If she agreed to take him in January though, she would be clear for the rest of the year. The baby was due in June. Under no circumstances would she be able to give her father his usual summer break. She would tell her sisters if they wanted to come to Andalucía with Oskar in the summer she would be delighted to find an apartment or villa for them all to rent.
That’s what she would do, Jutta decided, taking back control. And if Anka and Inga didn’t like it, that was their tough luck. Let them go and find another Piñata to batter. She wasn’t going to let them emotionally blackmail her anymore. She checked out her diary to see which dates suited her best and took a deep breath before dialling Anka back.
‘Hallo, Jutta,’ her sister answered brusquely.
‘Anka, I can take Dad from the fourth to the fourteenth of January. I won’t be flying to Germany with him to bring him home. Tell Friedrich to get off his fat ass and bring him to Frankfurt airport and put him on the plane to Malaga, and to collect him when he comes home, if you or Inga don’t want to do it. I can’t stay talking any longer. I’m working. Auf Wiedersehen.’
She didn’t wait for her sister to reply but hung up quickly. She’d had enough of family rows and resentment, enough of being treated with disrespect. From now on she was definitely stepping back, she told herself, although she said that every time. Soon her own family unit would be complete.
If her sisters were any way nice to her, any way appreciative of the fact that she did play her part in caring for their father, she wouldn’t be so unbending. Jutta frowned, tapping her teeth with her pen, frustrated that she was yet again on the defensive. They were jealous bitches, and always had been. Just because she’d made a life for herself away from the tyrannies of home, she comforted herself, hating it when she was made to feel she was negligent in her familial duty by Anka and Inga.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
November
SALLY-ANN / CAL / LENORA
‘Look let’s see how it goes? It’s just for an overnight. We owe it to Jake to work things out and give him a good family,’ Cal said patiently.
‘I know, and I’m doing my best,’ Lenora pouted.
‘And so am I,’ Cal reminded her. ‘I took you out of Galveston and got us a condo in Houston like you wanted. We have an au pair. You get to New York once a month. I think that’s pretty fair.’
‘OK. OK,’ she snapped irritably. ‘Invite your girls if that’s what you want—’
‘I want you to want it too,’ Cal growled. ‘When the divorce is final I’ll have joint custody.’
‘I’m not used to teenagers,’ she said sulkily.
‘It’s a learning curve for all of us, goodnight,’ he said exasperatedly, turning over on his side, away from her.
When, after she’d spent a month in New York without seeing their son, Cal had phoned Lenora to tell her he was renting an apartment in Houston and asked could they try again for the sake of their little boy, Lenora had agreed. Now, months later, Cal knew in his heart it was never going to work. It had been a duty call, his sense of responsibility stronger than his desire to reunite with the mother of their son. Eva, the au pair spent far more time with Jake than Lenora did. Sally-Ann and Jake’s half-sisters provided his cuddles while Cal ploughed on determined to do his best this time, seeing as he had failed his wife so abysmally all those years ago.
When the subject of Thanksgiving had come up again he’d proposed that his daughters come to stay and finally be introduced to Lenora. ‘Savannah in particular loves make-up and girly stuff, and they both adore Jake,’ he’d informed her, wishing she’d make some kind of effort.
Sally-Ann had agreed to his suggestion. It was high time the twins met his new partner, she’d concurred, especially now that Jake had become so important to them. Blended families had to work things out, she’d told their daughters, urging them to agree to meet Lenora for their dad’s sake, and Jake’s. She was going to spend Thanksgiving in West Texas with her parents.
Lenora had proposed a catered meal but Cal had nixed that. He’d cook the turkey himself with all the trimmings.
While he prepared and stuffed the bird, she slept in until he called her to feed their son, seeing as Eva was celebrating the day with her family. ‘And if y’all could set the table that would be cool.’ He tried to keep the sarcasm out of his tone. He was nervous. If Savannah took one of her strops things could go belly-up very quickly. He’d offered to collect the girls, but Sally-Ann had said she’d drop them off on her way to the airport. Did that mean that she was going to come up to the condo? Cal wondered uneasily. Thus far she and Lenora had had no contact, and in fairness to Sally-Ann she’d kept her thoughts about Lenora’s extended hiatus – or nervous breakdown, as Lenora preferred to call it – in New York to herself, and when he brought Jake to visit, they never discussed her.
