by Karen Aldous
Jack jumped in the car dragging the rucksack to his lap and closing the door. His head suddenly hung in shame. ‘Hi, Dad.’
‘Looks like you’ve had a good day?’ Cal started the engine.
Jack shook his head. ‘Actually, it was the shittiest so far.’
‘You didn’t strike me as someone who has had the shittiest day?’
‘Well, I’m not proud of myself. I let that girl get to me earlier. Her friend, the one I started dating, she had told them all she wanted to get back with me. Anyway, they’d all gathered to tell me this. I mean, I’m not even interested. But then the poisoned one crept in and opened her mouth, said I was…well, I don’t want to say what she said, but said she would post me on Facebook again. I didn’t know how to handle it. I know I didn’t want to listen, I didn’t even want to defend myself. I was so angry. Dad, I really wanted to punch her there and then. So I walked away. And then the next thing I was out of the school and just kept walking.’
‘That sounds reasonable.’
‘At first I couldn’t face going back. Then, the more I thought about it, I…I knew I had to go. And, I had to ignore her. Deal with it and do the right thing for me. I’m glad I got away. If I’d have reacted I would have been in all sorts of trouble. I shouldn’t have walked out of the school, I know, but all the guys and most of the girls said I did the right thing. I’m more upset with myself for letting her get to me. Anyway. I won’t let her do it again. I went back and I had a chat with my Principal and he told me it won’t go against me. The fact that I’d cooled down and gone back made it OK.’
Cal held up his palm for a high-five. ‘I’m proud of you, Jack.’ They slapped hands. ‘You absolutely did the right thing. You had me and your mother tearing our hair out but…you did good. You thought it through and put it right. I’m so proud. Where were you anyway? We had a bloody search party out trying to locate you. God knows how you managed to stay low.’
Jack laughed. ‘Well, I did hide eventually, but I was also walking around. Sorry. I didn’t mean to make trouble.’
‘Doesn’t matter. I’m just grateful you’re OK and you handled it like an adult.’ Cal turned into the track. ‘How do you fancy going to the beach at the weekend? The forecast looks good, I’ve asked your mum, Harry and Bea along.’
Jack’s eyes lit up. ‘Awesome. Yeah, cool with me.’
Cal smiled. ‘Great, you deserve a break. You’ve worked hard and it will refuel you. You still have a little way to go.’
‘Mmm. Don’t remind me. I really want those grades.’
‘I know you’ll do your best,’ Cal told him. ‘Oh, by the way, I heard back from Monsieur Giroux. The guy I bought the vineyard from. He rang me earlier about those items you and Thierry found.’
Lizzie’s shoulders felt lighter after speaking to Sophie. There really was no pulling the wool over her eyes. Not that she was hiding anything. She thought she’d been coping well. The last thing she wanted was to be a drama queen like Kelly. Cal didn’t need any more like her in his life. And Sophie was really very sweet taking time out to let her air her concerns and listen.
The following day at the salon was just as hectic. She checked all the schedules for the following few days meticulously with Josephine making sure each consultant had enough time allocated for each client. Inevitably clients would increase demands as they do but, at this time of year when top celebrities and film industry personnel made demands, the challenge was to make sure they all received a first-class service. She’d even got some top make-up artists in from London agencies to help with the increasing demand. The next challenge was calling in favours. Charles, thankfully, had willingly agreed to accommodate them at his apartment otherwise the costs would be phenomenal. And, as Lizzie had offered to get Jean-Luc to freshen the decor, he offered it for Caroline and Michael’s stay too. Angus also offered two spare rooms at his apartment.
He also offered to take her along with Sophie and Charles out for lunch on Sunday as a thank you. It felt strange going out without Cal now but Lizzie was quite pleased to get out for a change of scenery. Angus picked them up and they drove up to Mougins and to the La Pergola restaurant. A restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Provence countryside and mountains.
After a beer, they shared a fine bottle of red wine.
‘This is a good choice, Angus. Very smooth,’ Lizzie said.
‘Ditto,’ Charles added.
