The Riviera

by Karen Aldous

  As if reading her thoughts as they prised themselves apart, Cal slipped his hand back into hers and said, ‘Maybe one day, when we make that old wreck of a house liveable, Jack can come and live with us.’

  She glistened a smile knowing how much that would mean to him. Although, as a mother, she doubted he realised how much Kelly would abhor that idea. She would have to face it though if Jack was making plans. It could be a reality soon. She shuddered at the thought of Thierry leaving her one day.

  Chapter 9

  By nine thirty the following day, they were at the car ready to leave to tour the island. Jack was holding Thierry’s turtle figure and climbing in as Lizzie secured Thierry in his seat. Cal was loading the back with coats and wellies. Kelly pulled up beside them and, appearing rather more made-up than yesterday, pulled out several grocery bags.

  ‘Good morning. Have you found the map? It’s behind Reuben’s chair.’

  Cal nodded. ‘Yep.’

  ‘Good. I’ve brought you some fresh bread and milk, and I’ll prepare your dinner. I thought you’d enjoy a homemade chicken and ham pie.’

  ‘That’s very thoughtful, thank you,’ Cal told her. ‘I’m not sure what time we’ll be back though.’

  ‘Thank you, Kelly,’ Lizzie echoed.

  ‘Oh, no problem. You guys have a good day.’ Kelly dropped her bags and walked across to Jack. ‘How’s my boy this morning?’

  ‘Yes. All good, Mom. See you later then.’

  ‘Well, give your mom a squeeze.’ Kelly leant in and hugged Jack. ‘I love you, sweetheart. Have fun.’

  Lizzie noted Jack shrug awkwardly as his mother shut the car door. Typical sixteen-year-old boy, she grinned to herself.

  After a few hours of stopping off at beaches and lighthouses, they made a stop for lunch before heading for the whaling museum. Thierry couldn’t wait to see the giant skeleton of the sperm whale Jack had told him all about.

  Whilst Thierry waited for his chicken nuggets and chips Lizzie pulled out some of his other figures from his small Superman rucksack. He began chatting to Jack about his super-heroes as he pulled out a Spider-Man, Superman and The Hulk.

  ‘They’re running,’ he motioned Superman to Jack.

  Jack explained how many of them would run or fly to help people and save them. ‘They’re nice guys like my dad.’

  ‘Is Cal a super-hero?’ Thierry asked.

  ‘Yes, he’s my hero,’ Jack laughed.

  ‘Is my mummy a super-hero?’

  ‘Yes, she’s your super-hero. Wonder Woman maybe.’

  ‘Is your mummy Wonder Woman?’

  ‘No. She’s…’ Jack was suddenly aware that the adult ears and eyes were present. ‘Sometimes.’

  ‘Does your mummy fly?’

  Lizzie started, aware her son was now embarrassing Jack. ‘Tell Jack how many super-heroes you have, Thierry? Count them. Ready, one, two…’

  ‘Three, four, five and Ironman. Mummy, where’s Ironman?’

  ‘In the bag, poppet, but look, here comes your lunch.’

  After lunch Lizzie took Thierry out to the cloakroom.

  Jack turned to his father. ‘He’s a really bright kid. Fun to be around. A shame they’re not staying longer.’

  ‘Yes,’ Cal smiled. ‘I’m glad you like each other.’

  Leaning further in Jack said, ‘I can come to Europe. Dad, I’ll see more of you if I’m in London. I was talking to Robbie yesterday.’

  Cal’s eyes narrowed. ‘I think we will have to sit down with your mom and work out a plan. My gut’s telling me it’s too soon for you to go to London.’

  ‘But Dad, I can stay with Robbie. Well, Robbie goes to LSE in the fall but his dad has already purchased an apartment.’

  ‘My point exactly. Robbie probably doesn’t even know for sure if he has a place at the LSE. He can’t know that yet. And besides, he’s put all the work in already to get his grades. This is the place we need to start at. Your mom and I will happily sit down with you so you can plan a path that’s right for you. If you’re still planning to be an architect, you’ve got to select the right courses and the best university colleges for you. Not Robbie. The best might be here or somewhere else in the UK.’

  ‘But I want to go to London. And soon. You know, I can finish the SATs there.’

  ‘Like I said before, get your SATs completed here and then we can help you decide.’

