She had one hand pressed across her mouth and her face was pale.
‘Do you feel sick? Faint? Should I call someone?’
‘Water.’
Grabbing the jug, I poured her a cup, wishing my hands would stop shaking.
‘Thank you,’ she said, gulping it down. Then she looked up at me and her lips started to curve into a smile. ‘How did it feel when you dumped him?’
I thought for a moment. ‘Weirdly, I felt relieved. I was devastated by what he’d done but I remembered all the times he’d let me down or put me down and, to be honest, I was glad to be shot of him.’
‘Relieved,’ she repeated. ‘Yeah, I get that. I actually feel like a huge weight has been lifted from me.’ The tentative smile disappeared again. ‘I’m scared, though. I’m on my own now. I’ve got no income, no family, no friends…’
Sitting on the bed beside her, I took her hand. ‘I can’t help with the income but I know a man who can. He can afford it and he owes you. As for family, that little girl right there is your family and I know you were probably calling me auntie and godmother just to wind Tony up, but you’ve got honorary family right here in a friend who never stopped caring because, despite the boyfriend-stealing, I know you’re a lovely person. I just think you’ve got a bit lost lately, not helped by Tony’s bad influence.’
A tear dripped onto our joined hands, quickly followed by another.
‘What if I’m just like my mother?’
I put my other arm round her and cuddled her to my side. ‘You are nothing like your mother. Do you hear me? Nothing like her. And that little girl over there is your chance to prove that.’
Maria wiped her eyes with her sleeve. ‘Do you think you can fix me?’
‘Do you want me to?’
She nodded.
‘I think you’ve already taken your first step by kicking him out, but I can only help you if you stay strong and keep him out of your life.’ I remembered what Tony’s wife had said on her driveway. ‘Hazel knows about you and she said that, if I ever saw you, I had to tell you that you can do better and not to be scared about being on your own with a baby because it will be fine.’
‘His wife said that?’
‘She did. So can you promise not to let him back in, no matter how charming he is or how scared you feel?’
‘I promise. He’s gone and he’s not coming back.’
‘Good. Let’s get you home, then.’
I wasn’t sure how we were going to manage the logistics of getting two patients, two babies, Rhys and me home in a three-seater van but we’d sort something. The most important thing was that Izzy was on the mend, Sofia was healthy, the old Maria was on her way back and Tony was gone. We could manage any other minor complications.
48
The only way to fight the fatigue at work that afternoon was to drink lots of coffee to the point I could almost hear it sloshing around inside me. I worked like a woman possessed that shift, moving through my to-do list at a cracking pace, knowing that a short break or a moment of procrastination would make me want to slump forward in my chair and sleep. With everything that had been going on, I’d actually forgotten that Iris and William were due back from their honeymoon early that evening.
‘Mr and Mrs Watts,’ I exclaimed when they knocked on the office door. ‘Where has the past week gone?’
We exchanged hugs and kisses on the cheek.
‘We’ve had such a wonderful time,’ Iris gushed. ‘Some of the residents have gathered in the lounge. They say it’s to hear about our trip, but we know it’s because we’ve got shortbread, don’t we, William?’ They both laughed. ‘Would you have a moment to join us?’
Five minutes later, I perched on the arm of one of the sofas and listened to a brief overview of their honeymoon. Iris’s iPad was passed around and I was relieved to see that they’d already edited the photos, selecting about twenty of the best. If there’d been hundreds, I might have keeled over with exhaustion.
Iris and William were buzzing. Anyone who didn’t know them would be forgiven for believing they’d been away celebrating their golden wedding anniversary rather than their honeymoon after only a few months as a couple. There was something about them that suggested they’d always been together. They finished off each other’s sentences and kept catching each other’s eyes as they talked about a memory that seemed particularly special to them. I was captivated watching them until I noticed Ruby sitting quietly, slowly flicking through the photos, that wistful expression on her face again. Please get in touch, Teddy. Please.
