by Karen Aldous
‘No. This is not about looking back or to the past.’ She threw her arms up in the air as if punching out a fierce new energy. She grabbed her diary again – her hands speedily reaching for her pen. This is about moving forward. I’m changing direction and I’m so happy. I am creating a new future. I have worked hard for this and deserve this new beginning. The key to my happiness has been turned and I can now walk proudly through the door to the dream I have yearned for and earned. That raison d’etre that I’ve felt within is emerging, being born. Guillaume has taught me to be a Parisian, and how to be a good lover. He has been part of my journey and a great friend who now I will miss. That’s all. Once time has healed us, maybe we can be friends again.
The girl in the mirror spoke again pointing at her. ‘For now, Paris still has one more thing to teach you.’ She raced to the hall cupboard and pulled out her coat. She walked the city with notebook in hand and made notes as she discovered each beauty salon in her immediate vicinity. Seven in all. The street name, the business name, the website address, then any cards or brochures and some notes about the décor and ambience, staff, anything which she would find interesting, even beauty creams and products, smells. Staff were often helpful and friendly as she questioned receptionists and therapists standing around about their work and their customers’ demands. She made no secret of telling them she was carrying out market research for her own salon. Well, it would be Lizzie’s, but soon hers officially too.
One day she hoped she, Sophie Pitou, and Lizzie Lambert would own the most successful beauty clinic in France. They were beginning to make their dreams happen and Sophie was now more focused than ever. On her return, compiling her notes she made a further list of areas not covered. They would be covered over the next two day days before her return to Cannes for good. From what she had seen today though, her head was brimming with ideas. Paris did have a different market, true, but there were many things which could be applied to the marketing in the more laid-back south too. Lunchtime pamper sessions were a good idea but it was also good for fillers or laser treatments where aftercare was less of a concern.
So the remainder of the week was organized, with time spent visiting some further salons, then on Thursday a medium-sized removal van would carry her belongings to the storage company in Mougins. Then on Friday she would travel down by car, check her belongings had arrived safely and then continue to Lizzie’s. She couldn’t wait to get going.
***
With Lizzie still in England, Sophie settled herself at the apartment with Marie-Claire’s close to hand should she need anything. Until Lizzie returned, she used her room. She spent the first two days pottering and organising herself. She then spent much of her time at the salon. Even though she didn’t have her friend’s personal guidance, as originally planned, she was pleasantly surprised at the expertise and friendliness of the staff. Josephine made her very welcome and gave her an overview of the set-up and the clients. Over the first two weeks, Lizzie’s manager introduced her to most of the treatments; she was being extremely spoiled.
As she stood, repeatedly staring at herself in the reception mirror, admiring her pampered face, chatting to the receptionist, a dark-haired man entered the salon. He was dressed in long shorts, a loose t-shirt and flip-flops. As he turned his head, she recognised him at once. His beauty was unusual for any man. It was Anton. He didn’t seem to recognise her as he looked her up and down and headed for the receptionist.
‘I want to speak to Lizzie.’
‘I’m afraid she’s unavailable. Can I give her a message?’ Lucie asked.
‘Where is she? Is she still in England?’ he demanded. Lucie glanced over at Sophie who was narrowing her brows.
‘Can I help at all sir?’
‘Yes. Tell me if she is still in England?’
‘Sir. I can take a message and ask her to call you.’
He looked from Lucie to Sophie. His expression softened to a flirty smile. ‘I will call back tomorrow.’ And keeping his eyes fixed on Sophie he said, ‘Mademoiselle Sophie?’ Her skin crawled as he leered at her. Bugger she thought. ‘You are her friend. Please ask her to call me urgently.’
‘You know she is nursing her mother in England right now. She has just had a very serious operation and she may need further treatments for her cancer.’
‘It is unfortunate and I’m sorry for her mother but we have urgent family business.’
Sophie lowered her eyes and counted to five. ‘I’m sure Lizzie will deal with it as soon as she can Anton but please, just give her some time to help her mother, just a few weeks, that’s all.’
Anton stared at her in disbelief but thankfully said no more and exited the salon in a hurried fashion, rather like a spoiled child sulking.
