Mum gasped and I could tell from the expression on her face and the tears in her eyes that she loved the idea but didn’t want to say anything until Nick had reacted.
Nick looked a little shell-shocked. Swallowing hard, he nodded. ‘I’d love to. Thank you. I—’ But he was obviously too choked up to say anything else because he grabbed me and gave me the biggest bear hug ever.
‘That’s such a lovely idea,’ Mum said, mopping her eyes with a tissue. ‘Your dad would be so proud of you both right now. And I know he’ll be there in spirit on the big day itself, looking down on you, wishing he could be there for real.’
I lost it at that point and the three of us stood by the graves, hugging and crying.
51
Nick dropped me off at Izzy’s shortly before three. Rhys must have been watching for me out the window because he opened the door before I’d had a chance to raise my hand to knock. One look at the anxiety creases across his forehead sent my stomach into spin cycle.
‘What’s happened? Is it Megan? Izzy?’
‘No. They’re fine. They’re both asleep at the moment.’ He shook his head. ‘Mum phoned earlier. She’s coming across with Dad and they want us to meet them at The Ramparts Hotel for afternoon tea.’
‘When?’
‘Today at four.’
My shoulders slumped. ‘Seriously? Today? And at The Ramparts? Please tell me this is a wind-up.’
‘I wish it was.’
The Ramparts Hotel was Whitsborough Bay’s only five-star hotel; a grand building dating back to the Victorian era. I’d actually never been inside, but I knew it was posh. What was it with Ed and his need to splash the cash? What was wrong with a pint and a packet of crisps in The Old Theatre? And what was wrong with a bit of notice?
‘I don’t suppose that get-out-of-jail-free card is still available?’ I asked.
Rhys put his arms round me, pulled me to his chest, and kissed the top of my head. ‘I wish we both had one.’ He pulled away and looked at me. ‘Mum says he’s promised to be on his best behaviour. They want to celebrate our engagement, apparently.’
I curled my lip up. ‘I don’t imagine your dad is particularly eager to welcome me into the family.’
‘But Mum is, and hers is the only opinion I’m interested in.’
‘I’m going to have to change, aren’t I?’
‘Why? You look gorgeous.’ He stepped back to take in my outfit. ‘Oh.’
‘Exactly. I was wearing this at Sidney’s and it’s the sort of thing your dad would make a snide comment about. I’ve got nothing else posh, though.’
‘What about the dress you wore for the wedding?’
‘It hasn’t been washed. Although… well, I didn’t slop down it, which is a miracle for me. Maybe…’ I’d hung the pale pink dress up on the outside of my wardrobe after the wedding as a reminder to check washing instructions in case it was dry clean only. It wasn’t ideal but I could probably get away with spritzing it with perfume and wearing it again. It was that or leggings and a T-shirt. ‘We’d better get back to the flat so I can change, then. Don’t want to upset your dad by being late for the third time in a row.’
‘Oh my God,’ I whispered, clutching Rhys’s hand tightly as we crossed the hotel lobby. ‘It’s posher than I imagined.’ I was very aware of my heels clicking on the marble flooring as we navigated our way round a plinth in the middle of the lobby, on top of which rested an enormous vase filled with a stunning array of flowers and foliage. A sparkling chandelier dangled high above it, the many glass droplets catching the colours from the flowers and projecting them onto the walls and floor.
A suited man in his fifties approached us and directed us through the bar to where we’d find The Orangery where we could ‘take afternoon tea’. I wanted to ask, ‘Take it where?’ but I wasn’t sure he’d appreciate the joke.
The Orangery was beautiful. A large Victorian conservatory, it had a cream and grey patterned tile floor, round tables with large white wicker chairs, and planters with realistic-looking fake trees adding some colour. White fairy lights twinkled in the trees and around various pillars and there was a Christmas tree in one corner, decorated with a simple silver, blue and white colour scheme. A large black grand piano stood on a small stage to our right and a woman in a black cocktail dress was providing the music. I didn’t know what it was called, but I recognised the song she was playing from the film Casablanca.
The restaurant was about two-thirds full but there was no sign of Jenny or Ed. I glanced at my watch: 3.55 p.m. For once, we were early.
