New beginnings by the su.., p.15
New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs, page 15
Bea cocked her head towards the door. ‘He’s talking to you. He knows I’m sweet enough.’
Luke raised his eyebrows. ‘Yes, well, that’s a matter of opinion. Two, please,’ he called, without taking his eyes off her. ‘As you can tell, I’m not very sweet.’
Bea folded her arms, unsure what else to do. ‘That’s a matter of opinion, too.’
‘Teas are on the table,’ shouted Paul from the kitchen, causing the moment to pass.
Luke glanced up, but then went back to work on the pipes. ‘So, how was your holiday?’ he asked, without looking at her.
Bea didn’t like the sudden coolness between them. ‘It wasn’t a holiday. We were there to meet with a couple of clients. But it went well, thanks.’ It wasn’t any of his business what she did with Tom. Not that he probably gave a damn whether there was anything more between them.
‘Coming down?’ she asked, moving closer to the door.
Luke followed her to the kitchen. He sat and Bea leant against the familiar warmth of the Aga.
‘Can I ask what this Jersey Kiss is that I keep hearing you lot chatting about?’
Bea explained. ‘Aunt Annabel left me the house, and something else. Something important enough to mention in her will, but no one – including her lawyer – seems to have a clue what it is. It could be in this room for all I know.’ Bea shrugged, wishing again Aunt Annabel had given her some idea where to start looking.
Luke thought for a moment. ‘Could it be… a painting maybe, or jewellery?’
Paul sighed. ‘You’re as useless as we are.’
Bea laughed. ‘You’re just irritated because you hate mysteries.’ She rubbed her face, careful not to smudge what was left of her makeup. ‘Talking of mysteries, where’s Shani?’ She realised she hadn’t seen her yet. ‘I’m surprised she’s not here to hear all my gossip. She’s alright, isn’t she?’
‘She’s very all right, actually.’ Paul rubbed his hands together gleefully. ‘In fact, at this very moment she’s with Harry at the hospital having a scan.’
‘A scan? Why?’ Bea gasped, horrified to think her friend might be ill.
‘Don’t jump to conclusions. Harry’s the one having the scan. Bad back or something, an old rugby injury.’ He handed Bea a drink, and took a seat opposite Luke at the table. ‘When she didn’t hear from him, she went to the surgery to talk to him.’
‘And did he speak to her properly this time?’ Bea asked, recovering from her shock. Paul nodded. ‘Good. I knew she’d been putting on a brave face about him not contacting her.’
‘Maybe he had his reasons and was caught up with other things,’ Luke suggested.
‘Maybe.’ Bea supposed he could be right.
‘It is a bit odd though,’ Paul said thoughtfully. ‘Harry phoned as soon as he received the note Shani sent, about wanting to talk. After a brief chat he agreed to let her accompany him to the hospital. Although that sounds like an odd place to talk, if you ask me. Most people would go out for a drink, or walk. I think she’s being cagey about him because he’s married.’
‘But why is he acting oddly? She’ll be devastated if he’s been lying to her.’ Bea felt Luke’s gaze on her and wished he wasn’t in the room for this conversation. He didn’t know her friends, and she didn’t want him making assumptions.
Paul rested his chin on his palm. ‘She will. She’s been much happier since taking control of the situation. I have to say, she’s enjoyed all the space here. I think it makes her feel more secure, somehow.’
Bea was tempted to tell Paul about her offer to Shani, but stopped. Shani would want to do that. ‘I can’t wait to see her. When do you expect her back?’
‘Soon.’ He checked his watch and nodded. ‘I just hope everything went well at the hospital. I don’t want her finding anything else to worry about.’
‘Same here.’ Bea rubbed her hands together. ‘It’s even colder here than in New York,’ she said. ‘I’m going to take a day or two to get used to it.’
Shani walked in before Bea could say anything else. She noticed Luke first and smiled. Bea felt a frisson of envy course through her as smiled back. Why didn’t she feel as relaxed with him? Probably because despite her best intentions she could feel herself falling in love with him, that’s why. The realisation shocked her.
‘How did it go?’ Paul asked as Shani dropped her heavy handbag onto the floor.
‘I think this is my cue to leave,’ said Luke, finishing his drink and standing. ‘Loads to be getting on with.’ Bea watched his retreating back and caught Paul watching her.