Ruby poked her head round the office door shortly after I returned to my work. ‘You look deep in thought, darling. Is it a bad time?’
‘It’s fine. Come in.’
She closed the door and sat down. ‘Iris and William are moving into one of those luxury retirement apartments on Sea Cliff.’
‘Oh. I’m sorry.’
‘I never thought I’d say this but I’ve really missed that silly woman this past week.’
‘Of course you have. She’s your best friend.’
‘Yes, I suppose she is. I’ve never had a best friend before. Well, not a female one. I suppose I was close to Frances, but she was family and we lost touch after I had Edward. My fault, of course.’
‘When’s Iris moving out?’
‘The flat will be ready at the end of January, but she’ll be staying with William in the meantime. Ian already has someone wanting her rooms so she’s moving her things out next week.’
‘You’ll still see her, you know.’
Ruby sighed. ‘I know. I’m not one for regrets, but I wish I’d appreciated her more while she was here. It’s true what they say: you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.’
‘Like Teddy?’ I ventured.
She nodded. ‘Like Teddy. I’m going to get in touch in the New Year.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, although he’ll probably want nothing to do with me and who can blame him after what I did?’
I hugged her. ‘It’s a good decision, Ruby. I’m so pleased for you. And Ed?’
‘He’s Teddy’s son. I can hardly make contact with one and not the other. I don’t think either of them will respond, but I need to try.’
‘Ruby’s going to get in touch with Teddy and your dad,’ I told Rhys as we lay in bed that night.
He propped himself up on his arm, facing me. ‘Really?’
‘She told me tonight. Have you spoken to your dad since I made a mess of things?’
‘How many times do I need to reassure you that you didn’t make a mess of anything? But, no, I haven’t spoken to him since then. Mum reckons things are back to normal, though. She’s convinced he’ll want to meet Ruby soon.’
‘It would be amazing if he made contact first. I think she’s more nervous about getting in touch with him than she is about Teddy.’
Rhys gazed at me, a slight smile playing on his lips.
I propped myself up on my elbow too. ‘What?’
‘You. Do you realise how amazing you are?’
‘Me? What have I done?’
Rhys laughed. ‘In the past couple of weeks, you’ve saved Izzy’s life, delivered Maria’s baby, stood up to my dad, started the ball rolling to reunite Nanna with her son and her soulmate, got my daughter and ex-girlfriend to fall in love with you, been there for Maria while she dumps Tony, helped your mum cope with a broken leg… and all this on top of your regular job and Christmas.’
No wonder I felt drained. ‘You really think Megan and Izzy like me?’
He shook his head. ‘I said love you. Izzy’s not shut up about you all day and you only have to look at Megan’s face when you’re around to see how much she loves you already.’
I grinned. ‘When you put it like that… although give Izzy a couple of weeks and I’m sure the snide comments will be back.’
‘As long as the stupid games aren’t.’
‘I’d like to think she’s learned her lesson there,
’ I said. ‘Do you think you can cope with being married to so much awesomeness?’
Rhys grinned. ‘I can’t wait. In the meantime, I’ve been thinking. How would you feel if I gave notice at my place and moved in here?’
I squealed as I launched myself into his arms.
‘I gather that’s a yes,’ he asked as I kissed his neck.
‘Yes. A very big yes.’
49
I was working another two-till-ten shift on New Year’s Eve. The plan was to stay back for a few drinks with the residents, see the New Year in with them, then go back to the flat with Rhys. I’d be present throughout the earlier part of the party, though, as I was responsible for the entertainment.
The morning flew by with back-to-back visits starting with Izzy and Megan. Izzy had colour in her cheeks, which was great to see, but she seemed to have contracted a severe case of verbal diarrhoea. I barely got a word in edgeways and felt quite exhausted by the time I left, having been talked at non-stop for over an hour. Granted, Hyper Izzy was better than Stroppy Izzy, but I found both approaches pretty uncomfortable. Hopefully the real Izzy Hemsworth would reveal herself at some point.
