‘Look, maybe there was misunderstanding on both sides? Don’t you think it might be worth trying to put it all behind you and move on – for Ellie’s sake if not your own?’
‘I will never let that woman near my daughter. I saw what a mess she made of her own son. Sorry if you think that’s harsh of me, but ...’ She shrugged dismissively. ‘I doubt it comes as much of a surprise to you.’
‘What do you mean?’
Grace didn’t answer. What did she care what anyone thought of her?
‘I don’t know why you seem to think I disapprove of you,’ Nick said. ‘Just because we’ve had a frank exchange of views on a couple of occasions, doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate where you’re coming from.’
‘Well then, perhaps you’ll leave me to make my own decisions about whom my daughter sees or not.’
‘The choice has always been yours, Grace. All I’d say is be aware that Evelyn may take steps to try and get some access to her grandchild. And who could blame her in the circumstances?’
The words seemed to hang between them and Grace’s dismay must have registered on her face.
‘It doesn’t have to be acrimonious,’ Nick said. ‘She’s a good woman and if you met her, you might actually see that. Ellie could benefit from establishing a relationship with her. We all need family.’
He stood up to go and despite herself, Grace couldn’t help but be impressed. His calm demeanour emanated strength and reassurance. She felt instinctively that she could trust him.
Yet almost as soon as the thought was out she slated herself for being naive. How could she know that? He was far more likely to be working in the best interests of his stepmother than her. And she’d do well to remember that.
‘Thanks again for helping with Will. I’ll get him to ring you in the morning and let you know what his plans are. For some reason he doesn’t seem to view you as a nanny, and thought it was a good compromise. And please, feel free to use the pool whenever you like. It’s good to make the most of it while we’ve got this hot spell.’
‘Thanks.’ Grace too rose from her chair. ‘That’s kind of you.’
He was silent for a moment as he surveyed her thoughtfully.
‘I get the impression kindness isn’t something that’s come your way very much over the past few years.’
She stiffened. ‘I don’t need your pity.’
‘You don’t have it. I can see that you’re more than capable of taking care of yourself – and it’s my admiration you have for that.’
She found her eyes sliding away from the directness of his gaze as she turned and led the way to the front door.
‘Good night,’ he said. ‘Have a think about Evelyn. That’s all I’m asking.’
She watched his departure from the doorstep, noting his easy, confident stride even while she wished she didn’t. He was attractive by anyone’s standards, and there was something about him that seemed to cut through her barriers so that she was more aware of him than she’d been of any man in a long time. Damn Lynette for putting ideas into her head. Nick was hardly the uncomplicated person she envisaged dipping her toes in with.
She turned away and went back into the house. Her only consolation was the fact that he was undoubtedly way out of her league and was unlikely to be harbouring any such interest in her.
She found the thought oddly depressing.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Ellie rushed into Grace’s bedroom, the phone in her hand.
‘Nick’s on the phone. He says do we want a lift to the barbecue later? He’s already taking Suzanne and can take us too if we want.’
Grace was looking at herself in the mirror, taking in her new hairstyle. She’d ditched the blonde look and had gone back to her own chestnut colour, keeping some of the length at the back, but having it more graduated around the shoulders and layered so that it didn’t sit so heavily. She looked completely different. It was taking a bit of getting used to.
She’d assumed she’d drive herself to the barbecue, but it would be good not to have to worry about drinking and also the car had played up a few times recently, stalling on her at the most awkward times. It badly needed a service.
‘Tell him thanks. We’d appreciate it.’
‘Grace, so glad you could come – and you’ve had your hair done. I love it. It looks more like you now!’
Marianne was in full hostess mode as she embraced Grace. ‘This is my husband, Matt, and you remember Keith, my brother? I remember you had a bit of a crush on him at one time.’
Grace laughed as she and Keith exchanged greetings for a second time. ‘That was a long time ago,’ she assured him.
‘How are you settling in? The house was all in good order, I hope?’
‘Perfect. We’re very happy there.’
Nick was eyeing up the bar on the corner of the patio. ‘Drinks, ladies?’
‘A white wine spritzer please,’ Grace said.
‘I’ll come with you,’ Suzanne said, tucking a proprietorial arm through his. ‘Make up my mind when I get there.’
Keith led Grace over to where some chairs and a table were set up on the grass and pulled a chair out for her. ‘It’s been a long time, Grace. What have you been up to all these years?’
Grace shook her head and smiled. ‘Where to start? I can’t believe where the time’s gone.’
‘I know what you mean.’
He looked over to where the youngsters were crowding round for their own drinks. ‘Marianne told me about your daughter; that she’s Rory’s. I had no idea. What a strange chap he was – I was supposed to be his best mate.’
‘He didn’t broadcast it,’ Grace said, taking a handful of peanuts from a bowl.
‘I shouldn’t think he made for an easy ex. Especially with a child involved.’
‘No, he didn’t. But I’d rather not go there, if you don’t mind?’
‘Of course.’ His look was sympathetic. ‘But, I’m here if you ever want to chat. I’m a good listener.’
Grace sighed. Would the day ever come when mention of Rory didn’t make her edgy?
