Ashley should have been relieved but it made her feel worse. If Molly had been spoilt and unreasonable and angry about it, somehow it would have been easier to deal with than this quiet, deflated acceptance. Molly had packed her dreams away, and as she looked at her, Ashley realised she’d seen the look on her face before. It was the same one she’d worn sixteen years before as she’d watched the lines on the pregnancy test turn blue. The gap year travelling the world she’d planned, the university education at the red-brick institution, the exciting future in some high-flying career working in Barcelona or Paris or Lisbon or somewhere equally as glamorous – she’d parcelled all those hopes and wishes up and sealed the box shut, and she’d got on with the business of raising her child.
‘If it’s just about the money—’ Sue began gently, but Molly shook her head.
‘It’s not, Grandma. It’s not that at all. I’m happy with my decision. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking of even auditioning for that stupid conservatoire.’ She studied her plate as she piled vegetables onto it. ‘Anyway,’ she continued, not looking up to meet her grandmother’s gaze, ‘Mum has something she wants to tell you.’
‘Oh?’ Sue turned to Ashley now.
‘It’s nothing bad. Just that I managed to get the time off work next month. So we can go to France with you.’
Sue clapped her hands together in delight. It seemed all thoughts of money and conservatoires had been forgotten – or at least nudged aside for another time when emotions had cooled and they could discuss it properly.
‘Although,’ Ashley continued, glancing at the conservatory where Buddy lay in his bed. ‘Who’s going to look after Buddy if I’m away with you? Me and Moll always do it.’
‘Tia across the road says she’ll have him.’
‘Oh, won’t he be anxious with someone he doesn’t know?’
‘But he does know Tia. She’s been taking him for walks all week.’
Ashley tried not to frown. It seemed her mum had assumed Ashley was going to say yes to this holiday regardless – to the point where she’d even been training the neighbours to look after her beloved dog.
‘This is wonderful news!’ Maurice said, beaming. ‘My aunt Violette will be so happy to meet you!’
‘It’s probably about time,’ Ashley said. ‘As you’ve been married to Mum for ten years now and I’ve yet to meet any of your family in France.’
‘You will love it, I am sure,’ Maurice said. ‘Let us toast,’ he added, raising his glass and waiting for everyone to follow. ‘To a week with my favourite people in the beautiful paradise of Saint-Raphaël!’
When Janine opened the front door the most glorious smell wafted out. Haydon was barrelled back to Sunday dinners around their table – him and Janine and Ella tucking into roast beef and potatoes, gentle banter and laughter carried on the aromas of cooked meat that filled the air. They were simple pleasures but the happiest times. He shook his head, chasing away the desperate melancholy that would swallow him whole if he let it. That life was gone, and pining for it was not going to bring it back. It certainly wouldn’t endear him to Janine, and he wanted her onside more than ever.
‘Haydon…’ She opened the door to admit him. ‘How are you?’
‘Good,’ he said, stepping in and wiping the rain from his feet on the doormat before following her down the hall. ‘Something smells nice in here.’
‘It’s just beef – nothing special. We’re just about finishing up, but there’s a bit of everything left if you want some.’
He shook his head, and she turned to him with a questioning look.
‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘I forgot those eyes in the back of your head aren’t actually a real thing.’
She laughed. ‘Even though you managed to convince Ella for about three years that it was.’
‘She’s never forgiven me for that…’
The kitchen was empty apart from a table full of leftovers and plates that needed stacking in the dishwasher.
‘Where is everyone?’ Haydon asked.
‘It sounded like something big when you phoned me. I asked Kevin to take Ella out on the fields for an hour.’
‘In this?’ Haydon looked at the window, streaked with fat raindrops, the tension churning his gut threatening to show in a fit of pique. ‘It’s a bit wet for a walk.’
‘She’s got a raincoat and wellies, and she wouldn’t be the first kid to get rained on. And I didn’t want any external influences.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘I didn’t want anyone else to influence any decision I might make about whatever it is you want to discuss with me. And I think I have a good idea what it is. I take it Ella has mentioned London to you?’
It looked as if the pleasantries were over. No offer of a plate of leftovers now, no making him a cup of tea and any potential ally safely out of the way. Janine had already made up her mind. She knew what the topic of discussion was likely to be and she’d already decided on her response – that much was clear.
‘Well, yes, but—’
‘And you’re here to complain?’
‘I don’t think reminding you that she’s my daughter too and that I should get a say in her life is being unreasonable.’
‘I’ve never forgotten that.’
‘So why wouldn’t you consult me first before you decided you were moving her to London?’
‘Because no decision has been made, so there didn’t seem any point.’
‘But you are thinking about it?’
‘You know I am if Ella’s been talking to you.’
‘So when would you have seen fit to mention it? When you were packing? As you got in the car to leave? As you unpacked in the new house?’
‘You’re being melodramatic.’
‘I’m asking for some respect. I’m Ella’s father, for God’s sake!’
‘And I’m her mother, currently the woman doing most of the childrearing.’
‘That’s not my fault!’
‘No, but it’s still the reality.’
Haydon let out a sigh and rubbed a hand through his hair. ‘Why does every discussion have to go around in circles?’