‘Thank you. I have to admit I am fussy with my wine. Maybe it’s because I’m Scottish. I don’t like to waste my money but a small glass of a good wine beats a bucket of plonk in my eyes,’ he mused with smiling blue eyes at Lizzie sitting next to him. She wished she knew who he reminded her of.
‘Where are you from?’ Charles sat forward in his chair leaning an elbow on the table.
‘The bonny city of Edinburgh. I don’t get back much nowadays though.’
‘Lovely city though. I’ve only been there once. Went to the festival one summer for a few days, comedy shows mainly. And bloody cold.’
‘Aye. They’re a very popular attraction nowadays.’
The starters arrived beautifully presented.
Sophie licked her lips, her eyes glancing from one plate to another. ‘They look amazing.’
‘Have you eaten here before?’ Angus asked, placing his napkin on his lap.
Lizzie caught Sophie and Charles making eyes at one another.
‘No, we dined at L’Amandier de Mougins,’ said Charles. ‘It’s further along, west slightly.’
Sophie turned to her head out towards the hills. ‘Beautiful terrace and a view like this though. It was so romantic wasn’t it, Charles?’
‘Yes it was, darling,’ Charles said devouring her eyes and kissing her lightly on the lips.
Lizzie mocked a cough. ‘Ahem. Excuse me,’ Lizzie interrupted. ‘We are about to eat.’
‘Sorry. It was a very special time for us. Charles made the best decision of his life that night,’ Sophie mocked.
‘I bloody well did.’ Charles took a huge man-bite of his starter, squirting oil down his chin.
Lizzie tried to laugh but her mind unexpectedly threw itself into torment. As much as she loved to see Sophie and Charles happy, it made for a tearful reminder as to just how much her own happiness and her relationship with Cal were sliding from her grasp.
Quickly changing the subject, she said, ‘So, Angus. You said your mother was coming here at the end of the month. Will she be on her own?’
‘Unless she has another boyfriend I’m not aware of. Yes.’
‘Oh, she’s not with your father then?’
‘Ooh no. My father was a farmer from Kent. My mother never got married. She’d had many a boyfriend but she’ll never marry. She’s too independent now, and she has her three sisters for support. You’ll love her. There’s never a dull moment when she’s around. She’s bossy though, I’d better warn you.’
Lizzie managed a chuckle and continued eating. She was enchanted by Angus’s melodic tone as he entertained them with his catalogue of stories. And she found him fascinating to watch. His mannerisms captivated her. Intrigued her, even. Each time he rolled his smiley eyes her way, it touched her. There were times when his glance lingered and she’d blushed a little with the awkwardness. She tried to limit her stare in case he got the wrong idea.
‘How do you like the food?’ he asked, perching his knife and fork back on his plate.
‘Mine was beautiful,’ Sophie responded.
Charles held his hands out to his empty plate. ‘Bloody awful.’
Chuckles echoed around the table.
‘Tasty,’ Lizzie nodded, catching Angus’s eyes again. In truth, however, her appetite had shrivelled like a current.
Angus took a tiny sip of his wine and savoured each molecule until his lips spread in a smile. ‘Have you ever been to Toile Blanche in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Each looked at another in turn and heads shook.
‘I love the food there. It’s
exquisite. This is good, no, this is excellent, but Toile Blanche is my top favourite. Maybe next time we’ll go. When do Cal and Jack get back?’
‘It could be next week. This week. Oh…’ Lizzie’s heart hammered at the thought which was now nearing on dread. ‘Yes, this week or next.’
Her main meal was placed in front of her. It certainly looked inviting but she stared down at it tightening her lips. How was she going to eat this? A sickening thought of him returning to tell her that he was back in love with his ex, gripped her insides. The rush of excitement combined with nausea collided as the image of Kelly and Cal’s last days thrust into her head. How would they spend their last days together? Would they make love in the beautiful master bedroom overlooking the ocean at the beach house? Or on the soft golden sands of the dunes? Would they sip wine on the decking as the sun set? Run along the beach naked, hand in hand? Kelly’s smirk slapped her. Go away. Leave him alone. You didn’t want him before. You chose Rueben. Cal is in love with me. We have dreams together, a home and family.
