by Susan Lewis
‘It’ll blow her away,’ Eva assured her. ‘The touch of flamenco’s totally her, and the colour blends are fantastic. Not everyone would have the courage, or flair, to put orange, pink and fuschia together, so bravo you.’
Perking up at the praise, Livvy said, ‘And not everyone can wear it, but I think she can. Anyway, we’ll see. Any sign of Mum yet? When we spoke first thing she said she might drop in.’
‘I haven’t seen her. Did she say how the meeting with the owners of the caravan park went?’
‘No, she didn’t mention it, but I bet she’s glad to be home. You know what she’s like, she hates being away unless we’re all somewhere together, of course,’ and wandering on through to the back she dumped her bag and coat in the office before going to pour them both a coffee.
‘Et voilà!’ Eva announced, turning over the sign on the door to declare the shop open. ‘Good job I rang someone from crowd control or I don’t know how we’d manage the rush.’
With a laugh, Livvy put the coffees on the counter and perched on the high stool to start activating the till. ‘Oh, by the way,’ she said, ‘I had a text from Zoe saying she can definitely come in tomorrow, so we don’t have to worry about getting cover. Any news on whether Jasmine’s gracing us with her presence this weekend?’
Eva grimaced. ‘She rarely lets us know in advance, and if I invite her the odds are she’ll stay away just to be awkward.’
Livvy frowned.
‘What?’ Eva prompted.
‘I’m just wondering if we’re absolutely sure about offering her the job.’
‘Oh, don’t you start getting cold feet on me. It was your idea in the first place.’
‘Correction, it was Jake’s, and where will he be if the proverbial hits the fan? Swanning about sunny Sicily, or whatever tropical clime he manages to wangle himself along to next. Typical!’
‘Well, you helped talk me into it,’ Eva reminded her, ‘and now I’ve committed I’m going to see it through. Have you looked at the emails this morning? No, of course not, you’ve only just arrived. I’ll go and do that if you can make sure all the racks are in order. I noticed last night that we’ve only got a size eight left in the flapper dresses, so we ought to put out something else to fill in for the ten to sixteen.’
‘I thought the oriental evening dresses would do it,’ Livvy responded. ‘I brought them down on my way out this morning. They’re hanging on one of the rails in the office,’ and lifting the credit-card machine from under the counter she began activating that too.
A few minutes later Eva was back from the office, looking utterly nonplussed as she stared down at the letter she was holding.
‘Hi, Mum,’ Livvy said as the door opened.
‘Hello darling,’ Patty smiled, pushing a hand through her hair as she stamped her feet on the mat.
Eva looked up, but though she was relieved to see Patty after their terse exchange a couple of nights ago, she was too stunned by what she’d just read to pay anything else much heed right now. ‘You’re not going to believe this,’ she announced, holding up the letter. ‘They’re only apologising.’
‘No way!’ Livvy exclaimed, all amazement. Then, ‘Who? And for what exactly?’
‘The article,’ Eva explained. ‘It’s from the magazine. They’ve written to say they’re sorry for any distress they might have caused.’
Appearing incredulous, Patty came to take the letter and held it so that she and Livvy could read it together.
Dear Mrs Montgomery,
In deciding to feature you in our current series of articles entitled ‘Where Are They Now?’ I regret to say that proper consideration was not given to you and your family before going ahead with publication. Now that the ‘insensitivity’ and ‘recklessness’ of our actions has been pointed out to us, I would like to offer my sincere apology for any unnecessary distress you may have been caused. I hope it will go some way towards demonstrating the earnestness of this apology to tell you that the editor responsible for the feature has now been removed from her position.
Please be assured, Mrs Montgomery, that there was no malice aforethought in our actions, and that everyone at this magazine holds you and your safety in the highest regard.
Yours most sincerely
Peter G. Giffins
Editor-in-Chief
Hardly able to believe it, Patty looked at Eva.
Eva said, ‘I’m getting the impression it wasn’t you who wrote to them?’
