Life Or Something Like It

by Annie Lyons

  Cat took a step back, not wanting a scene or to compound her shame any more. ‘Of course. Sorry. See you later, Jesse.’

  ‘No, no, no!’ cried Alex. ‘This is not acceptable. Thees are our friends and I will not have them treated in this way.’

  The security guard seemed unfazed; he was used to dealing with famous people. ‘I am sorry, Ms Lorenzo. I’m just doing my job.’

  ‘Alex, you’re making a scene,’ warned Jesse, taking his wife’s arm and glancing round at the people who were beginning to stare.

  ‘Get your hands off me,’ hissed Alex. ‘Well if you cannot come to us, we will come to you,’ she declared, unhooking the rope and striding through.’ She knelt down in front of the two small girls. ‘Would it be okay if we came and watched the show with you?’

  Ellie and Daisy looked as if they might burst with joy and nodded enthusiastically. Alex beamed and held out her hands. The girls grasped hold and skipped along happily beside their new best friend. Charlie followed behind, still puce with embarrassment. Cat and a dumbfounded Jesse brought up the rear as people stopped and stared at the supermodel in their midst.

  ‘She’s quite a woman, your wife,’ commented Cat to Jesse.

  ‘Isn’t she just?’ said Jesse with a not altogether complimentary edge to his voice. Introductions were made as they rejoined the others. Cat had to tell Andrew to ‘close your mouth or I’ll tell Melissa’, as he took in Alex’s effortless beauty. Ronnie chatted away to the supermodel as if they were old friends.

  ‘Is everything okay?’ asked Cat, turning back to Jesse. She noticed that he seemed tired and uncharacteristically tense.

  Jesse ran a hand through his dark hair and glanced up at the sky. He gave Cat a rueful smile and was about to open his mouth when the band struck up with the first intro. ‘Tell you later,’ he said.

  Cat felt her mouth go dry but was quickly distracted by Ellie jumping up and down in front of her, tugging at her sleeve. ‘It’s Finn, it’s Finn, it’s Finn!’ It was indeed Finn and Cat couldn’t believe how he commanded the stage. He looked completely at home, interacting with the crowd and his other bandmates. They opened with ‘Weather With You’ by Crowded House. It was one of Cat’s favourite songs and she happily joined in as Finn encouraged the crowd to sing the chorus. The second song was ‘Fall At Your Feet’, also by Crowded House and it was at that moment that Cat spotted the name of the band on the drums. They were called ‘The Beautiful Lie’, a reference to a lyric from one of the band’s songs.

  ‘You didn’t tell me Finn played in a Crowded House tribute band,’ shouted Cat, tapping Andrew on the shoulder.

  ‘You didn’t ask,’ Andrew shouted back. ‘They’re great, aren’t they?’

  ‘Yes, they really are,’ said Cat, watching Finn with interest. Ellie, Daisy, Alex and Ronnie were dancing happily. Charlie stood next to his dad, who had a protective arm draped round his son as they watched, impressed.

  ‘Remember this one, Kit Kat?’ said Jesse, putting an arm around her shoulder.

  Cat leaned against him and nodded. She remembered it for different reasons than Jesse did. He was probably recalling nights at university, sat on her bedroom floor, playing cards, drinking and singing along to the hits of the day. She was remembering that one night when they nearly slept together – a distant memory, best forgotten. Cat wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or Jesse’s arm around her shoulder but all of sudden she felt a tear roll down her cheek. She tried to brush it away without Jesse noticing but he felt her body tense and pulled away to look at her. ‘What is it?’ he said. ‘What’s the matter?’

  Cat Nightingale felt like a foolish teenager. Andrew glanced round at her, a quizzical frown on his face. Cat shook her head to reassure him and turned away. She felt Jesse take her hand. ‘Come on, let’s get a drink,’ he said.

  ‘What about the others?’

  Jesse glanced back to where his wife was dancing with Ellie in her arms. ‘They’re fine. Come on.’

  The champagne tent was empty apart from a few stragglers. The security guard waved them through without a word once Jesse held up his pass. He probably assumed they were a couple and Cat felt her heart surge a little at the idea. Jesse led her to the bar and retrieved two glasses of champagne. Cat didn’t really need another drink and she couldn’t see what they could be celebrating but she sipped it politely. Jesse knocked his back in two swift gulps and picked up another. He looked at Cat’s surprised face and grinned; she saw a glimpse of her old friend once again.

