The Riviera

‘Thank you. It’s very kind of you to let us use it.’

‘Haw, no problem.’ Kelly lowered her voice and passed Lizzie her coffee. ‘It’ll be good for Jack. Hopefully it will distract his mind and little Thierry will give him something different to focus on.’

‘Such a shame it’s too cold for swimming. Thierry’s just taken his first strokes.’

‘Well, there are wet suits, but the community pool will be better suited. It’s close to town.’

Lizzie nodded, placing her hot coffee on the worktop.

Kelly beamed pearly-white teeth. ‘Cal, coffee’s here. Just how you like it, and I’ve made some of your favourite bites. They’re in the fridge, I’ll get them out,’ she told him as he sauntered in.

Lizzie caught Kelly’s eyes fixed on Cal like she was seeking approval.

‘Thanks. Presumably smoked salmon bagels. Will Thierry eat…?’

‘Oh, I’ve made the boys ham and cheese,’ Kelly cut in. ‘So, I’ll be off. Just ring if you need anything. Bye. I’ll go say goodnight to the boys.’ She pecked them both, Lizzie on the cheek and Cal, Lizzie noted, on his lips.

Lizzie clasped her fingers around her coffee mug, gripping it tight. ‘Bye and thanks, Kelly.’ She forced a smile and followed Kelly with her eyes as Cal’s ex unhooked her coat in the hall and dashed through to say goodbye to Jack and Thierry.

She focused her attention back on Cal munching away at the beautifully prepared food.

‘You’d better eat something,’ Cal said with flirty eyes. ‘You’ll be needing the energy.’

Lizzie felt heat race to her cheeks.

‘Ahem, I haven’t gone yet!’ Kelly mused, zipping up her coat. ‘Enjoy your, erm, sleep.’

Chapter 8

‘Alone at last,’ Cal said sliding over and cupping Lizzie’s chin, gently brushing back the warm chestnut hair from one side of her face. ‘Your face gets more and more beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here.’ he pressed his lips to hers. Lizzie immediately caught his familiar breath and melted straight into his kiss.

‘Bye, you lovebirds,’ Kelly called as she dashed out the front door.

‘And,’ Lizzie cleared her throat as she squeezed his waist, ‘Just our two little treasures to wrap up first.’

Cal clutched her tighter. ‘Only if I let you go. God, you not only look gorgeous, you smell even more delicious than a warm apple pie. And that is the best smell in the world.’

‘Do you know, as soon as you grabbed me at the airport, your body scent hit my nostrils. It must be your pheromones. Strong pheromones at that. I don’t think I’m going to be able to control myself, she confessed watching his pupils enlarge. His hunger was evident, making her weaker by the millisecond. This man really was the most desirable being on earth, she thought. How on earth Kelly left him for Reuben, she’d never understand. And she wondered if Kelly did now regret it. When she’d met Reuben a few months ago he looked much older than she imagined. Luckily for her though, Cal was hers and that was all that mattered.

‘Oh dear, two uncontrollable adults. It will be a problem for me too. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off you either this week, if I keep inhaling you Truly Scrumptious!’

‘I remember that name.’

‘Yes, that’s what you should have been called.’

‘And you can be Caractacus Potts. He was handsome, clever and a lovely father to boot.’

‘OK. I won’t disagree with you there. Let’s go and play Mummies and Daddies.’

A snigger shook inside her. Bonkers, the pair of them but she was loving bonkers more and more. It was definitely keeping her tired body awake. Sliding out of his arms, she strolled into the living room almost hurtling over the boys playing cars on the floor.

‘Well, little man, five more minutes and we’ll get you changed for bed,’ she told Thierry. ‘Is it OK to go up and see his room?’

‘Crikey, yes. Come. I’ll show you,’ Cal said.

Cal led her upstairs and into a beautifully furnished twin bedroom. Typically New England or Swedish, Lizzie was never one to distinguish the two styles very well, but the white-painted walls and floorboards rugged out and softly furnished with tasteful neutral bedding and grey-washed picture frames, made the finish quite stunning.

‘Very nice. I hope Reuben and Kelly will let us pay for our stay.’

‘You can offer but I doubt it. We’ll buy Kelly a little something.’

She pulled the curtains on both windows and took away a pile of pillows and cushions, just leaving him one. Yes, Thierry will be quite comfortable she was sure. She opened his bag and pulled out a pair of his pyjamas and a fleecy onesie to keep him snug. With it came out his spare comforter, a shabby-looking, soft-bodied Mickey Mouse.