‘Thanks. What about you? Are you married?’
‘Yes and no … in the middle of a pretty acrimonious separation at the moment. My own fault. I was an idiot. But we’re trying to work it out.’
He looked drawn, and Grace reached out a spontaneous hand to cover his briefly. ‘Whatever happened, don’t be too hard on yourself. We all make mistakes.’
‘This looks cosy,’ Suzanne’s voice interrupted. ‘Hope we’re not interrupting anything? Shall we go away again?’
Her tinkling little laugh set Grace’s nerves on edge and she found it difficult masking her irritation as she drew her hand away.
‘Spritzer for you,’ Nick said, handing her a glass and sitting down. ‘You all right with your beer, Keith?’
‘I’m good thanks.’
Grace surveyed the small clusters of people around the garden, laughing and chatting easily together – one or two messing around – and thought how normal it looked. And how abnormal it all was to her. This was what life was like for most people and it drove home what she and Ellie had been deprived of for most of Ellie’s young life. And she had to take responsibility for that – she could have made more effort to get to know people, make friends, but it had all seemed too much work with the Rory time bomb constantly ticking away in the background.
She had no idea where Ellie was now … she’d seemed perfectly happy to be carted off to wherever it was the youngsters were hanging out – and once again Grace could only marvel at the ease with which her daughter seemed to be adapting to her new life.
‘You look deep in thought,’ Nick’s voice murmured quietly from her side and she gave him a tranquil smile, thinking that he looked rather attractive in his jeans and white tee-shirt.
‘I am, but they’re quite pleasant thoughts.’
‘Anyone here that you know? I keep forgetting that you’re from around these parts.’
Grace’s eyes flickered briefly over the groups of people in the garden. ‘A few, I think.’
‘How does it feel coming back?’
Grace thought about it. ‘Weird but in a good way. I feel I’ve come home. And I know it’ll be good for Ellie. We’ve not had a very settled life up to now.’
Nick was studying her with that unnerving intensity she was beginning to get used to. Then he raised his glass just a fraction. ’Well, here’s to better things ahead – I hope it works out for you.’
He put his glass to his lips, his eyes holding hers, and Grace tried to keep her returning stare casual. For the first time in years, her heart was doing strange things in response to a man’s charm, and it disconcerted her.
Averting her gaze, she switched it instead to where Suzanne was sitting watching them. ‘Do you work, Suzanne?’
‘No,’ the other woman dismissed. ‘I have a comfortable living off my ex-husband fortunately – the only good thing that ever came out of that marriage. What about you?’
‘I need to get something sorted at the end of the school holidays but I’m enjoying having some time off at the moment.’
‘Your life wasn’t easy with Rory around, was it? He used to talk to me about you, you know. We knew each other well through the tennis club.’
Grace’s look became guarded. The woman was clearly dangling a line, hoping Grace would take the bite – but she didn’t take to her, didn’t trust her – certainly wasn’t going to discuss Rory with her. She kept her response cool.
‘Really? Well, that was all a long time ago and I’ve put it behind me. I’d rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind.’
It was becoming something of a stock phrase she realised ruefully. She’d have to try and come up with a new one.
‘Do you have another partner now?’ Suzanne asked.
‘No.’
‘I can understand why you wouldn’t want one. Men have a habit of muddying the waters, don’t they, and who needs that? It must be hard though, coming back. I’d have thought you’d be happier going for a fresh start – somewhere without all the baggage you must associate with around here.’
Another inference suggesting she knew Grace’s history. It made her feel uncomfortable. ‘This is a fresh start and it’s my home.’
‘Come on you lot.’ Marianne came up behind Grace. ‘Do me a favour and tackle some of that food, will you? Matt’s been trying to catch my eye for ages to let me know it’s ready.’
Grace leapt up, glad of the interruption. It was clear Suzanne had warmed to her as little as she’d warmed to Suzanne – and she suspected she knew the reason for that.
Once she’d got her food and drink sorted, Grace threw herself into the spirit of the night. Several old friends approached her welcoming her back into the fold and she was introduced to so many new faces that she couldn’t keep up with them all. Lynette would approve, she thought – she was enjoying herself.
It was nearly eleven o’clock when Will tapped her lightly on the shoulder and peered awkwardly down at her.
‘Dad says could you come up and see Ellie for a minute? I don’t think she’s feeling too good.’
‘Of course.’ Grace jumped up in concern and followed him into the house. ‘What’s wrong with her?’
‘I don’t know,’ Will mumbled, taking the stairs two at a time, ‘but she’s in there, I think.’
The scene that greeted Grace as she opened the door made her stop in her tracks. Ellie had her head down the toilet and was throwing up violently, while Nick held her hair carefully out of the way.
‘Its okay,’ he soothed. ‘It’ll pass in a minute.’
‘What’s the matter?’ she asked, hurrying into the room.
Nick looked up, amusement in his eyes. ‘A bit too much punch, I think.’
‘You mean she’s drunk? Ellie … how could you?’
As her daughter was still far too busy throwing up to respond, unsurprisingly this question remained unanswered.
‘Here, let me …’ Grace said quickly, stooping to relieve Nick of the handfuls of hair.