Patty shook her head. ‘No, but it probably should have been.’
‘I bet it was Don,’ Livvy declared.
Reaching for the phone, Eva pressed in his number. ‘Did you write to the magazine about the article?’ she asked when he answered.
Sounding distracted, he said, ‘What are you talking about?’
After reading the letter to him she said, ‘So, was it you who contacted them?’
‘Not me,’ he replied. ‘It’ll have been Patty.’
‘She’s right here, and it’s as big a surprise to her as it is to me.’
‘Then Bobbie,’ he suggested. ‘It’s the kind of thing she’d do.’
‘If it was Bobbie I’m sure she’d have told me while I was there,’ Eva said to Patty after ringing off.
‘It could have been an outraged fan expressing their views,’ Livvy suggested.
Patty looked at the letter again. ‘I wonder why they sent it here and not to the house?’ she said.
Eva shrugged. ‘Does it matter?’
Shaking her head, Patty continued to read as she said, ‘He’s obviously quoting from the complaint, given the quote marks around “insensitivity” and “recklessness”, and with language like “malice aforethought” I reckon he’s taken advice from a lawyer.’
Eva nodded thoughtfully. ‘Do you think that means whoever it was threatened to sue? But why would they, without at least speaking to me first?’
‘No idea,’ Patty replied, ‘but for the magazine to have admitted they made a mistake, and in writing … Someone’s obviously come on pretty strong.’
‘I definitely reckon it was a fan,’ Livvy declared, ‘who’s probably a lawyer,’ and scooping a stack of sealed envelopes from under the counter, she said, ‘If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I need to take the last of these invitations to the post office so I can be back before Coral gets here.’
After she’d gone Eva turned to Patty and reached for her hand. ‘I’m sorry I was so short with you the other night,’ she said softly. ‘Can I take it we’re friends again now?’
Patty’s tired eyes showed her affection. ‘Of course we are, and it’s me who should be sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin your evening.’
‘Of course you didn’t. Everything was fine – though we went through a couple of sticky patches, one of which was when we started talking about Jasmine. I’m definitely going to offer her the job, by the way.’
Sighing, Patty went to fetch herself a coffee.
‘Was that supposed to mean anything in particular?’ Eva asked when she came back.
‘No,’ Patty replied. ‘You must do what you feel to be right.’
‘Even though you obviously don’t think it is.’
‘It’s not about what I think. It’s about you and Jasmine. Now for heaven’s sake, don’t let’s fall out again.’
Realising they were heading that way, Eva cast about in her mind to try and find a safer place and remembering the invitations, she said, ‘Have you made a decision about modelling for the show again this year? You were fantastic the last time, so I’m really hoping I can count on you again.’
Patty glanced at the phone as it started to ring. ‘Hadn’t you better get that?’ she suggested.
Keeping her eyes suspiciously on her sister, Eva lifted the receiver. ‘Hello, Perdita’s. Eva speaking.’
‘Eva, darling, it’s Coral. I’m running a little late this morning, I’m afraid, but I’ll definitely be there. Probably closer to twelve than eleven, if that’s OK.’
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p; ‘It’s fine,’ Eva assured her. ‘We don’t have any other appointments today, so just get here when you can.’
After putting the phone down Eva said, ‘Coral’s been held up.’
Patty shrugged. ‘Sounds like Coral.’
Eva was still watching her closely. ‘So can I presume she’s seeing her lover?’ she asked bluntly.
Patty’s eyes closed. ‘I’ve no idea, I haven’t seen her since Monday.’
‘So who is he?’ Eva asked curiously.
Patty sighed and shook her head. ‘I can’t tell you that.’
‘Why? Is it someone I know?’
‘Eva …’
‘It’s OK, you don’t have to tell me his name, only if it’s someone …’
‘You are impossible,’ Patty chided. ‘Just leave it alone, will you?’
Eva pouted. ‘You know, it really bugs me the way you can keep secrets. I always think one of the best things about having them is being able to share them.’