  ‘But, I don’t want to stay here… I need you here, Dad. I feel so much stronger with you here, I don’t want you to go. Not now. You’re a proper dad. Pops is rarely…’Jack paused. Thierry suddenly interrupted, rushing up to him holding up the action hero Spider-Man to his face. ‘Can we at least stay at the beach house when they go?’

  Cal looked up as Lizzie snatched his heart just simply gliding back into her chair. He had the three people he loved and cared about right here before him, and it all appeared so perfect. What were Jack’s chances of securing his grades if he went to Europe? Jack certainly looked brighter and chirpier than last week but was it really all resting on him? Was he key here in determining his son’s emotive state and future? Was this really what fatherhood was all about? Making sacrifices? How would Lizzie react if he told her his son needed him more than her for at least the next few months? Would she accept it? Although he couldn’t bear the thought of being so far apart from her, Jack would have to take precedence. And he couldn’t expect Lizzie to stay here, May was her busiest month. It was tough on his new venture too, but, he told himself, he could hopefully weather some of that with Jes’s help. This however, would need some delicate handling.

  He was ushered back to the table with Lizzie’s hand waving in his eyes. ‘Hello. Are we going to see this whale?’

  ‘Yes, let’s go,’ Cal said zipping up his jacket. ‘Ready, guys?’

  She buttoned up Thierry’s coat and took his hand. Then Thierry snatched it away and ran to Jack.

  ‘Hold Jack’s hand,’ he said sidling up to him and reaching up his tiny hand.

  Lizzie reached for Cal’s. ‘You’ll have to do then.’

  Hooking a strong arm around her shoulder, Cal placed a light kiss on her lips ‘It looks like we’re both surplus to his needs with Jack around.’

  ‘Isn’t it great they get along?’

  ‘It’s just perfect. I wish we could all be together, permanently.’ He squeezed her.

  Cal watched her breath escape and her mouth curl at the ends.

  Squeezing his waist, she whispered, ‘Couldn’t you bring him home? A week or so over Easter.’

  ‘I’ll speak to Kelly.’

  As they entered the old candle factory where the Whaling Museum was now housed, Thierry was immediately hooked by the skeletal displays of the gigantic sperm whales. He listened and asked questions as Jack led him round the museum. He was barely aware he was followed by Cal and Lizzie.

  ‘Oh, I think we may have a problem getting him back on the plane,’ Lizzie sighed.

  Cal tightened his grip on her hand. ‘I’m sure he’ll be fine once he knows he’s going to see his gran on the way.’

  ‘I hope so. He’ll be leaving you and Jack. I hope he doesn’t get too upset. He’s really becoming attached.’ Lizzie twisted her mouth and blew a small sigh. ‘This is one of the reasons I was afraid to get involved with anyone. Oh God, this sounds selfish. I don’t mean it’s anyone’s fault and I know it’s only temporary. I just worry he will get hurt…’

  Cal took a deep breath.

  ‘Lizzie, I’m not going to hurt him or you. I’ll do all I can to get back in a few weeks. I promise. We’ll tell Thierry the truth. That Jack has to stay here for a while with his tutor. He knows the tutor and has met him. I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s sharp. And he must know he’s loved.’

  He tried to read her eyes. The green hues were stronger than ever today. She tucked her hair behind her ear which unsettled him. How was he to convince her that he would never mess with their lives?

  Returning to the beach house, the arom
a of Kelly’s chicken pie wafted under Lizzie’s nose as she climbed out of the car. A delicious homely smell full of love and comfort, yet Kelly playing wife and mother to them all, her man, her child, wasn’t lifting her mood. And she yearned to be alone with Cal.

  Kelly appeared at the door, her long hair tied back but, her make-up freshly touched up.

  ‘Hi, you guys. Did you have a good day?’ she asked heading straight for Jack and holding out her arms, embracing her son. ‘Has this little man worn you out?’ she then said turning her attention to Thierry.

  Jack grinned. ‘He’ll tell you all about the whales and the bones, that’s for sure.’

  ‘Oh, great. Come. I’ll get you all a drink. I hope you’ve all worked up an appetite too. I’ve baked an awesomely large pie. I hope you like it?’

  Cal shot a glance at Lizzie. ‘Sounds amazing but we didn’t have lunch until late. A few hours yet perhaps.’

  ‘It does smell lovely though,’ Lizzie assured her, watching Kelly’s face twitch.

