by Louise Guy
She forced a smile and shot him a look. ‘Tonight?’
Her husband’s jaw clenched. ‘Yes. It’s been too long since we last did something as a family. It’ll be good for us all to spend a night together.’
Shit. Eve should’ve mentioned Nicola’s party earlier.
Ava squeezed her hand. ‘It will be fun, Mummy. I won’t order a sundae, I’ll have fruit salad. I just want to be a family.’
A lump formed in her throat. Did Ava really not think they were a family? She squeezed the little girl’s hand back. ‘I’m sorry but I can’t come tonight.’
Sean’s eyes flashed with anger. ‘Why not? I’ve come home early specially to do this tonight.’
Anger rose. He should’ve discussed this with her earlier rather than making her look like the bad guy now. ‘You should’ve told me, not assumed I’d be available.’
‘You’re out all the time lately,’ he retorted. ‘Who are you going out with?’
She shook her head. ‘I’m not out all the time. It's work.’
‘So, tonight is work?’ Her husband threw his hands up. ‘Let me guess, you’re holding an auction at nine pm on a Friday night, because it’s such a great time to sell a house.’
Eve stared. God, he could be a sarcastic prick. Footsteps on the stairs snagged her attention.
Kate’s voice rang out. ‘Ava, Harriet. Come with me and we’ll have a bath and get dressed for dinner.’
Harriet looked from her parents to Kate and burst into tears. ‘We can’t go,’ she said. ‘No caramel sundaes tonight.’
‘No family night,’ Ava added, her voice low, her eyes downcast.
The nanny took the girls’ hands and led them towards the bathroom.
Eve overhead her telling them she’d make them a special dinner instead.
Sean’s eyes softened as he turned to face her. ‘Eve, we need to spend time together. You and me and the girls. It’s been ages.’
She swallowed. It had been ages. Months in fact. He was usually so busy with work it was easy to avoid spending too much time with him or the girls. ‘I know and I want to,’ she said. ‘Let’s do it tomorrow night. Tonight’s important. It’s Nicola’s fortieth. I can’t miss it.’
‘Nicola’s fortieth?’
She nodded.
‘How come I wasn’t invited?’
‘You were. Sorry, I thought you wouldn’t want to go. You’ve never really liked her, and the last time we went to one of her events you said her friends were superficial.’
‘They were,’ Sean said.
‘That’s why I didn’t mention it. I thought you’d prefer to either work or spend time with the girls.’
He stared. ‘Really? That’s why I didn’t get an invite?’
She nodded again.
‘Not because you’re taking another guy with you?’
‘Like who?’
‘I don’t know,’ her husband said. ‘The guy you’re having an affair with, perhaps?’
She tried to calm her breathing. Adrenaline pumped through her.
He couldn’t know about Ben. There was no way. She’d been so careful.
Eve willed herself to act normally. She managed a small laugh. ‘Which guy is that?’
Sean crossed his arms. ‘You tell me? You’re the one out late at night, for hours at a time on most weekends. I don’t know his name, but I’m going to find out and when I do, we’re over, Eve. Completely over.’
She forced another smile. ‘Babe, I have no idea what makes you think I’m having an affair, but I can tell you right now, you’ve got your wires crossed. There’s no guy. No affair.’
He continued to stare. ‘The late nights at work? The sudden need to pop out for two hours on a Sunday afternoon? That’s not because of a guy?’
She shook her head. ‘You work late most nights of the week. You spend many weekends in at the office too. Not once have I ever accused you of having an affair. You’ve got plenty of opportunity too.’
‘I’m not having an affair,’ Sean said.
‘And I never suggested you were. And I really resent that you have accused me of having one.’
‘So, the fact that you’re so distant with me, a bitch to the girls, that’s got nothing to do with you having an affair?’
Heat flushed her cheeks. A bitch to the girls? ‘Nice Sean, really nice.’
‘Come off it. Why did you even want to have kids? From the day they were born, you’ve spent every minute possible trying to escape or palming them off onto other people. Nannies, babysitters, your parents, friends. Ideally anyone that means you aren’t expected to spend time with them.’
