Christmas. It portrayed a happy family and she loved it. Cal looked utterly sexy, his dark locks falling loosely almost over his eyes, and his gorgeous smile as always showed off teeth to die for. Kneeling down, one arm was wrapped over Jack’s shoulder, Jack looking tall with lively eyes, so evidently his son, whilst his other arm was clasped around her waist as she knelt beside him. Thierry leaning between both their knees and flaunting a mischievous smile.