A Life Worth Living

by Louise Guy

  As her mum was about to leave, she’d turned to Eve. ‘You’re playing with fire, my girl, and I can guarantee you’ll get burnt. You need to stop it right now. Respect those vows you made the day you agreed to be Sean’s wife.’

  She’d said goodnight and nothing more. It was none of her mother’s business.

  Sitting across from the table now, her sentiments were the same.

  Her mum would never understand. She was nothing like Eve. She had no idea how it felt to be trapped in a marriage with demanding children.

  She had loved everything about being a mother. In fact, her mother had used up all the maternal genes in the family and there’d been nothing to pass down. It certainly would explain why she found the whole thing so hard.

  ‘It’s none of your business, Mum.’

  ‘It will be if Sean finds out.’

  ‘How do you figure that?’ Eve asked.

  ‘Because I imagine he’d leave you and you’d be trying to dump the girls on your father and me every weekend they were in your custody.’

  She stared. ‘Dump the girls. That’s lovely. Sorry, I thought you enjoyed spending time with your grandchildren.’

  Her mother gave a snort and got up to check on the meat in the oven. ‘Don’t twist what I’m saying. You know exactly what I mean.’

  Eve stood, not wanting to continue the conversation with her mother. ‘I’ll go out and see if Dad and Leah need a hand.’

  Leah had had to wipe her tears, again, when her father, Bill, had embraced her. He hadn’t had to say anything. The look in his eyes told her everything, and she loved him for it. She’d always been very close to her father.

  When she and Eve were little, she’d often come and spend time with him in the garden. They’d work side-by-side planting new garden beds, mulching, weeding, and whatever else needed doing.

  He’d tell her stories about when he was a boy and always ask about her day, about what she was doing and what was important to her. When she was ten, her father had taught her how to play chess.

  They’d spent hours over the years sitting across from each other, sometimes chatting, often enjoying a comfortable silence as they played. It was a far cry from the whirlwind of Eve and the many dramas that seemed to follow her right through school and beyond.

  He’d brought out a ball, and the girls were trying to get it through the hoop he’d hung for them on the side of the garden shed.

  They squealed and laughed taking turns.

  Her dad squeezed Leah’s arm. ‘If you need me to do anything, let me know. I’m happy to go and have a chat to that young man if you’d like.’

  Leah could just imagine her father chatting with Grant.

  He kept himself in shape, and even in his late sixties could easily flatten an opponent.

  ‘Thanks, Dad, but I want to move on now, forget all about him. There’s not much point talking to him, or anything else,’ she added. ‘We can’t change what he’s done.’

  Forget all about him. How Leah wished she could. She’d done nothing but obsess about Grant and how she’d missed all the signs that something was wrong in their relationship.

  He was having an affair and at the same time she’d thought he was about to propose. How stupid was she?

  Her dad shook his head and sighed. ‘No, we can’t. There are plenty of good men around, love. It turns out he wasn’t one of them. Don’t give up on men altogether because of him.’

  ‘I won’t,’ she promised. ‘Although, meeting someone else is definitely not a high priority at the moment.’

  He caught the ball as it rebounded off the hoop and bounced towards him. He looked from the twins to Leah. ‘Time for a game,’ he said. ‘Me and Harry against Ava and Aunty Leah. First to five goals is the winner.’

  Her dad was always good for offering a distraction.

  Leah snatched the ball from his hands and passed it to Ava. ‘Come on Ave’s,’ she cried. ‘Let’s beat them.’

  Leah smiled while she washed the roasting pans. Splashes and giggles were coming from the bathroom. She doubted one could even see the twins in the huge bathtub with the amount of bubble bath they’d used.

  She frowned hearing Eve’s voice. She was speaking sternly, silence falling immediately in the bathroom. She wished her sister would lighten up on the girls. So they’d made a mess. A few towels and it would all be wiped up, no big deal. Eve needed to let them enjoy themselves.

  Over their own childhood, she remembered a lot of laughter and her father’s famous bear hugs. Leah had known she was loved every day. Did Eve’s girls feel like that?

