by Anita Hughes
“We both love art, how do you think we met? Just because we have some different interests doesn’t mean we’re not happy,” Hadley bristled. “Anyway, passion is irrelevant at our age. Companionship is more important.”
“You sound like an ad for a seniors cruise.” Sebastian grimaced. “At least Olivia is learning life is about more than designer sunglasses and how Finn likes his shirts pressed.”
“Finn wouldn’t dream of asking Olivia to press his shirts, they’re a modern couple.” Hadley paused. “But you better talk some sense into Olivia or she’s going to spend the next two weeks weeping in her bedroom. When she finally emerges she’s going to blame you for ruining her relationship.”
“She would never do that,” Sebastian said doubtfully. “She knows I only want what’s best for her.”
“You must remember the passion of young love.” Hadley inspected a glass. “When Olivia wakes up and discovers her Prince Charming is gone, you’re going to be cast as the Wicked Witch. And all your talk of exotic locations is going to be worthless.”
“You may have a point. I hadn’t thought about sex.” Sebastian paused and a smile played over his face. “Maybe you can remind me how it’s done.”
Hadley put the glass on the counter and smoothed her skirt. “I would rather pour the bottle of vodka over my head. I’m going into the study to make some phone calls.”
* * *
Hadley entered the study and tried to stop shaking. She really should pack Sebastian’s suitcase and toss it in the driveway. But Olivia and Finn weren’t speaking and Sebastian had to fix it.
She glanced at the clock and longed for a scotch and soda. But she already drank half a vodka with Sebastian and she wasn’t going to turn into a matron on a daytime soap opera.
No one knew how marriage was going to turn out, but you didn’t give up before you started. She sat on the ottoman and remembered when she and Felix met. For the first time since Sebastian left, she didn’t have a weight on her shoulders and life seemed full of possibilities.
* * *
Hadley climbed the steps of the Central Park duplex and rang the doorbell. She didn’t know why Roberta, the owner of the gallery, insisted Hadley deliver the painting herself. But Hadley had only worked there for a few months and she didn’t want to jeopardize her position.
“I was expecting a deliveryman in jeans and a T-shirt,” a man said as he answered the door. He wore a white shirt and navy slacks. “Please come in, let me take that from you.”
Hadley glanced at the marble entry and circular staircase and had to smile. Now she knew why Roberta insisted she drop off the painting. She was worried about Hadley and playing matchmaker.
“I’m Felix London.” He held out his hand. “I think we met at the art opening the other night. You were wearing a black dress and carrying a pencil.”
“You’re an old friend of Roberta’s.” She entered the living room and saw thick Persian rugs and gleaming wood floors and a view of the park. There were plush velvet sofas and vases filled with lilacs.
He nodded. “We were classmates at Princeton,” he replied, studying Hadley’s glossy blond hair and long legs. “You lugged the painting all the way uptown, the least I can do is offer you a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. I’m perfectly happy drinking Nescafé but the salesgirl at Zabar’s insisted it’s delicious.”
“I wonder why Roberta didn’t tell you who was delivering the painting?” Hadley asked, suddenly feeling like a teenager on a blind date.
“Should she have?” he inquired.
“No, of course not,” she answered. “Thank you, a cup of coffee sounds lovely.”
They drank dark coffee and nibbled petit fours and talked about Felix’s career and Hadley’s job at the gallery.
“What do you do when you’re not making sure people don’t eat a whole tray of canapés or walk out of the gallery with a bottle of champagne?” he asked.
“I don’t have time to do anything. Artists can be demanding and collectors often decide they can’t live without a piece in the middle of the night,” she laughed. “But my daughter is five and loves the puppet show in Central Park.”
“You’re married?” Felix’s face fell.
“I was married,” Hadley said slowly. “It didn’t work out.”
“In that case I have a question.”
“Yes?” Hadley replied and for some reason her heart beat faster.
“Would you go to dinner with me on Friday?” he asked. “I’ve known the owner of La Mirabelle for years. The French onion soup is superb and the rack of lamb melts in your mouth.”