He’d much rather be in the middle of a stampede out on the plains than face what he had to face in a couple of hours, Cal thought ruefully, shoving a fistful of stuffing up the turkey.
‘Now girls, be on your best behaviour when you meet Lenora. Remember your dad and I weren’t a couple before he met her so don’t go holdin’ any grudges. She’s little Jake’s momma, respect that,’ Sally-Ann reminded her daughters when they climbed into the car for the fifteen-minute journey across town to Cal’s condo.
‘I wish I was flying to see Grandma and Grandpa with you,’ Madison said glumly, clicking her seat belt into place.
‘Look, y’all are gonna have a great time with Jake and your dad. He’s bringing you to see a movie in iPIC tomorrow, premium seats too, now that’s cool! Enjoy it, and I’ll pick y’all up in the evening when I fly back,’ Sally-Ann advised.
‘If you snore, I’ll throw a book at you,’ Savannah warned her twin.
‘Do not, do y’all hear me? DO NOT disgrace the family by fighting,’ Sally-Ann warned, feeling utterly fraught. She could understand her daughters’ angst. Hell she was anxious herself having to finally meet this woman Cal was living with and sharing parenthood with. She was just going to drop in for five minutes, pass the time of day and make her excuses to leave.
She’d taken extra care with her appearance. New jeans that hugged her booty in a most flattering way, a black cashmere turtleneck jumper and a Ralph Lauren quilted gilet. Cool but classy. High-heel ankle boots and a hot pink Gucci tote finished off her ensemble. Her auburn mane was swept up in a loose topknot with tendrils curling around her face, which she’d made up with extra care, assisted by Savannah who was now an expert at contouring.
‘You look like a model, Mom,’ her daughter approved loyally and Sally-Ann hugged her and told her everything would work out just fine. It would tear the hearts out of the twins to see their father with this other woman but they all had to bite the bullet and get on with it.
Cal was waiting for them at the entrance to the impressive new building just off Shady River Road and he directed her to a guest parking spot.
‘Hey girls,’ he greeted his daughters with bear hugs when they got out of the car, but his eyes were wary when he met Sally-Ann’s. ‘I appreciate this,’ he said gruffly.
‘It’s cool,’ she said calmly, determined that he wouldn’t know how rattled she was. There was an awkward silence in the elevator as it whooshed up to the tenth floor. ‘I can smell the turkey from here,’ Sally-Ann smiled when they exited to a tiled, marble foyer where a striking young woman with a slender figure, flowing brown tresses and huge, heavily made-up brown eyes in a heart-shaped face, was standing waiting to greet them. She wore a figure-hugging red dress and skyscraper black Louboutins.
She’s gorgeous looking, and so young! Sally-Ann felt like a crone as Lenora held out a delicate hand and gave her a limp handshake. ‘Hi Sally-Ann,’ she said politely but not overly friendly.
‘Nice to meet you, Lenora, y’all have a beautiful little boy,’ Sally-Ann said graciously, taking the lead.
‘Oh! Oh thank you.’ The younger woman glanced over at Cal who said proudly, ‘and
these are my . . . er . . . our . . . daughters, Savannah and Madison. Girls, this is Lenora.’
‘Hi,’ said Madison awkwardly while Savannah muttered a ‘Hello.’
‘Come in, come in,’ Cal said expansively, ushering them into the bright glass and marble lounge, which seemed to rest on a canopy of trees below them.
‘Nice view of the Country Club,’ Sally-Ann enthused, thinking how modern and minimalist the condo was, but not at all homely.
‘We love it,’ Lenora said brightly, sliding her arm into Cal’s as though signalling ownership. ‘It’s beautiful to watch the sunset over drinks. It’s our favourite thing.’
‘I’m sure,’ Sally-Ann smiled sweetly, enjoying Cal’s discomfiture, as he stood trapped beside Lenora.
‘Where’s Jake?’ Madison asked eagerly.
‘Having his nap unfortunately,’ Cal replied, relieved at the change of subject. ‘Can I get y’all something to drink? Iced tea, coffee, Sally-Ann?’ He moved away from Lenora, and beckoned to the girls to follow him into the kitchen.