A visit to Mum’s was much more relaxing and fun. Nick was there too so it was good to catch up with him. His relationship with Lindsay had ended a couple of days before. For Christmas, he’d given her a bracelet, some perfume and a few other bits and pieces and said he had a feeling the end was approaching when Lindsay had given him a tub of chocolates – the sort that all the supermarkets offer for a fiver in the run-up to Christmas. Awk-ward!
‘The right one’s out there,’ I assured him. ‘Plus you don’t have to do the toga party now.’
‘Silver linings,’ he said, smiling. ‘I’m fine about it. I knew Lindsay wasn’t going to be long-term, but I thought it might last a bit longer. I can’t help thinking she was only in it for the Christmas gifts.’
I’d have loved to assure him that nobody was that calculated, but Izzy had opened my mind as to exactly how devious some women could be.
Everyone dressed up in posh frocks and suits for New Year’s Eve – a bit of a tradition at Bay View. Ruby looked stunning in a cream twenties-inspired gown with green trim, a red and green floral design round the skirt, and a green crocheted cardigan.
‘I know I said it earlier but you really do look incredible this evening,’ I said when my shift finished and I managed to get Ruby alone in the corridor.
She gave me a twirl.
‘I absolutely love that dress,’ I said. ‘They knew how to dress back then.’ Ruby had been born in the late-twenties so had been too young to enjoy the style first time round, but she’d always maintained that it was her favourite era for fashion. I couldn’t imagine her dressed any differently.
‘Thank you, darling. It’s very similar to the dress I wore the last time I ever saw Teddy. It felt appropriate to see in the New Year wearing it.’
We sat down in a pair of armchairs nestling in an alcove.
‘You haven’t changed your mind about contacting him?’ I asked.
‘No. Iris and I were looking at photos of him online this afternoon and… oh, darling, this is probably going to sound ridiculous and it may well be the champagne talking…’
‘Go on…’ I encouraged when she fell silent, frowning.
‘It’s just that I had this overwhelming feeling that he was calling to me.’ She laughed. ‘It does sound silly when I say it aloud.’
I shook my head. ‘It sounds romantic. I take it you’ve told Iris about Teddy?’
‘Yes. We had a lovely afternoon together. She asked if I’d help her pack up some of her things, but I think it was a ruse to spend some time together drinking G&Ts and reminiscing. I think she’s sad about leaving Bay View. She has so many friends here. Me included, before you say anything.’
I held my hands up in a surrender position and smiled. ‘As if I’d ever comment on such a thing. You’re right, though. She will miss being here but she’s only the other side of town so it’s not like you’re not going to see her regularly. Unless, of course, Teddy whisks you away to Burghfield Hall to live out your days as Lady of the Manor.’
‘You read too many romance novels, young Callie Derbyshire. Exotic dancer turned actress becomes a Lady? I don’t think so. Even in these more liberal times, something like that simply won’t happen.’
‘Then I’m confused. Why…?’
‘Why am I getting in touch with Teddy? To say sorry, hopelessly inadequate as that will be, especially when I tell him about the son that I gave away.’
‘But I thought that you were hoping to rekindle something. I thought you still loved him.’
‘Oh, darling, I do. My love for that man is deeper than the ocean, higher than…’ She paused, frowning again.
‘What’s the matter?’
Ruby shook her head. ‘Nothing. A moment of déjà vu. Just something that Teddy and I used to say to each other.’
‘What was it? Deeper than the ocean and…?’
She waved her hand dismissively and shook her head. ‘It was nothing. Silly really.’
I was dying to know the rest but I knew her well enough to know that she’d clam shut again if I pushed. ‘If you love him that much, surely—’
‘No. It could never be back then and it still can’t be, but I do want to see him so I can explain, just as I want to see Edward so I can explain to him. Selfishly, I want to shuffle off this mortal coil with a clear conscience.’
My stomach dropped to the floor. ‘Oh my God, Ruby. You’re not ill, are you?’