Shani folded her arms and shrugged. ‘Nothing to tell.’
Bea studied her friend’s face trying to work out why her instincts insisted there was more to Shani’s situation than she was admitting. Then it dawned on her. How could she have been so blind? ‘Shan, that’s not entirely true, is it?’
‘What do you mean?’ Paul looked at Shani suspiciously only for her to ignore him.
‘Are you pregnant?’ Bea whispered. ‘If you’re worried about telling me because of my miscarriage, then please don’t be. I would always be excited for you.’
Shani looked at her but her expression gave nothing away.
‘You’re not, are you?’ Paul asked, looking from Bea to Shani.
Shani shook her head. ‘I don’t know where you two get these ideas from. I’m not pregnant, so stop going on at me.’
Bea wasn’t sure if she believed her or not, but it was hard to tell just by looking at her. Her boobs didn’t seem much bigger, and there was no sign of a baby bump. She glanced at Paul who shrugged. Shani was wearing baggier clothes, but then she often wore loose-fitting outfits. ‘As long as you’re sure you’re okay,’ Bea said eventually. ‘I’d hate to think you couldn’t confide in me.’
‘Bea, I’m fine. You’ve got enough on your plate without imagining problems for me.’
‘She’s right,’ Paul agreed. ‘You do have enough going on, and she looks the same as ever to me.’ He thought for a moment. ‘Something is wrong, though. Is he married? Is that it?’
Shani raised her hands in the air. ‘Yes,’ she shouted. ‘He is married. Happy now?’
‘Of course we’re not happy.’ Bea scowled, annoyed at Shani’s tone. ‘We’re only asking because it’s obvious something is wrong.’
‘Well, now you know.’ Shani looked embarrassed. ‘I know, it’s awful, but I promise you I believed him when he told me he was divorced.’
Paul scowled. ‘The bastard. Will you tell his wife?’
‘Of course not. What do you take me for?’
Paul shrugged. ‘I can’t believe you never said anything. I mean, we live together, and nothing.’
‘I know. I’m sorry. I wasn’t sure how to tell you.’ She turned to Bea. ‘Not after what Simon did. Do you hate me, Bea?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous, of course not. At least you’re not pregnant. That would be lousy. For you, I mean.’
Shani sighed. ‘I’m not, so there’s no need to worry about that.’
‘When did you find out he was married?’ Paul asked.
‘I had my suspicions for a little while but only found out for certain from his business partner yesterday, when I phoned the surgery to arrange a time to meet. They’d had a row. He told me Harry and his wife had been briefly separated. And to make matters worse, he said Harry had done this sort of thing before and one of them had even been careless enough to fall pregnant.’
‘What a creep.’ Paul scowled. ‘Thank God that hasn’t happened to you. I’d have to track him down and kill him.’
‘Stop being so dramatic,’ Bea said. ‘You know exactly where to find him.’ She rested a hand on Shani’s shoulder. ‘Don’t beat yourself up about it; we’re here for you.’
Paul hugged her and Shani began to cry. ‘I’m such an idiot.’
‘Rubbish,’ Bea said, stunned to see her usually tough friend so upset. Shani never cried. ‘He’s a worthless nothing. How were you to know?’ Bea leant across the table and handed Shani a tissue before taking her friend’s hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze. ‘You’re worth ten of him, and don’t you ever forget it.’
Shani pulled her hands away and straightened her top. Bea could tell she was embarrassed and that it was time to change the subject.
‘Paul, how’s Guy?’
‘Still wonderful.’ Paul kissed his fingers. ‘In fact, I believe I’ve met the only other truly perfect man in the entire universe.’
‘Who’s the other one?’ Shani teased, a little colour seeping back into her face.
‘Me, of course. Guy’s perfect, though. He’s kind and generous, and happy to take our relationship as slowly or as quickly as I like. He says he’s happy to be with me and get to know me properly.’ He winked at them. ‘We’re having so much fun going out together.’
‘I think I’m going to cry again,’ Shani sniffed, pulling the used tissue out of her sleeve and blowing her nose.
‘For heaven’s sake, what is wrong with you?’ Paul teased. ‘Are you sure you’re not pregnant? My mum always goes on about how emotional she was when she was expecting me.’