‘Not for me, Cal, thanks. I’ve a plane to catch; I’ll pick up the girls tomorrow evening on the way back from the airport. Nice meeting you, Lenora. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all,’ she said smoothly edging for the door.
‘You too,’ the younger woman returned civilly, if not over enthusiastically.
‘Have fun, girls.’ Sally-Ann’s heart went out to her daughters who looked miserable and ill-at ease. ‘See y’all tomorrow.’
‘Bye, Mom.’ Savannah threw her arms around her. ‘I love you.’
‘Me too,’ echoed Madison hugging her tightly when Savannah let go.
‘Give Jake a big kiss for me,’ she said softly, knowing if she didn’t get away soon she’d burst into tears in front of them. ‘Bye, Cal.’
She hurried into the lift and managed to keep her composure until the door of her car was safely closed behind her, before the floodgates opened. Sally-Ann cried all the way to the airport.
‘They don’t like me, Cal,’ Lenora complained after she had shown the girls to their room and they were unpacking their overnight bag.
‘Give them a chance, they’re here less than thirty minutes. It’s their first time to meet you. It’s hard for them not having their mom around for Thanksgiving. It’s a big deal for them, put yourself in their shoes,’ Cal urged.
It was a stressful day as Lenora and his daughters had struggled to find common ground. He knew the girls had tried hard to be polite. They were frankly astonished that Lenora took no part in the cooking process. Savannah had taken over the gravy making, while Madison had mashed and creamed the potatoes while he creamed the corn and he couldn’t help but wish that he were in his old kitchen, with Sally-Ann directing operations, cooking Thanksgiving dinner together.
Lenora had stayed out of the kitchen draped on the sofa watching an old Bette Davis movie until Cal carried the bird to the table. She picked at the food, causing Savannah to comment with a saccharine smile, ‘That’s why you’re so thin, Lenora. I read that Victoria Beckham only eats steamed greens and you’re even thinner than her!’
‘Yup, Mom calls those people “clothes hangers”,’ Madison supplied innocently, not realizing that her sister was being bitchy.
‘Really?’ Lenora retorted. ‘I think I’d prefer to be a clothes hanger than a fat hog.’ She glared at Savannah who was shovelling creamed corn down her gob.
‘Lenora!’ Cal hissed.
‘What?’ she snapped. ‘I’m only telling your daughter what I think after she started making personal comments.’
‘At least I ain’t a hoe bag,’ Savannah muttered.
‘Savannah, leave the table,’ roared Cal, at the end of his tether, whereupon his two daughters burst into tears and vanished into their room.
It was that sort of day.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
February 2009
CAL / LENORA
Cal was longing to see Jake. He’d been on a business trip to Miami for three days and by a stroke of good fortune had managed to get an earlier flight home than he’d planned, out of MIA. He hoped his little buddy hadn’t gone for his walk with Eva, the au pair, who loved to power walk past the sumptuous mansions close to the country club, pushing Jake’s buggy at a smart lick. He yawned as the elevator sped up to his floor. He wouldn’t mind a nap himself.
The condo was empty. Lenora could be using the gym or taking a spinning class as she generally did in the mornings. He was about to make himself a coffee when a sound caught his attention, a woman laughing. Lenora must be on the phone in bed, he thought, rooting in his luggage for the elegant Fendi clutch he’d bought for her in the Design Centre.
‘Hi Babes, hope ya—’ He stopped short at the sight that met his eyes. Lenora, naked, legs wrapped around a blond muscular young man as he carried her to the bed.
‘Cal!’ she shrieked, scrambling to cover herself up as the beefcake dropped her onto the bed in dismay.
‘Excuse me, I didn’t know you were otherwise engaged,’ he said coldly. ‘Get dressed, sonny and get outta here pronto. Lenora we’re done. Start packing.’
Cal strode out of the bedroom back to the lounge. He had given it his best shot with the mother of his son. It was over. He was strangely unmoved at her betrayal. Lenora had made it easy for him to move on.
