by Karen Aldous
Lizzie winced. ‘Erm, yes.’
‘Oh Lizzie, oh my goodness, he’s beautiful. This is wonderful. I’m a granny,’ she wailed. ‘A granny. Oh this is…Lizzie why didn’t you tell me sooner? A little grandson. I have a grandson. Nurse, nurse,’ she screamed and two nurses came running in. ‘I am a granny, I have a grandson, look!’
Lizzie’s hand grabbed at her chest. She couldn’t believe her mother’s excitement, handing a tissue over as her mother began a joyous sniffle.
‘Congratulations Caroline,’ the nurses sang in unison, hovering over the photograph.
‘Oh Mum…’
‘I almost rang home to ask you. Is he with you, is he in England?’
‘Yes, he’s with Cal now.’
‘Oh, really darling. How wonderful, so he can come and see me. Oh, what’s his name?’
Lizzie wanted to dance with joy at her mother’s heartfelt reaction to her grandson. All that time she had dreaded telling her, convinced her mother would be ashamed of her and disapprove. What had changed her so much? Or who? Maybe it was Cal!
‘Thierry.’ She paused and cleared her throat. ‘That’s why I returned to England. I hoped to tell you myself that day. I hadn’t planned on trying to shock you or surprise you.’ As the tears rolled down her mother’s face, Lizzie choked too, wiping her eyes.
‘Oh sweetheart, oh, I can’t wait to see him. It’s quite funny,’ Caroline squealed, ‘I found the bag what, a few hours ago. The nurse put it in the cabinet and reminded me this morning it had fruit in. I thought it would need to come out and then I found this, another nighty, and when I took it out, the picture was with it. I couldn’t believe it. I thought, why would Lizzie have a photo of a child if it wasn’t hers?’ Again, her eyes swelled with tears and pride. ‘Unbelievable Lizzie,’ she shook her head.
‘Yes. You are a gran.’ Lizzie gave her a light squeeze.
‘And what is his name?’ Caroline asked again, not having taken it in.
‘Thierry.’
‘So, how old is he?’
‘Two. He’ll be three in a couple of weeks.’
‘My goodness. Not really a baby anymore?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘Wow, I’ve been a gran for nearly three years and I didn’t even know it.’ Caroline made a sad face.
‘I know. I’m sorry. I should have let you know,’ Lizzie said, hunching her shoulders.
‘I expect his father is French is he?’ her mother enquired.
Lizzie shuddered and made a tight-lipped smile with that tell-tale squint in her eyes. ‘Actually his father hasn’t had much to do with us.’
‘Oh right. Well, Lizzie, fancy, you are back, I’m a mother again and a gran, me a Gran.’ She looked down again at the image in her hand. ‘Cal, looking after a baby? Another surprise!’ she chirped and tittered. ‘Well anyway that’s… that’s good. Do you think…I’d love to meet him! Can you bring him? I don’t know if he is allowed.’
‘Yes if I can.’
The taller of the nurses nodded.
‘Oh Lizzie please bring him next time,’ her mother pleaded.
‘Would you like me to go and get him now?’
Caroline’s eyes widened and bulged, a wide beam spread across her face. ‘I would love that Lizzie. I really would.’
She gave her mother another hug. ‘I’m so pleased Mum. I was so worried. I thought you would hate being a granny.’
‘Well that shows just how much you need to get to know me better. We need a fresh start, all of us.’
‘Absolutely. Now, I should warn you, Thierry doesn’t know you yet so please don’t expect too much to begin with?’
‘No, no, of course. Oh, I can’t wait.’ Her feet trotted on the spot.
Ok. I’ll get him now, if you’re sure?’
‘Yes. I’m sure. Hell, I’m sure,’ she cheered throwing up her good arm and the nurses and other patients laughed.
‘Ok. I hear you. I’ll see you in about forty minutes,’ Lizzie beamed, collecting her bag.
‘Go. Go. I can’t wait.’ Caroline bounced up and down.
Lizzie couldn’t believe it. All that worry and her mother was thrilled to bits. Now she had to tell Thierry about his granny and that he was going to meet her. She wondered how his little mind would cope with it all.
