The Second Wife

by Sheryl Browne

  ‘One too many cocktails?’ Richard enquired, eyeing her with amusement.

  ‘Obviously.’ Nicole winced and eased a strap of her swimsuit away from the livid red skin on her shoulder. ‘Where’s Olivia?’ she asked, glimpsing around and seeing no sign of her.

  ‘Taking a shower,’ Richard said, squeezing sunscreen into his hand. ‘Turn around,’ he instructed. ‘I’ll do your shoulders and back.’

  Oh, that was nice. Nicole closed her eyes as she felt his firm hand glide across her hot flesh, immediately soothing it – and arousing her. It was a strange honeymoon, in that they hadn’t yet managed to make love. Having Olivia in the adjoining room was rather off-putting. Bearing in mind why she was here, they’d both felt it somehow inappropriate.

  ‘So, what have you been up to?’ she asked him, melting into his touch.

  ‘Just walking,’ Richard supplied, continuing to smooth the cream over the contours of her back in soft, sure strokes. Nicole felt her pelvis dip, her breasts tingling with yearning. ‘Along the beach. Liv needed to talk. I didn’t think you’d mind.’

  ‘I don’t.’ Nicole assured him, her back arching as he gently traced the bare length of her spine. ‘Not really. I do miss you a bit though, when you go off.’

  Richard paused, his hand at the small of her back. ‘I’m not exactly “going off”, Nicole. I’m just walking – with my daughter.’

  He sounded defensive, Nicole realised with alarm. ‘I know.’ She twisted to face him. ‘It’s fine. I just…’

  ‘Just?’ Richard prompted her, when she trailed off under his questioning gaze.

  ‘Nothing.’ Nicole felt her cheeks flush. ‘I suppose I thought it would be nice if we could find some time to be alone together, that’s all.’

  Nodding, Richard pondered for a moment and then got to his feet. ‘She needed to talk, Nicole,’ he said quietly, collecting up his own towel and wiping the cream from his hands. ‘Under the circumstances, I thought you of all people would understand.’

  Nicole looked at him, bewildered. ‘I do,’ she said quickly. ‘I just thought that maybe we could—’

  ‘I’m going up to shower.’ Richard cut her short, his expression disappointed as he swept his gaze over her. ‘I’ll see you later.’

  ‘Richard?’ Oh no. Nicole’s heart plummeted. She’d done it again. ‘Richard, wait.’ She jumped to her feet, hastily tugging her straps up as he walked away. ‘I didn’t mean…’

  Letting her herself tentatively into their room, Nicole found Richard pouring himself a drink from the minibar. A scotch, it looked like, despite the fact that it was the middle of the afternoon. Dropping her things on the bed, she walked across to him. ‘I do understand, Richard,’ she said softly, placing a hand on his arm. ‘Of course I do.’

  Richard took a sip from his glass. He didn’t look at her.

  ‘I know Olivia will need to talk, and that she probably won’t feel comfortable talking to me. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am about what happened. It’s just that you’ve been out walking together a few times now, and in the evenings too. I don’t mind – honestly, I don’t. I only thought it might be nice if you and I could find some time to…’ Nicole stopped, her eyes drifting towards the balcony, where Olivia had obviously been sitting. She couldn’t have failed to hear her.

  ‘I don’t think Dad thought he needed to ask your permission,’ she said, stepping through the patio doors into the room.

  ‘He doesn’t,’ Nicole said quickly.

  Olivia said nothing, folding her arms across her breasts and looking at her judgementally instead.

  ‘That’s not what I meant, Olivia,’ Nicole said kindly, stepping towards her. ‘I seem to be saying all the wrong things. I—’

  ‘Yes, you do,’ Olivia said pointedly. ‘You know, I really can’t believe you would be jealous of him spending time with his own daughter.’ Her expression contemptuous, Olivia shook her head and then flounced past her to the door.

  ‘Jealous?’ Stunned, Nicole spun around after her. ‘I’m not jealous, Olivia. Why on earth would I be?’

  Olivia faced her. ‘I don’t know,’ she snapped angrily. ‘Because you want him all to yourself, presumably.’

  ‘Liv, don’t.’ Richard moved towards her as Nicole looked in bewilderment between the two of them. ‘That’s not fair. It was Nicole who suggested you come with us.’

