New beginnings by the su.., p.13
New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs, page 13
‘I feel bad living in such a big empty house when you two have to share everything here.’ Bea could understand why Luke had been so surprised to discover she lived in The Brae alone with all those empty rooms.
‘You can always take her ladyship here to live with you,’ Paul said.
Shani looked at Bea thoughtfully. Bea could tell she was desperate to tell Paul about the offer of moving in. Neither of them wanted to upset him, though. Shani pulled a face at Paul. ‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘I thought you loved flat sharing with me.’
‘I do, but your untidiness drives me nuts. I’ve never met such a messy woman. Did you know, Bea, she sleeps in an old 1930’s bed her grandmother passed down to her, and every time she brings some poor unfortunate bloke home I have to wear ear plugs, it squeaks so much.’
Bea spluttered and nearly spat out her drink. ‘Charming.’
‘Cheers, Paul.’ Shani glared at him. ‘We can’t all be neurotic about keeping everything neat.’
‘A little bit of discretion wouldn’t go amiss,’ he teased. ‘Supper’s ready and waiting.’ Paul handed Shani a glass of sparkling water. ‘Grab a plate and help yourself.’ He indicated various tubs of Thai food.
‘You’re not drinking, Shan?’ Bea frowned. She’d never known Shani to turn down alcohol before. ‘You’re not pregnant, are you?’
Paul and Bea laughed at Shani’s horror-struck expression. ‘No, I’m not. My stomach is a little delicate,’ she said, glaring at them both. ‘Not that it’s any of your business.’
‘All right, calm down.’ Paul handed Bea a plate of food. ‘Get this down your neck.’
‘It smells great,’ Bea murmured, forcing herself not to rush the delicious food.
‘This is so tasty,’ Shani said, her mouth half full. ‘I haven’t eaten anything this good in ages.’
Bea made the most of every mouthful. For someone with a dodgy tummy Shani was certainly bolting down her food. ‘You don’t seem to be off your food,’ Bea said. ‘Only alcohol.’
Shani pursed her lips. ‘My stomach has been a little sensitive, so I’m trying out a sort of detox. It’s something new, and if it works I’ll tell you two about it, okay?.’
‘Fine. No need to get snappy.’ Paul filled his plate with more food. ‘What’s happened recently with you then, Bea? Shani was reminiscing about that day you took her to watch Luke Thornton playing beach polo.’
‘I wasn’t there for that reason,’ Bea argued.
Shani waved her fork in the air. ‘I can’t forget how amazing that polo match was though. Don’t you think it was pretty intense?’
Bea nodded, enjoying the image of Luke galloping across the beach. ‘It was. I’m going to go next year, if they hold it again.’
‘Yes,’ Paul scowled. ‘I still haven’t forgiven you two for not including me. You’re both so selfish sometimes.’
‘Sorry, we won’t forget you next time,’ she promised. ‘Anyway, this year, hasn’t been all fun.’ Bea told them about her visit from Simon and then about Tom.
‘Well, you both know he’s not my cup of tea,’ Paul said, sipping from his glass.
‘Which one?’ Shani asked.
‘Either, both, neither,’ Paul said.
‘Why?’ Bea looked at him. ‘I know Simon is a waste of space, but what’s wrong with Tom?’
‘Nothing I can put my finger on, but I can’t help feeling he isn’t all he seems.’
Bea laughed. ‘That’s ridiculous, there’s nothing suspicious about Tom.’ She didn’t mention she hadn’t been so quick to believe his tales about Luke and the investigation until she saw his proof. ‘He was quite sweet when I last spoke to him. So what’s wrong with him?’
‘Nothing,’ Shani said, cleaning up some food from the floor. ‘Just ignore him, I think Tom was lovely to apologise and be so sympathetic about that creep, Simon. Paul?’
‘Okay, it was the right thing to do, I suppose,’ he grudgingly relented. ‘What the hell is that?’ he asked, hearing the 1812 Overture warble from Bea’s handbag.
‘My new ringtone. It’s Tom,’ she said, turning away from her inquisitive friends. After several minutes she ended the call and dropped her mobile back into her bag.
Paul raised his eyebrows. ‘What did he want?’