  ‘How much would we have loved this when we were students?’

  ‘We would have cleaned them out in seconds.’ She smiled. Jesse was staring at her now. She couldn’t hold his gaze. ‘So, you were going to tell me something,’ she ventured. ‘Are you all right?’

  Jesse laughed, reaching out to touch her arm. ‘Dear Kit Kat, always worrying about other people, always worrying about me. Why do you bother?’

  She looked up at him. He was still staring into her eyes as if trying to work her out. ‘You’re my friend – my best friend. I care about you,’ she said simply.

  Jesse stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. ‘I’m not sure I deserve you.’

  Cat shook her head dismissively. ‘Of course you do. Now tell me, what’s going on? How are things with Alex?’ She felt more in control when she was asking the questions, and heaven knew Cat needed to exert a little control over her life right now.

  Jesse shrugged. ‘Not great. We haven’t resolved the baby issue.’

  ‘So Alex still wants a baby?’

  ‘Oh yes. I thought it would pass but she seems pretty determined. She’s even turned down the modelling contract.’

  ‘Wow, she must be serious.’

  Jesse shrugged. ‘I might get her another chihuahua – see if it takes her mind off the whole thing.’

  ‘I think you might be barking up the wrong tree there, my friend,’ joked Cat.

  Jesse grinned. ‘Ho, ho, ho, very funny.’

  ‘But seriously, I really don’t think a small dog is going to replace Alex’s urge for a baby. She sounds very determined,’ said Cat.

  Jesse gave Cat a searching look. ‘You’re not suggesting that we go ahead with it, are you?’

  Cat held up her hands as if searching for the right answer. ‘I don’t know but would it be such a terrible thing? Really?’

  Jesse peered at Cat, his mouth open in utter shock. ‘Er hello? I’m looking for my friend Cat Nightingale? I think she may have been kidnapped and replaced by Mother Earth.’

  Cat shook her head. ‘I’m just saying. It’s a very personal choice. If Alex is determined, you might not have a choice.’

  Jesse frowned. ‘Well we haven’t had sex for a month so it’s unlikely. Anyway, why don’t men have a say? I don’t want children, never have done and she always knew that. You can’t move the goalposts in life.’

  Cat gave him a reproachful look. ‘People move the goalposts all the time. If you love someone, you have to learn to compromise.’

  ‘For the next twenty-five years of my life?’

  ‘I think the phrase is “’til death us do part”.’

  Jesse pulled a face. ‘I can’t believe what’s happened to you, Kit Kat. The next thing you’ll be telling me is that you’re up the duff and planning to repopulate Surrey.’

  Cat gave a hollow laugh. ‘No way. Motherhood is not for me.’

  ‘And what about looking after your brother’s children?’

  Cat considered this. ‘I’m learning a lot about life,’ she said honestly.

  Jesse raised his eyebrows. ‘Well good for you.’

  ‘Anyway,’ ventured Cat. ‘It’s not going to be for ever. I’ll be back at work before too long, which reminds me, did you catch up with Donald in the end?’

  Jesse looked sheepish and Cat knew what was coming before he opened his mouth. ‘I’m sorry, Kit Kat. The Americans are still very twitchy.’ He saw Cat’s face fall and put a hand on her shoulder. ‘But don’t
worry. I’ve got a plan. Trust me, this isn’t over.’

  Cat looked into his eyes. She wanted to believe him, she really did. He was smiling ruefully, his face full of that boyish hope that she’d always loved. She swallowed and took a deep breath. ‘We should be getting back to the others,’ she said.

  Jesse took hold of her hands. ‘I’ll sort this, Cat, I promise.’ She nodded.

  By the time they had reached the others, Finn had rejoined them. There was another woman standing by his side. She was tiny, like a bird. She wore a thinly braided headband in her long blonde hair and her features were petite and pretty. She looked as if she’d just arrived from 1970s California.

  ‘Hey,’ said Finn in greeting.

  ‘Hey,’ replied Cat. ‘You were fantastic.’

  ‘Thanks,’ he grinned. ‘By the way, this is Angelica,’ he added, gesturing at the woman by his side.

  Angelica only had eyes for Finn but she managed to drag her gaze up to Cat and mutter, ‘Hi.’

