The Riviera

by Karen Aldous

  ‘Yes, we had fab time,’ she said and continued, as she poured the Prosecco, to tell them about the visits to Domaine Margot with Jack and Rose and the refurbishment plans. Then, of course, Jack’s unanticipated fascination with becoming a cosmetic surgeon after his visit to the salon.

  Sophie sat forward making Charles yelp as she moved. ‘Sorry, darling. Oh wow Lizzie, this is exciting news. Presumably Angus has clued him up on the years of study he needs?’

  ‘Oh, yes, but he’s not deterred. In fact it’s made him more determined. He’s even taking French lessons when he returns with Cal and we hope to persuade him to study here rather than in London.’

  ‘Brilliant. I hope he can make the grades.’

  Despite feeling this was an extremely positive step in Jack’s progress, and even without Cal’s concerns about Jack wishing to go to London, Lizzie found herself becoming niggled. Flashing through her mind again was Kelly parading a sexy dress in front of Cal, and then Kelly’s big weepy eyes leering at Cal for a sympathetic hug and Cal responding. Her insides roiled. Stop, stop! Why would you torment yourself? Trust him.

  ‘You look worried, do you think, or does Cal think he can?’ Sophie said bringing Lizzie’s attention back. ‘Make the grades,’ she prompted her.

  ‘Oh, er yes, I think so. They seem pretty confident. Anyway, we are celebrating you two and your future.’ Lizzie handed them the champagne flutes now bursting with bubbles. ‘To…Sophie and Charles!’

  Chapter 23

  With the heady excitement of Sophie and Charles’s wonderful news Lizzie deflated quickly once they’d left her apartment and she began washing the emptied champagne flutes. Not because she wasn’t overwhelmingly happy for them, she was, but she supposed it was more about the certainty their relationship had compared to her and Cal’s. When she considered that Sophie met Cal’s friend Charles only a short few months before she and Cal got together, their relationship had bonded very quickly even with a short break-up in between. They had committed to getting engaged before Christmas and now, despite not having much time together, set a date for the wedding. It made Lizzie wonder.

  Cal had been keen to move in with her and to get her involved in the plans for Domaine Margot. Was it all just so convenient for him? What were his intentions? Would he ever ask her to marry him? Maybe he wanted to discover if there was a chance of rekindling a relationship with Kelly first. She slumped down on the sofa. Everything was going perfectly a short while ago; before Jack’s problems. Not that she would ever blame Jack. Poor Jack. Was she being totally insecure and unreasonable?

  She observed her son happily watching the film Finding Nemo, a story he currently favoured. Marie-Claire was getting ready to meet her boyfriend. Lizzie curled her body into the corner of the sofa, nursing her aching heart. Her mind began going into overdrive now visualising Kelly with Cal. She picked up her mobile from the coffee table and tapped her finger on Cal’s name.

  Immediately his sensual tone whirled into her, awakening her longings. How did he do that at such a distance? Deciding not to torment herself further, she heightened her tone, relaying Sophie and Charles’s wedding news which Cal was pleased to hear. Cal then gave her an update regarding Kelly and Reuben. It was not what she wanted to hear. With Kelly officially separated, this was her worst nightmare.

  ‘It sounds like she will be needing your support too?’ she said desperately willing any bitterness out of her voice.

  ‘I’m sure she does but imagine how Jack would react if he found this out now? God, I just pray she can keep it to herself for now and allow Jack to focus on his exams. I hope I’ve convinced her he has enough pressures to cope with.’

  Lizzie scoffed. ‘Do you really think Kelly is capable of keeping her emotions under control for that length of time?’

  Cal didn’t respond straight away and Lizzie immediately regretted her words.

  ‘I don’t know,’ Cal said. ‘I’m…I’m being optimistic. I mean, I’m sorry if their marriage has broken down but, quite frankly, the timing couldn’t be much worse.’

  Oh, I think she’s timed it perfectly, Lizzie wanted to say. She couldn’t help thinking Kelly was deliberately seeking an opportunity to reclaim the man she thought perhaps was rightfully hers. Surely this was no coincidence. Even if her marriage had been threadbare before Jack’s problems, it had certainly notched up a gear since their last visit in the New Year.

