by Karen Aldous
Lizzie swallowed hard as her mouth numbed. ‘Needs must,’ she said, hoping it wouldn’t come to such drastic measures. ‘I’m sure we’d work something out.’
‘We’ll wait and see. Maybe in a week or two he’ll feel differently.’
Thierry chatted incessantly as they completed their journey to Nantucket Island and in the car as Cal drove down the long dark track to the beach house. Lizzie could see the lights from the dwelling getting closer and with it a mix of relief and anticipation warmed her. It stood alone out on the marshy dunes overlooking the now black sky. As they neared the entrance a face appeared at a window on one side of the house. It was Jack and then another; Kelly.
‘Jack’s looking out for you, Thierry,’ Cal said. ‘Can you see Jack?’
Lizzie’s mouth engaged before her brain. ‘Oh, is Kelly staying too?’
Cal smirked. ‘No. She’s just stayed with Jack whilst I flew over. I would have brought him but he wanted to stay put.’
‘Oh, right. Yes.’ Lizzie sat back tightening her lips.
Cal pulled up next to Kelly’s parked car.
‘I’ll get the bags if you want to get Thierry,’ he said.
Kelly opened the door as Cal stacked the bags on the wooden deck. Lizzie led Thierry to the door where Kelly stepped out and embraced her.
‘Hi, guys, Lizzie,’ she said kissing her cheek and Thierry. ‘Well look at you. My, you’ve grown even more handsome than before.’ She leant down and kissed his forehead.
‘Say hello to Kelly, Thierry. You remember Jack’s Mummy?’
‘See Jack in the house?’ Thierry asked.
‘Thierry, say hello. Where are your manners?’ Lizzie insisted.
Thierry pointed his chin up to Kelly. ‘Hello.’ He pulled a cheeky grin with mischief pouring from his eyes.
Lizzie’s eyes closed as she made a disapproving face, her head nodding from side to side.
Kelly laughed. ‘Oh, I can see you’re gonna be a real charmer with the girls, young Thierry. He knows how to woo the ladies, Mommy.’
‘Oh, no, anything but follow in his father’s footsteps. How are you, Kelly?’
Kelly stepped back with her hands on her hips and swept back her now blonder hair.
‘Over the worst, I hope. Jack’s looking forward to seeing Thierry. Take him straight in, Jack is in the lounge. I’ll help Cal with the bags and then I’m sure you’ll want a drink.’
Thierry ran to Jack as soon as he spotted him and Lizzie was so pleased to see Jack’s face light up and his arms stretch out ready to catch him.
‘Hey, bro. Good to see you,’ Jack said lifting him straight onto his lap.
It was such a sweet moment and Lizzie became quite choked. Cal’s son was so good with him. And the term ‘bro’ was pretty endearing too. She watched for a moment as Thierry introduced Jack to his figure, Raphael Turtle.
‘Well, while Cal’s taking your bags upstairs, what would you like to drink?’
Lizzie turned to face Kelly behind her. ‘Oh a coffee would be lovely.’
‘How do you like it?’
‘Oh just white, no sugar please.’
‘Pop your coats in the hall,’ Kelly said as she dashed off to the kitchen.
Lizzie, feeling rather like a spare part with Thierry’s attention diverted and Kelly rushing around after her, did as she was told and then went to join her in the kitchen.
‘It’s a beautiful place. It’s yours and Reuben’s I understand?’
‘Yes, we moved here when we first came to Nan. Great for the beach but I was too far from civilisation. Jack and Reuben loved it here but Main Street is far more practical for me and school each day. It’s only six miles but, no we rent it out most of the year now.’
‘Don’t you use it in the summer?’
Kelly tucked a mug under the coffee machine and, throwing in a capsule, hit the switch. ‘We have done on the odd occasion it’s not let. It earns too good an income and we can cycle out with the kids now. Yes, there are bikes here and a child seat. Toys, beach boards, balls, fishing gear – anything you can think of really. Help yourself.’
‘Thank you. It’s very kind of you to let us use it.’
‘Haw, no problem.’ Kelly lowered her voice and passed Lizzie her coffee. ‘It’ll be good for Jack. Hopefully it will distract his mind and little Thierry will give him something different to focus on.’
‘Such a shame it’s too cold for swimming. Thierry’s just taken his first strokes.’
‘Well, there are wet suits, but the community pool will be better suited. It’s close to town.’