Earnestly trying to control the tumultuous emotions plaguing her inner world, she took some deep breaths to ease her rapid breathing.
‘Lizzie, Lizzie. Are you OK?’
She looked up at Sophie. ‘Yes. Fine,’ she answered but that was an auto response as her brain refused to stop. What if Cal decided he wanted Kelly after all and didn’t return? Or Jack changed his mind about becoming a cosmetic surgeon and wanted to go straight to London to live and study? Cal was sure to support him and go with him. Or worse: what if Kelly and the children returned with him and Cal announced they were all moving into Domaine Margot?
‘Lizzie, your food is getting cold. Do you feel OK?’ Sophie was saying but Lizzie was fixed to her chair.
‘I’m fine. It’s warm, that all.’ Her eyes glazed.
Sophie glanced at Charles and, frowning, shook her head.
Lizzie cut tiny slices of her chicken and then pushed peppers and goat’s cheese around her plate before finally taking a bite of the tender meat. Slowly, she chewed, peering out across the Provence landscape, entwining herself in fear. How would she cope with Cal being unfaithful?
Chapter 26
Lizzie woke with butterflies fluttering madly around her stomach. Cal was coming home at last. Not that she could see him until later. She had to keep her mind focused. She must remember Sophie’s advice. And she had to admit, it was helping, a bit. She should be strong and tell him exactly how she felt.
This week had been horrific for her schedules and this morning was not improving as clients missed their allocated slots and time was either wasted or consultants and make-up artists had to zip across town to other venues or hotels to maintain the best service.
Lizzie was shouting above the noise. ‘Minnie, I’m so sorry but I will have to cab you back. Margaux will have to do Ava Hudson later. I’ll need you at The Theodore for Gracie Garbo who also hadn’t answered her door and has just rung me. I’ll email you the brief sheet.’
She forwarded the email to Minnie from the laptop which was now set up in a corner of the salon on a smaller desk, another temporary measure as space was at such a premium. The girls on reception were having to turn clients away. Lizzie then dipped her hand into her box of Montezuma’s chocolates. These British chocolates were a gift to every client. They were really to be savoured and were so delicious, her fingers repeatedly dived into the tray until her butterflies got nauseous. Could they really maintain this pace for another week, two maybe? It made her wish Cal was coming back later rather than today. She would barely see him whilst both the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix were consuming her world.
Mind on work, she repeated for the hundredth time that morning. She reached for the phone again and Lucie announced the caller.
‘Madame Lefèvre, I do apologise. I’m sure she will be with you soon but I’ll give her a call and ring you back immediately.’
The last thing she wanted was her regulars put out. She keyed in the number and waited for a response whilst watching Angus walk into the area and begin tidying. Ah, bless. What a gem. What a team she had here. A cosmetic surgeon with a few minutes to spare was collecting rubbish and wiping the glass surfaces.
Lizzie’s phone clicked. ‘Aimée, Madame Lefèvre is asking what time you will be there.’
‘Five minutes tell her, I’m on my way.’
Angus turned with those familiar smiling eyes. ‘I’ll check the other areas,’ he said as he passed.
Lizzie nodded. ‘Thank you.’ She rang Madame Lefèvre.
‘Yes, she’s on her way, so sorry, screen royalty is keeping us on our toes. About five minutes. You’re welcome.’
Crazy, crazy, that’s what it was. Josephine was probably having the same with her list. The girls in reception were in and out with clients, making sure everyone landed on the correct chairs with the right consultant. Philip was back from grooming a client and his next was seated. Lizzie mucked in where she could. A manic day but, Lizzie had to admit, magnificent takings.
Finally, at ten past nine, she saw the last client out of reception and, catching her by surprise, wearing a regal smile, in stepped Cal. She fell into his arms, her exhaustion exhaled.
‘Oh just what I need,’ she said her heart pounding. Breathing in his succulent scent, immediately she was drawn to his lips. Her hands scrambling to touch every part of him, but immediately she remembered where she was. ‘So good to see you.’
