Sky's the Limit

by Janie Millman

  They were my impressions of her new rooftop terrace. One was set just at the point when the sun dips below the horizon and the sky turns red and gold. I’d tried to capture the terrace as she had described, the pool a dusky shimmer with the dim glow of candles in colours that were muted and romantic.

  The other was a complete contrast, set in bright sunlight. The sky was a cobalt blue, there was a sea of cream parasols, colourful cushions and comfy loungers, with vivid flowers spilling out of copper urns. It was bright and inviting.

  Beatrice looked at me. ‘You are an exceptionally talented young lady.’

  I flushed. ‘They’re not really finished, there’s much more that I could do.’

  ‘They look pretty finished to me.’ She smiled.

  ‘Look, I wanted to give them to you because I think I might go back home today,’ I said quickly.

  ‘Cheri, no.’

  She sounded shocked. Was she angry?

  ‘Obviously I’ll pay you for the full week, I realise that it’s too late to get anyone else and I don’t want you out of pocket, but I’m only in the way here and I’m so sorry I got so hideously drunk last night, I hope I didn’t ruin the evening but I imagine that I did.’ I knew I was gabbling. ‘So I’ve checked online and there’s a flight this afternoon, if I can get a seat then I’ll grab that, so would it be possible for Ibrahim to take me to the airport? If not then I can easily get another taxi.’ The words were spilling out of me as indeed were the tears. I couldn’t seem to control either.

  Beatrice walked over to me and gently folded me into her arms. Smoothing back my heavy fringe she dipped her fingers into the jug of iced water she kept on the desk and placed them on my hot forehead.

  ‘Shush, cheri, shush, ma belle, shush, cheri.’ Her voice was hypnotic and instantly calming. She somehow manoeuvred me into a chair and handed me a tissue. ‘Blow,’ she commanded. ‘Now, drink some coffee and tell me what this is all about.’

  I obeyed and felt the tension dissipate a little.

  ‘Actually, Sky, I need to apologise to you,’ Beatrice said. ‘I spoke out of turn last night.’ She smiled ruefully. ‘I’m not saying I was necessarily wrong but it was the wrong moment to talk.’

  ‘It’s not because of what you said that I’m leaving, it’s nothing to do with the riad or you,’ I was quick to reassure her. ‘Your riad is wonderful, it’s magical and under any other circumstances I would want to stay for ever.’ I paused and gulped at the scalding coffee as I tried to find the right words. ‘I should have stayed at home to face the music, I should never have come here. I should never have run away.’

  ‘Don’t you think that leaving here is running away?’ she asked me gently.

  ‘I will be going home, how can that be running away?’ I frowned at her. How come she always managed to twist things around?

  ‘You will be running away from Nick.’

  ‘I never asked him to come, he should never have followed me here!’ I was furious that yet again everything seemed to revolve around bloody Nick. ‘Anyway, I doubt he’ll give a damn, he’s fine, he and Philippe seem as thick as thieves and he loves cooking with Bushara.’

  ‘He’s far from fine, as you know.’ She leant forward. ‘You are stronger than you think, cheri no, let me finish.’ She held up her hands as I tried to interrupt. ‘Nick is part of your make-up, Sky, he is part of who you are and you are part of him. Deep down you know that. You are soul mates. He has followed you out here, that was a brave thing to do, now it is your turn to be brave and give him the chance to talk. You both deserve that.’

  I couldn’t trust myself to speak. I couldn’t put into words the emptiness I felt at the thought of a life without Nick, but equally I couldn’t contemplate a way forward. He had shattered my trust, nothing could ever be the same again.

  As if reading my mind once again, Beatrice said, ‘It won’t be the same relationship as before, Sky. But strong relationships survive, cheri, they change and they evolve and that is part of life.’ She grinned. ‘No one believed that Philippe and I would survive after our marriage, but we did. We loved each other and we forged a new relationship which in many ways was much stronger.’ She walked over to me and dropped a kiss on the top of my head. ‘Things will work out, ma belle, but it will take time and it will take some work.’

  I got up but still didn’t trust myself to speak.