Hadley put down her coffee cup and smiled. “I’d like that very much.”
* * *
Hadley sat at the walnut desk in the gallery and fiddled with a pencil. She didn’t know why she agreed to go to dinner with Felix. She would have to ask her upstairs neighbor to babysit, and she already had worn her one good dress to the opening.
She was quite happy working at the gallery and taking Olivia to dance lessons. And Felix’s duplex was gorgeous but she wasn’t interested in his money. They managed on her salary, and she could always sell The Miller Girls.
But it had been lovely to sit in the sun-filled living room and talk about art and books. Felix had kind eyes and when he smiled she felt warm and secure.
Hadley looked up and saw Felix enter the gallery. He wore a navy suit and clutched a white box.
“I was hoping you worked today. I wondered if you could deliver this.”
“I only make deliveries for Roberta,” she said uncertainly.
“It’s a personal delivery.” Felix handed her the box. “It’s for your daughter.”
“You bought a present for Olivia?” She frowned.
“La Mirabelle is quite elegant and I thought she might like a pretty dress. I bought it at Bloomingdale’s so she can exchange it.” He stopped and smiled. “I promise there are no large bows or pink polka dots.”
Hadley opened the box and took out a blue dress. There was a blue hair ribbon and a pair of white tights.
“It’s lovely, but I didn’t know the invitation was for both of us,” she faltered.
“I had to invite Olivia. If she didn’t approve of me, we couldn’t go out again,” he explained. “Besides, La Mirabelle serves a mouthwatering raspberry brûlée. We’ll ask for three spoons.”
Hadley covered the dress with tissue paper and took a deep breath.
“It’s perfect.” She smiled. “She’s going to love it.”
* * *
Hadley paced around the study and thought the early years of their marriage were like a carousel at Central Park. Olivia led them on a giddy round of dance recitals and concerts and birthday parties. When Olivia grew older, they were so busy with Felix’s career and Hadley’s work at the gallery, they barely saw each other.
Had they grown distant before Felix injured his back? She picked up the phone and thought she didn’t have time to worry about herself. She had to stop Olivia from making a terrible mistake.
* * *
Hadley stepped onto the patio and inhaled the scent of hibiscus. The glass table was set with platters of coconut chicken and tuna tartare. Now that it was cocktail hour, Hadley was too nervous to drink her usual rhum vanille. She poured a glass of iced tea and took a small sip.
She hadn’t been able to find Finn, and Olivia was still in her room. Hadley was tempted to knock on Sebastian’s door but she was so angry, she was afraid she would say something she could never take back.
“Where is everyone?” Felix stepped outside. His silvery hair was freshly combed and he wore a collared shirt.
“It’s like a house party in an Agatha Christie novel.” Hadley grimaced. “Except we know who did it. Sebastian has been up to mischief and ruined everything.”
“It can’t be that bad,” Felix chuckled, eating a jumbo shrimp. “Tell me everything from the beginning.”
“That’s exactly what I said to Olivia.” Hadley pursed her lips. �
��But it was worse than I imagined.”
“Finn didn’t show up for our afternoon match,” he replied. “I wondered what happened to him.”
“Sebastian Miller happened to him.” She perched on a chaise longue. “He’s like a tropical disease. At first you think it’s a stomachache from eating something unfamiliar. By the next morning your temperature spikes to one hundred and five. If you’re lucky the fever breaks and you survive, but the side effects remain the rest of your life.”
“You’re not making sense.”
“It’s my fault for sending him birthday invitations all those years,” Hadley sighed, fiddling with her diamond earrings.
“He’s Olivia’s father,” Felix protested. “You had to make him part of her life.”
“That’s the problem with Sebastian, he can’t do anything by halves,” she fumed. “He wants to take over her whole life.”
“Unless he asked Olivia to marry him himself, I can’t imagine what he’s done.”
“Finn proposed to Olivia this morning,” she began. “Olivia said the ring was gorgeous.”
“That’s wonderful news.” He beamed.