‘You’re never going to believe this, but his assistant has been signed off work for three weeks after an appendix operation and he’s booked me to accompany him to New York for five days.’
They looked at her. Paul opened his eyes wide. ‘You’re going on holiday with him? That’s a little unexpected, isn’t it?’
Bea shook her head. ‘It’s for work. He’s always travelling to meet clients. I’ve gone to London once or twice in the last few years, but never further than that.’ She squealed with excitement. ‘I can’t believe I’m going to New York in a couple of weeks.’
‘Lucky cow. I wish I was going away,’ said Shani. ‘The break will do you good though, and you might find you hit it off. If nothing else, you’ll be away from Simon and his bullying for a bit.’
‘Sounds good, I suppose,’ Paul said, refilling their glasses. ‘He must be earning decent money if they send him to the States to visit clients. I hope you get to do some sightseeing.’
‘Me too.’ Bea laughed, picturing visits to the Empire State building and Central Park. ‘I’m so excited, I can’t wait.’
‘You both must be on decent salaries if you work in trust?’ Paul added, interrupting her thoughts. ‘Surely you can afford to take out a smallish mortgage for The Brae to pay for the work that needs doing?’
Bea shook her head. ‘I wish. My job sounds more important than it is. Only directors and senior managers earn good salaries in my line of work. They’re the ones who sign things off. I’d need to pass my professional exams to reach a higher salary and I’ve got too much on to be able to focus on those for the time being.’ She didn’t add that the thought of doing them gave her a headache.
‘Blimey,’ Shani grimaced. ‘I always thought you were way up there with the big money.’
Bea scoffed. ‘I wish that was true, but it’s Simon who earns a decent wage. Which is why, despite what he said in his letter, I know he doesn’t need to be chasing me to pay him back. This trip with Tom will be funded by his client. There’ll be a reason we must hold the meetings in New York, but he’s giving me a great opportunity by taking me.’
She thought of the empty house. ‘Look, I know you’re spending a lot of time at Guy’s flat, Paul, but I was thinking that if you wanted to, you could both move into the house and look after it for me while I’m away.’
Paul and Shani looked at each other and then back at Bea, and without exchanging thoughts on the matter both nodded in agreement. ‘I’d be happy to. Guy works long hours, so when he’s working I can enjoy the house with Shani.’
‘Yes, it suits me,’ Shani agreed looking very happy at the prospect.
‘You go and have a great trip and leave the house to us,’ Paul said. ‘Although by the time you return we may have become so used to living there that we’ll invoke squatter’s rights.’
‘I don’t think we have them here in Jersey, but as long as you take care of the house for me, you can stay as long as you like,’ she said, liking the thought.
‘It’s going to be strange though, surely,’ Shani added. ‘Going away with Tom to New York?’
‘I know, that occurred to me too,’ Bea admitted. ‘I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s only business.’
‘New York?’ Luke knew he sounded idiotic repeating Grant’s words, but he couldn’t help himself. ‘With that jerk?’
Grant shrugged and nodded. ‘That’s what Mel said. Only for a few days, though. I’m sure it means nothing. I think it’s got something to do with work.’
Luke tried to remain calm. He clenched and unclenched a fist.
‘I wouldn’t have told you if I’d thought you’d be this upset. Since when have you been interested in what Bea gets up to, anyhow?’ Grant checked to see Mel was out of earshot. ‘I would have thought you had more than enough going on with Leilani. She looks a bit of a handful.’
Luke could see how ridiculous he must seem to his friend. Time to backtrack, he decided. ‘I’m not interested in what Bea does, or who with. I just need to speak to her about a few jobs that she put off. I can’t very well do that if she’s on the other side of the Atlantic, now can I?’
Grant raised an eyebrow. ‘Really?’
He could tell he hadn’t convinced his friend. ‘The work’s nearly done, and I need to get my men onto another site. Time is money, and all that,’ he added, hoping his friend believed him.
Grant seemed to accept this explanation. ‘Right… of course it is. How’s the court case going with that ex-partner of yours, any news?’
‘Nothing.’ Luke felt the usual knotting in his stomach as the anger towards Chris kicked in. ‘It’s been three years and I’ve explored every avenue trying to recoup my money, but it doesn’t look like I’m going to get anywhere. Serves me right for putting so much trust in him, I guess. I was a fool.’