‘Twat,’ Sophie whispered but was obviously heard.
‘Yes, irritatingly. He’s been in a few times lately.’
‘I’m assuming you know who he is?’ Sophie looked at Lucie.
‘Yes. He caught me out before though so I learned the hard way. Poor Lizzie. I told him where she was in Bonnieux. The hotel she was at. He came in saying he needed to contact her urgently and that he was her son’s father. I’m afraid I didn’t know…’
‘No. Don’t blame yourself. And Lizzie wouldn’t blame you. He is such a sleaze bag – as you well saw for yourself. He can turn the charm on when he wants. No, I didn’t realise he was checking on her so regularly.’
‘I don’t think she knows. I haven’t wanted to disturb her with this. He has never left a message. He just demands to see her and then, when he can’t, which has been often recently, for obvious reasons, he says he’ll be back.’
‘Can you do me a favour?’ Sophie asked.
‘Yes. Please, if I can help.’
‘Would you keep a record, in the diary maybe, of dates and times he comes in, and what he says?’
‘Yes. That wouldn’t be a problem.’
‘If you can recall any previous dates, that would be helpful too. By the way, keep my mobile number to hand in case you need to contact me. If he becomes a nuisance, we may have to find a way of keeping him out.’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Ok. I am hoping to speak to Lizzie later. I’ll let her know.’ Sophie was now anxious to know what was going on. Why was Anton suddenly so keen to meddle?
The phone rang and Sophie picked it up. ‘Beaute Dedans.’
‘Well I wasn’t expecting your voice. How are you?’ Lizzie said.
‘Great. Never been happier. Well, that’s a lie because I will be when you get back down here.’
‘How come you are there so soon?’
‘I thought you may need some help so I’ve managed to get my arse in gear and find out what goes on, you know, give myself a head start.’
‘Good thinking. Well I hope the girls are looking after you?’
‘Yes. They have been great. You have a great team. They have all been delightful. The manager Josephine is a real asset Liz.’
‘I’m glad you like her and yes, she is. I’ve been lucky. Is she busy? I phoned to make sure all is ok.’
‘Oh fine I think. She is with a rep, one from Thalgo I believe? I’ll get her to call you when she’s finished.’
‘Brilliant. Did the rep bring sample products do you know or some stock?’
‘Just samples, I think.’
‘Ok. You may want to have a look at some of those, maybe have a chat with the rep. They are all natural products. I want to expand the product options and the rep, Nicole I think her name is, was in Cannes this week although the company is based in the Var, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, so not far away. It would be nice to pay a visit there. See what she says. Would you mind?’
‘Not at all. Anyway, how are you and your mum?’
‘Oh amazing. I’m just walking back to the car now. We’ve made huge progress. Macmillan have been really good helping me through it all.’
‘Fingers crossed Lizzie.’
‘Well, I have, or rather, Cal sugg
ested a plan: to tell her now about Thierry. Not take him in the hospital but just tell her and then take him in the next day or later. Cal believes finding out she has a grandchild will give her something good to focus on.’
‘Gosh yes. Great idea. She will probably want to spend as much time as she can with him.’
‘Well. I’ll wait and see.’ Lizzie paused as she remembered something. ‘How’s the apartment, comfortable?’
‘Very, thank you. I have to confess, I haven’t been out house-hunting just yet. I was hoping you would be here for that.’
‘Take as long as you need to stay at mine, I don’t think I’ll be back for a while yet and yes, I did say I would help you find a place, so we can look around when I return.’
‘Oh nearly forgot. How are things with you and Cal? Are you getting on ok? Presumably he is living at your mother’s house?’
‘Yes he is but he has his own house not far away. I think he’s staying here just to make sure Thierry and I are ok.’
‘That’s thoughtful of him,’ Sophie said.
‘Yes. He is really nice.’
‘Oh Lizzie, you do make me laugh. Don’t tell me you’re falling for your new Daddy.’
‘Ok, he’s hot but…’ Lizzie looked about her with a stab of guilt, ‘out of bounds.’ Sophie’s laughter echoed down the telephone so loud that Lizzie whipped the receiver back from her ear. ‘It isn’t funny Sophie.’