  She glanced up as her mother led Eve in the kitchen. ‘Leave it to me,’ her mum was saying. ‘It’s my fault, anyway. I put the bubble mixture in. Have a cup of tea. There’s some of that horrible green stuff you like in the cupboard. You’re here to relax and cheer up Leah. The girls are my responsibility tonight.’

  Their mother headed back to the bathroom.

  ‘Made a mess have they?’ Leah asked.

  Eve shook her head, switched on the kettle and opened the cupboard in search of the tea. ‘Mess is an understatement. Mum’s having a go at me because I told them off. What she doesn’t realise, is that the mess that they make here they then make at home. Cleaning up after them the whole time is a pain.’ She sighed. ‘I know, I know. Don’t say anything. I need to lighten up. I’m trying, Lee, I promise I am. It’s going to take a bit of time.’

  She was surprised to hear her twin admit she needed to relax. Perhaps their chat the other night had had an impact?

  ‘Anyway, what are we going to do about Grant? Surely we don’t let him get away with what he’s done to you?’

  ‘Revenge?’ Leah asked. ‘I hadn’t really been thinking of revenge.’

  ‘We should at least make sure the new girlfriend knows he was cheating on you,’ her sister said. ‘It’s despicable what he’s done.’

  ‘I think I should probably stay right out of it. Don’t forget there’s a baby involved. Not that he seemed overly happy about that, but if I deliberately try to ruin their relationship I’d feel guilty for the baby.’

  ‘Are we even related?’ Eve sat waiting for the kettle to boil. ‘We might be identical in looks, but that’s about it. You got all the nice genes, and I got none.’

  Leah pulled off the rubber gloves, dried her hands and came and sat next to her twin. ‘You got more than you like to admit. You just seem to like to hide them sometimes. As for Grant, I need to try to move forward. Yes, he did something despicable to me, but what am I going to achieve if I try to get revenge? I need him out of my life. There’s nothing he could ever do now that would have me take him back, so it’s a finished chapter.’

  ‘In that case we need to start you a new chapter.’

  ‘I tried myself today,’ she said. ‘Started looking for another job.’

  ‘Really? I thought you’d hoped to move into another section with The Melbournian?

  She shook her head. ‘Not going to happen. Fitzy made that very clear. Even threatened that I’d get no reference if I tried to move to another paper.’

  Eve shook her head. ‘Unbelievable. What is wrong with these men? Did you want me to have a chat to Nicola? She’s friends with Tom Barnaby. He might have some openings at The Age.’

  ‘That’d be great. Hopefully he’s not a friend of Fitzy’s.’

  ‘I’ll call her.’ She took out her phone.

  ‘You don’t have to do it right now,’ Leah said.

  Her sister looked up, ‘I’ll text and check she’s still in touch with him. If she is, it will give you something to focus on, other than your prick of a boss and bigger prick of an ex.’ She sent off a text, her phone pinging back only seconds later. She grinned. ‘Knows him and he’s coming to her fortieth, which means you are too. It’s tomorrow night.’

  Leah immediately shook her head. ‘I can’t crash her party uninvited.’

  Eve passed her phone over. ‘Read her message.’

  Know him
? He’s a BFF and will be at my party. Bring Leah, would love to see her and will introduce. He’s a great guy, won’t stuff her around. xx

  She handed the phone back to her sister. ‘I don’t know, I’m not really in a party mood.’

  ‘Don’t be silly,’ Eve said. ‘You don’t have to be. Think of the party like a business opportunity. You won’t get a meeting or interview with someone like Tom Barnaby very easily on your own.’

  Leah sighed. ‘Yeah, you’re right. Okay, I’ll come.’

  ‘Excellent. It's costume, but don’t worry, I’ll organise your outfit. I have an idea you’ll love.’

  She raised an eyebrow. ‘Really? In the thirty seconds since Nicola invited me you have a costume sorted? What is it?’

  There was a glint in her twin’s eye. ‘You’ll have to wait and see.’

  7

  Eve manoeuvred the Audi out of the underground car park and into the long line of traffic on the main road. She’d taken the afternoon off work under the guise of attending an event at the girls’ school. The girls and their schooling couldn’t have been further from her thoughts.