Patty gave a cry of amazement. ‘That is absolutely not true,’ she protested, ‘because you’re far worse than I am. Anyway, enough … We were talking about the fashion show which, actually, is kind of why I came over, apart from to make sure we’re friends, so please don’t go falling out with me again now.’
‘Oh no,’ Eva groaned, ‘I can’t believe you’re going to turn me down.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Patty grimaced. ‘I felt such a fool last time. It’s really not my thing.’
‘But you looked fantastic, and everything you’ve tried on so far for this year looks so perfect on you. Oh Patty, you know I’ve been counting on you as my “older woman”.’
Clearly feeling as bad as she was meant to, Patty said, ‘Why don’t you do it yourself? You’ve had all the experience, and everyone would love to see you take to the floor again.’
Eva was shaking her head. ‘It’s not going to happen. You know those days are behind me.’
‘Then why not get on to Bobbie? I bet she’d have half a dozen girls down here in a heartbeat if you asked.’
‘I’m sure she would, but it’s not what I’m about with this shop, and you know it.’
‘But you keep saying business is slow, so think of the publicity it would generate to have professional models showing your collection.’
‘I stuck my head above the parapet once before,’ Eva snapped angrily, ‘and look where it got me, so why are you asking me to do it again?’
Realising her mistake, Patty groaned in dismay. ‘I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking,’ she said, putting her coffee down and trying to pull Eva into an embrace.
‘Don’t,’ Eva said, turning away.
‘I was only trying to suggest a way to help you.’
Eva’s tone was still clipped as she said, ‘It’s fine, I’ll work something out. Now, I expect you’ve got plenty to be getting on with, and I know I have …’
‘I’m not leaving here like this.’
‘Do as you please.’
‘Eva …’
‘What do you want me to say?’ Eva demanded. ‘That it’s all right to turn me down and try to make me do something you know is out of the question?’
Patty was looking both contrite and baffled. ‘I don’t understand why you’re making such a big deal of it,’ she said gently. ‘It’s not like you to be so defensive.’
‘And it’s not like me to try and hide what I’m really thinking either,’ Eva cried, ‘especially not from you, but it’s obvious you don’t want to talk about it, so let’s pretend it’s not happening, shall we? I’m not a mother, you’re not an aunt and there’s no teenage boy out there that should be with me, but isn’t.’
Patty inhaled sharply.
‘Oh sorry, did you find that difficult?’
Looking slightly dazed, Patty said, ‘Why now? Oh God, it’s his birthday soon, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I’ve been so preoccupied … Did you see Shelley while you were in London? That’s what’s happened, isn’t it? You took a card for him.’
‘As a matter of fact, I did. Do I need to apologise for that?’
‘No, of course not.’
‘Actually, that’s not all that happened. I found out while I was there that my recent application to have some knowledge of him, maybe even a photograph, has been turned down. In fact, the judge made it clear that I shouldn’t think of myself as a parent and as I’m sure you’re quite happy to go along with that, that’s what we’ll do.’
Patty looked stunned. ‘You didn’t tell me about this.’
‘Because I can’t!’ Eva shouted. ‘You don’t want to hear it, you know you don’t, but I’m afraid it doesn’t just go away because some judge says it has to …’
‘Evie …’
‘Stop! No! You have no idea what it’s like because you have your children. You see them all the time, you know everything about them …’
‘Please …’
‘I love Jake with all my heart, but do you have any idea what it does to me when I see how close you two are? All these years, as I’ve watched him grow up, I’ve kept wondering what my son is like, if someone loves him as much as I would, if he’s happy and healthy and how it would be if I could laugh with him, the way you do with Jake. I want to take care of him if he’s sick, be proud when he passes his exams, pack his clothes when he goes away.’ She turned away as sobs tore her anger apart.
Going to hold her, Patty said, ‘Evie, you know I’d do anything to have him with us, but it’s not in my power and it isn’t in yours either, so why did you …?’
‘Because I had to,’ Eva seethed furiously. ‘If you were in my position you’d understand that.’