  Were her suspicions just? Was Kelly really so calculating; fancying her chances with Cal? Then a thought struck her: maybe Kelly had been mentally shaken by Cal having a new love in his life. Maybe she had always taken it for granted Cal would be there for her and was now afraid she would lose him for good.

  ‘Hmm, well,’ Lizzie said finally. She can’t have Jack’s interest at heart. If she did, she could have smoothed things over with Reuben a little longer. It’s not like they live together.’

  ‘Exactly.’

  ‘So no doubt she will try to pour her heart out to you every day,’ Lizzie added, her worst fears now pounding her chest.

  ‘Christ, I hope not. I’ve only agreed to take Jack home for an hour a day to see her, and Harry and Bea. She knows how I feel. I’ve just got to trust her not to have any emotional outbursts! She’s under strict instructions not to come to the beach house.’

  Lizzie almost let out a laugh. How did Cal imagine for one minute that would work? In fact that would probably make her worse or, at best, more inventive.

  ‘Well, good luck. I think you might need it.’

  ‘Hmm. Yes, you’re probably right. Even though I told her, I don’t think it occurs to her that I will be busy project managing everything from here when Jack’s at school. And I’m going to help him revise when he’s not. I’ll lock the door.’

  With each passing day, Lizzie struggled to keep her mind uncontaminated by the tormenting images of Cal and Kelly. Organising the special meeting for her mother and her cousins at least gave her something to try to focus on. That was becoming quite a task in itself. She’d had to email Pheely again to seek some answers. She couldn’t book a venue without knowing how mobile her mother’s cousin Angela was, and whether stairs would be a problem, or if she was averse to certain foods. Pheely had assured her that her mother was pretty fit for her seventy-five years and, although a little slower, would manage most things. And food, Pheely informed her, was rarely a problem. But even the workload, which was increasingly keeping her busy, failed to diffuse her anxiety.

  Conversations with Cal were far from reassuring. They were becoming less frequent as the weeks got busier at the salon and snatched due to her time restraints and even though he hadn’t reported anything untoward, she couldn’t shake off her paranoia. Her mind was constantly trying to read between the lines of his words.

  ‘Yes, we spent some time at the beach today. Kelly brought Harry and Bea over so they could surf with Jack and we took them along to Millie’s restaurant for something to eat afterwards. We’ve had a warm spell this weekend and Jack has been working really hard.’

  Harmless words which gnawed to the pit of her stomach. Her imagination worked overtime, stretching and bending this way and that to reinterpret the situation and imagine the worst. Why did she suppose they would be walking hand in hand, laughing and smiling to one another? Why did she feel she wanted to scream at him ‘can’t you see she’s manipulating you’?

  It seemed like he’d been gone for months but it really was just weeks. Four and a half weeks to be exact and each day was becoming a colossal struggle. The Cannes film festival was now in its second week and the strain at the salon was monumental, but worse, Lizzie was spiralling down so fast in her confidence with Cal. Tearful, sleepless nights were now a pattern she couldn’t break. Her trust in him was waning at bullet speed. Each gruelling minute her head consumed itself with images of Cal and Kelly happily rekindling their love together. She was trapped in the same never-ending circle of the mistrust and suspicion she’d gone through with Hugo and Anton. Sliding wear
ily back to the darkest pit of despair she never thought she would allow herself to visit again. But here she was, she was sure, about to come face to face with a truth she couldn’t endure. Cal and Kelly would hurt her.

  It was Sophie who commented on her weight loss first. Just as Lizzie reached home one evening, Sophie caught up with her. It was eight-thirty and they had both had a long day.

  ‘Oh, what are you doing here?’ Lizzie asked as she unlocked the front entrance door.

  ‘There’s no space to have a private conversation at the salon with Angus using your office at the moment, so I thought I’d pop in.’ Sophie followed her up the stairs. ‘I’ve just grabbed a bottle of wine and a pizza if you have any energy?’

  Lizzie turned, smiling down at her friend. ‘Sounds just the tonic, Dr Pitou.’

  ‘Good.’

  ‘Is everything OK?’ Lizzie asked, slipping her key into the lock.

  ‘I’m fine. A little tired but boy, I’m so glad Angus has stayed on.’ Sophie held the door as Lizzie stepped in and shut it behind her.

  ‘I know, it’s unbelievable how busy we are. Where did all these clients come from?’