  ‘Hi,’ said Cat. ‘I loved the set by the way. I’m a big fan of Crowded House.’

  Angelica seemed infuriated that Cat was continuing her conversation with Finn and wrapped her arms possessively over his shoulder. ‘Hey, baby,’ she whispered in his ear. ‘We should probably get going.’

  Finn glanced at her and then back at Cat. ‘Yeah okay. Sorry, Cat, I’ve got to go but thanks for coming along.’ Cat nodded. ‘See you guys,’ he said to the others.

  ‘Bye, Uncle Finn,’ cried Daisy, flinging her arms around his middle. Angelica took a step back as if she’d been stung by a wasp. Ellie wrapped her arms around Daisy.

  Finn laughed and patted them both on the head. ‘Bye, girls.’

  As they turned to leave, Angelica glanced at Cat. ‘Nice meeting you,’ she said without much conviction as she linked her arm through Finn’s in a gesture that said, ‘he’s mine’.

  Ronnie moved alongside Cat. ‘Can’t stand that little cow,’ she muttered.

  ‘I take it she’s his girlfriend,’ said Cat.

  ‘Of sorts,’ scoffed Ronnie. ‘Finn just goes along with it. That’s what I mean about the weirdo musicians he hangs out with. He deserves someone better than her.’

  Cat nodded but was secretly relieved. She knew that both her brother and Ronnie would love her to solve the girlfriend problem for Finn but this was not on the agenda for Cat. He was redeeming himself slightly in her eyes but there was something about his casual attitude to life that got on her nerves; it was so completely different to her own world view. Besides, she had enough problems trying to get her life back on track. She looked over at Jesse and Alex who were standing together but not talking. Their body language spoke volumes. All of a sudden, Cat wanted to go home, to get away from Jesse and his problems. She turned to Andrew.

  ‘Can we go?’

  Andrew stared at her. ‘Of course. The kids won’t want to stay now that Finn’s finished. Shall I drop you at home?’

  Cat bit her lip. ‘Can I stay at yours tonight, please?’ He put a hand on her arm, sensing her distress. Cat pulled away gently. ‘Don’t be nice to me. Please.’

  He smiled kindly. ‘Come on, kids. Home time!’

  Cat kissed Ronnie goodbye and they vowed to meet up again soon. They walked back to the car park in silence. Once in the car, Ellie promptly fell asleep and Charlie put on his headphones.

  Andrew glanced at Cat. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’

  Cat looked out of the window. ‘Not really.’

  ‘Is it about your job?’

  She glanced at her brother. Maybe it was time to talk. Cat took a deep breath. ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be able to go back, Andrew. Jesse can’t convince the Americans. I think my career is over.’ She gasped as she spoke the words out loud and couldn’t stop as a torrent of tears followed.

  In the manner of men the world over, Andrew let her cry for a while, paralysed with fear over what to say to his weeping sister. However, he was a father so he always carried tissues. After a time, he fished one from his pocket and handed it to her. This small gesture of kindness brought renewed tears. Cat felt ridiculous as she sniffed and sobbed into the silence of the car.

  ‘Sorry,’ she said after a while.

  ‘Don’t be daft,’ he answered kindly.

  ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do.’

  Andrew stole a glance at her. ‘It will work itself out.’

  ‘How can you be so sure?’

  ‘Because I can see the future and yours is positively brilliant,’ he said in a silly voice.

  Cat laughed. ‘Did I scare you back then?’

  ‘A bit,’ admitted Andrew, grimacing comically. ‘For one, I’ve only seen you cry once before and secondly, Cat Nightingale always knows what to do.’

  Cat sighed. ‘Well it’s an evening of firsts.’ She sat in contemplative silence for a while before turning to Andrew. ‘What am I going to do?’

  ‘Well,’ he said. ‘Firstly, you’re going to come home with us and after I’ve settled the kids we’re going to open that bottle of whisky I’ve been saving and drink to your future.’

  ‘I admire your optimism.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Andrew cheerfully. ‘In my limited experience, the world always seems better after a good drink, a good sleep – ’

  ‘And a good hangover?’

  ‘Precisely. Everything seems better after a good hangover.’

  Cat laughed. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘For what?’

  ‘For being there.’

  Andrew gave a small nod. ‘Always here for you, sis. Always have been, always will be.’