‘Don’t beat yourself up. We were friends from teenagers, so why would you suspect he’d be capable of embezzlement? Anyway, you can make it again. You’ve certainly got the brains and bloody-minded determination to do it,’ said Grant, patting him on the back. ‘You’re clever, Luke. Making money comes easily to you.’
Luke shook his head. Somehow his unpleasant experience had dampened down his enthusiasm and ambition. Knowing everything could simply vanish overnight took away some of the excitement growing his business had once held for him. ‘It’s the principle that drives me nuts. How could I be such a lousy judge of character?’ He sighed. ‘What the hell was I thinking, to have trusted him with everything like I did?’
‘I know, mate. But you’re just going to have to move on, and the sooner you do it, the better for you it’ll be.’
Luke knew Grant was talking sense, but couldn’t help thinking there was something about Tom Brakespear that reminded him very much of his ex-partner. An underlying slyness he couldn’t ignore. And whether Bea could see through him or not, Luke wasn’t going to let some slimeball hurt her. She was far too special for that, even if her lack of feelings for him continued to sting. He pulled out a nautical map and started marking a route.
‘Is this Leilani’s?’ Grant held up a tiny pair of cut off denim shorts on the galley seat. Luke nodded. ‘You’re a lucky sod. I mean, I love Mel, of course I do, but she’s so bossy I’m a bit nervous she’s going to morph into her mother as soon as we’re married.’
Luke laughed and snatched back the shorts, throwing them into the small cabin Leilani sometimes slept in. ‘She’s always leaving her gear around the place, and before you get any ideas, we’re not sleeping together.’
Grant laughed. ‘Pull the other one.’
‘We’re not.’ Why was it so difficult for people to believe? ‘She’s fun and loves winding people up, but she’s only here for a couple of months for a break before she decides which job offer she accepts.’
Grant shook his head. ‘And you believe that, do you?’
‘Yes. Now, let me check this map or tomorrow you’ll have to get the ferry to St Malo like everyone else.’
13
CROSSING THE POND
‘Helloooo?’ Paul announced his arrival at The Brae on the day Bea was to leave for America. He dragged a massive holdall behind him up the wide oak staircase.
‘Up here,’ Shani called.
‘Why do you never lock that front door?’ Paul asked. ‘Anyone could walk in.’
‘Anyone just did,’ Shani giggled.
‘I’ll pretend I didn’t hear,’ Paul said, amused. ‘I’ve brought everything I should need. Is it safe to come in or will I be traumatised by all your big pants?’ he asked, outside Bea’s bedroom door.
‘Shut up and get in here,’ Shani shouted from inside Bea’s clothes-strewn bedroom. ‘She doesn’t have any big pants, not that I’ve ever seen, anyway.’ Shani lowered her voice. ‘She’s doing well, though it was touch and go for a bit.’
‘You can’t change your mind.’ He squeezed Bea’s shoulder as he checked his reflection in the dressing-table mirror.
Bea shrugged. ‘I know, but I’m a little nervous about going.’
‘You’re okay with Tom, don’t worry about it.’
‘It’s not Tom that bothers me, it’s how I’m going to manage at the meetings.’
‘Stop doubting yourself. You’ll be brilliant.’
‘Yes, I’m being a wimp,’ she said feeling a little better. ‘You do know Guy is more than welcome to stay here, too?’
Paul nodded. ‘Thanks, I’ll tell him.’
‘How’s it going, still blissfully happy?’
‘Parfait.’ He clapped his hands together. ‘He’s wonderful. Not all men are selfish sods, apparently.’
Shani pouted. ‘Only the ones I fall for, or so it seems.’ She turned to Bea. ‘Paul came with me the other night when I went to see Harry at his surgery.’
Paul pulled a face. ‘I take it by that expression,’ Bea said, ‘that it didn’t go down too well.’
‘Nope.’ She shuddered.
‘I think it’s over between them.’ Paul stroked Shani’s arm. ‘Poor love. You do really have the hots for him, too.’
‘I’m so sorry. Maybe he’s just had something on his mind. He’ll probably be fine in a few days.’ Bea hoped she was right. Shani looked so sad and must like him a lot, Bea decided.