  Marie-Claire was tidying the kitchen when they entered the apartment. Lizzie grabbed some plates and wine glasses whilst Sophie opened the wine and pulled out a chair at the dining table.

  Lizzie sat opposite and passed a plate. ‘Not that I’m complaining. I think we have had a record week this week.’

  ‘You did say Rue d’Antibes was the place to be. Anyway,’ Sophie continued as she prised the pizza apart and placed half on each plate, ‘I can’t help noticing how little there is of you lately. You’ve lost so much weight. Too much. What’s wrong?’

  ‘Nothing. It’s just busy and, well you know what it’s like.’

  ‘Oh Lizzie. Go and look in the mirror. It’s not just your weight, it’s your hair, your skin. Your clothes are trailing behind you they’re so loose.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘Don’t tell me there’s nothing wrong. Are you ill? Do you feel ill?’ Sophie asked pouring the wine.

  Lizzie sipped from her glass. ‘No. No. I’m fine. Honestly, I’m fine. I’ve not been particularly hungry. With Cal away, we…well, I’ve got out of the habit of cooking. Marie-Claire eats with Thierry so I suppose I’ve just picked really.’

  ‘You’re worrying about him aren’t you?’ Sophie bit into a large slice of her pizza.

  Lizzie leaned back nibbling her pizza and crossed her legs. ‘A bit I suppose.’

  Sophie drew a deep breath raising her eyebrows. Lizzie knew her friend wasn’t going to be fobbed off.

  ‘OK. Yes. Guilty as charged.’

  ‘Anxiety, depression possibly? You need to spit it out. Are you still fretting about him spending time with Kelly?’

  Scratching her cheek, Lizzie rolled the small bite of pizza around her mouth then swallowed. ‘She’s split up with Reuben. She’s probably craving attention. She’s one of these people who thrive on drama and needs everyone to notice. And she was too familiar. When I was out there that week, she was there all the time fussing over him and…I don’t know, trying to compete with me. I can’t help thinking she is trying to get her claws into him.’

  ‘Have you spoken to him about your concerns?’

  ‘What do you mean? What am I going to ask? Are you sleeping with your ex?’ Lizzie fought hard as her mouth quivered.

  ‘Yes, if you have to. Have you told him it’s upsetting you?’

  ‘No. He has enough to worry about. I’m not going to add any more to his list. And I certainly wouldn’t want him to think I’m jealous or paranoid. Anyway, he’ll be back in less than two weeks. It may be before. Apparently, Jack has his SATs next week.’

  ‘Thank God for that. You can’t carry on like this. You should speak to him. At least if you discussed your fears with him, he would have the opportunity to allay them and reassure you.’

  ‘No. He would feel compelled to come back. Jack is battling with school. He has to stay and get Jack through this. I can cope. Jack can’t.’

  ‘But you can’t. Clearly you’re making yourself ill.’

  ‘Sophie. It’s OK. I’m fine.’

  ‘Look, why don’t try some medi…’

  ‘No.’ Lizzie took another swig of her wine. ‘No. I don’t want medication. There’s nothing wrong with me.’

  ‘OK. Have it your way, but…’ Sophie reached for her bag and shook a tiny bottle of rescue remedy in front of her.

  Lizzie knew that bottle. ‘This stuff should have your bloody name on it!’

  Chapter 24

  ‘Thank you, Monsieur Giroux. A letter will be fine, yes. Goodbye,’ Cal said finishing his call.

  He hadn’t meant to sound so abrupt but a box of antiques was the least of his problems right now. He wiped his brow, not at all sure why he’d answered the call at all. He could see it wasn’t local. But he supposed Jack was capable of anything. Damn you, Jack! Just be safe.

  All he knew was Jack’s passport wasn’t in his room and neither was his rucksack. What the fuck had happened and where was he? It was now getting on for three hours since he’d had a call from the school. Jack had stormed out, upset after an argument. Cal had driven the roads and scoured town streets, harbour and paths as well as notified the police and the ferry terminal. He’d raced to Kelly’s and searched every inch of the house, summerhouse and garage. He’d rushed back home in case he’d returned, but the house and below deck showed no sign of his son. Surely he couldn’t get far? Jesus, why now with only two weeks to go? Why hadn’t he just given him a phone? His fingers were shaking and his head throbbed as he swiped the phone and hit Kelly’s number again.