‘Did it ever cross your mind that perhaps I was struggling?’ she asked. ‘Perhaps I had no idea what I was doing and couldn’t handle it?’
He shook his head. ‘They’re seven. I think you could’ve worked it out by now if you bothered to make an effort. When was the last time you baked a cake with them or took them to the park?’
‘When was the last time you did either of those things?’ Eve retorted.
‘Last weekend. Although, it was biscuits, not a cake. You would’ve known except you had to rush out for that property inspection on Sunday afternoon, remember? The client who supposedly couldn’t see you at any other time. The client who you got dressed up so nicely for and spent three hours with.’ Sean slammed his fist against the railing at the top of the stairs. ‘It’s bullshit, Eve, we both know it. You’ve totally disengaged from this family.’
A twinge of guilt stabbed at her. Sunday afternoon she’d spent in bed with Ben. Still, her husband couldn’t prove it, and that didn’t give him the right to tell her she was useless. ‘So, I’m a shit mother and I’m having an affair?’
‘And a shit sister and a shit daughter too,’ he said. ‘Ask anyone in your family. How much time do you have for any of us?’
Eve’s gut clenched. There was no way Leah or her parents would’ve said anything like that to Sean. ‘You don’t know anything about my relationship with my family. You have no idea how often I see them, and you have no right at all to say that.’
Uncertainty crept into Sean’s face. ‘Okay, fine, but that’s my observation of you when I do see you with them. It’s all about you, what’s happening in your life. You show no interest in them at all. I’m surprised they even bother with you.’
‘With everything you’ve said to me tonight, I’m surprised you bother,’ Eve said.
‘I have no idea why I do. We’re a big fucking mistake, that’s what we are.’
She swallowed. She had no response to that.
‘You go to your stupid party, on your own, and I’ll take the girls out for dinner. There’s no reason they should miss out on a good night because their mother is a selfish bitch.’
Eve stood shell-shocked as her husband turned his back on her and stalked off in the direction of the girls’ bathroom.
She heard their screams of delight a few moments later. He must’ve told them that caramel sundaes were back on the menu.
Sean had never spoken to her like that before. They’d argued. Said a few hurtful comments, but nothing like this. Nausea churned in Eve’s stomach. He suspected she was having an affair. She reflected on the amount of time she’d spent with Ben and realised if anyone was noticing her absences, which it appeared Sean was, it would be obvious. She thought back to Leah’s earlier words. You need to be more involved. It’s the only way you’ll ever build proper relationships. Sean’s outburst was certainly reinforcing the need to spend more time with her family. But, his anger was beyond anything she’d experienced from him. Would she be able to convince him she loved him? That she’d make an effort to do better? A lump rose in her throat. Was this even what she wanted?
She glanced at her watch. It was almost six already. She only had thirty minutes before she needed to leave to get Leah. For now she would have to do her best to push all thoughts of Sean’s outburst out of her mind. She couldn’t allow it to ruin Nicola’s party. She hurried dow
n the hall towards their bedroom. She’d deal with this later. Right now she needed to get a move on.
Following a quick shower and transformation, Eve reappeared in the kitchen. Her purple wonder twin suit clung to her fit, curved body. She’d straightened her hair as she’d instructed Leah to do, and her lips sparked with silver lipstick. The girls were sitting at the kitchen table letting Sean help put their shoes on.
‘Wow,’ Harriet said. ‘You look beautiful, Mummy.’
Sean looked up from tying Ava’s shoelace when their daughter spoke. His scowl sharpened taking in her costume. ‘Bit young, isn’t it?’
‘Young?’
‘I mean you’re a bit old for that get-up. Would have been a knock-out when you were a teenager.’
She opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of wine. She poured herself a small glass, doing her best to ignore her husband’s comments.
Ben. How she wished she was with him right now. He’d appreciate the tight fit of the costume. He didn’t play games. There were never any snarky comments or hidden agendas.
Sean raised an eyebrow. ‘Wine? Aren’t you driving? You never drink when you’re driving.’
‘One won’t hurt, and after the last hour I need it.’ She did.
His words kept replaying in her head. The criticism of her as a mother had hurt, which he’d no doubt intended.