‘He’ll have something on his mind if he doesn’t already,’ Shani said, before closing the lid of Bea’s case and zipping it up. ‘There, I told you it’d all fit.’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Bea asked sensing there was more.
Shani shook her head. ‘Nothing. It was just a throwaway comment.’
Bea wasn’t convinced. Shani would tell her if there was anything worrying her, but only when she was ready. She hoped she didn’t take too long about it. She gave Paul a questioning look.
He shrugged. ‘I’ve already asked her and she’s strangely reluctant to confide in me too.’ He turned his attention to Shani. ‘Aren’t you?’
Shani scowled from one to the other. ‘No. I haven’t told you anything because there’s nothing interesting to tell. Can we please stop talking about me?’
‘If you insist.’
Bea was relieved they’d agreed to house sit for her time away. Shani and Paul knew where everything was kept, so there hadn’t been too much to go through with them. At least, Bea thought, Shani would be able to have a trial run living in the house and could make sure she liked it. Then, if she changed her mind, she wouldn’t have to go through the difficulty of breaking the news about moving to Paul.
‘I’m going to be making us healthy meals each day,’ Paul announced, as they finished their baguettes, Camembert and red wine bought from the market earlier in the day. ‘I won’t know myself having an entire kitchen to play in, even if it is a horror from the seventies.’
‘Rude.’ Bea sighed. ‘If I ever get the money to update my kitchen I will, but until then orange Formica will have to do.’
‘Shame. I know your kitchen is ancient, but compared to our two-ringed hovel, it’s almost state-of-the-art. I can’t wait to cook in it. By the way, which rooms do you want us to sleep in?’
‘I’ve made up a bed in the other room overlooking the walled garden and put clean linen on my bed, so it’s up to you two which you prefer. Make yourselves at home and have a great time, just don’t forget to water the plants.’
‘I’m sleeping in your room,’ Paul said. ‘We’re going to have a brilliant time with all this space.’
Paul and Shani grinned at each other with barely suppressed excitement. They looked to Bea like a couple of teenagers being allowed to stay at home for the first time while their parents went away on holiday. ‘You’re welcome to use my car, too,’ she said. ‘It’s old and battered, so I won’t notice a few extra dings.’ Her blue Mazda had seen better days, and was her pride and joy when Simon had bought it for her. Since then it had seen a lot of action, mainly due to her lack of concentration, and had already been treated to a few re-sprays.
‘Shani, please speak to Harry.’
She nodded. ‘I’ll try. I’ve left him a couple of messages at work, but he hasn’t called me back yet.’
‘Well, don’t worry about it.’ Bea patted her arm gently. ‘You can only do your best. If you don’t hear from him, then we’ll think of some other plan after my holiday.’
The doorbell rang and they let Tom in. Bea hugged her two friends as he took her small suitcase. She slung her bag over her shoulder and paused, looking at her friends. ‘Well, here goes,’ she said, walking out the door towards Tom’s car.
‘Go on.’ Shani pushed her out. ‘Make the most of the peace.’
Tom leant over to Bea as she settled herself in the front seat of his BMW. ‘I can’t wait to show you New York.’
Bea didn’t even try to hide her excitement. ‘I can’t wait to get there. Bye, you two,’ she said out of the window, waving frantically, ‘And be careful.’
‘Yes, now bugger off!’ Paul shouted blowing her a kiss.
Bea was determined not to worry about Shani’s problems with Harry during the trip. As the plane descended towards JFK airport, she gazed in awe over the water below. She was relieved she’d slept through the flight and couldn’t wait to visit the places she’d dreamt about for so long.
After a brief panic that Tom had lost his suitcase, they were collected and driven through the busy Manhattan streets, like corridors through the shiny skyscrapers.
Bea had to hold back her excitement as an enormous red fire truck hurtled past them. Seeing firefighters kitted up, serious expressions on their faces, was even more exciting than she’d imagined. She watched in awe as they barely slowed to manoeuvre through the throng of yellow cabs and cars. The loud blast from their horn alerted their presence to any driver that hadn’t already noticed them. Bea thought back to all the movies she’d seen growing up featuring these romantic heroes.