‘You think I’m being deliberately obstructive?’
‘Yes, I’m sorry, but I do.’
‘I wouldn’t march into your house and tell you what you could and couldn’t do—’
‘Whoa! This is not me telling you what you can do – this is about my daughter! I have as much right to decide her future as you do!’
‘Not according to the courts…’ Janine began to slam a stack of plates into the dishwasher.
‘The courts awarded you custody, but if it means another court battle—’
Janine wheeled around. ‘What the…?’
Haydon held his hands up in a gesture of surrender. ‘Hey, I’m not trying to start a war, but you must know that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Ella near.’
‘Even if that means dragging her through the courts again? Even if that means making her life a misery just when she’s finally settled? Don’t you think that’s a little selfish?’
‘Don’t you think what you’re doing is a little selfish?’
‘You’re saying I can never move from this house?’
‘I’m saying you could have consulted me!’
‘Argh!’ Janine squealed. ‘Just remind me how irritating you can be – that’s going to change my mind about London!’
‘You said you hadn’t made up your mind!’
‘Haydon!’ Janine snapped. She drew in a breath and blew it out long. ‘Haydon…’ she repeated, her voice lower now. ‘Please understand that I am not trying to take Ella from you. All we want—’
‘All Kevin wants?’
‘All we want,’ Janine continued, ‘is what’s best for the family. This family. I know Ella is your daughter, but she’s part of Kevin’s life now too, and soon she’ll be his stepdaughter, and despite what you think he’s fond of her. He has her interests at heart – we bo
th do – whenever we talk about the future. Think about it… think about the opportunities for her in London compared to here. For that reason alone a move to London makes sense in a thousand different ways. Would you deny her that?’
‘There are opportunities here.’
‘Not as many and tougher to make work, and you know it. London’s where it’s at.’
‘Depends what you want for her. Doesn’t she get a say? Didn’t we always agree we wouldn’t be pushy parents?’
‘You’re saying I’m a pushy parent?’
‘You’re starting to sound like one if I’m honest.’
Janine clamped her mouth shut and turned back to shoving plates into the dishwasher.
‘I’m sorry,’ Haydon said. ‘That was uncalled for.’
‘Damn right it was!’ Janine spun to face him again. ‘You can accuse me of many things, but that’s not one of them. I’m just saying that, whatever Ella decides she wants to do, the opportunities will be twice as many in London as anywhere else.’
‘And she wants to go?’
‘She doesn’t seem too flustered by the idea.’
‘Maybe she’s just trying to make you happy?’
‘That’s not fair. I’ve never put any pressure on her. There’s no reason for her to think she has to do anything to make me happy.’
‘Have you asked her if that’s the case? She’s been through a family break-up and we don’t know how it really affected her. On the outside she’s coped so well but…’ He let out a sigh. ‘Maybe she hasn’t coped with it the way we think she has. Just because she’s still smiling and not shoplifting or smashing up the school canteen doesn’t mean she hasn’t been affected by our divorce.’
‘Is this a guilt trip?’
‘No… maybe. But you know I’m right.’
‘So what would you have me do about it? I can’t tackle something I can’t see and when I ask if she’s OK she says yes. You’re saying that’s a reason not to make the move to London?’
‘I’m asking you to think about it – really think about it. Don’t rush into anything. If not for the sake of what we once had then for Ella’s sake. I don’t think that’s a huge ask, is it?’
Janine nodded stiffly. ‘I never intended to rush into anything, and I’m sorry if it seemed like that. One thing I would never do is jeopardise Ella’s happiness. I’ll talk to her properly before I make any big decisions, so if that’s what you’re most worried about you needn’t be.’
‘I suppose I’m scared of losing her.’
‘We’re both gradually losing her. It’s what growing up is all about.’
Haydon forced a thin smile. ‘I suppose you’re right.’
Janine slammed the dishwasher shut and turned to him with her hands on her hips. But, despite the body language, it was clear from her expression that her mood had softened.
‘Maybe you want to wait for Ella and Kevin to get back? Say hello?’
‘You don’t mind?’
‘It would be pretty mean-spirited of me if I did. You are her dad.’
‘And there was me thinking you meant saying hello to Kevin.’
A small smile tugged the corners of her lips. ‘You’re still not funny, you know that?’
‘Yeah, I know.’
‘You want a drink while we wait?’
‘Coffee would be good.’
As Janine reached for two mugs from the cupboard, Haydon allowed his gaze to roam the kitchen that had once been his. Very little had changed apart from a lick of paint, and if Haydon closed his eyes he could almost imagine the same of his life. But then he’d open them again and, although his surroundings were familiar, they were about the only part of his life that looked like a landscape he knew. The one thing about Janine he’d always been able to count on was her wisdom, even when they’d been at each other’s throats. Frustratingly, he had to admit that her take on life had always been infinitely wiser and more grounded than his. She’d blamed his musician’s temperament, and he’d accused her of having no imagination, but none of that changed the fact that invariably she turned out to be right about most things, and that most decisions she made ended up being the right ones. Including dumping him, he concluded wryly. She’d landed on her feet with Kevin – there was no two ways about it. And Ella had a standard of life now that she could never have hoped for had their family still been together under the same roof – holidays to long-haul destinations, pony-riding, lavish sleepovers for friends, as many theme-park visits as she had the energy for…
‘What’s Ella got planned for the end of July?’ he asked suddenly. Janine looked around from the kettle in mild surprise.