‘What?’ Shani frowned. ‘I told you I’m not, so please stop going on about it, will you?’
‘I only meant… Never mind.’ Paul shrugged.
Bea had had enough of the bickering. ‘I’ve got tons of washing to catch up on,’ she said, thinking about Luke upstairs in her bathroom. ‘And knowing you,’ she pointed to Paul, ‘you’ll need an in-depth chat with Shani about her revelations about Harry.’
‘Yes, and I think you should speak to Luke. We’ve been asking him about Leilani and he insists she’s nothing more than a friend. Maybe you were wrong about her,’ Shani said, grabbing her bag. ‘You’re obviously attracted to the bloke.’
‘Maybe, but I need to sort out this business with the house before I can concentrate on anything – or anyone – else,’ she said.
‘I haven’t told you about Luke interrogating me the other day, have I?’ Shani asked, raising her eyebrows. ‘It was when I phoned him in a panic about the water leak.’ Bea listened silently, wondering what she was about to say. ‘He asked how you were, and when I said you were on holiday in New York he seemed rather surprised. Although, to be honest, I did have a sneaking suspicion he already knew you were away.’
‘Did he ask who I was with?’ Bea felt a familiar knot forming in her stomach.
‘’Fraid so. And by the disappointment in his tone, he wasn’t impressed.’
Maybe he did feel something for her, Bea thought, aware she should be keeping her distance – at least emotionally – from him.
‘The next day, I passed that new coffee shop on the corner of New Street and King Street, and he was having a coffee with that Leilani.’
‘Leilani,’ Bea murmured, her mood flattened, reminding herself that it was probably just as well, then at least she wouldn’t be tempted by him again. ‘Never mind. Anyway, it’s Christmas soon and I think we should chat about what we’re all doing.’
‘I have to spend the day with my parents, as usual,’ Shani groaned. ‘I’ve no idea why, they never seem to enjoy themselves and always end up rowing.’
Paul pursed his lips together. ‘I know we were planning on sharing a turkey à deux here, Bea, but Guy has asked if I’ll meet him at his flat after he’s finished at the restaurant. He insisted you must come too, so no arguments.’
Bea shook her head. ‘I’m not going to interrupt your first Christmas together. I’ll be fine here.’
Paul scowled. ‘No chance. It’ll be your first Christmas alone and without Annabel, I’m not having you feeling sorry for yourself here.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ she insisted. ‘Anyway, Dad’s asked me to join them this year.’
Shani swung round from the doorway. ‘And you said yes?’
‘I did,’ Bea lied, laughing at the disbelief on her friends’ faces. ‘The wedding’s coming up and I thought I should try my best to build some bridges before the big day.’
‘Rather you than me having to put up with Joyce for an entire day.’ Shani laughed. ‘She hates you.’
Bea laughed. ‘I know, which makes it more fun that Dad invited me, don’t you think?’ Seeing she’d convinced them, Bea watched them leave, heads together as they chatted about their Christmas plans. By the time they discovered the truth, she’d have spent a quiet but peaceful day alone with a bottle of champagne and having watched several films on TV.
After they’d left, Bea went to speak to Luke. He didn’t seem to notice her arrival and Bea made the most of watching him work. Bent over the pipes, she could see the muscles in his back through his T-shirt.
Luke turned and caught her appreciative stare. ‘What’s so amusing?’ he asked, pulling his jeans up a bit. ‘Were you laughing at my backside?’
‘Hardly laughing,’ she said, aching to cross the room and kiss him. ‘And anyway it wasn’t your back I was looking at.’ She cleared her throat. ‘I was wondering if you wanted a drink?’
‘I’m fine, thanks. Nearly done for today.’ He sat back on the heels of his plaster-splattered boots. ‘I was wondering if you’d like to come for dinner on my boat some time?’
Taken aback by the unexpected question, Bea raised her eyebrows in surprise. ‘Yes,’ she said, without thinking. ‘I’d like that.’ Then, remembering what Shani had said about Leilani, shook her head. ‘But I’d better not.’
‘Why?’ He stood up and studied her face, his intense gaze and closeness making her wish she could change her mind.
‘Because you have a girlfriend and I’m not going to be anyone’s second choice.’
