From Notting Hill to New York . . . Actually

by Ali McNamara

  I think about this. Then my hand covers my mouth for a third time as something else occurs to me.

  ‘But that’s just the same as it’s been for me with Jamie since I met him here in New York … he’s constantly reminded me of someone too, but I couldn’t think who it was. Now I know – it’s Dad.’

  Eleanor smiles.

  ‘The two of you seem to have really hit it off. Jamie was talking about you a lot at dinner last night.’

  ‘Was he?’ I smile. Suddenly my feelings for Jamie all make sense. Now I know why it feels like we have a connection but aren’t actually attracted to each other. Apart from the incredible shock at finding out I’ve got a half-brother, I’m also feeling a massive sense of relief about why I’ve been feeling the way I have.

  ‘But telling you all this is the easy part,’ Eleanor says as she picks up a fork and begins prodding at her pancakes.

  ‘What do you mean?’ I ask, realising that I haven’t even touched my own food yet.

  ‘Our next and biggest problem is how to go about telling Jamie that you’re his half-sister, and your father that he has a son he knows nothing about.’

  Twenty-nine

  ‘He’s your what?’ Oscar yelps as I have lunch that same day with him and Sean on a rooftop restaurant overlooking Central Park. ‘How can this possibly be? Details, darling, and fast!’

  ‘Calm down, Oscar, people are looking.’ Actually people were doing nothing of the sort. Oscar’s antics were nothing if not normal in New York, but I wanted to see how Sean was taking this news. I glance across at him. Calm is how I’d describe his demeanour right now. So nothing new there.

  ‘Care to explain further, Red?’ Sean enquires, leaning back in his seat. ‘Or is this another one of your flights of fancy, brought on by a little too much of this glorious New York sunshine?’

  ‘No, it’s not, actually. As you know, Sean,’ I give him a meaningful look, ‘I met up with Jamie’s mother this morning and she has explained everything.’

  I go on to tell them what Eleanor told me, and as I do Oscar’s eyes grow wider at the same time as Sean’s get narrower.

  ‘In the name of Carrie Bradshaw, you couldn’t make this stuff up!’ Oscar cries at the end of my story. ‘That is incredible, darling, and all because of your silly brooch.’

  ‘I know, amazing, isn’t it?’ I look towards Sean.

  He simply shakes his head. ‘How do you do it?’ he asks.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I send you over here for a simple break, some time away and a bit of a catch-up with your dad, and you end up with all this going on!’ He shakes his head again. ‘Your poor father, that’s all I can say.’

  ‘What do you mean, “my poor father”? I’ve found his long-lost son. He’s going to be so happy when I reunite them.’

  Sean opens his eyes wide now, not in amazement like Oscar’s are, but in disbelief. ‘Scarlett, for one, he doesn’t even know he has a “long-lost son”, let alone that he’s even looking for him. And two, he might not want to be reunited.’

  ‘Why ever not?’

  ‘Do you remember what happened last time you tried to reunite your father with someone he hadn’t seen for years?’

  Sean is of course referring to the time I held a dinner party to reunite my two estranged parents after they hadn’t seen each other for over twenty years. It didn’t exactly go well. I seem to remember there was a lot of shouting and a fair bit of broken glass.

  I shake my head. ‘That was different. My parents had unresolved issues they needed to work through.’

  Sean laughs. ‘It was like a scene from the Jeremy Kyle Show, only slightly prettier.’

  ‘Stop it. It worked out all right in the end, didn’t it?’

  ‘Yes it did, luckily for you. But this is different. You need to tread carefully; this is someone your father doesn’t know exists, remember? And what of this Eleanor woman? He might not be too pleased to see her, either.’

  I’d already thought of that. But I won’t let Sean’s sensible, practical ways win out.

  ‘It will be fine; I’ll make sure of it. We’ll all pitch in and make it fine. You’ll help me, won’t you, Oscar?’

  Oscar puts down the drink he’s been sipping while Sean and I have been arguing our points. ‘Of course I will, darling. Just name it!’

  ‘Right,’ I deliberately turn away from Sean. ‘Well, first we’ll need to find a way to get everyone together without causing too much suspicion.’

  ‘Hmm …’ Oscar drums his fingers on the table while he thinks.

  Sean sits back in his chair and folds his arms. ‘On your own head be it!’