‘Do you think they are serious?’
‘Yes I think they are. He’s gone to all this trouble and has been very caring and protective towards her.’
‘Has he been to see her?’ Sophie asked
‘No!’ Looking round again she said ‘No. She told him not to.’
‘Oh, well, I suppose a lady wants her dignity. She’s just had a mastectomy, she’s not going to feel great…’
‘Or look great, she looked so pale and washed out at first but today she had brightened up considerably,’ Lizzie said.
‘He’s quite a bit younger than her too so maybe she’s just conscious of the difference and how it might affect him.’ Sophie added.
‘True. I might feel the same if I was her,’
‘And, it would be different if they’d been married for years.’ Sophie pointed out.
‘True. I did think it a bit odd.’
‘Do you want me to come over Lizzie? I can be with you in a couple of hours if I fly from Nice.’
‘No, no. I’m fine. One way or another, I shall go back to the hospital tomorrow and try to get her home.’
‘Ring Macmillan,’ Sophie said.
Lizzie laughed. ‘Thanks Sophie, I’ll try that.’
‘Hope it all goes well. I need to go. A client is coming in reception. Speak tomorrow.’ Sophie said. ‘Hope all goes well.’ Damn, thought Sophie, she had meant to ask her about Anton.
Chapter 16
On her return from the hospital Lizzie walked on air as she searched the house for Cal and Thierry. When she breezed into the conservatory she couldn’t hide her triumphant grin as Cal peered up from the floor. Cal brushed Thierry’s head and got up from where they’d been playing.
‘Success,’ she cheered, ‘We made up. And she’s doing fine.’
‘Lizzie, you don’t know how happy that makes me. Phew, I’ve been so worried.’ He elatedly grabbed Lizzie and hugged her.
‘I couldn’t tell her about Thierry,’ she blurted, suddenly trembling with a surge of unexpected tears.
‘Whoa, whoa, calm down,’ he said, almost dancing with her. ‘You’ve made progress. That’s brilliant. One step at a time.’
‘I can’t calm down. It was really emotional and touching. I’ve never hugged her with so much feeling and I feel pretty shaken. She told me all about her operation, and finding the lump and, and.., oh no!! I’ve just realised, I’ve left my photos there. She will find them! I am so…so stupid.’ Lizzie levered herself away from his grasp.
‘What do you mean? Tell me, what happened?’
‘I told her I’d come to try again and we both just broke down. I chucked the bag that I took down on the bed and, in my excitement, completely forgot about it. We only really chatted about how her operation went.’
‘That’s good then isn’t it? You’ve made headway. You’ve made the effort to see her and, well, actions speak louder than words Lizzie,’ Cal beamed ‘Yes. And?’ his eyes widened.
‘Well hopefully it’s broken the ice but what if she forgets or feels embarrassed next time I see her.’
‘Do you think you would forget something like that? And I’m sure she won’t look in your bag. You can tell her about Thierry next time.’
‘Thierry,’ she smiled, distracted by her son running towards her, ‘Hello darling!’ She swooped him up and he hugged her neck tightly as she kissed him.
‘Mummy look,’ Thierry chuckled, displaying tiny hands covered in slimy green dough. ‘Oh my God, what is that?’ she knelt down and plopped her son back down as quickly as she’d swept him up then brushed off her neck and hair.
He ran back to fetch a small pot to show her. ‘It’s Dragon Snot Mummy. We bought it at the shop.’
‘Did you indeed?’ She directed her eyes at Cal. His face wore an amused smile.
‘It’s kinda fun,’ said Cal, he winked over at the little boy, ‘Show Mummy what you’ve been making with it.’
‘I don’t think Mummy wants to know,’ Lizzie said. ‘I think you two should keep man stuff to yourselves if it’s that disgusting - then Mummy won’t have to clear it all up will she?’
Cal laughed and Thierry laughed with him.
‘Are you being a bad influence on my son?’ she jested.
‘Not at all. He’s got a curious mind which is delightful to fill. He is a great listener for one so small and is interested in so much. You can’t help but feel engaged with him.’ Cal brushed the boy’s head in a fatherly way. Lizzie’s heart and eyes filled with pride.