***
When they entered the ward, Caroline was eagerly waiting and glowed with pride as Lizzie led Thierry steadily towards her. Lizzie watched her mother trying to contain her excitement.
‘Come and meet your Gran, Thierry.’
He peered up at the stranger and then down, unsure.
Caroline squatted down to his level. ‘Hello Thierry. I’m so pleased to meet you darling. I hope you are as nicely surprised at having a grandma as I am about having a grandson,’ she said gently, caressing his cheek and delivering her brightest smile.
His eyes explored her face whilst his tongue flicked back and forth over one side of his top lip. ‘You are my Mummy’s Mummy,’ He declared, his eyes fixed on her.
‘That’s right. Your Mummy is my little girl. You are Mummy’s little boy.’
‘Mummy is big girl now and, and…I’m getting a bigger boy,’ Thierry said.
‘You sound like a clever boy to me. Thank you for coming to the hospital to see me.’
‘Do you like the hospital?’ he questioned.
‘I am here because the doctor mended me when I went wrong and I like it because they have made me better and make my dinner and my bed so that I don’t have to.’
‘Cal made me my dinner. He made pizza. He made pizza didn’t he Mummy.’
‘How kind of him. Is that your favourite?’
‘Yes and he made Mummy pasta.’ Lizzie blushed quietly in the background at the mention of last night’s dinner with Cal.
‘He’s kind to Mummy too.’ Caroline affirmed as she reached and squeezed his hand. ‘Come and sit down. Would you like a bed or a chair?’
‘Can I sit on the bed?’ he asked, running his tiny fingers over the top cover. Lizzie lifted him on to the bed and he undid his jacket, pulling off the arms. ‘Yes and here, you can have some grapes.’
Thierry picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth, his eyes now resting on the grapes beside him.
Lizzie took his jacket from him. ‘Well, that’s a good sign, he’s taking his jacket off. That means he’s staying.’
‘Lizzie, he is gorgeous. You have done a wonderful job. He is very well behaved.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, genuinely moved. ‘I can’t promise he’s always like this though.’
Caroline backed herself into her chair. ‘Would you like another one sweetheart?’ she asked. Thierry nodded.
‘What do you say?’ Lizzie said, brushing his hair back from his face.
‘Thank you.’
Lizzie searched around her. ‘I’ll grab a chair.’ As she perched on her seat, she felt in her bag for Thierry’s box of cars and placed it on the bed. ‘His favourites, we don’t go anywhere without them.’
‘Lovely Thierry, you can show me all your cars.’
Thierry opened the plastic lid and began to show them off, one by one, lining them up along the bed, telling her all about them. He then slid into the world of make believe he so often inhabited. Lizzie and her mother exchanged smiles.
‘He’s delightful, darling. Absolutely gorgeous!’ Caroline smiled.
Lizzie mouthed, ‘Thank you.’
‘And, I spoke to one of the nurses soon after you left earlier,’ Caroline started, ‘There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to come home. She says I will have to get discharged from the doctor but otherwise, as long as I have someone at home to nurse me, he should allow me home.’
‘And are you sure that’s what you want?’
‘Yes, God, yes, now I am. I can’t wait. We can make a fresh start. I want to make it up to you. Now that I know we can spend time together and that Thierry will be there. I have so much I want to say to you and to be honest
I don’t need too much looking after now. I’m fine. I can’t lift or sit in the sun for a while obviously with all the surgery still healing, but I just have to wait for results and find out what treatment I need or if I need more treatment.’
Lizzie gave her mother’s hand a squeeze. ‘We’ll take it one day at a time Mum. We’re really looking forward to you coming home and spending time with you.’
Caroline’s posture had transformed in just a few hours, Lizzie noted. Whatever or whoever had brought this change about, Lizzie was thankful. She liked the bright, cheery and proud grandmother now full of colour and hope. She did wonder however, what it was her mother wanted to say to her.