  ‘Hush, Seany, I’m thinking!’ Oscar snaps, holding his finger up to silence him. ‘You’ve done your usual “this won’t work, we shouldn’t even try it” routine. Now let me take over.’

  Sean opens his mouth to object but Oscar just waggles his finger in front of his face.

  ‘Now then, something lovely and New Yorky, where everyone can meet up without being suspicious …’ He purses his lips and twitches them back and forth. ‘I know, what about the Brooklyn Bridge?’

  ‘Why the Brooklyn Bridge?’ I ask.

  ‘Because that’s where all the great reunions take place in movies and on TV.’ He holds his arms out dramatically for effect. ‘Lost souls spy their beloved from afar walking across the bridge towards them before they’re even able to speak to each other. Then it takes them ages, usually because it’s in slow motion or there’s a musical interlude, before they can get to their loved one. It’s always wonderful, and so very romantic.’ Oscar clasps his hands together happily as he thinks about this.

  ‘It would be perfect, Oscar, if I was reuniting two old flames, but I really don’t think Dad and Jamie are looking for a romantic introduction, are they?’

  ‘Hmm,’ Oscar’s hands wilt. ‘No, you’re probably right. Let me think again …’ His eyes turn to the sky as if he’s seeking heavenly inspiration. ‘Aha! I’ve got it!’

  ‘What, what?’ I ask excitedly.

  ‘You host a fabulous picnic, darling, in Central Park!’

  ‘A picnic?’

  ‘Yes,’ Oscar says, his fingers wiggling in excitement. ‘One of those wonderful American-style picnics like you see on TV and in the movies with Frisbees and baseball, and you invite us all along with the excuse that you want everybody to meet everyone else.’

  I think about this.

  ‘It could work, I guess. But how am I going to introduce Dad to Jamie? I can’t just say, “Dad, this is your son, Jamie, this is your father”. And I know it’s been a long time, but I’m sure Dad will recognise Eleanor as soon as he sees her.’

  ‘Ahem,’ Sean interrupts from across the table. ‘May I say something?’

  ‘I thought you didn’t want to be involved?’ Oscar says huffily.

  ‘No, go on Sean,’ I say, nodding at him. ‘I want as much input as possible on this.’

  ‘This whole picnic scenario is again reminding me very much of the time you reunited your parents, Scarlett. You do remember that dinner party?’

  ‘Yes, of course I remember it.’ Oh, why does Sean always have to be so sensible about everything? ‘And like I said before, it all worked out just fine in the end. So unless you’ve got a better idea, Sean, I think the picnic idea could work. A big family picnic will be a relaxed and happy environment for everyone to meet up for the first time. What could possibly go wrong?’

  Sean sighs. ‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Red. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.’

  Thirty

  ‘A picnic,’ Dad grumbles as I try and lay out a cloth on the grass of the Great Lawn in Central Park. ‘Why a picnic?’

  ‘I just thought it would be a nice way for everyone to get to know each other,’ I say, trying to remain cool as I begin unpacking the contents of the picnic hamper Oscar and I collected from Dean & DeLuca, a gorgeous delicatessen in SoHo, earlier today. I’d remembered Will regularly visited ther
e in the TV series Will & Grace, and now that I had a reason to use it myself I thought I’d give it a go. ‘I’ve met some great people since I’ve been here in New York, you all know me, so I’d like you all to get to know each other.’

  Dad sighs. ‘All right, but I’m only doing this for you. Where are the others, anyway? Why is it only us two here?’

  ‘Sean has gone to get some champagne.’ I’d decided at the last minute that if everything went well, a touch of bubbly might be nice. ‘And Oscar has gone to borrow an ice bucket.’

  Dad shakes his head in disbelief. ‘Champagne and an ice bucket, who are we entertaining here, Scarlett, the President?’

  Sean had said something similar when he’d gone off moaning a little while ago.

  ‘No, I just want it to be special, that’s all. Now stop standing around and help me unpack some of these things.’

  Sean and Oscar return with their allotted scavenged items, and soon my picnic is looking very elegant all laid out on the lawn. Dean & DeLuca have certainly done us proud, with their assortment of fine foods.

  Max is the first of our guests to arrive.

  ‘Hey, Scarlett, Oscar,’ he says jovially. Nice outfit,’ he remarks to Oscar.