‘No, it’s okay … we’re fine. Why don’t you and Will gather up our stuff and see if Suzanne’s ready to go, and we’ll make a quick exit.’
Fifteen minutes later, Nick was swinging his car into her drive. ‘You two wait here while I give Grace a hand. I won’t be long.’
Between them they managed to shuffle Ellie’s pathetic figure up the path and through the front door.
‘Which way?’ Nick asked once they were inside, scooping her daughter firmly up into his arms.
‘My bedroom, I suppose … so I can keep an eye on her. Up the stairs and turn right. Is she all right? Maybe I should take her to the hospital.’
‘She’s not had that much. Three glasses of punch apparently. But it was the adult’s punch and quite strong. She’ll be fine – nothing that a good night’s sleep won’t sort out.’
It felt odd seeing Nick striding across her private domain. Grace followed him into her bedroom and closed her eyes at the discarded pile of clothes and underwear still littering the bed. She quickly scooped them up, as he set Ellie gently down.
‘You okay, honey?’ he asked softly.
Ellie smiled woefully up at him. ‘I’m shorry,’ she slurred carefully, ‘to have been shuch a nuishance.’
‘And so you should be,’ Grace said sternly. ‘What were you thinking of? Now lie on your side and try and get some sleep while I see Nick out. I’ll be back in a minute.’
‘Don’t be too hard on her,’ Nick said as they made their way back down the stairs. ‘It’s a harmless enough occurrence and she’s probably learnt her lesson from it. For the time being at least,’ he added with a grin.
She pushed an agitated hand through her hair, thinking that she better than anyone could prove him wrong about it being harmless.
‘I hope you’re right, but I’ll be having words with her, that’s for sure. Thanks for bringing us back.’
‘You’re welcome. I’ll give you a call in the morning to see how she’s doing.’
She watched him walk down the path, dwelling on the rather unappealing prospect of him dropping Suzanne off – or not. Then, angry with herself for even thinking about it, she dismissed the notion and shut the front door.
She found herself going over the evening’s events as she got ready for bed, and she smiled. Putting Ellie’s antics aside, she’d had a great time.
Which was how she intended going on, she thought, walking into the en-suite. No more turning around constantly watching her shadow. She was back in the normal world and that was where she was going to stay.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
When the doorbell rang at ten o’clock the next morning, Grace hadn’t long been up and was still in her dressing gown. A quick glimpse at her reflection in the hall mirror confirmed her worst fears as she moved to answer it. She looked grim.
On the doorstep stood a middle-aged woman. Of medium height and elegantly dressed, with her fair hair swept back in a smooth chignon, the smile on her face held a hint of wariness as she studied Grace for a moment and then enquired politely.
‘Grace Harper?’
‘Yes.’ Grace smiled ruefully. She felt even more of a drudge next to this woman’s impeccable appearance.
‘I’m Evelyn Brandon – Rory’s mother. I wondered if I might have a word with you?’
Grace felt the colour draining from her face and it took a moment for the shock to wear off. The gall of the woman. What if Ellie came down?
Her voice was curt. ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Brandon but we have nothing to say to each other. It was all said a long time ago. I’ve got nothing to add.’
‘Please …’ Just for a moment the woman’s cool façade slipped as she clearly anticipated having the door slammed in her face. ‘I know you feel you have cause to hate me but please, all I ask is a few minutes of your time. We can do this through solicitors if you force it but I’m quite sure you’d agree that’s probably n
ot in Elizabeth’s best interests.’
Grace was shocked to realise that her hands were trembling, the years rolling away as the events of that time mingled with her newfound security … disrupting it.
‘It’s not for you to know what’s in my daughter’s best interests,’ she said coldly. ‘And I can’t think any court would sympathise with someone who’d tried to intimidate and blackmail an eighteen-year-old girl into having an abortion. I’m sorry you’ve had a wasted journey – goodbye.’
And with that she firmly shut the door in the other woman’s face.
She stood there for a long moment battling her sense of shame, knowing her response had been driven by irrational fear. She waited for another blast on the doorbell but it didn’t come. She heard an engine start and the sound of a car pulling away. Only then did she make her way back to the kitchen where she poured herself a long cooling glass of water.
The woman couldn’t touch them, she told herself. No matter how much money she had, she surely wouldn’t have any rights over Ellie? But her faith in the justice system had been shattered once and she wouldn’t bet on it not happening a second time.
A sound on the stairs had her pulling herself together.
‘Mum?’
‘In here.’ Her voice was artificially bright. ‘Oh dear, how are you feeling?’
This as her daughter wandered feebly into the kitchen holding her head with one hand.
‘My head hurts and I feel sick. Who was at the door?’
‘Just someone delivering pamphlets.’
That only added to her distress. She’d never lied to Ellie before and was fast realising that she was going to have to tell her daughter about her grandmother.
But not yet. She needed time to work out what she was going to say and prepare herself for the inevitable questions that would follow.
‘Sit down and I’ll get something for your headache,’ she said, pulling out a chair. ‘I wasn’t impressed with your behaviour last night – how could you get drunk like that?’
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