  ‘Don’t do anything hasty, Sky, there is another flight tomorrow. Promise me you’ll think about it.

  I merely nodded.

  ‘Go and sit outside and Bushara will bring breakfast. You need to eat.’

  As soon as she said that I realised that I was famished. I’d eaten virtually nothing last night. I cleared my throat. ‘Thank you,’ I managed to croak.

  ‘And, Sky?’ I paused at the doorway. ‘Thank you so much for these.’ She held up the pictures.

  ‘Sky?’ Gail waved at me from her seat in the courtyard. Sonny was, as usual, busy searching for tortoises.

  ‘Just the person I was looking for,’ she said as I sank exhausted into the chair beside her.

  ‘Really?’ I was anxious. ‘I thought you might be disgusted at my behaviour last night.’

  ‘Oh, Sky.’ She chuckled. ‘You were tired and emotional, you ate nothing and drank quite a lot, it’s understandable, it’s certainly not a crime.’

  ‘Thank you, Gail,’ I said with relief. ‘It’s all a bit of a blur to me, did I do or say anything outrageous? Did I tap dance naked on the table? Should I be ashamed?’

  She laughed. ‘You barely said a word, you were in a world of your own.’

  ‘I was seeking oblivion.’ I grinned weakly. ‘Mission accomplished.’

  ‘Sky, I have a huge favour to ask you.’ She hesitated before rushing on. ‘Tariq wants me and Sonny to go for lunch and meet his father and sister. I’m scared Sky, I’d feel so much happier with a friend by my side.’ She grabbed my hand. ‘I’ll buy you dinner, I’ll buy the kaftan you loved from the market, in fact I’ll buy them all, but please say yes. It won’t be for long, just an hour or so.’

  I smiled but couldn’t commit myself. ‘Why are you so scared?’

  ‘Well, what will they think of me? Will they hate me for keeping Sonny from them? Will they want to keep him?’

  ‘Everyone who has met Sonny wants to keep him,’ I laughed, watching the little figure scampering around the pool. There was a slight gasp from Gail and I realised that I’d said absolutely the wrong thing. ‘I just meant that he’s so gorgeous, but, Gail, of course they can’t keep him. You’re his mother.’

  ‘And Tariq is his father.’

  ‘What has Tariq said?’

  ‘Nothing, really. I’ve no idea how he feels other than angry, and rightfully so.’

  ‘It was a misunderstanding, Gail, a terrible misunderstanding, he can’t blame you. It was nothing to do with you, it was your bloody awful sister.’

  Gail was silent for a moment and I was horrified that yet again I had been so tactless.

  ‘Jesus, Gail, I’m so sorry, please don’t listen to me, I have size nine boots these days. I really didn’t mean to offend you.’

  She smiled. ‘You haven’t offended me, Sky. It’s just that every time I think about Dawn another piece of the jigsaw slots into place and I feel so stupid for having been so blind for so long.’

  ‘You’re not stupid, you just love her and no one wants to see faults in the ones we love.’ I paused for a moment. ‘What about you, Gail? How do you feel towards Tariq?’

  Gail stared into the distance with her eyes half closed. ‘I feel the same way about him as I did when I first met him.’ She smiled dreamily. ‘He takes my breath away. He brings colour to my life. I love him more and more with every beat of my heart. He makes me glad to be alive.’

  ‘Wow.’ As I saw the love in her eyes and registered the naked longing on her face I suddenly realised something. I realised that whatever I had felt for Miles, it was nothing like this. It had nothing of this intensit
y or strength.

  ‘Oh God, Sky, it’s my turn to apologise. How incredibly insensitive of me. I just wasn’t thinking.’ Gail touched my arm.

  ‘It must be amazing to feel like that about someone.’ I was looking at her with more than a hint of envy.

  ‘You must have felt like this, Sky?’ She seemed surprised.

  ‘Once, I was fourteen and he was seventeen,’ I said, deliberately keeping it light. ‘His name was Rob McNeil and I had a crush on him that lasted for six giddy weeks. I stalked him relentlessly. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I thought I would die if he didn’t notice me.’

  ‘And what happened?’