Lizzie nodded, placing her hot coffee on the worktop.
Kelly beamed pearly-white teeth. ‘Cal, coffee’s here. Just how you like it, and I’ve made some of your favourite bites. They’re in the fridge, I’ll get them out,’ she told him as he sauntered in.
Lizzie caught Kelly’s eyes fixed on Cal like she was seeking approval.
‘Thanks. Presumably smoked salmon bagels. Will Thierry eat…?’
‘Oh, I’ve made the boys ham and cheese,’ Kelly cut in. ‘So, I’ll be off. Just ring if you need anything. Bye. I’ll go say goodnight to the boys.’ She pecked them both, Lizzie on the cheek and Cal, Lizzie noted, on his lips.
Lizzie clasped her fingers around her coffee mug, gripping it tight. ‘Bye and thanks, Kelly.’ She forced a smile and followed Kelly with her eyes as Cal’s ex unhooked her coat in the hall and dashed through to say goodbye to Jack and Thierry.
She focused her attention back on Cal munching away at the beautifully prepared food.
‘You’d better eat something,’ Cal said with flirty eyes. ‘You’ll be needing the energy.’
Lizzie felt heat race to her cheeks.
‘Ahem, I haven’t gone yet!’ Kelly mused, zipping up her coat. ‘Enjoy your, erm, sleep.’
Chapter 8
‘Alone at last,’ Cal said sliding over and cupping Lizzie’s chin, gently brushing back the warm chestnut hair from one side of her face. ‘Your face gets more and more beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here.’ he pressed his lips to hers. Lizzie immediately caught his familiar breath and melted straight into his kiss.
‘Bye, you lovebirds,’ Kelly called as she dashed out the front door.
‘And,’ Lizzie cleared her throat as she squeezed his waist, ‘Just our two little treasures to wrap up first.’
Cal clutched her tighter. ‘Only if I let you go. God, you not only look gorgeous, you smell even more delicious than a warm apple pie. And that is the best smell in the world.’
‘Do you know, as soon as you grabbed me at the airport, your body scent hit my nostrils. It must be your pheromones. Strong pheromones at that. I don’t think I’m going to be able to control myself, she confessed watching his pupils enlarge. His hunger was evident, making her weaker by the millisecond. This man really was the most desirable being on earth, she thought. How on earth Kelly left him for Reuben, she’d never understand. And she wondered if Kelly did now regret it. When she’d met Reuben a few months ago he looked much older than she imagined. Luckily for her though, Cal was hers and that was all that mattered.
‘Oh dear, two uncontrollable adults. It will be a problem for me too. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off you either this week, if I keep inhaling you Truly Scrumptious!’
‘I remember that name.’
‘Yes, that’s what you should have been called.’
‘And you can be Caractacus Potts. He was handsome, clever and a lovely father to boot.’
‘OK. I won’t disagree with you there. Let’s go and play Mummies and Daddies.’
A snigger shook inside her. Bonkers, the pair of them but she was loving bonkers more and more. It was definitely keeping her tired body awake. Sliding out of his arms, she strolled into the living room almost hurtling over the boys playing cars on the floor.
‘Well, little man, five more minutes and we’ll get you changed for bed,’ she told Thierry. ‘Is it OK to go up and se
e his room?’
‘Crikey, yes. Come. I’ll show you,’ Cal said.
Cal led her upstairs and into a beautifully furnished twin bedroom. Typically New England or Swedish, Lizzie was never one to distinguish the two styles very well, but the white-painted walls and floorboards rugged out and softly furnished with tasteful neutral bedding and grey-washed picture frames, made the finish quite stunning.
‘Very nice. I hope Reuben and Kelly will let us pay for our stay.’
‘You can offer but I doubt it. We’ll buy Kelly a little something.’
She pulled the curtains on both windows and took away a pile of pillows and cushions, just leaving him one. Yes, Thierry will be quite comfortable she was sure. She opened his bag and pulled out a pair of his pyjamas and a fleecy onesie to keep him snug. With it came out his spare comforter, a shabby-looking, soft-bodied Mickey Mouse.
‘I recognise that,’ Cal said wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and breathing close to her ear. ‘That was with him in his push-chair the very first day I met him in Aix.’ She turned, brushing his lips with her cheek and instantly captured his next breath with hers.
