White Sand, Blue Sea

by Anita Hughes

  “We can stay home if you like,” Hadley suggested. “Olivia would understand.”

  “I’ll be fine.” He glanced at his watch. “Where is everyone? I don’t want to lose our table.”

  “Olivia is almost ready and I heard Sebastian singing in the shower.” She paused. “It was very nice of you to let Sebastian come back to the villa.”

  “It means a lot to Olivia. But I’ll be glad to see him leave tomorrow.” Felix tried to smile. “My board shorts keep disappearing and Esther is tired of emptying ashtrays.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Sebastian entered the living room. He looked at Hadley and put his hand over his mouth. “My god, you look beautiful in that dress, like a Tintoretto painting. But I’m sure I’m repeating what Felix already told you.”

  “Thank you.” Hadley touched her hair. “Felix is in a lot of pain. He pulled his shoulder.”

  “Our bodies betray us so easily at our age,” Sebastian replied. “Last year I had to bow out of heli-skiing because I twisted my ankle.”

  Hadley looked up and saw Olivia and Finn descend the staircase. Olivia wore a green sheath and silver sandals. Her blond hair was knotted into a bun and diamond earrings dangled in her ears.

  “Darling, you look stunning,” Hadley gasped. “What a gorgeous dress.”

  “I took your advice and went shopping.” Olivia smiled.

  “It’s perfect. We should go; Felix is anxious to get to the restaurant.” Hadley put her hand to her ears. “Oh dear, I lost a ruby earring.”

  “We’ll all look for it,” Olivia said.

  “You mustn’t be late.” Hadley shook her head. “I’ll find it and be right behind you.”

  “If you’re sure,” Felix said and kissed her. “But please hurry. I called ahead and Randy is chilling a bottle of 1982 Château Margaux.”

  Hadley crouched down and examined the floral rug. She heard footsteps and turned around. Sebastian stood in the doorway. His pin-striped blazer was folded over his arm and he wore his straw hat.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked. “I thought you went with Finn and Olivia.”

  “I didn’t want you to drive alone,” Sebastian explained. “The roads are terrible at night.”

  “That wasn’t necessary. I’m perfectly capable of driving by myself.”

  “Didn’t Olivia look beautiful?” Sebastian sighed, pouring a glass of vermouth. “Being in love is more flattering than any blush or lipstick. Do you know why the Mona Lisa is the most beautiful woman in history and no one has ever replicated Botticelli’s Birth Of Venus? Because the artist was in love with his subject and it shows on the canvas.”

  “This is hardly the time to discuss art history,” Hadley replied. “If you want to make yourself useful, help me search for my earring. Felix gave it to me last year and it’s very special.”

  Sebastian walked to the side table and picked up Hadley’s purse. He opened it and handed her the ruby earring. “Then you’ll be happy to know it’s right here.”

  “Why is it in my purse?” she gasped. “Don’t tell me you hid it. Even you wouldn’t stoop that low.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Of course I didn’t hide it,” he scoffed. “I noticed it when you placed your purse on the table.”

  “And you didn’t say anything?”

  “Felix seemed out of sorts and those little cars are terribly cramped.” Sebastian shrugged. “I didn’t want to end up sitting in his lap.”

  “Thank you for finding it. There better not be any surprises tonight.” Hadley fastened the earring in her ear. “We’re going to eat banana flambé and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Olivia. Tomorrow you’re going to thank Felix for his hospitality and leave Esther a little something, and drive to the airport.”

  “You have my word.” He hesitated. “There is another reason I waited. I wanted to ask you a question.”

  “What is it?” Hadley inquired.

  He opened his mouth and then stopped. He drained his glass and looked at Hadley. “I want to request a special dessert. Does Olivia like hazelnut or pistachio ice cream?”

  Hadley walked to the door and turned around. “Olivia loves pistachio.”

  * * *

  Hadley gazed at the white picket fence and bright yellow sign and thought Maya’s was still her favorite restaurant in St. Barts. It might not have sea-foam silk cushions like La Plage or smooth teak booths like Le Carre, but the tables were covered with checkered tablecloths and vases were filled with purple daisies and waiters could spend hours going over the menu. And the food! Grilled mahimahi that melted in your mouth and curries with just the right amount of spices and desserts that were light and fluffy.