‘You really can’t find it in yourself to trust me, can you?’ he said his smile vanishing. He turned his back on her to continue with his work. ‘When you finally realise I’m not the guy you seem so desperate to presume I am, I hope it’s not too late.’
15
JANUARY – ICY BREEZES
Bea was walking along Grève de Lecq beach with Paul and Shani. They wanted to stay occupied and keep Shani from dwelling on her situation with Harry. Bea’s phone rang.
She struggled to retrieve it from her jeans pocket. ‘Hi, Mel, how are you?’
‘Fine, but I can hardly hear you; it’s a terrible line.’ She sounded put out that Bea wasn’t available for her usual lengthy chat whenever Mel called.
‘It must be the wind. I’m on the beach.’
‘Huh, rather you than me. Anyway, I phoned to ask if you had bought the tickets for us to have a table at the charity ball this weekend?’
‘Charity ball?’ Bea turned her back to the wind in a vain attempt to muffle the noise.
‘Yes, for Burns Night, the one with the black-and-white only dress code.’
‘Oh, yes,’ Bea remembered, thinking she needed something to wear. ‘The tickets arrived in the post while I was away.’
‘Great. I don’t suppose you’ve managed to find the time to shop for your outfit yet?’
‘You presumed right.’ She pulled the collar on her jacket up higher to shield the phone from some of the wind.
‘Then we must arrange to go shopping to get ourselves sorted,’ continued Mel. ‘And Shani, she needs to find something a little less, um, obvious.’
‘Mel, don’t be rude.’ Bea wondered why her sister felt the need to put people down like she did.
‘What was that all about?’ Paul asked, pacing along beside her, pedometer attached to his jeans.
‘Only Mel,’ she puffed, doing her best to keep up with him. ‘About Burns Night. We bought tickets, remember?’
Shani and Paul looked at each other vacantly for a moment. ‘Never mind the ball, we still can’t forgive you for lying to us about spending Christmas with your parents,’ Shani said. ‘Mel told us you hadn’t gone, so you must have spent the day on your own. I was horrified to think of you alone in that big house.’
Bea wasn’t surprised Mel had told them; she never could keep out of other people’s business. She wrinkled her nose. ‘I know, I’m sorry about keeping it from you, but I quite enjoyed not having to bother sitting around a dining table.’
Shani put her arm around Bea’s shoulder and gave her a brief hug. ‘You’re impossible, but we love you anyway.’
‘I forgive you… sort of. Right, about the ball.’ Paul waved Bea on, encouraging her to keep up the pace. She stuck her tongue out at him. ‘You could look a little more excited.’
Shani groaned. ‘I don’t have anything to wear.’
‘Which is why I gave in to Mel when she insisted we go shopping tomorrow afternoon. We’ll find you something incredible.’ Bea stopped, bending over to catch her breath her hands on her knees.
‘Sounds okay, but I’ll decide what I wear, not Mel.’ Shani drew level with Bea and crossed her arms over her stomach.
‘Come along you two, we’re supposed to be jogging and getting you fit.’
‘Stop nagging, Paul.’ Bea pulled a face at him. ‘You know I hate jogging.’ She turned to Shani. ‘I can’t really afford to buy something for this ball either, but I haven’t much choice. I wish I hadn’t agreed to go now. I hate the thought of spending money I don’t have buying something I’ll probably only wear once.’
‘Me too.’ Shani stretched her calf muscles.
Paul rolled his eyes. ‘For pity’s sake. Anyone would think the pair of you are ancient, the way you act sometimes. I know you have a lot of responsibility resting on your bony shoulders, little Bea, but you have to lighten up and think “sod the rest of the world” and have some fun.’
‘I think I’ve had my quota of fun for the foreseeable future,’ Shani grimaced.
‘Well, I haven’t,’ he shouted.
‘I agree with Paul,’ Bea said, liking his attitude. ‘I think we should treat ourselves. We haven’t done so for ages and it is for a worthy cause.’
‘Weren’t we lucky finding this closing down sale,’ Bea whispered, nodding at Shani’s reflection in the mirror when she emerged from the changing room wearing a white, empire-styled dress with a tiny black satin ribbon running under her bust. ‘Your boobs seem bigger than they did before.’