‘Table booked in the name of Edward Michaels,’ Rhys said to the maître d’.
‘Very good, sir. If you would like to accompany me…’
Rhys and I followed him to the left where he indicated for us to sit at a table for six.
‘Is this right?’ Rhys asked. ‘I thought it was a booking for four.’
‘It says six, sir, but not to worry if that’s our error.’
He pulled my chair out for me before passing us each a small leather-bound menu. ‘The afternoon tea is a set menu, but we can make substitutions or accommodate any dietary requirements as explained here. There is champagne and tea coming as part of the meal, but would you like to order a drink while you’re waiting for the rest of your party?’
‘Could I have a glass of tap water, please?’ I asked.
‘Of course. And for sir?’
‘I’m fine, thanks.’
The maître d’ smiled. ‘I’ll bring a jug of water in case you change your mind.’
When he’d gone, I nudged Rhys. ‘Do you think someone else is coming?’
He shrugged. ‘Mum didn’t say, but they could be bringing Debbie and her boyfriend, although it’s been on-off for the past few months and I thought Mum said they’d split up for good a few weeks back. Who knows.’
A young woman appeared with a jug of water and poured me a glass. I sipped on it as I studied the menu. It all sounded delicious. I hadn’t thought I’d be hungry after a big lunch with Mum and Nick, but my stomach had already started rumbling at the sight of the three-tiered cake stands bursting with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
‘They’re late,’ I said, putting my menu down later. I sat back in my chair, listening to the piano music. The pianist obviously favoured music from the movies because I recognised the current piece as the theme tune from Titanic.
Rhys looked at his watch. ‘Ten minutes. That’s not like my dad.’
Moments later, Jenny appeared, full of apologies. ‘The car park was full, so your dad had to drop us off and go and find a space.’
‘Us?’ Rhys asked.
Jenny grimaced. ‘Did I say “us”? Ooh, I’m so bad with secrets. Debbie’s here, but you must promise to make out as though you’re surprised. She’s nipped to the ladies.’ She popped her bag down on the table. ‘Anyway, Happy New Year to you both and welcome to the family, darling girl. Let me see…’
I held out my left hand and she gently took it, moving it slightly so that the diamond could catch the light. ‘Absolutely beautiful. I’m so thrilled for you both.’ She gave me a hug, then moved round the table to hug Rhys. ‘I need to hear all about the wedding plans, but we’d better wait until your father and Debbie are here, or I’ll be in trouble for knowing more than they do.’ She sat down beside Rhys.
‘Who’s the other chair for, Mum?’ he asked.
There was no opportunity to answer because a tall, slim woman with curly dark hair rushed up to the table. ‘Am I going to finally meet the woman who’s stolen my baby brother’s heart?’
I stood up and she grabbed me in a bear hug. ‘I promise I am his sister and not some random serial-hugger.’
Debbie hugged Rhys, then I had to show her my ring too. ‘Exquisite,’ she said. ‘And you chose this?’ She raised her eyebrows at Rhys.
‘Oi. I have great taste, you know.’
Debbie laughed. ‘Really? Has he ever told you about his double-denim phase, Callie?
Or when he bleached the ends of his hair blond?’
‘Debs!’ Rhys cried.
‘Is this true?’ I asked.
Jenny nodded. ‘There was a boy band phase too. He took guitar lessons and tried to spike his hair.’
Rhys hung his head in shame. ‘I knew it would be dangerous to get you three in the same room.’
‘Is there photographic evidence?’ I asked.
Jenny and Debbie both nodded enthusiastically.
‘Oh my goodness, I cannot wait to see that.’
I know it was evil of me, but I was pleased that Ed hadn’t been able to find a parking space. It was adorable watching the warmth between Rhys, Debbie and their mum. Rhys didn’t tend to talk about Debbie and I assumed their relationship was strained because she was ‘the favourite’ but I realised now that they had a great relationship and the reason he didn’t talk about her was probably down to him not seeing that much of her. Between his work, lifeguarding, Megan and me, he didn’t have the time to visit. We’d have to rectify that.
‘I apologise for my tardiness,’ Ed said, silencing the giggles and stifling the mood. ‘I should have planned better.’