“Finn wanted to hold the wedding in St. Barts at Christmas, and Olivia said that didn’t give her enough time.” She paused. “Because she was going to spend the summer with her father.”
“What did you say?” Felix gasped.
“You should have heard her describing the places they would see as if they were looking for the Holy Grail. Finn was so angry, he took the ring back and walked off. No one has seen him since.”
“Oh dear.” Felix settled on a rattan armchair. “Poor Finn and Olivia.”
“You should feel bad for Sebastian.” Hadley sipped her drink. “If he doesn’t fix this, he’s going to be sorry he arrived in St. Barts.”
“Finn is young and his pride is hurt. He’ll come around.” Felix rubbed the rim of his glass. “Would it be so terrible for Olivia to spend a couple of months with her father?”
“Sebastian told me he thought Olivia was too sheltered,” she explained. “He thinks she should travel through India and Asia and meet grungy poets and struggling artists.”
“When did Sebastian say that?” Felix asked.
“The other night in the living room.” Hadley waved her hand. “He made a whole speech that she’s never been anywhere that doesn’t sell Prada sunglasses and Italian handbags.”
“You and Sebastian talked about Olivia alone,” Felix repeated. “Did you discuss anything else?”
“What do you mean?” Hadley looked up.
“I didn’t know you had any intimate conversations.” His voice was stiff.
“I don’t know what you’re implying!” Hadley exclaimed. “The only thing I’m interested in discussing with Sebastian is the date on his airline ticket.”
“I just wondered,” Felix said slowly. “He is your ex-husband and he can be persuasive.”
“Only if you haven’t been indoctrinated in his ways. I’m a seasoned pro.” She paused. “If it wasn’t for Olivia I would have told him to get out. But if he leaves and she thinks it’s her fault, she’ll never forgive herself.”
“You’re right,” Felix sighed. “I’m sure he’ll be down soon and Finn will come back. We’ll sit down and work it out.”
Olivia appeared on the patio, wearing a white dress and silver sandals. Her cheeks were pale and there were circles under her eyes.
“Darling.” Hadley smiled. “Esther prepared a delicious stuffed crab. Felix will fix you a drink and I’ll make you a plate.”
“I’m not hungry, thank you.” She glanced around the patio. “Is Finn here?”
“I’m sure he’s on his way,” Hadley replied quickly. “You know how the roads are. One egg truck overturns and traffic is tied up for hours.”
“He hasn’t called and his phone is off,” Olivia said. “What if he doesn’t come back?”
“Of course he’ll come back.” Hadley squeezed her hand. “Tomorrow’s your birthday. We’re going to swim and sail and have dinner at Maya’s.”
“I still don’t know why he’s so angry.” Olivia bit her lip. “Why shouldn’t I spend time with Sebastian? And we’ve planned the most exciting itinerary: Capri and Casablanca and the Sahara Desert.”
“Have you talked to Sebastian?” Hadley asked.
“Not since this morning.” Olivia shook her head. “I was too upset to leave my room.”
“And Sebastian didn’t come to see you?” Hadley inquired.
“His door is closed.” Olivia shrugged. “He’s probably taking a nap.”
“I’ll pay him a visit.” Hadley handed Felix her glass. “Why don’t you fix Sebastian a drink? He’s going to need a strong scotch.”
Hadley raced up the stairs and knocked on the door. How dare Sebastian not talk to Olivia? She knocked again and had an uneasy feeling, like when you know the scary part is coming in a horror movie.
She flung open the door and the room was empty. The striped bedspread was neatly made and there was a cigarette packet on the mahogany desk. Sebastian’s leather carry-on was missing and an envelope was propped on the bedside table.
She grabbed the envelope and strode downstairs. Olivia and Felix were waiting on the patio.
“Sebastian isn’t here and his suitcase is missing.” She handed Olivia the envelope. “He left something for you.”
“He can’t be gone! He never said a word.” She looked at Hadley. “Did you ask him to leave?”
“Of course not.” Hadley poured a glass of vodka. “I wouldn’t dream of spoiling your birthday. I know how much you want him there.”