‘Cal said we can go the cricket.’
‘Did he now?’
‘That’s in the morning, tomorrow, when you get up,’ Cal corrected.
‘Tomorrow,’ Thierry confirmed.
Cal searched her face anticipating a protest then said, ‘They play on the village green on a Saturday morning.’
Lizzie remembered walking down there herself on occasions as a child with her father and grandfather. ‘Yes, maybe I’ll join you both,’ she said, clapping her hands.
Cal turned towards the fridge and his tone turned serious. ‘Anyway, presumably there are things you will want to do tomorrow and want to talk about later so I suggest you go for a nice long soak whilst I make this little guy his tea.’
‘Oh God yes.’ She jumped at the thought of her mother rummaging through the bag. ‘I can’t believe I left the photographs there. I wonder if she’ll look. I took a bag with grapes, a few gifts, card and magazines. I think I put them on the bed. It was so… and she…’ Her lips quivered, and she buried her head in her hands.
Immediately Cal rushed to her squeezing her shoulders.
‘I just though she…well,’ she sniffed and lifted her shoulders sighing. ‘Sorry, I just thought of mum and what she went through when they told her. Her shock, and she said she cried her heart out when they mentioned cancer. She told me she’d never been so scared, she couldn’t sleep. It reminded her of the awful time when I went missing. The police kept telling her that thousands of youngsters go missing and that they usually turn up. That she was lucky, at least she had a note, she said. Anyway, it’s just very sad.’
‘There’s no point on dwelling on that, Lizzie. You didn’t want to be found anyway. But, brilliant you could both sit and talk.’
Lizzie nodded and took a deep breath to avoid another outburst. ‘Oh, yes, on a brighter note, she was so…so talkative, relaxed – well after the first few minutes. It was so…gratifying. We definitely, I suppose, bonded, but it didn’t feel right, not the time to tell her that I had a child. I didn’t want her to freak out.’ She rubbed C
al’s arm, ‘Thanks.’
‘You read the situation. You did the right thing,’ he said, sliding back to the worktop.
‘I hope so. She was so different from how she was the other day.’
‘Maybe she was giving you a chance, knowing you had come home and made the effort. Why wouldn’t she? You’re her flesh and blood. Why can’t you take some credit?’
Lizzie gave a stiff glance his way. ‘Guilt, I suppose. I’m not a very good daughter am I?’
‘Stop dwelling. Move forward. There’s no point in beating yourself up. You’ve come so far in just one visit. Build on that. None of us are perfect.’
‘I can’t help feeling bad. I’ve accused her of so many things recently when I haven’t even bothered to stay in touch anyway. I’m never going to want that land now anyway, not now I’ve built my life in Cannes,’ she declared.
‘Look. You don’t know what’s going to happen, so just forget that. Did she say anything about coming home?’ Cal asked.
‘I didn’t want to push her. I will ask her again tomorrow. I’m surprised the hospital hasn’t sent her home. They usually try to. They usually want the beds.’
‘I’m sure it will all fall into place. Like her, you’ve had a shock and it is rather emotionally intense,’ Cal assured her.
‘Thank you for helping us through this,’ she said, checking on Thierry and his green snot! ‘I’m going for this bath.’
‘Here, take a glass of wine up with you.’ Cal collected her a wine goblet from the glass-fronted cabinet and filled it with red wine. ‘This will relax you. It’s rich and smooth. It will go down a treat with your warm bubbles. I’ll send Thierry up for his bath after his tea.’
Lizzie accepted it gratefully and carefully carried it up the stairs to run her bath. Meanwhile, Cal set to work. He cleaned Thierry up and got him a chair then they set to work on making a pizza base with the special pizza flour. Cal allowed Thierry to roll out the dough and to squeeze the tomato puree out on to the base and spread it on with his child’s spoon in a haphazard fashion. Cal couldn’t help but be amused by the child’s innocent attempts and showed him how to chop onions, tomatoes and fresh herbs which he was then able to organise into little dishes. Cal then handed him fresh basil which he chopped with his own, not so sharp, knife. Then Cal showed him how to use the cheese grater so he grated some Mozzarella cheese being careful not to scrape his little fingers.