‘But I do understand …’
‘No, you really don’t, because if this had happened to you, if you’d made the worst mistake of your life and it was my nephew out there somewhere, I’d be sending him letters too, because you’re allowed to, you know, as his aunt. I’d be letting him know how welcome he’d be in our family if he ever wanted to come, but you’ve never written to my son once. Not once.’
Patty’s face was ashen. ‘You don’t know if his par—adoptive parents would allow it,’ she said.
‘Do you care?’ Eva cried.
‘Of course I care. I wish you’d told me about this application …’
Clasping her hands to her head Eva said, ‘I can’t discuss this any more. Please, just go.’
Looking as torn as she did stricken, it was a while before Patty finally picked up her bag and started for the door. Turning back she said, ‘You’re not the only one who carries guilt and pain in her heart, Eva, try to remember that sometimes,’ and a moment later she’d gone.
By the time Livvy returned from the post office Eva had managed to make herself presentable, but Patty’s parting words were still haunting her conscience like a restless ghost. It wasn’t only what Patty had said, it was how sad and defeated she’d looked as she’d said it. What could she be feeling pain and guilt about? Could she, Eva, have struck a chord when she’d tried to make her feel guilty for not writing to her nephew? Eva was already sorry for that, but she still wondered why Patty had never even asked to be in touch with him, when she normally had such a generous and tender heart. Perhaps she’d hardened herself in order to try and coax her sister back from the brink of despair, not wanting to encourage this impossible and futile search for her child.
‘Are you OK?’ Livvy asked, coming back from hanging up her coat. ‘You seem very quiet.’
Eva feigned surprise at the question. ‘Of course, I’m great,’ she smiled. ‘How are you? The swelling seems to have gone down.’
Livvy prodded her cheek. ‘Mm,’ she grunted dubiously. ‘At least you noticed, which is more than I can say for my mother. Anyway, I’m going up to the workroom to get ready for Coral.’
‘Actually, she won’t be here till twelve, so would you mind if I left you in charge for a while?’
Livvy groaned in protest. ‘I want everything to be set out properly.’
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�I’ll be back in plenty of time.’
‘OK, just don’t be late or I’ll fire you.’
‘Promise,’ Eva smiled, getting to her feet. Then, realising she wasn’t sure where Patty had gone, she sat down again and picked up the phone.
Finding herself directed to voicemail, she knew instinctively it was a punishment, and felt every second of it as she waited for the announcement to end. ‘Patty, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have sounded off like that. I want to come and see you. Please call me back or text to tell me where you are.’
When there was still no response ten minutes later she rang Don.
‘I’m sorry, he’s just gone out,’ the receptionist told her. ‘You can probably get him in the car.’
Eva tried, but again found herself diverted to voicemail. ‘I’ve had a big falling-out with Patty,’ she told him. ‘Call me back when you can.’
‘What was it about?’ Livvy asked from the doorway.
Feeling a jolt in her heart, Eva sighed as she said, ‘I got angry because she doesn’t want to model for the show. So it was all my fault and I think I’ve really upset her.’
Livvy looked doubtful. ‘Oh you know Mum, she doesn’t take these things to heart. She’ll probably have forgotten it by now.’
Eva forced a smile. ‘Even so, I ought to apologise, and I will as soon as I can find out where she is.’
Patty’s head was resting on Don’s shoulder. They were in his car, parked at the edge of a campsite close to Chesil Beach where almost no one was around, and the swell of the distant sea was like the silent turbulence in her heart.
‘I almost told her,’ she whispered hoarsely, still not quite able to believe how close she’d come. ‘It was right there on the tip of my tongue.’
‘But you didn’t,’ he said, tightening the arm that was holding her, ‘which is all that matters.’
Was it all that mattered? She supposed so. Yes, it was, but that still didn’t get her away from the fact that something in her had wanted to hurt Eva during those moments. It was still scaring her now. ‘Imagine what would have happened if I had blurted it out,’ she said.