  They started with wahoo tuna in yogurt and creole sauce. Sebastian said the brothy soup was the best he ever tasted and Finn complimented Felix’s choice in wine and everyone chatted and smiled.

  Now Hadley cradled her glass and was glad Sebastian had stayed. Olivia’s green eyes sparkled and she was like Alice in Wonderland. She couldn’t stop exclaiming about the flickering candles and fresh fish and spring vegetables.

  “I want to thank everyone for coming.” Olivia sipped her wine. “Having Sebastian here means so much to me and being engaged to Finn is everything I wished for. And I must thank Felix and Hadley. I had the most wonderful childhood with ice skating in Central Park and weekends at the Guggenheim.” She smiled. “No child could have felt more loved and I am truly grateful.”

  “You’ve been a joy since I wrapped you in your first baby blanket.” Hadley kissed her. “Now you’re a grown woman with a brilliant career and bright future. We’re all so proud of you.”

  “I’d like to add something.” Sebastian stood. “Olivia mentioned the wedding earlier and I hesitated. I think she wondered if I was going to attend and with my track record I can’t blame her. But I wanted to ask an important question and I was afraid of the answer.” He turned to Olivia. “I wonder if Felix and I could share the honor of giving you away.”

  Olivia flew out of her seat and hugged Sebastian.

  “Of course you and Felix must give me away,” she urged. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “Well, then,” Sebastian beamed, “I couldn’t be happier.”

  Hadley ate the last bite of shrimp fricassee and pursed her lips. Only Sebastian could make Olivia’s birthday dinner about himself. But she mustn’t be hard on him. What father wouldn’t want to give away his daughter?

  Olivia and Finn stepped onto the dance floor and Hadley swayed to the music. The air smelled of vanilla and hibiscus and she felt relaxed and happy.

  “It’s the perfect night for being outdoors,” Sebastian mused. “You and Felix should dance.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t.” Felix winced. “My shoulder still hurts and we’re playing in the finals tomorrow.”

  “What a pity … They’re playing Frank Sinatra instead of that hideous rap music.” Sebastian stood. “How about if I take Hadley for a spin?”

  “No, thank you,” Hadley said. “I’m happy watching Finn and Olivia.”

  “You’re tapping your toes under the table,” Sebastian insisted. “You’re dying to get on the dance floor.”

  “Go on,” Felix urged. “You shouldn’t sit out the whole evening because I have a bad shoulder.”

  Sebastian took Hadley’s hand and escorted her onto the wooden dance floor. The band played a fast jazz number and Sebastian twirled her around. Her cheeks were flushed and her heart beat faster.

  “That’s enough,” she laughed. “I’m exhausted.”

  “They’re playing ‘What a Wonderful World.’ We have to dance, it’s our song.”

  “We haven’t danced in over twenty years and we never had a song,” Hadley retorted. “I’m going back to the table.”

  “Perhaps it played on Olivia’s baby mobile but it still brings back memories.” Sebastian touched her elbow. “Please, just one more song.”

  Hadley inhaled the scent of musk cologne and closed her eyes. The bre
eze touched her cheeks and she remembered the trout farm outside Johannesburg. She and Sebastian danced under a giant willow tree and he had to keep running inside to wind up Olivia’s mobile.

  Suddenly Sebastian pulled her close and kissed her. His lips were warm and for a moment she kissed him back. Then she pushed him away and her blue eyes flashed.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she spluttered.

  “I was seeing if you were still a woman,” he answered. “You kiss wonderfully and you smell exactly the same: like lavender and fresh-cut flowers.”

  “How dare you?” she spat. “I’m a happily married woman.”

  “If you’re happily married, why isn’t Felix on the dance floor?”

  “Felix has to rest his shoulder. He has a match tomorrow.”