  ‘Thank you, darling,’ Oscar pirouettes on the grass in his lime-green dungaree shorts, black vest and yellow sun visor.

  Max looks warily at Sean.

  Sean extends his hand towards him. ‘Max, welcome to this slightly odd gathering Scarlett is insisting on holding on this very hot afternoon. Thanks for coming.’

  Max shakes Sean’s hand. ‘No worries, I’ll go anywhere if there’s free food involved.’

  ‘Help yourself, there’s plenty. Beer?’ Sean offers, holding out one of the ice-cold beers I’ve been chilling in a cool box.

  ‘Nice one,’ Max says taking it. ‘I’m liking this picnic idea already.’

  Well, that’s one awkward greeting out of the way …

  Peter arrives shortly afterwards, bringing his own contribution to the proceedings: two bottles of rather expensive white wine.

  ‘So who are we waiting for now, Scarlett?’ Dad asks as he drinks from a glass of Peter’s wine. ‘Good choice, if I may say so, Peter. You certainly know your wine.’

  ‘My friend Jamie. He’s also bringing his mother. She’s staying with him just now.’

  ‘That’s nice for him.’

  It could be. On the other hand, the next few minutes could be very difficult ones indeed.

  After another few minutes have passed – it seems like hours to me – I see Jamie approaching us across the grass.

  ‘Hey,’ he says as he reaches the picnic. ‘Not late, am I?’

  ‘No, not at all.’ I look around for Eleanor. ‘Isn’t your mother with you?’

  ‘No, she said she’d meet me here. She had a few things she needed to do first. She’ll be along soon, I’m sure.’

  Oh … could this be a smart move on Eleanor’s part, I wonder? Let Jamie and Dad get to know each other a bit first before breaking the news?

  ‘So, this is the infamous Jamie I’ve heard so much about,’ Dad says, approaching Jamie across the grass. ‘I’ve just been talking to your friend Max.’

  Jamie waves casually to Max, who is tucking into one of the delicious cupcakes that Dean & DeLuca have provided us with.

  ‘Hi,’ Jamie says, extending his hand towards Dad. ‘Pleased to meet you; you must be Scarlett’s father.’

  I don’t know what I expected to happen when they shook hands. Maybe that it’d be how it was when I first met my mother; I knew at that very moment who she was. But Jamie and Dad just start up a conversation about Jamie’s job and what he’s been doing that morning. While Sean, Oscar and I stand there watching with a mixture of anticipation and amazement as if something magical is about to take place before our eyes.

  ‘You do look familiar, now I come to think of it,’ Dad says, standing back to view Jamie better. ‘When I was in the UK I used to watch that channel in the morning, and I probably saw some of your reports.’

  ‘Quite possibly,’ Jamie says. ‘I’m usually on quite early, though, if I’m doing a live report. It’s the time difference.’

  ‘I’ve always been an early riser, haven’t I, Scarlett?’ Dad says, bringing me in on the conversation.

  ‘Hmm, what’s that?’ I’m just mesmerised seeing them standing there together. How had I not noticed it before? Jamie really is the spitting image of Dad. Dark hair, dark eyes, same build, they even have the same mannerisms. They both stand there with their legs slightly apart, arms folded, an occasional hand gesticulating around a point for added effect.

  ‘I said,’ Dad repeats for me as I move towards them, ‘I’ve always been an early riser. That’s why I think I must have seen some of Jamie’s reports when I was back in the UK.’

  ‘Yes, yes you have.’ I nod hurriedly.

  ‘You all right, Scarlett?’ he asks. ‘You look a bit flustered.’

  ‘Yes, I’m fine. It’s all fine. It’s wonderful you two are getting on so well. I mean, considering you’ve just met and everything.’

  ‘Scarlett,’ Sean steps in. ‘Peter would like a word.’

  ‘Back in a mo,’ I grin wildly at them both. ‘You two just keep chatting!’ I sing, sounding like Bruce Forsyth on Strictly Come Dancing.

  ‘What are you doing?’ Sean whispers as he ushers me away out of earshot. ‘Just stay calm, they’re getting on fine.’

  ‘I know. It’s just so stressful, that’s all.’

  ‘Get this down you then,’ Sean says, thrusting a glass of wine into my hand.