  ‘Not fair?’ Olivia gawked at him. ‘If you ask me, her as good as calling me a liar, preferring to believe her friend’s disgusting son, who tried to rape me, is what’s not fair.’

  Nicole felt the blood drain from her face. ‘I did not,’ she refuted. ‘Olivia, please believe me. I was just confused about what exactly had happened. I didn’t doubt that you—’

  ‘She’s trying to turn you against me!’ Olivia cried, jabbing a finger in Nicole’s direction. ‘That’s what she’s doing. Trying to drive a wedge between us – and you can’t even see it!’

  Whirling around, Olivia yanked open the door and flew tearfully out of the room.

  ‘Olivia!’ Richard started after her. ‘Dammit,’ he muttered, coming back to grab up his phone and his key card.

  ‘I didn’t believe Zach over her,’ Nicole said, a sick feeling settling in the pit of her tummy as she tried to remember what she had said. ‘I never meant to imply that. I—’

  ‘But you did imply that.’ Richard glanced at her in frustration as he strode back to the door. ‘And now this. And you wonder why she’s reluctant to talk to you?’

  ‘But I didn’t mean to!’ Nicole protested for the umpteenth time. ‘I swear I didn’t. I don’t understand why you would think that I would.’

  ‘I know.’ Pausing, Richard sighed despairingly. ‘Look, I can’t do this now, Nicole. I need to go after her.’

  ‘Anyone I know?’ Richard asked, coming out on to the patio a good hour later.

  ‘Becky, my friend in France,’ Nicole said, her eyes fixed on the text she was keying in.

  Dearest Becky, I sooo wish you were here. Instead, I have Richard’s daughter for company on my honeymoon, and I seem to have upset her irretrievably. Will fill you in later. I live an interesting life, don’t I? Lol. Miss you! LOVE, Nicole. X

  She pressed send.

  ‘Not your friend Peter, then?’ Richard asked, a sarcastic edge to his tone, which surprised her.

  ‘Not Peter, no,’ she said, now feeling extremely defensive and close to tears herself. ‘I do want to keep in touch with some of my friends, though. If that’s all right with you, of course?’ The last came out equally sarcastically. She couldn’t do it again – creeping around meekly, living in fear of causing offence.

  Glancing from her phone to her, Richard studied her inscrutably for a second, and then sighed heavily. ‘Of course you do,’ he said, his shoulders deflating as he ran a hand over his neck. ‘I’m sorry. Obviously, I feel concerned about any of this becoming general knowledge, for Olivia’s sake, but it’s none of my business who you text. Ignore me.’

  Nicole answered with a small nod. He wasn’t jealous then, which was a good thing. She’d seen first-hand how destructive that emotion could be. He was merely protecting his daughter, as any father would.

  ‘How is she?’ she asked, as he walked across to look out across the tropical paradise they were fortunate enough to be in: rich greenery everywhere, spilling over balconies, tumbling through gardens, and coming to rest on the pure white sands of the beach. It was truly beautiful. How was it that they suddenly seemed so utterly miserable?

  ‘Better,’ he said, and paused. ‘She needs me, Nicole. I know it’s difficult for you, particularly as the… person concerned is the son of your friend, but I have to be there for her one hundred per cent right now.’

  ‘I know.’ Nicole so wished she’d suggested they postpone coming away. It might have been better for all of them if Richard had been able to spend time with Olivia at home. ‘Look, why don’t you and Olivia go out for dinner together tonight? She’d probably rather tha
t than…’ She trailed off, worried she might put her foot in it again by suggesting Olivia wouldn’t want her there.

  Richard glanced uncertainly at her. ‘I can’t leave you in a hotel room on your own, Nicole. It’s supposed to be your honeymoon.’

  Nicole couldn’t help but smile wryly at that. ‘I’ll be fine,’ she assured him, glad that he cared. ‘I thought I might have a wander around the hotel. I haven’t seen the temple yet, or the lily pond and water features. They’re beautifully lit up at night, apparently.’

  She didn’t add that she would quite like to wander around hand in hand with her husband, just the two them. But then, Richard and Olivia had probably already seen the various sights the hotel had to offer.

  ‘But what will you eat?’ Richard turned to her, his forehead creased with worry.