  ‘Still nothing,’ she said. ‘Cal, I’m so angry. You shouldn’t have made him go back. You were here to make sure this didn’t happen again. I hold you responsible. Flyn is doing what he can. One of the waitresses at Brand Point Grill thought she saw him down at the harbour. Bob, Brett’s father, has gone down there.’

  ‘So why didn’t you ring me? Jesus, Kelly.’ Cal dashed for his car keys.

  ‘You were…’

  ‘I’m going down there. And for fuck sake ring me with anything, OK? Anything.’

  Cal spun the car round on the gravel drive and sped towards the harbour. Jack may have enough cash for a ferry but there was no way he would get much further. Unless! He pulled the car over to a marshy verge. Lifting himself from his seat, he reached for his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Both his bank and two credit cards were in place and, pulling out the dollar notes and counting, all seemed to be there. That was surely a good sign.

  Think think think! Could Jack be hiding in a boat like he had before, he wondered. CCTV cameras, they must have caught him somewhere. He tucked the wallet back into his pocket and suddenly he jumped as his mobile abruptly burst into song. He hit the screen.

  ‘Awesome news. The school have just rung. Jack’s returned,’ Kelly told him.

  Cal threw back his head. ‘Th…’

  ‘And he’s back in class,’ she added.

  ‘Thank God.’ He threw his fist in the air. ‘Did they tell you where he was?’

  ‘Roaming apparently.’

  ‘OK. I’ll go and collect him.’ His eyes scanned the digital clock on the dashboard. ‘I’ll go along now and wait outside.’ Several pounds of fear melted from his shoulders.

  ‘But it’s only two! Ah right, to make sure he doesn’t bolt again.’

  Still shrugging off the relief, Cal asked, ‘Yes but Kelly, I’m just curious as to what may have triggered Jack. Have you mentioned your separation with Reuben to anyone at all?’

  ‘Oh, here we go. Cal, I knew this was coming. You’re so fixated on finding something else to blame me for. Do you know how hard it is for me at the moment? Has it occurred to you how much pain I’m going through with no one to turn to? I’ve not told a soul on the island. My parents are the only ones who know. They wanted to come over, knowing how upset I am, but I’ve told t
hem not to. Why? Because I respect what we are doing here for Jack. I think the best thing for me is to return to England. I need my mother and,’ her voice quivered,’ the children would get to see their grandparents. And it might be better if Jack was with me in London.’

  Cal felt a stab in his heart. ‘OK, calm down. I’m not looking to blame you. It was a reasonable question under the circumstances. He’s been doing so well. I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of it.’

  ‘Maybe he’s guessed. Jack’s not stupid, Cal. He must have known things have been going down a slippery slope for some time. I don’t think he’d be shocked at the knowledge.’

  He knew Kelly was probably right and had often wondered if it had contributed to Jack’s feelings of isolation when he first went missing. Had Jack emailed him to help because there was too much conflict at home? No one, he felt, was interested in him? That aside, Cal still felt that a finality such as a divorce could trigger deep pain and, at the very least, unnecessary levels of stress for Jack at the moment.

  ‘Kelly, I’m sorry it’s been highly stressful for you and I appreciate it’s not been easy. Maybe it was the pressure of the exams. He’s set his standards high and is expecting to get good grades. It’s possibly bending him out of shape.’

  ‘I agree. And thanks, Cal. It’s good to hear you offer some kind words for once. I know I shouldn’t expect them from you. Hell, what I put you through all those years ago. I can understand why you wouldn’t want to offer any sympathy.’

  ‘Look, let’s take the kids to the beach at the weekend. Give them some time out together.’

  ‘I think that could be just the tonic, Cal, I really do.’

  ‘Well, you don’t have to organise food, we’ll walk along to Millie’s and grab something to eat there.’

  Chapter 25

  He watched Jack as he walked down the path towards him, oozing confidence and surrounded by friends. The pride flowing from Cal’s chest confirmed Jack had grown so much as a person and was heading in the right direction. For the first time in his life, Cal felt like a real parent. A proud father. His influence had counted and Jack had listened and considered the consequences, and acted. He’d returned to school of his own choosing and by the looks of things, gained the respect he deserved.