  ‘I heard him fart and the magic was broken for ever.’

  Gail burst into loud laughter and Sonny looked up from his search. ‘Oh, Sky, that’s priceless.’

  I smiled too but the smile didn’t quite reach my eyes. Why had I never experienced a feeling like Gail had described? What was wrong with me? Would I ever feel like that about someone? I wasn’t stupid, I knew I’d been lucky with my looks. I’d never had a problem attracting men, but had never been sure if it was me they wanted or just my face. Of course I’d rather be pretty than plain and there was no point in pretending otherwise, but sometimes beauty came at a price. I had learnt to be wary when it came to men and I’d never really had that many close relationships. Desperate for one to work, I’d been delighted that Miles had seemed so genuine in his love for me. Perhaps I’d been too delighted, perhaps I’d mistaken relief for love, perhaps Dad and Nonna had been right and maybe I had rushed things. No, I quickly dismissed that thought. That wasn’t possible, I’d been very sure, I’d never had a moment of doubt – well, up until now.

  My thoughts were interrupted by Beatrice and Bushara arriving bearing plates of delicious honeyed pastries and bowls overflowing with fresh fruit and thick creamy yoghurt. I was pleased to see them, not only was I starving but I couldn’t cope with much more introspection.

  ‘Perfect after a night of indulgence.’ Beatrice smiled. ‘Although Philippe swears that nobody gets a hangover from drinking his wine.’

  ‘It’s actually true,’ Gail said. ‘I feel unbelievably OK this morning, but just as a precaution I will eat this amazing breakfast.’ She smiled at Beatrice and said quietly, ‘I’ve just asked Sky if she will come to Tariq’s house with me. He’s invited us for lunch to meet his father and sister and I don’t mind admitting I’m nervous as hell.’

  ‘Are you going to go, Sky?’ Beatrice said it casually but I knew the hidden meaning.

  ‘Gail has offered to buy me several kaftans from the market if I do and I can’t let an opportunity like that slide by.’ I looked up at Beatrice. ‘Of course I’ll go with her.’

  Beatrice squeezed my shoulders gently in silent approval and I was pleased. I sensed that approbation from Beatrice was hard to come by.

  ‘Bushara, do you think Ibrahim would take us in the car?’ Gail was asking. ‘And pick us up if I give him a time? I don’t want to be stranded there.’

  ‘Ibrahim or Radar will be walking with you.’ Bushara replied.

  Gail looked puzzled and Beatrice smiled at her. ‘It’s only a short stroll from here, Gail. If you suddenly feel overwhelmed then you and Sky can simply walk back. Does that make you feel better?’

  ‘Yes it does,’ Gail said honestly.

  ‘Gail, I’ve known Tariq for a few years now.’ Beatrice looked at her. ‘He is a man I trust implicitly.’ Bushara nodded in agreement and Beatrice continued. ‘His family are very modern in their outlook, his father is intelligent and full of humour and his sister is the same.’

  ‘Thank you, Beatrice,’ Gail said. ‘Philippe is right, you are a mind reader, that’s just what I needed to hear.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  ‘Ready to talk wine?’ Nick strolled up to where Philippe was sitting. ‘I have about an hour before a hot lunch date with Bushara.’

  Philippe raised his eyebrows.

  ‘She’s taking me to one of the oldest restaurants in Marrakech, we’re leaving early to give me a chance to meet the chef and take a peek into the kitchen.’

  ‘Mad.’ Philippe grinned.

  ‘I know, I’m totally obsessed, but this wonderful Moroccan cuisine has me all fired up.’

  ‘No, I mean the chef’s name is Maad.’ Philippe laughed. ‘I wasn’t talking about you, I love your passion, I’m the same with wine. In fact I’m seeing someone this afternoon to talk about his vineyard, do you want to come?’

  ‘I’d love to,’ Nick said without hesitation. ‘I want to cram in as much as possible.’ He hesitated. ‘I may be leaving tomorrow.’

  ‘Why?’ Philippe was surprised. He had grown fond of this young man and was enjoying his company.