  ‘Um, food?’ Nicole suggested. ‘I’ll get something at one of the bars, or order room service and indulge myself in our lovely spa bath – with wine, of course.’

  Richard’s mouth curved into a smile. ‘I wouldn’t mind indulging you in our lovely spa bath,’ he said, moving towards her and finally bending to kiss her. Ridiculously, Nicole felt even more like crying. And then she almost did as Olivia appeared on the adjacent balcony, before his lips had even grazed hers.

  Seeing Olivia’s scowl as she looked across, Nicole nodded discreetly in her direction and eased away from him. ‘You’d better get ready,’ she said, kissing his cheek instead.

  Once Richard had gone off with Olivia to the beachfront restaurant, Nicole went down to reception and enquired after the use of the PC the hotel had available for customers to use. She would have a stroll around the hotel, but she’d decided to write to Becky first, and she wanted to send an email, rather than text her. Since it would be a lengthy one, she’d decided a keyboard might be more comfortable. She wouldn’t want either of them thinking she was sharing personal things behind their backs, but the fact was, she was now feeling excluded. She understood why, to a degree, but that Olivia was being so hostile towards her wasn’t making her feel any better. She hoped they could get past this, that Olivia could accept that she hadn’t been incredulous of her telling of events, just confused, and that they could eventually become friends. For the moment, however, in the absence of her husband, Nicole needed someone to talk to. Someone who knew her. Someone she could safely confide in, and who wouldn’t judge her.

  Settling down in the little room that housed the PC, Nicole checked her phone first. Sure enough, Becky had replied to her text, short and to the point: Darling Nicole, what on earth is going on? Does Richard not realise three’s a crowd? Get back soon. Am concerned.xxx

  Nicole picked up her laptop and began to email.

  Dear lovely Becky,

  Sorry! I didn’t mean to worry you. Sorry, also, that I haven’t had the chance to get in touch sooner. I’ve been a bit busy trying to work out how I actually came to be on honeymoon with Richard and his daughter. As you might have gathered, she’s here in Bali with us. In the adjoining room, in fact. Not quite the romantic getaway I’d envisaged.

  There was a little incident before we left. Well, actually a bloody great whopping incident, which was terribly upsetting. I hardly dare write it down, for fear I’m making a judgement without all the facts, but… it seems Peter’s son attacked Olivia in her bedroom. Richard intervened, thank God, before things were as awful as they could have been, but needless to say it was traumatising for Olivia. I didn’t help the situation, I’m afraid. In the confusion afterwards, I was asking Richard whether Zachary might have misunderstood why Olivia was taking him upstairs, and Olivia overheard. It was a completely stupid thing to say. I was honestly only extremely confused, but… needless to say, I’m not flavour of the month as far as Olivia’s concerned.

  Anyway, Olivia was adamant she didn’t want to go to the police, and given the situation and how distressed she was, we thought it better she wasn’t left on her own. Thus my current gooseberry-like status. Richard’s having to spend time with her – talking a lot, walking a lot, keeping her company in the pool (she’s a better swimmer than I am). I have him for the rest of my life, and it’s hardly his fault. He’s stuck between a rock and a hard place, concerned and distraught for Olivia, but also equally concerned for me, which proves how caring a man he is.

  I know I don’t really have to ask, but please keep this between the two of us. I would hate it if Olivia or Richard thought I was sharing this with anyone, to say little of Peter. Please don’t worry either. All is well, I promise. It’s probably not a good idea to liaise about this via text, by the way – I’d die if R or O glimpsed any exchanges. I really just wanted a shoulder. I’ll fill you in more when I get home. Meanwhile, I actually wish I was there, with you!

  Loads of love and big hugs.

  Nicole. X

  After sending the email, Nicole waited awhile, looking out of the window and listening to the soft sounds of paradise: flowing water, Balinese music, wind chimes, all manner of birds, crickets and frogs. She breathed in the unique smell: smoke and spice, incense and oil and the heavenly scent of natural flowers. She needed to take an abundance of photographs. It would be rich inspiration when she got home.

  Should she have a massage tomorrow? This was something else she hadn’t envisaged doing alone. Blow it. She would, she decided. She needed to be content with her own company. And Richard would probably be relieved she was finding something to do, rather than being needy of his attention too.