‘Got planned?’
‘I mean, are you guys planning to go on holiday or anything?’
‘We haven’t booked anything.’
‘So she’s free?’
‘I suppose so. At the moment, yes. Why?’
‘Can I take her on holiday?’
‘Where to?’
‘South of France. Just for a week.’
Janine gave a vague, uncertain shrug. ‘I’d need to clear with Kevin that he isn’t planning anything but… I guess it could be OK.’
‘Brilliant!’ Haydon said, and for the first time since he’d arrived a genuine smile lit his face. ‘That would be brilliant!’
Chapter 6
It was hard not to be enchanted by the ancestral home of Maurice’s ancient aunt. If someone had asked Ashley to list the features of what she imagined to be a typical Côte d’Azur farmhouse, Villa Marguerite would have ticked most of them. Wildflower garden – check. Olive trees – check. Vines hugging a gnarled old network of trellises – check. Extensive wine cellar – check. Sleepy cat on the veranda – check. Built from local stone and rendered in a warm salmon-pink plaster with chunky terracotta roof tiles, the air of its gardens humming with pollen-laden honeybees and the chirruping of crickets, the house was instantly welcoming. Maurice’s extensive family had been even more so, and it hadn’t taken Ashley and Molly long to disappear into the warm bosom of that very convivial collective.
Ashley was curled up now on an old wooden swing seat outside the back door as the balmy air of a coastal evening laid the tang of salt over the perfume of marguerites and lavender. She’d been a guest of Maurice’s aunt, Madame Violette Dupont, for less than three hours but already, full of sausage casserole and red wine, she felt as if she’d always belonged here. Molly had gone off for a walk down to the harbour with Maurice and a young distant cousin of his from Paris who Ashley suspected Molly had developed an instant crush on. It was easy to see the appeal – he was good-looking, around Molly’s age and infused with the instant veneer of glamour that living in France’s vibrant capital would give anyone. Just so long as an innocent crush was as far as it went she was happy to indulge any whim Molly might have in that regard, and she had to be glad that there was someone Molly’s age staying at Madame Dupont’s house to keep her occupied for the week.
Sue appeared with two glasses of wine and kicked Ashley’s legs out of the way with a grin so she could sit next to her.
‘More wine?’ Ashley said, taking one of the glasses from her mother.
‘Well, we are in France. What else are we going to drink?’
‘I don’t know… when I took French lessons at school they all drank Orangina.’
‘I think Violette would faint if you asked her for one of those.’ Sue held her glass up to the evening light and gazed appreciatively into its claret depths. ‘This wine’s made by her family, and it’s bloody good stuff too.’
‘Oh, nobody is debating that point. It’s wonderful stuff, but do you really want me singing filthy songs and throwing up over the poppies on my first night here?’
‘Maybe save it for the second night,’ Sue said with a solemn nod, and then looked at Ashley as they both burst out laughing. ‘I’m so happy you decided to come,’ Sue said. ‘I love Maurice and his family, of course, but it’s not the same as having your own around, and I’l
l have a lot more fun with you and Molly here.’
‘If we ever see anything of her. I’ve a feeling she’s got her week planned out already, and it might involve quite a lot of… whatever his name is.’
‘Blimey, you’ve forgotten already? Perhaps you’d better cut back on the wine after all.’
‘There are so many names to remember. What is it?’
‘Bastien.’
‘Bit of a mouthful.’ Ashley took a sip of her wine and turned her gaze to the warm glow of a sun setting pink and gold over the burnished garden. ‘We’ll have to shorten it to Bazza or something.’
Sue giggled. ‘I don’t think that will go down too well with the uncle and aunt who’ve brought him down.’
‘Perhaps not.’ Ashley turned back to her with a grin. ‘Why haven’t his parents come with him again?’
Sue shrugged. ‘Something to do with the company they run. It all sounds very glamorous and high-powered, but I haven’t actually been able to work out what it does yet. But there was some boardroom crisis, and they had to stay behind at the last minute.’
‘That’s a shame. At least he seems sweet and polite, so that’s something. With rich, powerful parents he could so easily have been a spoilt brat.’
‘Molly wouldn’t have cared if he was spoilt or not. She’s too busy losing herself in those big dark eyes.’
‘That’s true.’ Ashley took a sip of her wine. ‘We’ll have to keep an eye on her.’
‘She’s a sensible girl. And she’s growing up so there’ll come a point where she won’t appreciate us keeping an eye on her in quite the same way.’
‘I suppose you’re right. I just worry…’
‘You’re bound to, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Maurice and I will intervene if we think there’s a need, so I don’t want you to stress about it. This week is a rest for you as well as anything else, and I’ll be cross if you don’t take advantage of that. God knows you deserve it.’
The Summer Getaway_A feel-good romance novel perfect for holiday reading Page 4