‘I couldn’t wait. I just had to walk along.’
‘How did you know what time I would finish?’ Lizzie kissed his lips again just to make sure he was real.
Cal squeezed her closer. ‘I didn’t. I’ve been waiting.’
‘Oh my God. How long for?’
‘Oh, hours,’ he teased. ‘No, I’m kidding, by eight-thirty I couldn’t wait in the apartment any longer. I walked along. I’ve been waiting outside and spotted you in here.’
‘I’m afraid it will be like this for a while yet,’ Lizzie said, leaving his arms and collecting her jacket from the cupboard.
Cal reached out, taking hold of her bag as she slipped on her jacket. Wrapping his arms back around her shoulders he said, ‘I’ve left some wine cooling in the fridge and a tasty salad ready to go, so I hope you’re hungry?’
‘Oh yes, famished now,’ she pouted as she gazed into his eyes and witnessed his sexual hunger. She felt the rush of her own and blushed, ‘Urgh, I overindulged on the chocolate earlier, I couldn’t face anything afterwards,’ she told him dizzy with both love and a nauseous fear. ‘Shall we take a longer walk home via the harbour? I could do with some fresh air.’
‘Sounds perfect.’
Josephine locked up behind them as Lizzie and Cal strolled out. Lizzie’s arm looped into his as she breathed in the late evening air. Cool but balmy.
He looked down and smiled. ‘It’s so good to be back.’
‘So glad you’re home. I missed you so much.’
He stroked her hand. ‘Yes, a journey I wouldn’t want to make again. You can’t imagine how much I needed you.’
Lizzie nodded in agreement but that suspicion was still crippling her thoughts. ‘What time did you get back?’
‘Just after two. Jack and I both had a sleep. He wanted to come along earlier but I thought it would be too busy.’
‘Oh God, yes, without doubt. If he can wait another week or so…’
Cal grinned. ‘Yes, he has made a long list of things to research. I’m sure it will keep him busy. The main thing is he is still keen. We had quite a discussion about his future.’
‘Has he changed his mind about London yet?’ she asked as they crossed onto the promenade and glanced across to the darkening sunless sky.
‘Not completely but he’s certainly enchanted by Cannes and the possibilities. I suppose it’s whether he is motivated enough to learn the language. For studying, I mean.’
‘Yes, that’s an awful lot of work, and money.’
‘Exactly,’ Cal a
greed twisting his mouth.
Lizzie observed. He was obviously still concerned.
‘Have you heard back yet from Monsieur Giroux, about the antiques, I mean? You were going to speak to him.’
‘Oh, that had completely gone out of my mind.’ Cal said. ‘Yes, he told me knew nothing about them. They certainly didn’t belong to him, so to do what I like with them. He wondered if they’d been hidden there, possibly stolen.’
‘Well, that makes more sense. It’s a strange place to leave your valuables. So, some poor family have had their home ransacked and hearts wrenched. That little teddy probably meant so much to a child or its parents. I wonder how long they’ve been there?’ Lizzie’s skin crawled. She would be devastated if Thierry’s little treasures were lost, and thought also of the papers and locket.
‘Well, Giroux claims to know nothing about them. Says he’d taken anything of any use out several years back. I’m inclined to believe him. Selling the property, he would have got shot of them.’
‘True. How awful to have personal things stolen. That beautiful old locket of my great-grandmother’s with a photo of Mum’s cousin Annie, the baby. The only photo of her. Imagine that being lost now that we’ve discovered it. The only photo of her and her real mother. And the information stashed in just one old tin. Look where that has led.’
‘You haven’t told your mother?’
Lizzie lightly clawed his arm. ‘God, no. That’s going to be a complete surprise. Mum must think I’m avoiding her. I’m so scared I’ll say something by mistake. Dates all fixed though, and I’ve got something quite special organised for their meeting.’
‘Oh, such covert operations going on in my absence. So you don’t think you’d make a good spy?’
‘Ha, never,’ Lizzie admitted but scowled suddenly, jolted by his question. Was he hiding something? ‘Has Kelly told Jack yet about her and Reuben?’