  Nodding resolutely, Nicole gathered up her bag, determined to find to somewhere to dine, albeit on her own, when Rebecca pinged back a reply.

  Dearest Nicole,

  Oh God, how awful! I know Olivia will be traumatised, Richard too, but this was also traumatising for you, Nicole. I understand you probably can’t exchange emails now, but please look after yourself. Remember, wherever you are, I’m always here.

  Email or call me as soon as you get home. I need to know you’re okay.

  Much love, sweetheart, and huge hugs back.

  Becky

  xxx

  PS Am thinking about selling the house. Will talk more when you can.

  THIRTEEN

  OLIVIA

  PREVIOUS YEAR – JULY

  She’d been drinking. Coming into Nicole’s’ room, Olivia immediately noted the almost empty wine bottle on the table. Drowning her sorrows, obviously. Oh dear. Poor Nicole. Olivia wandered across the room, helping herself to Nicole’s bedtime candy treat from the pillow as she plopped down on to the bed.

  Standing by the window, Richard, worried father, and now equally worried husband, glanced in her direction and then turned his attention back to his phone, a scowl knitting his brow as he tried Nicole’s mobile number again.

  ‘Anything?’ Olivia enquired, kicking off her flip-flops and lying back to suck languidly on the creamy coconut delicacy.

  Richard sighed and shook his head. ‘Nicole, can you call me back please?’ he spoke apprehensively to her voicemail. ‘It’s late. I’m concerned. Extremely. You shouldn’t be wandering around in a strange place on your own.’

  ‘You sound like her father,’ Olivia observed, as he went across to the minibar.

  ‘I’m worried about her,’ Richard said, not sounding overly impressed as he poured himself a whisky and knocked it back. ‘You’re not exactly going easy on her, Liv.’

  Olivia noted the agitation in his tone. ‘Well, excuse me,’ she said huffily, peeling herself from the bed and walking to the balcony.

  Richard sighed behind her. ‘Look, this isn’t easy on either of us, Liv. We have to at least try to—’

  ‘You can stop worrying.’ Olivia said wearily, glancing back at him. ‘She’s out there.’

  ‘Thank God for that.’ Now sounding relieved, as Olivia supposed he would be, Richard hurried to join her. ‘Where?’

  ‘There.’ Olivia nodded towards the lily pond.

  ‘Oh Christ.’ Seeing Nicole was circumnavigating the pool, her arms outstretched
as if she thought she could fly and with a definite weave to her walk, Richard clamped his eyes shut and then spun on his heel. ‘Stay here,’ he instructed, heading for the door. ‘I don’t want her upset any more.’

  And miss all the fun? He had to be joking. Olivia gave him a head start, then skidded across the bedroom, stuffed her feet back into her flip-flops and followed him.

  Hanging back once they reached the periphery of the seating area around the pond, she watched him approach Nicole, who was now standing still and gazing down into the water. God, she was pissed out of her brains.

  ‘Nicole, what are you doing?’ Richard asked, approaching her carefully.

  Nicole didn’t answer, inching further forward instead, teetering precariously close to the edge.

  ‘Nicole! Jesus!’ Richard sprang into action and grabbed his troublesome new wife around the waist before she fell in. With the amount of booze she’d consumed and no skill in the water whatsoever, she’d sink like a stone. Olivia sighed. She would definitely frighten the fish in that flowery kaftan thing she insisted on wearing. Honestly, the woman had about as much dress sense as she had backbone, which was precious little.

  ‘What in God’s name are you doing?’ Richard demanded, yanking Nicole backwards and whirling her around to face him.

  Nicole blinked as he took hold of her shoulders, looking guilty, as she perpetually did. Olivia really was growing bored with her. She was no challenge whatsoever. She had no idea how he was putting up with her.

  ‘Just walking,’ Nicole said, her expression now one of bemusement.

  ‘Walking?’ Richard shook his head in exasperation. ‘You were right on the edge! You were about to fall in.’

  ‘I was not,’ Nicole protested indignantly. ‘I was making a wish. I toshed a coin in.’

  Definitely pished. Olivia rolled her eyes.

  Relaxing his hold on her, Richard stared at her. ‘You’re not supposed to, Nicole,’ he said, working to keep his tone calm. ‘There’s a notice. See?’ He pointed towards it. ‘There are very expensive coy carp in there.’