  ‘I’ll keep it on low for now. I’m sure it won’t spoil,’ she said heading for the kitchen.

  Once in the house, Lizzie settled down on the floor at the coffee table with Thierry taking out his pad and pens from his bag. She drew him some whales and fishes which he tried to copy. Cal sat across from them on the sofa resting his socked feet on the footstool, and burrowing his head against a cushion. He winked at her as he watched them both and within minutes, Lizzie smiled as his eyes began to drop. She guessed all the fresh air had tired him out. And he’d had a tiring week.

  Thierry then snuggled up to her and, stroking his hair, Lizzie’s eyes sank wearily into a contented slumber.

  Just moments later, Kelly breezed in carrying a tray piled with pastries. ‘I thought I’d bake some of your favourites, Cal. I just know you won’t be able to resist one of these bad boys; cinnamon whirls with fresh cream.’

  At once, eyes pinged on Kelly.

  ‘I’d love one but I’m saving my appetite for chicken pie. After dinner perhaps,’ Cal told her as his eyelids rolled back shut.

  Lizzie managed a smile. ‘I think the fresh air has knocked us all out.’ And her lids fell under the weight of tiredness.

  Chapter 10

  By the time they boarded the ferry, Lizzie was quite relieved to be out of Kelly’s lair. And if she was honest, her mind struggled with the thought of Cal being cooped up with her there. Beneath she was reeling at the thought of them spending so much time together, and in such close proximity. It wasn’t as if Jack was there all the time. And, she reminded herself, they were in love once. In fact, she was sure Kelly still found him attractive, or was it possible seeing him for who he really was for the first time had rekindled it? When Reuben had returned at the weekend, she’d noticed a contempt in their relationship, they didn’t strike her as a couple in love. Her only comfort was that Cal would be returning in less than two weeks and bringing Jack along. At least, eventually, Kelly had agreed it would be good for Jack.

  Thierry, as she imagined, loved the ferry crossing from Nantucket back to the mainland. It was the longer option and, if she’d realised they were going to visit Martha’s Vineyard during their stay, she personally would have preferred the plane. Still, it meant Thierry could spend a little more time with Cal. He travelled with them all the way to Boston where they finally had to leave him and face the journey back to London, and then on to her mother’s in Kent.

  As the door flew open Lizzie’s eyes sprang out. Her mother sparkled. Her hair, still in a sumptuous bob, her radiant skin, her wide smile, her trim figure. She was obviously taking good care of herself. Spotting Thierry, her mouth widened further.

  ‘My darlings, you flew all the way across that big ocean just to see me.’ Caroline took the bunch of white tulips from Thierry’s outstretched hand, bent down as she squealed throwing her arms around her grandson. ‘Thank you. Wow, what a difference a few months make. Lizzie, he’s lost his toddler look. You look so grown up, Thierry,’ she said hugging him so tight the he was staggering to balance. She unfurled her arms, steadying him and kissing him.

  ‘Grandma,’ he grinned and smacked her on the cheek with his lips. ‘I saw Jack and the whale skeletons. And Superman come and Iron Man and Spider-Man.’

  ‘Oh darling, how lovely, and lovely to see you again. Here let me take off your coat,’ she said as Thierry was shuffling it off his shoulders. ‘You’ve clearly had a wonderful time. And you, Lizzie darling.’

  Lizzie stepped inside the door, glad to be in from the cool air, and embraced her mother. The next thing she noticed was fresh white paint gleaming from the walls and several large arty photographs of the house and vines.

  ‘Great to see you too. You’re looking extremely well,’ she told her mother as they exchanged kisses. ‘I just love what you’ve done to this hall too! Presumably these are Michael’s?’

  ‘Well, most are but he let me loose with one of his SLRs. One with a big zoom, and this was one of the results,’ she said pointing to a picture of a crowd of white crocuses. ‘I’m quite proud of that.’

  ‘It’s stunning, Mum.’

  ‘And this, a wide-angled view of the house which I then zoomed in and just loved it so, it’s up there.’

  ‘Latent talents, huh. It does look amazing.’

  ‘Well, the camera was on auto, and, we like them. And this one of Michael in the vines. I just wished we’d taken one when all the pickers were here. I’ll make a point of getting some more at the harvest. Anyway, I expect you are both tired.’