‘Dad.’ Rhys nodded at him.
‘Son.’ Ed nodded back. So much warmth. Would it have killed Ed to smile or wish Rhys all the best for the New Year?
That spin cycle started in my stomach again as he looked towards me. ‘Happy New Year, Callie.’
‘Thank you. And to you.’ I shuffled in my chair. Should I get up and shake his hand? Kiss him on the cheek? Give him a hug? Rhys hadn’t stood up, though, and I was happy to take my cue from him. Thankfully Ed sat down and signalled to the maître d’ who appeared with an ice bucket on a stand and poured us each a glass of champagne. I caught Rhys’s eye and we both looked at the spare chair, but neither of us asked.
‘A toast,’ Ed said, raising his glass. We all followed suit and raised ours. ‘We have three things to celebrate today. Firstly, to the New Year.’
We all copied the toast and took a sip. Ooh. Very nice.
‘To Rhys and Callie’s engagement,’ Ed said, looking from Rhys to me and back to Rhys with perhaps a shadow of a smile on his face. It was better than a frown, though. ‘Welcome to the family, Callie.’
Again, we echoed the toast and sipped.
‘And, finally, a toast to another new member of the family.’ Ed raised his glass and actually smiled this time. ‘To my biological mother, Ruby.’
What? Rhys and I turned round as Ruby, a vision in a long red twenties-style gown, approached the table. ‘Surprise!’
She wasn’t wrong. How? When?
Jenny reached across the table and squeezed my hand. ‘I told you your words would have an impact.’ Her voice cracked as she added, ‘You made this happen.’
52
I felt as though I was having an out of body experience. Was that really me at a table in a posh hotel with Rhys’s family… including Ruby? Any moment, I expected an alarm to go off and for me to wake up from a dream.
Over afternoon tea, the story gradually emerged. As Jenny had predicted, my words from our disastrous meal in Sidney’s had hit home and Ed had spent the period between Christmas and New Year reflecting on what he wanted life after retirement to look like for him. The pair of them had been out for a meal with two couples they knew, both of whom were older and had been retired for several years. They’d talked about finding new hobbies and spending time with grandchildren, children, and elderly parents. Ed had been very quiet on the way home as he’d considered his small but growing family and how he’d always pushed Rhys away, had done nothing to make me feel welcome, and how that could affect his relationship with any future grandchildren. And of course, he’d always refused to entertain the idea of meeting Ruby. He began questioning how he’d feel if anything happened to her and whether he’d be filled with regrets at not getting to know her.
‘Can I ask a question?’ I asked, waiting for Ed to nod before I continued. ‘Why did you refuse to see her?’
Rhys squeezed my knee as though to say ‘too blunt’ but I wanted to know. Jenny had alluded to an incident at school and the need to control things, but it hadn’t explained it.
‘It’s all right, darling,’ Ruby said. ‘I’m sure Edward has his reasons and we need to respect them.’
‘I’d quite like to know too,’ Debbie said, helping herself to another scone.
Jenny placed her hand over Ed’s. ‘You don’t have to… Or I can say it if you want.’
Ed looked round the table then dabbed his mouth with his crisp white napkin and laid it across his plate. ‘Fair enough. I’ll give the explanation once, after which I don’t want to discuss it ever again.’ He straightened his shoulders and sat up taller as though trying to find the strength to share a painful memory. ‘Every adopted child reacts to the news that they’ve been adopted in a different way. Some are hurt that they’ve been given up, others don’t care, and others know it was for the best. I was one of the hurt ones, but not because Ruby had given me away. I’m not ignorant. I know it can’t be an easy choice and that the mother usually thinks they’re doing what’s best for the child. In my case, being adopted might have been the best thing for me, but the couple who adopted me were not the best thing for me.’
Ruby’s hand fluttered to her mouth. ‘Oh, Edward. They were researched carefully. I was assured they were a good family.’