  “Do you ever wonder why tennis is the most important thing in Felix’s life?” Sebastian mused. “If my wife wore that black dress, I wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”

  “Felix needs a physical outlet because he works hard,” Hadley snapped. “You had a wife. But that didn’t stop you from leaving.”

  “So that’s it. You’re still bitter that I left.”

  “Why should I be bitter?” Hadley seethed. “I have a wonderful daughter and caring husband and successful career.”

  “Do you remember when we discovered the bonobo chimpanzees in Africa? The female seemed like she couldn’t stand the male but it was actually the opposite. There’s only one explanation as to why you’re so cold.” Sebastian’s green eyes flickered in the moonlight. “You’re still in love with me.”

  “You haven’t changed a bit. You think the whole world is in love with Sebastian Miller.” Hadley turned away. “It was so long ago. I can’t remember why I fell in love with you in the first place.”

  * * *

  Hadley stood in front of the mirror in the powder room and fixed her makeup. She couldn’t go back to the table until her heart stopped pounding. How dare Sebastian kiss her? He acted like the high school quarterback who flexed his muscles and could have any girl he wanted.

  The only reason she’d kissed him back was that she’d been remembering the farm outside Johannesburg. But she stopped being in love with him years ago. She was lucky to have found Felix and they really were happy.

  Hadley walked back to the table and pulled out a chair.

  “Are you feeling all right?” Felix asked. “You look a little pale.”

  “You do look peaked,” Sebastian chimed in. “Perhaps you’d like to return to the villa. I’d be happy to drive you. I did plan a special dessert but everyone can eat it without us.”

  “I’ve never felt better,” Hadley said and turned to Felix. “They’re playing ‘It Had to Be You.’ Would you dance with me?”

  “I suppose I could manage one dance; it was our favorite song.” Felix stood and took Hadley’s hand. “Shall we?”

  * * *

  Hadley stood at the sink and poured a cup of coffee. She knew she shouldn’t drink coffee at night but she was so angry with Sebastian, she couldn’t possibly sleep.

  A car pulled into the driveway and she peered out the window. Felix hopped out, carrying a brown paper bag.

  “I stopped at the pharmacy and bought some more aspirin.” He joined her. “That coffee smells delicious.”

  “Would you like some?” she asked. “I brewed a fresh pot.”

  “No, thank you.” He unbuttoned his collar. “I’d never fall asleep and my shoulder is killing me.”

  “It was a lovely evening.” Hadley perched on a stool. “The banana flambé was perfect and everyone had a wonderful time.”

  “Even Sebastian behaved himself. Except for the extra glass of Hennessey he put on the bill,” Felix laughed. “Should I get up early and drive him to the airport?”

  “His flight leaves at six a.m. and you need a good night’s sleep.” Hadley shook her head. “Olivia could take him but that might upset her.”

  “Are you going to take him?” Felix asked.

  “We’ll call a taxi,” she decided. “Don’t worry. I’ll tell the driver to not let Sebastian out of his sight until he boards the plane.”

  Felix leaned forward and kissed her.

  “What’s that for?” she asked.

  “It hasn’t been easy for you dealing with Sebastian. I can tell by the tension in your shoulders,” he explained. “But you did it for Olivia and she never looked more radiant.”

  Hadley fiddled with her cup and thought it was nice to sit opposite her husband. His silvery hair was brushed over his forehead and he had a warm smile.

  “I want to talk to you about something.” She hesitated. “It’s quite important.”

  “Could it wait until tomorrow?” Felix asked and stood. “If I don’t go to bed before the aspirin wears off, I’ll be in pain all night.”

  Hadley gulped the coffee and tried to smile. “Of course. We’ll talk in the morning.”

  * * *

  Hadley sat in the library and flipped through a magazine. It was almost midnight and the villa was quiet. She should have said a proper goodbye to Sebastian but she couldn’t face him. She’d have Esther leave some peach muffins for him to take to the airport.

  Her phone rang and she picked it up.

  “Hadley?” a female voice said. “It’s Phyllis Irvine. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

  Phyllis was one of her best clients. She had a ten-room apartment on the Upper East Side and an unlimited art budget.

  “Of course not. It’s lovely to hear from you,” Hadley answered. “Is anything wrong?”