‘Not long now.’ He brushed his fingers gently down her face and then took the toy from her hand and placed it on Thierry’s bed. ‘I’m sure Jack will go to his room as soon as Thierry does. He’s got a new game console I thought may come in handy.’
Lizzie pinched his bum. ‘Always that step ahead, aren’t you?’
When Lizzie woke the following day, she panicked realising where she was and no Cal beside her. Last night’s reunion had been so amazing. It had been worth every mile she’d travelled to see him but she rubbed her eyes and looked around for her phone, she had no idea of the time. The curtains blacked the room out. The phone was still in her bag and as she tapped it awake, her heart lurched. It was gone eleven.
‘Jesus, Thierry.’ She grabbed her clothes from the floor and dashed to his room. Nothing but an empty bed, and the curtains already pulled back. She scrambled into her jeans and top, unable to avoid looking out the window. The view of the sea was fantastic but this was not the time. She ran down the stairs in search of her son.
‘Oh thank God, there you are. Why didn’t someone wake me?’ she said as she raced into the kitchen.
‘Mummy,’ Thierry squealed as she reached the dining table and planted a kiss on his cheek, observing his concentration on one of his puzzles.
‘Good morning, sweet pea. Whoa, so sorry. Mummy woke up very late.’
Cal’s eyes brightened and he stood and greeted her with a quick kiss. ‘Truly, I did call you after I showered up but you must have been exhausted. There was no stirring whatsoever. I kept a check on Thierry until he woke about nine-thirty. He’s been quietly engrossed in the puzzles for the last half hour.’
Smiling sleepily, she then forced her puffy eyes to widen. ‘Thank you. I can’t believe the time.’
Kelly got to her feet. ‘Well, it’s still morning, albeit closer to lunch. What can I get you to eat, honey? I got a turkey club, bacon and avocado, pulled pork and slaw, lobster with mayo or melted butter?’
Lizzie scratched her head. ‘Oh phew, just a coffee for the moment, thanks. In fact, you sit down, I’ll get it.’
‘Nonsense, hon! I’ll get it. I’ll take one in for Jack’s tutor too. You won’t want another coffee yet will you, Cal? I know it’s been playing havoc with your digestion.’
Lizzie shot Cal a frown. Since when, she wondered.
Cal shrugged with a surprised look on his face. ‘As Jack doesn’t have a class tomorrow, shall we tour the island or, we can go to Martha’s Vineyard?’
‘Entirely up to you. It would be nice to have a walk along the beach today. What time does Jack finish?’
‘He’ll finish at twelve and can do his homework when we come back,’ Kelly said.
‘Won’t you be picking Harry and Bea up? We can find our way around, especially as Jack will be with us.’
‘No it’s fine. I doubt a walk out here will take more than a couple of hours.’
Lizzie scratched an invisible mark on her eyelid as she glared at Cal. Alarm mounted on his face.
‘Kelly. I haven’t seen Lizzie for a whole week. Would you mind if we took the boys alone?’
Her hand shot up as her jaw slumped. ‘Yeah, right. Of course,’ Kelly said shooting her eyes in Lizzie’s direction.
The glare of indignation was palpable on Lizzie’s cheeks and sudden guilt almost led her to protest. It was probably best Cal should tell her now otherwise they may not get privacy all week. She could see the hurt in the woman’s eyes however and knew Kelly had made such an effort to make them all feel so welcome and comfortable. Lizzie soon found the perfect distraction. She glided over to the double doors leading out to the deck.
‘The views here are spectacular. Of course, arriving in the dark last night, I wasn’t prepared for all this.’ Her hand reached out in front of her. ‘The ocean on your doorstep and a huge sandy beach, it’s simply gorgeous.’
‘We are so blessed, yes,’ said Kelly slipping up beside her. ‘The surf here is great, and the sand, just so soft on the feet. And you wait until this evening. You will find it hard to beat the sunsets we have here. And I mean here. Right out on deck. It’s pretty romantic.’
‘Oh, I can’t wait. I’m a real sucker for a romantic sunset. Isn’t that right, Cal?’
Cal popped her a glance and a nod as he perched next to Thierry.
‘Well, that’s not all, the harbour and marina are not far away. You’ll enjoy it here, I guarantee it. There’s not too many people around this time of year either, hence the house being available.’
‘Yes, I was saying to Cal last night. I hope you will accept a payment from us, or me at least?’