She sipped her wine, enjoying the relaxing sensation it provided.
Her husband was a good-looking man. He maintained himself. His sandy-blonde hair was slightly darker than when they’d first met, but it was thick and styled. Physically, he was a catch but the anger flashing in his eyes towards her right now made him anything but attractive.
Eve drained her wine glass and moved over to the twins. ‘Now, you two be good for Daddy, okay?’
Harriet and Ava nodded.
‘And remember, I love you both very much.’ She winked. ‘And enjoy those caramel sundaes. I want to hear all about them tomorrow.’
Ava gasped. ‘Really?’
The look of surprise and delight on her daughters’ faces helped lift her spirits. ‘Definitely.’ She gave them both a quick peck on the forehead, grabbed her bag and ignored Sean as she headed out through the laundry to the garage. Calling her a shit mother; she’d never forgive him for that.
Eve slid into the driver’s seat of her Audi and started the engine. Her head spun slightly. One glass of wine shouldn’t have her feeling like that.
She shook herself. She’d be fine. It hadn’t been a very big glass.
Eve pushed on the button to open the garage door and carefully backed out and into the street.
Leah paced up and down inside her living room waiting for her sister. She’d poured herself a drink but was too nervous to drink it.
She’d dressed exactly to Eve’s specifications, and they would create quite a buzz, but she also felt self-conscious. The outfits would’ve looked great when they were seventeen, but eighteen years later, they seemed silly, especially when the party had the potential to be a job interview too.
She jumped as her phone ringing jolted her.
‘I’m out front,’ Eve said. ‘Did you need me to come up or are you ready?’
‘I’m ready,’ Leah said. ‘I’ll be down in a minute.’ She slipped her phone into her vintage black and gold purse. Eve had given it to her the previous Christmas.
Her twin had the identical bag and had sent her a text an hour earlier with strict instructions of what bag to bring and jewellery to wear.
Leah rubbed her wrist. It felt naked without her watch, but Eve didn’t want her wearing anything that could differentiate them.
After giving Lewis a quick stroke on the head, she opted to take the stairs and dashed down eight flights. She was bursting with pent-up anxiety and any attempt to get rid of some was welcome.
Her sister’s Audi was parked directly in front of the apartment block.
She opened the door and smiled when her identical self stared back.
‘Perfect,’ Eve said. ‘You look amazing. You should wear your hair loose like that more often. Stop always putting it up. You really look stunning.’
Leah laughed. ‘I look exactly like you. You wear your hair like this most days.’
Her sister grinned. ‘I know. Like I said, absolutely stunning.’
Leah relaxed, the muscles in her neck loosening. Having her twin by her side always made things easier.
Eve switched on the internal car light and moved her face closer. ‘Make up looks identical,’ she said. ‘Earrings?’
Her hands shot up to her ears. ‘Oh, sorry, must’ve forgotten to take them out.’ She unclasped each earring and slipped them into her bag. ‘I think we’re all good now.’
Her sister started the car but then hesitated.
‘Everything okay?’ Leah asked.
‘Not exactly. Sean and I had a huge fight before I left. He was being a real prick.’
‘That’s men for you,’ she said. Although, she was surprised. Eve rarely spoke of any problems she might be having. She tended to keep things to herself. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’
Her sister shook her head. ‘Not particularly. The thing is, I sculled a glass of wine, which I never do, and I can really feel it. I’m not sure I should drive.’
Leah smiled. ‘Is that all? Jump out and we’ll swap places. I haven’t had a drink tonight.’
‘The party’s at Nicola’s holiday cottage,’ Eve said, buckling the passenger side seatbelt. ‘It’s tucked away in the Dandenongs, so it’ll take us at least an hour to get there. How was your day?’
She shrugged. ‘So-so.’
‘Did you hear from Grant?’
‘No, nothing. I don’t expect to hear from him again. I keep hoping I won’t bump into him.’
‘And work? Your boss?’
‘Don’t know. Called in sick. No doubt he would’ve been his usual arrogant self. He keeps coming by my desk and laughing. Asking when I plan to move to the next big paper. The way he says it is creepy, like he thinks he can control it.’