  Kate had arrived bright and early for work that morning, her face fresh and tanned reflecting her holiday. She would be picking the twins up that afternoon, allowing Eve to enjoy the feeling of being free.

  She’d stowed their outfits in the boot of the car. It was going to be some night. She grinned.

  Eve braked when the car ahead pulled to a stop in front of a red traffic light. She pressed the talk button on her steering wheel and instructed the car to call her sister. She willed Leah to pick up.

  It was close to a minute before her familiar voice came down the line.

  ‘Eve?’

  ‘Yep. What’re you doing?’ The light turned to green and she accelerated, keeping up with the cars in front of her. The phone was silent. ‘Leah?’

  ‘I’m here.’

  ‘Just letting you know I’ll pick you up at seven,’ she said. ‘I’ll have your outfit with me, so you can change and then we’ll go.’

  ‘I don’t think I’m up for it.’

  ‘Yes you are. You promised you’d come and it could be a great job opportunity. Don’t you dare pull out now. Nicola’s gone to the effort of talking to Tom Barnaby this morning on your behalf. It would be incredibly rude to not turn up.’

  More silence at the other end of the phone.

  Eve shook her head. She glanced in the rear vision and changed lanes in order to do a U-turn.

  ‘Maybe she could organise a meeting at his offices,’ her twin said. ‘A party isn’t really my thing right now.’

  She gave an exaggerated sigh. ‘Fine. If that’s how you feel, I’ll speak to Tom Barnaby myself tonight and see what we can sort out.’ She ended the call, hearing the relief in Leah’s voice and grinned.

  Leah stared at her phone. It was unlike her sister to back off so quickly. Perhaps Eve was actually prepared to give her some space.

  She moved into the bedroom and took one last look around to make sure all traces of Grant were gone.

  A lone photo stood on her dressing table. It was of the two of them in Fiji. They were holding hands, walking through the shallow water with the sun setting behind them. It was a magical photo taken on the first day of what had been a magical holiday.

  They’d snorkelled, jet skied, done day trips to local villages and islands. They’d made love and talked about their future. A future together.

  Leah picked up the photo. How could she have got it so wrong? This photo was taken six months ago. It wasn’t like it was four years earlier, and things had changed.

  She carefully slipped the photo out of the frame. She held it in her hands, tears welling as she looked at their happy faces. She blinked them away.

  Eve was right. She was wasting far too much energy on him. He was probably in bed with Katrina right now. Rubbing her belly and speaking to his baby.

  Leah held the photo up and tore it straight through the middle. A sense of satisfaction overtook her. She tore it again and again until she held a handful of pieces.

  She glanced at the clock. It was only four. A bit early for a glass of wine. She’d made a last-minute decision to call in sick today. It wasn’t something she’d done very often but she couldn’t face Fitzy or anyone else.

  She needed some time to herself. She’d go for a walk. Perhaps come back via the local Thai and order a red curry for dinner.

  Leah grabbed her keys and bag and went in search of her sports shoes. She was pulling them on when the doorbell rang. She quickly tied her shoe and hurried to the door.

  Her heart sank when she opened it and was greeted with Eve’s grinning face. Of course, her sister wouldn’t take no for an answer. She should’ve known better.

  Leah turned her back on her twin, scooped Lewis, who was rubbing around her legs, up and plonked herself on the couch. ‘I’m not going.’

  Eve, carting a huge shopping bag, followed her. ‘Yes, you are. Grant’s an arsehole, and he’s gone. It’s time to move on. But more importantly, this party is an amazing opportunity to discuss a new job. If you don’t go, I don’t ever want to hear another word of complaint from you about The Melbournian or your prick of a boss. And—’ She held the shopping bag out to her, ‘this is another reason you have to come. Have a look.’ She passed the bag over.

  She moved her cat onto the couch beside her, opened the bag and removed a purple costume. ‘Wonder twins? Really?’

  Her sister laughed. ‘Come on, it’s to cheer you up. Remember how long you bugged me to wear that costume in high school.’