Lenora finished arranging her dresses in the poky wardrobe of the egg box apartment Cal had rented for her in Jersey Village just north of downtown. The bedroom was tiny compared to the lavish boudoir she’d shared with Cal. She wouldn’t be here for long, she thought confidently. Her lover, Boyd Garland, was loaded. Youngest son of a Texas oil baron, she’d met him at The Drake Bar, a high-end lounge she often frequented with her girlfriends when Cal was out of town. Boyd had taken her to Next, one of the most exclusive clubs in the city. He’d bought her champagne, offered her coke, and treated her like royalty. She’d let him woo her for a month before they’d had a night of wild passion in his Piney Point Village mansion.
Cal Cooper was a pauper compared to Boyd Garland, and Boyd was single and mad about her. And best of all she wouldn’t have to endure those two little bitches, Savannah and Madison any longer. Win, win, she thought smugly, daydreaming about scorching up to Cal’s to visit Jake in a sexy new Porsche.
Because he’d caught her high on the hit of coke she and her lover had taken, he’d accused her of being an unfit mother and had warned her that her visits to their son would be supervised. That would change when she had the wealth of the Garlands behind her, Lenora vowed, her heart lifting when she saw Boyd’s text to say he’d see her the following day if she was free.
Damn well she was free, in more ways than one thought Lenora gaily, her fingers flying over the screen.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
AUSTEN / ANNA
‘What a treat to have dinner with you, Dad.’ Tara sipped a glass of red and tucked into her crispy pork belly main. Chloe took a mouthful of her fish and nodded in agreement.
‘My first decent lunch out since having the baby, I can’t believe it! OMG, Tara you should have warned me it would be this full on,’ the younger woman moaned, taking a welcome glug of white wine.
‘I thought it would be nice to have time with my girls,’ Austen said easily, wondering would they be so appreciative when his daughters heard what he had to say.
Anna was having an overnighter in a spa with Mary and Yvonne, a combined Christmas gift from Austen and her daughters, and he’d taken the opportunity to invite his girls to dinner in Picasso, in Clontarf.
‘You still have a great tan, Dad. I believe it’s very dodgy over there at the moment. A friend of mine is out in Marbella for her hen party and they’re getting drenched,’ Chloe said.
‘I didn’t think any new bride would be able to afford a hen party abroad anymore,’ Austen remarked.
‘Her mother gave her the money as a Christmas present. I’d love to have gone. If I hadn’t been doing the odd commission at work I’d have tried to swi
ng it,’ Chloe said nonchalantly.
‘And who would you have got to mind the baby? Will was telling me how hard it is for him to take leave now.’
‘Oh I’m sure Mum wouldn’t have minded, she’d have been glad for me to have a little break for myself after having a baby, and she adores Charlotte.’ Chloe was completely oblivious to her father’s incredulity.
‘But Chloe, your mother’s got to start taking things easy! She’s had two gall bladder attacks since that first one, and stress brings them on. She’s not as young as she used to be. Neither of us are. I want to give you both a bit of notice that I’m bringing her to Spain for four weeks, in April and May. I want to take her to Seville for a few days during orange blossom season. It’s our anniversary and I want to surprise her. And, in the autumn we want to go to Barcelona. I want us to spend time together just enjoying our retirement. She didn’t come over after Christmas, and . . .’ he paused and took a sip of beer ‘. . . you know that when we decided to buy an apartment in Spain, I envisaged that we would spend a large part of the winter months out there. That’s not really happening at the moment.’
He didn’t say ‘because we have to mind our grandchildren’, he couldn’t be that blunt, but he was determined that he and Anna were spending a chunk of time together this year no matter who was discommoded. ‘So you’ve got almost three months to make arrangements to get someone else to step in to mind the children. Plenty of time to get organized.’ He smiled at them, ignoring the looks of dismay that crossed both their faces.
‘It’s not that easy,’ Chloe groaned. ‘Will’s mother is adamant that she’s not doing baby minding. You know that. They have a mobile home in Brittas and they spend a lot of time down there.’
‘Is that so? Very nice for them,’ Austen said drily. Chloe’s sulky face shaded a dull red.
‘Why don’t you use the money you’d have spent on the hen party to pay someone to mind Charlotte?’ he suggested, knowing he was being somewhat churlish, but anxious that his daughter would start copping on and thinking of her mother for a change. Anna was taken far too much for granted and she was too soft to do anything about it. That was why he was stepping in.
Orange Blossom Days Page 27