  I knock it back in a few swift gulps.

  ‘Blimey, Red, I didn’t mean literally. Go steady, it’s only lunchtime, you know.’

  ‘By all means tell me it’s none of my business,’ Peter says, wandering over towards us. ‘But is everything all right? You look very pale, Scarlett.’

  ‘Peter, you once said that life with me never seemed to be dull. And you’re about to witness one of those times when it will be anything but,’ I say as I spy Eleanor coming towards us across the Great Lawn. ‘Sean, you’d better fill this up.’ I thrust my empty wineglass at him as I head over to intercept Eleanor.

  ‘How’s it going?’ she asks as I reach her side. ‘Have I left it long enough for them to get to know each other yet?’

  ‘I thought that might be what you were doing. Jamie’s not been here that long actually, but they seem to be hitting it off quite well. I can’t believe I hadn’t noticed how similar they are until now.’

  Eleanor glances in Dad and Jamie’s direction. ‘Yes, aren’t they? Your father hasn’t changed all that much, you know. He’s a bit greyer than I remember him, with a few more lines, maybe, but he’s still the same Tom.’

  Jamie looks over towards us.

  ‘Uh-oh, we’ve been spotted,’ Eleanor says. ‘It’s show time, Scarlett!’

  The two of us walk casually towards the picnic party. Dad has his back to us as we approach.

  ‘Mum,’ Jamie says. ‘You made it, then?’

  Eleanor nods at Jamie as my father turns his head to see who the newcomer is to our proceedings.

  His mouth drops open.

  ‘Elle?’ he says immediately. ‘It is you, isn’t it?’

  ‘Hello again Tom,’ Eleanor smiles. ‘It’s been a long time.’

  ‘I … I can’t believe it,’ Dad says, shaking his head in amazement. ‘What are you doing here in New York … in Central Park … at this picnic, for heaven’s sake?’

  ‘Scarlett invited me, Tom,’ Eleanor says calmly. ‘I’m Jamie’s mother.’

  Dad shakes his head slightly as he looks at Jamie again, as though he’s forgotten the rest of us are here. ‘Why yes, yes of course you are. What an amazing coincidence, though, that our children know each other! I’m Scarlett’s father.’

  ‘Yes, I know.’

  Dad’s expression of astonishment now turns to confusion. ‘How could you possibly know that?’ he turns to
me. ‘What’s going on here, Scarlett?’

  I lick my lips nervously. Where was Sean with that wine? But I notice he’s standing back with Peter a little way away from us, watching, and even Oscar and Max’s impromptu game of Frisbee has come to an abrupt halt as they sense something big is unfolding nearby.

  ‘Yes,’ Jamie asks, looking at Eleanor. ‘What is going on, Mum? How do you know Scarlett’s father?’

  Eleanor, always so strong and confident before, suddenly looks anxious and fragile. She puts her hand on Jamie’s arm for support.

  ‘Mum?’ Jamie says, taking his mother’s weight. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Let’s get you over to the picnic, Eleanor,’ I say, taking charge. ‘We’ve some seats over there; you can rest for a moment.’

  We quickly walk Eleanor over to the picnic and she sits down. Sean offers her a glass of water but she takes a glass of wine, as do I. We both take several large gulps.

  Dad and Jamie both stand and watch us, then they look at each other, mystified.

  ‘Will someone please tell us what’s going on?’ Jamie asks. ‘Mum?’

  ‘I will,’ I say, taking a deep breath. Eleanor still looks a little pale. ‘You remember when Sean challenged me to reunite a family, and that if I managed to do it, he would take my idea for setting up a business seriously?’

  My father and Jamie both nod.

  ‘Well, I’ve done just that. But not quite in the way I thought I might.’ I can feel my heart beating hard against my chest as I get nearer to the moment of truth. ‘Jamie, I’m pleased to tell you that I’ve found your father.’

  ‘You have?’ Jamie asks, looking shocked. ‘Where is he?’

  ‘At this very moment not that far away from you.’ I glance at Dad.

  Jamie screws up his face. ‘Well, Scarlett? What do you mean?’

  Dad nods slowly as though he’s gradually absorbing all this information. ‘I think that what my daughter, in her slightly Scarlett-like way, is trying to say is, and please correct me if I’m wrong, Eleanor, but I think I’m your father, Jamie.’