  Cat smiled and stared out into the night, watching the world flash by, hoping that Andrew was right. Her future seemed anything but bright at the moment and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could nurture the belief that all would be well.

  Chapter Eleven

  Cat woke the next morning to a gentle tapping at the door, which mirrored the thudding sensation at her temples. For a moment she couldn’t recall where she was but as she took in the battered chest of drawers and faded pink polka dot curtains, she remembered with a shiver last night’s emotional outburst and consequent heart-to-heart with her brother, fuelled by too much whisky. She hauled herself to a sitting position, hugging her knees to her chest.

  ‘Come in,’ she croaked.

  The door opened and Andrew appeared, a cheerful grin on his round face. ‘Morning!’ he cried. ‘I thought you might like some tea. Wow, you look like shit.’

  Cat sighed. ‘Thank you. On both counts. How come you’re so chipper? Oh I forgot – you never get bloody hangovers, do you?’ she said, rubbing her head.

  Andrew patted his chest. ‘Rock-iron constitution, me. I’ll get you some paracetamol, shall I?’

  Cat nodded weakly. ‘Please. Sorry about my weeping and wailing last night.’

  Andrew perched on the side of the bed. ‘I’m your brother. You should be able to talk to me.’

  ‘You know me. I don’t do that stuff.’

  ‘Well you obviously do now so seriously, don’t worry about it. Anyway, I’ve got a surprise for you.’ He looked pleased with himself – worryingly pleased.

  ‘Oh yes?’ said Cat suspiciously. ‘Is it a bacon sandwich-type surprise or the type of surprise that is going to make me hate you for the rest of your life?’

  ‘Hmmm, in light of your question, I have two surprises and you have guessed one of them correctly. I cannot vouch for the other one.’

  ‘Oh Gawd, what are you up to?’ cried Cat. ‘You know I hate surprises.’

  ‘You’ll like this one eventually,’ said Andrew with a grin. He stood up. ‘I’ll put the paracetamol out in the bathroom. Come down in about fifteen minutes. I’ll have your first surprise ready for you and then I’ll tell you what’s going on.’

  ‘Do I have a choice?’

  ‘Not really but remember, I’ve always got your best interests at heart.’

  ‘I seem to remember you say
ing that when you sent me on a blind date with your friend Stevo.’

  Andrew smiled at the memory. ‘He was a great guy.’

  ‘He set fire to his own farts,’ Cat pointed out.

  ‘More considerate than setting fire to other people’s.’ Andrew grinned.

  ‘He gave me his toenail clippings in a box as a present on our first date.’

  ‘Some people might find that romantic.’

  Cat shook her head. ‘You are weird and so was he.’

  ‘I still see him around. He’s a moderately successful comedy writer,’ observed Andrew.

  ‘That figures. I presume he’s still single?’

  ‘Yeah,’ admitted Andrew. He walked to the door. ‘Fifteen minutes, okay?’

  As he disappeared, Cat flopped back onto the pillow. She loved her brother dearly but was worried. He was full of good intentions but Cat was used to being in charge of her own destiny. However, she was also having to face the fact that more and more of her life was slipping beyond her control. It might have been the hangover or yesterday’s events but she decided that for once she would let other people look after her for a change. The tempting smell of bacon wafted up the stairs. Cat slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom, quickly swallowing the painkillers that Andrew had left out for her. She carried her mug downstairs and into the dining room. Charlie and Ellie were already sitting quietly at the table. Ellie grinned up at her as she entered and even Charlie managed a half-smile. Something was very wrong.

  ‘Here we go,’ cried Andrew cheerfully as he brought in sandwiches for the children. ‘I’ll just fetch ours. There’s coffee on the go.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Cat. She was immediately suspicious. Everything seemed too perfect somehow.

  He returned shortly afterwards and placed the plates on the table. ‘Sit, sit,’ he said. Cat did as she was told. The children were already tucking in, making appreciative noises.

  ‘Could you pass the ketchup, please, Cat?’ asked Charlie. Cat couldn’t remember him ever addressing her with such politeness. She handed over the bottle. ‘Thank you,’ he said. She noticed Ellie was bouncing up and down in her chair, darting glances at Cat and Andrew as she ate. She also noticed Andrew give his daughter a raised-eyebrow look in a bid to calm the excited six-year-old.