‘Oh, darling, no. Or, if I am, I’m not aware of it. It’s just a turn of phrase. I’ve hopefully got many years left in me because there’s so much to look forward to with your wedding and more great-grandchildren. There’s no way I’m going to miss all of that.’
I exhaled loudly. ‘You had me scared for a moment. Don’t do that to me. And I think you’re wrong about Teddy. From what you’ve told me, I think he’d move heaven and earth to be with you. I really do.’
‘We’ll see.’ She patted my knee. ‘Let’s get back to the party. I do believe your shift has finished which means you need to get a glass of bubbly in your hand so we can toast your engagement properly. So far, we’ve only done that with a cup of tea which simply won’t do.’
‘Nanna! There you are.’ Rhys appeared round the bend in the corridor. ‘Something’s just arrived for you.’
I looked at Rhys questioningly, but he shrugged.
‘What is it?’ Ruby asked, accepting Rhys’s hand as she stood up.
‘It’s wrapped up so I don’t know.’
A wave of heat and noise hit us as we returned to the residents’ lounge. Iris stepped forward holding a large cardboard box wrapped in a ruby red ribbon.
‘It’s heavy,’ she said, handing it to Ruby.
‘It’s from you?’ Ruby asked.
Iris shook her head. ‘We don’t know who it’s from. There’s no label.’
Ruby sat down and placed the box on a side table, carefully untying the ribbon as a small audience gathered round. She lifted the lid and removed wads of scrunched up red tissue paper.
‘Oh my goodness,’ she whispered.
‘What is it?’ I peered over her shoulder. A small wooden grand piano sat in the box.
‘It’s a musical box,’ Ruby said, turning the key underneath it.
Despite it competing with Frank Sinatra crooning about luck being a lady, I immediately recognised the Chopin piece. A flap on the top of the piano opened and a dancer in a long red gown appeared, twirling to the music.
Ruby put her hands to her mouth. ‘I was wearing a dress just like that the night I met Teddy.’
Was he here? I looked around the room but there was nobody unfamiliar there; just residents, staff and a few friends and family members.
‘Do you know who delivered it?’ I asked Iris.
She shook her head.
‘It was a woman,’ said Odette. ‘Late thirt
ies, brunette, nice clothes, posh voice. She asked if I could give it to Ruby, then left.’
Ruby appeared mesmerised, watching the dancer twirling.
‘Teddy?’ I asked.
No answer.
The party continued around us, the residents quickly losing interest in the mysterious musical box. Only Iris, Rhys and I stayed with Ruby as she repeatedly wound it up. After seven or eight listens, she straightened up and looked at me.
‘Callie, darling, would you be an angel and package that up and put it in my room? I don’t want to risk damaging it.’
‘Of course.’
‘And Rhys, would you mind getting me a gin and tonic. Without the tonic.’
‘Yes, Nanna.’
On my way back from Ruby’s accommodation, I checked the entrance but there was nobody loitering outside and no cars parked in the visitors’ spaces. I couldn’t see the large car park at the side, but it was too cold and dark to go exploring. Reception was only staffed until 10 p.m., after which time the building was locked up. Visitors needed to press a bell, which buzzed through to a pager allocated to the team leader on shift.
Returning to the party, I found Ruby still in the same chair, nursing a tumbler of gin, although I was pleased to see that Rhys had added ice which, given the warmth in the room, would hopefully melt quickly and dilute the neat alcohol.
Shortly after 11 p.m., Odette appeared, holding another package, wrapped in brown paper and tied with a ruby red bow again. ‘The same woman dropped it off,’ she said, handing the package to Ruby. ‘I asked her who it was from. I even invited her in, but she just smiled and left.’
Ruby ripped open the packaging and pulled out a wooden picture frame with space to mount three A4-sized images, but the mounts were all empty. She turned the frame over but there was nothing written on or attached to the back.
I picked up the packaging but there was no writing on it and no card.
‘Do you know what it is?’ I asked.
‘It’s a picture frame, darling. I’d have thought that much was obvious.’
Making Wishes at Bay View Page 26