‘I’m sure you did and I’m sure they were at the time. My adoptive parents were unable to have children of their own so, for them, I was a miracle. Initially. Unfortunately, I wasn’t an easy baby and had several medical problems. None of them have had a long-term effect but my younger years were plagued with lack of sleep, difficulty in eating, and frequent trips to the hospital. I think the fantasy of parenthood versus the reality was a shock and it caused no end of arguments. I don’t have a single childhood memory that doesn’t involve them yelling at each other or at me.’
‘Oh, Edward,’ Ruby said. ‘I’m so sorry.’ I was at the opposite side of the table so I couldn’t give her any comfort but I watched Debbie take Ruby’s hand in hers.
‘My adoptive mother’s favourite phrase was, “I wish we hadn’t adopted you,” which was nice. My adoptive father’s approach was to tell me that nothing I ever did was good enough. If I got less than an A, I hadn’t tried hard enough. If I got an A, the assignment or exam had been “too easy”. I couldn’t win.’
I dared to glance at Rhys and could tell by his slightly raised eyebrows that this was how Ed had treated Rhys. I wondered if Ed even registered the irony of that.
‘I learned to keep my head down, work hard, and try not to give them ammunition. When I was fourteen, I invited my two best friends round to work on a geography project. Mother didn’t like me having friends round, but she was meant to be at a friend’s house until early evening so I thought I was safe. Unfortunately, she had an argument with the friend and returned early to find three spotty teenagers creating a model of a volcano in the middle of her dining room table, with glue and paint everywhere.’ Ed paused and took a glug from his champagne, then glanced at Ruby. ‘This next part is going to hurt. I can stop now if you want.’
She shook her head. ‘I had no idea. Please continue. I might as well know the full truth.’
Ed took another glug of champagne. ‘Mother went ballistic, shouting and screaming at me. The usual, “I wish we hadn’t adopted you,” line came out followed by…’ He paused again, looking at Ruby, but she nodded encouragingly. ‘Followed by, “should have left you with your junkie whore of a mother”. Sorry, Ruby. My mother destroyed our geography project, my friends ran off, and they told everyone at school that I was adopted because my real mother was… Well, you get the picture. School was hell after that. I never forgave my so-called friends and I never forgave Ruby.’ He necked the rest of his drink and looked round the table. ‘You asked.’
Wow! I tried to imagine what childhood must have been like for Ed. No wonder he’d turned
out the way he had with adoptive parents like that and friends who’d betrayed him so badly.
‘I’d never have let them have you if I’d known,’ Ruby said, her hands twisting her pearls. ‘I could not be sorrier.’
Ed nodded. ‘You understand why it’s been hard to make contact?’
‘Goodness, yes. Oh, darling. I’d give anything to go back and change what happened to you.’
I held my breath while they stared at each other, Ruby’s face etched with regret, Ed’s with bitterness. Then he smiled. ‘Yes, I do believe you would.’ He raised his glass again. ‘To fresh starts.’
‘To fresh starts.’
Ed signalled to the waiter to bring more champagne and I looked across at Jenny, concerned about their drive home. She mouthed, ‘We’re staying here’ to me. Phew!
‘So what did you get for Christmas, Ruby?’ Debbie asked.
‘Oh, I was spoilt, darling,’ Ruby said after a moment. ‘Rhys and Callie bought me this most delightful teddy bear with a musical box in his tummy…’
The tension on the table lifted as Ruby described the teddy and everyone else chipped in with tales of their Christmas gifts before moving on to how they’d celebrated New Year’s Eve. All the while, Ed steadily necked champagne.
Jenny saw me raising my eyebrows as he topped up his glass for the third time since finishing the sorry story of his childhood. ‘Excuse me. I must go and powder my nose.’ She looked pointedly at me.
‘Me too,’ I said, following her to the bathroom.
She checked nobody was in the cubicles before turning to me.
‘You know Ruby well. How will she have taken Ed’s story?’
‘She’s very resilient, but it will have upset her a lot. She’d rather know, though. She’ll feel guilty about his bad childhood and blame herself for that, even though she couldn’t have done more to make sure he was going to a loving home. But I think she’ll look at the silver lining, which is that there’s a very good reason why he never made contact. And, if I know Ruby, she’ll spend the rest of her life making it up to Ed if he’ll let her. Do you think he’ll let her?’
Making Wishes at Bay View Page 28