  A small smile played on Leah’s lips. ‘And you refused.’

  ‘Now you get your chance to wear it. I’ve got one too. No one will know who’s who. Come on, Lee, it’ll be fun, like old times.’

  She pushed the costume back in the bag and shook her head. ‘I’m not ready to answer questions about Grant.’

  ‘Focus on Tom Barnaby and that this is a job interview. If any of Nicola’s friends ask, say you’re single. I doubt any of them knew Grant, anyway.’ Eve put her hand back in the bag and pulled out the costume. ‘How about this for a deal?’ she asked. ‘We’ll be dressed identically, so no one is actually going to know who’s who. If you find yourself having to answer any questions you don’t want to then we’ll switch. You can be me.’

  Leah raised her eyes. ‘Really? But then you’d miss out on being Eve. The centre of attention. Life of the party.’

  She shrugged. ‘Tonight is more about getting you out.’ She held the wonder twin outfit in front of her and twirled. ‘Now come on, say you’ll go.’

  While they spent less time together as adults, her twin was still always there for her when she needed her. She struggled to show it with her kids, but deep down Eve was kind and generous. She’d do anything for Leah.

  She took the outfit. ‘Okay. I’ll come.’

  Her sister squealed and threw her arms around her. ‘Fantastic. We’re going to have a great night.’ She released her and rummaged in her handbag. She extracted a sheet of paper, unfolded it and handed it over.

  Leah stared. It was a photo of Eve dressed in the wonder twin suit, her long blonde hair straightened to cascade over her shoulders and down her back. Her make-up was minimal.

  Leah looked closer. Other than Eve’s eyes, which appeared huge with the mascara she’d used, a bit of blush and silver lips were all that were required. She opened her mouth ready to speak, then shut it again.

  Eve held out a silver lipstick. ‘Figure you’ve got the rest?’

  She nodded.

  ‘Great, now I’d better go. I want to see the kids before I head out again tonight.’ She smiled. ‘I’m turning over a new leaf. Being engaged, giving them hugs and occasional treats.’ Her mouth melted into a frown. ‘Although, I don’t think they’ve noticed yet.’

  ‘They will.’ Leah followed to the front door. ‘Keep it up and give it time.’

  Her sister gave her a quick hug. ‘Will d
o. I’ll see you at seven. We’re going to have a great night.’

  Leah swallowed, shutting the door behind her. That she doubted.

  Eve pulled into the driveway, hearing the pop tunes of Justin Bieber blaring from the upstairs window. She frowned and waited for the garage door to open.

  Sean’s car was inside. It wasn’t even five-thirty. It was unheard of him for him to be home so early on a Friday night.

  Even though it was Kate’s first day back, she’d already organised for the nanny to stay late tonight to allow her to get ready for the party and be gone well before her husband came home.

  She parked beside the Mercedes and pushed open her door. As she entered through the internal access, the music had been switched off and replaced with screams of delight coming from the girls.

  Sean’s booming voice caused them to shriek louder.

  Eve paused at the bottom of the stairs.

  ‘Mummy!’ Harriet’s delight forced a smile to her face.

  She took a deep breath. She wanted to spend a few minutes with her daughters but she also needed to get ready. She hoped Sean hadn’t let Kate leave early.

  Eve opened her arms to Harriet who bounded down the stairs and flung herself at her.

  Ava followed, more conservatively, as she put her arms around Harriet and pulled her to her. ‘How were your days?’ she asked.

  Her daughter started babbling a million miles an hour while Ava waited patiently for her turn.

  Harriet continued to talk, and Eve disentangled herself from her and started ascending the stairs. The girls followed.

  Sean moved out of the girls’ room and onto the landing as she reached the top.

  ‘You’re home early,’ Eve said.

  ‘I’m sick of getting home at ten or eleven on a Friday night.’ He drew Ava and Harriet to him and tickled them. ‘I miss my girls and want to take you all out somewhere nice.’

  ‘Daddy’s taking us to TGI Friday’s.’ Harriet shouted. ‘And I’m going to have a caramel sundae.’