Olivia sat on a rattan love seat and unfolded the letter. She took a deep breath and read out loud:
My darling Olivia,
I admit I came to St. Barts to see how you turned out. You answered the door and you were even lovelier than I imagined. You are bright and beautiful and you’re going to be as successful as your mother.
I wanted to stay and celebrate your twenty-fifth birthday, but it seems I’ve stirred up a bit of trouble. It’s best if I leave now, before I make things worse.
Finn is a great guy and you’re going to have a wonderful marriage. Just remember, you can love another person, but at the end of the day, you must stay true to yourself. That might sound like strange advice from someone who is all alone. But trust me. The people who are most important to you will realize how much you love them.
Ever since Hadley handed you to me in the hospital in Johannesburg, you captured my heart. Like any father, I wished you could have houses and diamonds and anything your heart desires. But mostly, I hoped you are happy.
Happy twenty-fifth birthday, my darling Olivia. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
“He can’t leave before my birthday!” she exclaimed, tossing the letter on the glass table.
“I’m sure he’s not far.” Hadley’s hands trembled. “Felix will call the hotels. When we find him, I’m going to wrap one of Felix’s ties around his neck. How dare he desert you again.”
“He would have mentioned that he was going to stay somewhere else.” Olivia’s eyes were wide. “What if he went to the airport?”
“Sebastian wouldn’t pass up a three-course meal of seared tuna and aubergine and passion fruit sorbet,” Hadley insisted. “Things were becoming heated and he wanted to get out of the kitchen. Any minute he’ll appear and ask Felix to fix a martini. He’ll be lucky if I don’t put hemlock in it. He spent the last three days groveling for forgiveness and now does this? It’s low even for Sebastian.”
“It’s my fault. If I hadn’t suggested we spend the summer together this never would have happened. I can’t let him leave like this.” Olivia walked to the door. “I’m going to stop him.”
“You’re going to do what?” Hadley spluttered.
“The next flight to Anguilla leaves in an hour.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ll drive to the airport and tell him he’s making a mistake. We can’t celebrate my
birthday without him.”
“You’ll do nothing of the sort,” Hadley said. “What if Finn returns while you’re gone?”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Felix interjected. “I’ll go with you.”
Hadley turned to Felix. “How can it be a good idea?”
“If Finn returns and Olivia is upset, things will get worse.” He smiled at Olivia. “Besides, we’ve hardly had any time together. It will be lovely to drive to St. Jean at sunset.”
“Would you like to come?” Olivia asked Hadley.
“I’m going to stay right here.” Hadley clutched her drink. “When Sebastian walks through the front door, he’s going to get a welcome he’ll never forget.”
* * *
Hadley sat on the chaise longue and nibbled a slice of melon. Sebastian was the only person who could interrupt cocktail hour in St. Barts.
She gazed at the pink sun dipping behind the horizon and wondered if he was really on a plane. But he couldn’t do that to Olivia. It would be worse than if he never came.
God! Sebastian created a mess. Finn and Olivia were fighting, and Felix questioned if anything was going on between her and Sebastian, and Olivia was more distraught than she’d ever seen her.
The letter to Olivia lay on the glass table and she picked it up. She read it again and placed it in the envelope. The evening breeze touched her shoulders and the air was filled with pollen and she wished Sebastian had never come.
Chapter Thirteen
OLIVIA SAT IN THE PASSENGER seat of Felix’s convertible and smoothed her hair. The sun set over Colombier Beach and the sky was a pastel paint box. She watched seagulls skim over the water and thought it was one of the loveliest views in St. Barts.
She remembered when she was six years old and participated in a choir concert at school. The teacher promised she could kiss her mother goodbye after the performance. But after the children finished singing, the teacher led them straight to the classroom. When Hadley picked her up at the end of the day, Olivia flung herself in her arms and burst into tears.
Olivia adjusted her sunglasses and felt exactly the same. How could Sebastian leave without saying goodbye? She and Felix combed St. Jean’s airport but he wasn’t in the departure area or lounging near the coffee machine. The woman behind the counter apologized and said she couldn’t give out passenger information.