Chapter 19
It was an early start for the apprentice Sophie on this already balmy morning but she was getting into the swing of things, learning how the salon operated. She’d offered to help on the reception as Lucie had a dentist’s appointment. She was hungry to understand all the salon roles. At ten minutes to seven she unlocked the salon and turned on the lights and air conditioning. She could see her reflection in the shiny marble floor as she stepped to turn on the coffee machine. She ran downstairs to the kitchen to collect a few coffee cups. As she arrived back up in reception, taking her by surprise, there, waiting, was the familiar figure, Anton. This man is so insistent, she thought worried. Breezily she said with a smile, ‘Bonjour Monsieur. Comment puis-je vous aider?’
‘Has Lizzie returned yet?’
‘I’m afraid not. Like I said to you before, she is still caring for her mother.’
‘Do you know when she’ll be back?’
‘I don’t have that information but has she got your number?’
‘Yes, but take it again, just in case and ask her to…actually, could I have her number?’
‘It’s not my place to give out private telephone numbers but if you want to leave yours I’ll pass it on so she can call you.’
Anton’s dark eyes shot an aggravated frisson. He shrugged, flicking his chin, reminding Sophie of a small boy clearly displaying indignation.
‘She is with the Englishman and my son. I know she is. Tell her my patience is running out.’
‘I can assure you, she is nursing her mother and I’m sure, even if you spoke to her now, she has too much to deal with and so again, I’m asking you please, to give her a few weeks.’
‘Ask her to call me. That’s the least she can do. I need to talk to her.’
Sophie blew out a heavy sigh as Anton strutted out. She checked her watch. Too early to call Lizzie, she told herself, but she wondered if an entry system should be put in place. She searched the contact file on the system to find the telephone number of Jean-Luc, the handyman-cum-builder. Jean-Luc assured Sophie he would get along some time that day to give her a price.
Sophie was soon getting into a routine with the business and having fun along the way. Reception was the main hub and required constant attention so she focused on making sure she was familiar with as many tasks as she could to be useful. She checked there were no cancellations amongst the emails as well as checking for new bookings or other vital emails. Among the post was a large A4 envelope containing a draft lease for the Rue Antibes salon. Just what they had been waiting for! She read through it quickly whilst it was quiet and before the phone started ringing.
‘What! That’s not right,’ she said aloud. Looking at the time again, it was still too early to call Lizzie. England was an hour behind. The notaries’ office wouldn’t be open yet either. She continued opening post for a while and then dialled Lizzie’s mobile. Lizzie picked up the phone.
‘Hi Soph.’
‘Sorry it’s so early. I wanted to use the phone before it gets busy here. Lucie is at the dentist this morning so I’m covering reception. I got your text. Glad to hear things are moving along well with your mother and she’s ok and of course that her response to Thierry was so positive. I’m so pleased. I know that was really worrying you.’
‘It’s a huge relief,’ admitted Lizzie.
‘Well let’s just hope they have time to get to know one another now.’
‘Absolutely, but Lizzie, she is transformed. She seems to have really taken to Thierry. He was pretty good too considering she was a total stranger. It’s a lot for him to take in. She’s coming home later today so hopefully they can now get to know one another.’
‘Oh brilliant, let me know how it all goes when you have time. Changing the subject now though, sorry, I’m a bit concerned. Anton has been in the salon asking to speak to you. I’ve seen him twice whilst I’ve been here. He’s a persistent little bugger isn’t he?’
Lizzie let out a groan. ‘Oh shit. Right. I’ll have to give him a call I suppose and face the music.’
‘Ordinarily I wouldn’t mind but I sense he could become a pest or possibly turn nasty.’
Lizzie remembered that she hadn’t had a chance to tell her all about the drama at the hotel in Bonnieux. ‘What has he said? Has he threatened anyone?’
‘No. Just an attitude. Needs to speak to you.’ And Sophie explained her conversation with him ‘.
‘I don’t understand why he just keeps turning up. He knows the situation.’
‘He’s certainly got the bit between his teeth.’
‘I really don’t want to face this right now,’ Lizzie moaned.
‘Not good timing is it? Perhaps if you speak to him and let him know you’ll deal with it as soon as you return. It might placate him.’