Kelly flicked her long hair back. ‘Oh, honey, no, I couldn’t. I’m only too pleased that Jack has his father here, and Thierry. It’s an ideal distraction. I’m hoping,’ Kelly leant towards Lizzie hushing her voice, ‘Jack will go to the pool with Thierry. It will be a step forward, well, in respect of, you know, being in a public place with the possibility of bumping into people. It could increase his confidence couldn’t it?’
‘Oh, absolutely,’ Lizzie agreed. ‘I wouldn’t mention it to Thierry unless Jack is comfortable with it though. He’ll not let go once he gets wind of something.’
Kelly twisted her mouth, fixing her eyes on the vast blue of the sky and ocean. ‘Yes, I’m gonna see how Jack gets on in the next few days. Anyway, you must have something to eat before you go for your walk,’ she insisted.
Lizzie smiled as she turned to Cal. ‘Yes. Good thinking. Oh, what was the choice?’
The walk was everything Kelly had promised, glorious. A chilly breeze swept over the sand but it was great to feel the wind in her hair and the sun on her skin. Lizzie removed her shoes and let her feet sink into the soft sand on the shore as the waves bashed away repeatedly and mesmerisingly. Walking hand in hand with a barefoot Cal, his jeans rolled up, was refreshingly liberating, and dead romantic. Lizzie imagined she could almost be on a film set advertising the perfect getaway. And the boys, running and splashing on the edge of the water with their trousers also rolled up, was so endearing to watch. However British it appeared! Jack was obviously adept at keeping his younger siblings amused and was just so relaxed with her son. He had a particular knack for inventing games so Thierry was really chuckling away and having fun.
As Cal lightly squeezed her hand, she sought his eyes, watching his tousled hair rush and tumble in the breeze.
‘It’s beautiful isn’t it?’
‘Fabulous,’ she agreed.
‘I can’t believe we’ve been stuck in Jack’s room all week when we could have enjoyed all this.’
‘Probably not so romantic with Jack, but yes. If he’s come this far, maybe he will venture out more now.’ Lizzie’s twirled her arm around capturing the breeze.
‘Yes, perhaps we’re being over-protective. Oh God, who knows? How are
you supposed to know what the best thing is for your child?’ Cal kicked the sand with his bare foot. ‘It’s difficult as hell. Unfortunately, I’ve not been around on a daily basis like a real parent. Mind you, neither has Reuben. I wouldn’t have thought either of us know him as well as Kelly.’
‘You can’t, surely. I’m sure my mum thought she was doing the right thing, but I construed it as overbearing and domineering.’ Lizzie peered round again at the boys. ‘I hope our relationship is much closer so we are more involved in each other’s lives and the children’s. I don’t want to be one of those mothers to just tell my son what he should do, but rather, guide.
‘Mmm. I do wonder if Kelly tries to overpower him. The way he tried to avoid her when I first arrived makes me think he’s clamouring for some peace, or space.’
Lizzie wanted to shout Hell yes that woman is controlling! There were so many similarities to her own mother. Even the last twelve or so hours Lizzie had felt constricted. Kelly was practically running the beach house as a guest house rather than letting it. As much as she appreciated her welcoming them, she didn’t expect her to be here with them all day today and do every activity with them. Then, Lizzie feared she was being a little harsh. It was Kelly’s son who was going through the trauma, and the reason why they were here. Maybe it was just her way of feeling useful in a crisis.
‘I suppose it’s hard to get a balance sometimes, and possibly it depends on the child and the dynamics of the relationship. I don’t think many teenagers talk to their parents about their problems. I know I didn’t,’ Lizzie laughed, ‘as you know.’
‘No. I didn’t share much with my parents, although Mum was, and is, a good listener. She would never have forced me to do anything I wasn’t happy doing.’ Cal flicked a mass of thick tresses from his face.
‘And, I suppose, what’s happened with Jack is extreme. Kelly didn’t have any idea and even if she did, what could she have done different?’
‘We can only do our best.’ Cal took her arm and twisted her round to face him, embracing her, knocking her off balance then, grabbing her waist, found her lips. Lizzie responded like a magnet instantly succumbing to its force. Blood rushed to her loins. It was so good to be wrapped again in his arms and kiss those lips. She truly felt she belonged to him and this blissful state was the crescendo of a long and beautiful symphony she could play time and time again. She and Cal and their little family. Quite possibly making more little additions to their family. She wished she could picture them all in their new home.