  ‘Pretty much, but we did get the night flight so we’ve both had sleep. Thierry was so good, there and back.’

  Thierry ran into the living room and straight through to the conservatory.

  ‘Bike, Grandma.’

  ‘Yes, darling, just be careful.’ Caroline followed him pulling his little trike from the corner.

  ‘Oh, car.’ He pointed to a little red sit and ride vehicle.

  ‘Yes. Grandma bought it for you to play in.’ Caroline trotted over and opened the car door, showing him the set of keys in the ignition. ‘Here, get in and just push with your feet.’

  ‘Oh, Mum,’ Lizzie said following them out to the spacious conservatory observing the new stock of toys her mother now had. ‘These are fabulous.’

  ‘Darling, I just found these in charity shops. They’ve hardly been used.’

  ‘Oh thank you. Well, he’ll keep himself amused for hours with that lot.’

  ‘Yes, I hope so. I want him to enjoy his time here. He’ll be bored to tears in no time otherwise. There’s some little puzzles and books there too.’ Caroline waved her finger at a neatly-stacked unit. Thierry was already riding up and down in the car having placed all his superheroes in the seat beside him. ‘Aww bless. Time for a nice cup of tea.’

  Caroline wiped a tear from her eye and led Lizzie to the large kitchen where Lizzie immediately felt the warmth from the Aga. She settled herself down in a cushioned chair at the oak table, closest to the radiating heat, and updated Caroline on Cal and Jack’s progress.

  ‘I’m sure Cal will get him through it,’ Caroline smiled fetching mugs of hot tea. ‘I really miss having him around, such a lovely lad.’

  ‘I hope so, yes. But he’s not exactly a lad now, Mum.’ Lizzie glanced at the back door where she very first clapped eyes on the tall muscular stranger, Cal, just ten months ago. Definitely all man, she confided to herself. Her body tingled at the memory. ‘Anyway, where’s Michael?’

  ‘Oh, he’s out spraying the vines. He loves it. He’s playing catch up. He was away on fashion week shoots Milan, then Paris, so he’s been busy. Still is but he’s out there when it’s dry.’

  ‘That’s a beautiful picture of you up there by the way. That looks like a very glamorous dress, where are you?’

  ‘Oh, that’s the Black Tie Vintage Ballroom Club we went to. Oh God, I am hooked darling. Yes. We started dancing Michael and I and some of the couples we’re dancing with mentioned it, so
we joined them. A great evening and Michael took some beautiful photos. There is one of us both in the sitting room. Clearly taken by one of the others in our group.’

  ‘Well, you have been busy.’

  Caroline jumped up to collect a plate of fresh pastries she’d bought in from the bakery. ‘Tuck in. Yes. I feel so lucky after all that cancer nightmare last year. I’m making the most of every day. I’m back doing yoga and Pilates too. And I’ve even started sorting out the attic.’

  Caroline reported on her finds from Lizzie’s schooldays, drawings, pottery, school books and project folders. She lifted a large pile from the oak dresser. Lizzie sifted through the forgotten relics with mixed emotions. Caroline then brought out a modern storage box with, rarely seen photos, an array of family pictures of her father, her grandparents, herself and the farm. Lizzie’s heart was wrenching as a flood of memories began to writhe through her. She could almost feel her gran squeezing her in her arms as she admired the photograph of them both. Blood rushing through her, she massaged goose bumps on her skin. Then, her lip quivered, peering down on her father and grandfather kneeling with her as she placed her baby doll in her pram. She must have been about Thierry’s age. In the moment, she was lost, floating back to a time when she felt she belonged, wrapped up in love by the three of them. All now gone. Her eyes blurred and she wiped away the tears before they fell. How she missed them and longed to recapture that deep warmth and security supplied by their cashmere blanket of love. It was a magical time. She could only hope Thierry would feel as cherished, not just as a child, but as he grew, and forever, which reminded her.

  ‘I’ll check on Thierry.’ Lizzie slid back her chair realising the nostalgia had kept them gripped for ages. Not that she needed to worry. She smiled as she ambled into the conservatory where she heard a little voice chatting in two guises. Thierry was locked in a world of his own with a mini town of Duplo containing mini characters. Lizzie crept away amused. He would let her know soon enough if he needed anything. She was sure he would be needing the little men’s room soon though. He hadn’t been since they left the airport.