‘Well, he can’t,’ Eve said. ‘Who knows what’ll come out of your discussion with Tom Barnaby tonight. You might be walking in on Monday with your resignation.’
Leah nodded. ‘That’d be nice.’
They quickly connected with the Monash freeway, since it would be the fastest route out to the Dandenongs.
‘Were the girls happy to have Kate back today?’ she asked.
‘Happy is an understatement,’ her sister said. ‘You should’ve seen them this morning. Their lunches were perfect, they didn’t have to go to after school care, and they baked muffins with her this afternoon. While I was getting ready, they were having a wonderful splash in the bath and she retold them one of the many stories she can recite from her childhood. She’s like some bloody nanny magician. I don’t know how we ever coped without her. Sean’s taking them out for dinner tonight, so they were extra excited.’
Eve’s phone beeped with a text message while they continued out of the city lights into the darker suburbs.
‘Damn.’
Leah glanced at her sister, who was frowning at her phone. ‘What’s the matter?’
Her twin appeared to take a deep breath. ‘Bad news. I’ll read it to you. Sorry, you might want to pre-warn Leah that Tom Barnaby is a good friend of her boss. Her boss has contacted him, and he believes most of the other editors of the leading papers, to ensure they don’t employ her. Tom said he’s sorry, but he needs to tread carefully. He’s happy to have a chat but there are no opportunities at The Age. Sorry hon. CU soon. That’s bullshit,’ Eve said. ‘He can’t do that.’
Misery cascaded over Leah, making her shoulders droop. ‘Yes, he can. It’s a tight knit industry. They all scratch each other’s backs.’
Her sister fell silent for a moment, but when she spoke, it was in her practical, no-nonsense voice. ‘No, that’s bullshit. I’ll speak with Tom Barnaby myself. I’m happy to pretend that I’m you, if you
like. He’ll employ you, I guarantee it.’
She laughed. ‘No, he won’t. It’s a party. Let’s not make it awkward. To be honest, I’d rather go home.’
Eve shook her head. ‘We’re half way there, and we are going to speak to him. It’ll work out fine, trust me.’
For all her sister’s faults, deep down, when it came to Leah, her loyalty was unwavering.
She’d seen it first hand when they were four and Leah was being teased by an older, nasty boy at kindergarten.
Eve had walked over with a long piece of wood she was supposed to be hammering bottle tops to and threatened to bring it down on the four-year-old’s head if he ever went near her again. Her sister had looked upset being told off by the kindergarten teachers and was banned from the woodwork area for the rest of the term, but the moment they turned away from her she’d grinned and gave Leah a thumbs up. Leah had felt terrible that Eve had been banned from her favourite area but her sister had shrugged and said the boy had deserved it, and she’d make mud pies instead.
Eve reached across and turned up the volume on the Friday night top-forty countdown. ‘Don’t give it another thought. Enjoy the music and get in the mood. Leave Barnaby to me. It’ll work out.’
She concentrated on the road ahead. She loved Eve for her enthusiasm and certainty that she could talk Tom Barnaby into employing her, but it was too much of a men’s club. She knew it deep down. He might smile and say the right things tonight but it was unlikely to go anywhere.
Nothing was going right for her at the moment. First Grant, and now work. Although, she could control the work issue. Resigning was her choice, but being unemployed was not something she could handle right now.
Leah sighed. She wished she hadn’t agreed to come to the party. It was the last thing she felt like doing right now.
8
Leah manoeuvred the Audi onto a small bridge that crossed Big Sky Creek and, following Eve’s instructions, turned through a gate onto a narrow, winding side road.
‘Where on earth are we?’
‘Shortcut,’ her sister said. ‘It’s actually someone’s property but Nicola said they don’t mind if locals use it. It takes us up over the hill rather than having to go around the long way. Knocks at least ten minutes off the trip. It’s hardly used, other than the people who own the farms around here. The scenery is stunning during the day. Rolling hills, magnificent gum trees.’ She laughed. ‘You’ll have to take my word for it tonight. The moon’s giving a bit of light but not enough to see much.’