  ‘I’m not really getting anywhere with Sky. I was wrong to come. She needed time on her own and I came charging along thinking I could wave a magic wand and make it all better.’ He grinned ruefully. ‘All I’ve succeeded in doing is making things worse, which is quite an achievement considering they were pretty much rock bottom to start with.’

  ‘You love her very much, don’t you?’

  Nick merely nodded, unable to put into words the incredible emptiness he felt at a life without Sky.

  Philippe smiled. ‘Don’t make any decision without consulting the oracle.’ He nodded towards Beatrice, who was heading towards them with a tray which she placed on the table.

  On the tray was a slim frosted bottle of wine and three elegant, coloured glasses. ‘This is Philippe’s sweet wine which he thought you might like to try. It’s a bit early, but I understand that you are going out with Bushara shortly.’

  ‘I am indeed, she’s whisking me away to meet… what did you say his name was?’

  ‘Maad,’ they said in unison.

  ‘Did you meet him in the market?’ Beatrice enquired.

  ‘Not to my knowledge.’

  ‘Trust me, you’d know if you had.’ Philippe and Beatrice exchanged glances.

  ‘What?’ Nick looked from one to the other. ‘What are you not telling me?’

  ‘Nothing, he’s a wonderful man, slightly… unusual, but a marvellous chef.’ Philippe poured the wine and handed Nick a glass. ‘Now see what you think. We’re still experimenting with it, but I think we’re on the right track.’

  Nick sniffed it appreciatively and then took a sip. Closing his eyes he rolled it around his mouth. ‘I’d say you were very much on the right track, this is ambrosia.’

  Philippe smiled in delight. ‘They will be very happy to know that a Michelin-starred chef had that reaction.’

  ‘Who are they?’ Nick asked.

  ‘Well, as I said, Henri is my right-hand man, and I also have my sister Stephanie and my nephew Luc, our flying winemaker.’

  ‘Bloody hell, what a glamorous title! Why didn’t I think of becoming a flying winemaker?’ Nick said.

  ‘A friend of mine actually came up with the phrase, I don’t think it’s an official description but it’s an apt one, he travels the world learning about different wines and experimenting with different methods.’

  ‘Sounds like an amazing job, where is he right now?’

  ‘California, I can’t wait to hear all about it.’ Philippe took another sip of wine. ‘So, Nick, are you serious about wanting my wine for your restaurant?’

  ‘I most certainly am. I’d love to sample a few more.’

  Philippe winked at Beatrice. ‘Then you shall, I’ll send a couple of cases over as soon as I get back.’

  ‘I have an idea.’ Beatrice began but Philippe leapt in.

  ‘And her idea is that you will be able to introduce my wine to other chefs. I’ve told her that a Michelin-starred chef may like to keep it exclusive but…’

  He got no further before Beatrice tried again. ‘Actually, my idea was…’

  This time it was Nick’s turn to barge in. ‘I’m not that selfish, if the wine is good, and yours certainly is, then everyone is entitled to enjoy it.’ Beatr
ice flashed Philippe a triumphant look and opened her mouth to speak again but Nick continued. ‘I may keep one wine to myself, like this sweet one for example, or the old vine one you were telling me about last night, but…’

  ‘Well, what I was thinking…’ Beatrice cut in once more.

  ‘Maybe you should come over to London, Philippe,’ Nick butted in. ‘Introduce the wines yourself, I could organise a meeting.’

  ‘When will the refurbishments to your restaurant be finished?’ Philippe asked.

  ‘Not for a few months, but we could always find…’

  ‘Enough!’ Beatrice shouted, standing up and holding out her hands to silence the men. ‘Mon Dieu, I’ve been trying to say something for ages, now please listen to what I have to say.’

  They both sat up, startled.

  ‘I have an idea.’ She paused and glared at them. ‘Now listen to me without interruption.’

  They sat back and gave her their full attention.

  ‘Rather than you go to London I think that they should come to France, to the chateau.’ She announced. Neither said a word, they didn’t dare, although there was a definite spark in Nick’s bright blue eyes. ‘We will organise a wine weekend, introduce them to the area and introduce them to your wine, Philippe.’