‘Yes, worth a try. Maybe I can think of something to dissuade him.’
‘Ha! Shame Thierry’s over the dirty nappy stage, jested Sophie. ‘Anyway the business seems to be running fine. I’m really getting into it and enjoying it. It’s a shame you’re not here. They’re a really dedicated team. There is just one thing though, the draft lease came in the post this morning and, I am going to call the notaries’ office to check landlord notice on the lease or pop over to see him.’
‘Oooh yes. Well spotted, we don’t want the landlord serving us notice.’
Well I won’t sign anything yet anyway until you’ve seen it. I can scan and email you a copy.’
‘You’re a star Sophie, thank you.’
‘I’ve also taken the liberty of speaking to Jean-Luc. I wanted to get a quote, for him to make the salon secure with a bell and entry system, only to avoid unwelcome visitors. Well one in particular.’
‘If you think it necessary, yes. I trust your judgement.’
‘It’s not nice for the staff so, if he can’t walk in, it’s reassuring,’ Sophie advised.
‘Ok.’
‘Jean-Luc and I also spoke briefly about the work at the Rue Antibes salon and he said to send over your ideas; he’s pencilled in a few days for us.’
‘Oh yes, sorry, I have had my head in the clouds this week. Yes. Email me what you have in mind and I will email mine to you. Then we can discuss them. Thank you so much for all your help Sophie.’
‘I’m loving it Lizzie and can’t wait to get going.’
‘Yes I’m sure.’
‘Anyway, give Thierry a big hug from me and tell him Aunty Sophie loves him and good luck for this afternoon when your mum is home.’
‘Thanks and let me know what the notary says. I hope it won’t jeopardise our plans!’
Chapter 20
After her early morning call from Sophie, Lizzie opened the windows to her mother’s bedroom. Bright sunshine flickered in through the trees and a breeze rustled the leaves. She stripped the bed, vacuumed the floor, washed paintwork and wardrobes then polished, before dressing the bed in fresh clean sheets and pillowcases. Whilst polishing she picked up a man’s watch on one of the bedside cupboards. Strange. Not the sort of watch she would have associated with Cal. A little old in taste. That is, assuming it was Cal’s, which she did. She was going to put it in to her pocket and return it to him but then checked herself and put it back. It was not her business she figured.
The thought of her mother and Cal in bed together wasn’t
a pleasant one and she swiftly tried to remove it from her mind. Back downstairs Thierry amused himself with his toys so Lizzie cleaned up the rest of the house as much as she could. Cal was outside. He’d also been up early. She’d spotted him trimming vines whilst she was on the phone to Sophie. He had walked back up to the new winery building now, talking to the builders. As soon as she could she called to him.
‘Have you heard from Mum?’ she asked as he neared.
‘No. I imagine she will call you on the landline though.’
‘Oh. I wanted to walk down to the parade with Thierry and buy some flowers for her room.’
‘No problem. Leave the window open and I’ll listen out for the phone.’ He pointed to the kitchen window.
***
Lizzie placed a small vase containing the fresh cream roses edged with pink in her mother’s bedroom which, with the soft breeze, brought the room to life. In the kitchen, another bunch of plain cream roses she positioned in the centre of the old oak dining table and added sprigs of lime green leaves from a Mexican Orange blossom in the garden. Satisfied with the striking result, she opened more windows, inviting in the gentle waft of the vines and the warm July sunshine. She made Thierry lunch; a cheese and cucumber sandwich with a couple of cherry tomatoes on his plate. Then she continued buttering bread and stacked it on a plate. She decided to make up both ham and cheese salad sandwiches ready for when she returned from the hospital with her mother. Wondering where she could find some music, she walked into the front lounge and put on a Chet Baker CD already in the unit. The stale waft in the room drove her to the windows, opening them too. Then to her surprise Cal drove into the drive with, she saw, her mother sitting next to him. She ran out to greet her with an embracing smile.
‘I was waiting for your call,’ she said, helping Caroline from the car and leading her to the front door whilst Cal pulled out bags from the back seat.