  “I’m in Monaco and it’s seven in the morning.” Phyllis paused. “I heard a rumor and wondered if you could help me.”

  “What kind of rumor?” Hadley asked.

  “Years ago, I read a piece in The New Yorker about a very special painting. The artist was offered half a million dollars for it and turned it down,” she began. “It’s called The Miller Girls and it’s been in a private collection ever since. I heard it’s finally going on the market.”

  “The Miller Girls!” Hadley exclaimed. “Are you sure?”

  “The price could go as high as three-quarters of a million dollars. I’d like to scoop it up before the news becomes public,” Phyllis said. “I remember you were somehow involved with the artist and thought you might know something.”

  “Oh yes. I know the artist.” Hadley felt the rage build inside her. “But I never heard it was for sale.”

  “It’s hush-hush, of course,” Phyllis explained. “But you know how word leaks out. Art collectors rub shoulders at the roulette table and say things they wouldn’t tell their mistresses.”

  “What a fascinating story. I’ll do some investigating.” Hadley pursed her lips. “If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get the information?”

  “I can’t reveal my source or I’ll never get another inside tip,” Phyllis laughed. “But trust me, it was quite reliable.”

  “Give me a few days,” Hadley said. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

  “I hope you can track it down,” Phyllis replied. “It sounds like a fabulous piece and I have to have it.”

  Hadley hung up and walked to the bar. It didn’t matter that she’d had two glasses of champagne at Maya’s; she needed a very tall scotch.

  So that’s what Sebastian was up to! He didn’t come to St. Barts to celebrate Olivia’s birthday and he had no interest in taking Olivia to Capri. Even their kiss on the dance floor was a decoy. Sebastian was here because he’d run out of money and decided to sell The Miller Girls.

  Not that it was his to sell. He had given it to her as a gift, even if they never put it in writing. What if he disappeared with it in the middle of the night like a character in a Le Carré novel?

  She downed her scotch and thought she was being ridiculous. If he was desperate for money, he could have asked for help.

  But Sebastian was too proud to admit he couldn’t keep himself in Italian loafers. And Felix was
unlikely to give a handout to her ex-husband. Selling The Miller Girls might be the only option he had.

  Three-quarters of a million dollars! Where had Phyllis gotten such an absurd amount? Sebastian’s paintings hadn’t sold for more than five figures in years. But the art world was full of outrageous prices. All it took was for someone to whisper that a piece was difficult to acquire, and it became as valuable as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

  She put down her glass and thought she’d go upstairs and confront Sebastian. But she remembered the kiss on the dance floor and shuddered. What if Sebastian told Felix or Olivia? The kiss hadn’t meant anything but it would be so difficult to explain.

  She would lock the door and sleep on the sofa. Sebastian wouldn’t be able to sneak down and take the painting and he would have to leave without it. Perhaps she’d send him a small check; after all, he was Olivia’s father. And Olivia would be heartbroken if he couldn’t afford to attend the wedding.

  She curled up on the leather sofa and glanced at the painting. It really was a magnificent piece: the colors were bright and the brushstrokes were confident and it reeked of youthful egoism and ambition.

  She pulled the cashmere blanket over her shoulders and closed her eyes. It would be satisfying to stop Sebastian from carrying out his plan. He had taken so much; he couldn’t have The Miller Girls, too.

  Chapter Seventeen

  OLIVIA STOOD AT THE BALCONY and inhaled the scent of wet grass. It was 5:00 a.m. and the villa was completely silent. The sky was pale pink and the swimming pool was liquid silver.

  She never woke up this early but something had disturbed her, like a mosquito bite that begins to itch in the middle of the night. She tossed and turned for hours, and finally gave up and got dressed.

  Maybe she was disappointed that her birthday was over. She remembered when she was a child and all the excitement—opening her presents, blowing out the candles, eating too much chocolate cake—left her tired and fidgety.

  The afternoon at Le Toiny with Finn had been magical and dinner at Maya’s was everything she imagined. Sebastian was going to give her away at her wedding! Her heart lifted and she had never been so happy.