‘I recognise that,’ Cal said wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and breathing close to her ear. ‘That was with him in his push-chair the very first day I met him in Aix.’ She turned, brushing his lips with her cheek and instantly captured his next breath with hers.

‘Not long now.’ He brushed his fingers gently down her face and then took the toy from her hand and placed it on Thierry’s bed. ‘I’m sure Jack will go to his room as soon as Thierry does. He’s got a new game console I thought may come in handy.’

Lizzie pinched his bum. ‘Always that step ahead, aren’t you?’

When Lizzie woke the following day, she panicked realising where she was and no Cal beside her. Last night’s reunion had been so amazing. It had been worth every mile she’d travelled to see him but she rubbed her eyes and looked around for her phone, she had no idea of the time. The curtains blacked the room out. The phone was still in her bag and as she tapped it awake, her heart lurched. It was gone eleven.

‘Jesus, Thierry.’ She grabbed her clothes from the floor and dashed to his room. Nothing but an empty bed, and the curtains already pulled back. She scrambled into her jeans and top, unable to avoid looking out the window. The view of the sea was fantastic but this was not the time. She ran down the stairs in search of her son.

‘Oh thank God, there you are. Why didn’t someone wake me?’ she said as she raced into the kitchen.

‘Mummy,’ Thierry squealed as she reached the dining table and planted a kiss on his cheek, observing his concentration on one of his puzzles.

‘Good morning, sweet pea. Whoa, so sorry. Mummy woke up very late.’

Cal’s eyes brightened and he stood and greeted her with a quick kiss. ‘Truly, I did call you after I showered up but you must have been exhausted. There was no stirring whatsoever. I kept a check on Thierry until he woke about nine-thirty. He’s been quietly engrossed in the puzzles for the last half hour.’

Smiling sleepily, she then forced her puffy eyes to widen. ‘Thank you. I can’t believe the time.’

Kelly got to her feet. ‘Well, it’s still morning, albeit closer to lunch. What can I get you to eat, honey? I got a turkey club, bacon and avocado, pulled pork and slaw, lobster with mayo or melted butter?’

Lizzie scratched her head. ‘Oh phew, just a coffee for the moment, thanks. In fact, you sit down, I’ll get it.’

‘Nonsense, hon! I’ll get it. I’ll take one in for Jack’s tutor too. You won’t want another coffee yet will you, Cal? I know it’s been playing havoc with your digestion.’

Lizzie shot Cal a frown. Since when, she wondered.

Cal shrugged with a surprised look on his face. ‘As Jack doesn’t have a class tomorrow, shall we tour the island or, we can go to Martha’s Vineyard?’

‘Entirely up to you. It would be nice to have a walk along the beach today. What time does Jack finish?’

‘He’ll finish at twelve and can do his homework when we come back,’ Kelly said.

‘Won’t you be picking Harry and Bea up? We can find our way around, especially as Jack will be with us.’

‘No it’s fine. I doubt a walk out here will take more than a couple of hours.’

Lizzie scratched an invisible mark on her eyelid as she glared at Cal. Alarm mounted on his face.

‘Kelly. I haven’t seen Lizzie for a whole week. Would you mind if we took the boys alone?’

Her hand shot up as her jaw slumped. ‘Yeah, right. Of course,’ Kelly said shooting her eyes in Lizzie’s direction.

The glare of indignation was palpable on Lizzie’s cheeks and sudden guilt almost led her to protest. It was probably best Cal should tell her now otherwise they may not get privacy all week. She could see the hurt in the woman’s eyes however and knew Kelly had made such an effort to make them all feel so welcome and comfortable. Lizzie soon found the perfect distraction. She glided over to the double doors leading out to the deck.

‘The views here are spectacular. Of course, arriving in the dark last night, I wasn’t prepared for all this.’ Her hand reached out in front of her. ‘The ocean on your doorstep and a huge sandy beach, it’s simply gorgeous.’

‘We are so blessed, yes,’ said Kelly slipping up beside her. ‘The surf here is great, and the sand, just so soft on the feet. And you wait until this evening. You will find it hard to beat the sunsets we have here. And I mean here. Right out on deck. It’s pretty romantic.’

‘Oh, I can’t wait. I’m a real sucker for a romantic sunset. Isn’t that right, Cal?’

Cal popped her a glance and a nod as he perched next to Thierry.

‘Well, that’s not all, the harbour and marina are not far away. You’ll enjoy it here, I guarantee it. There’s not too many people around this time of year either, hence the house being available.’

‘Yes, I was saying to Cal last night. I hope you will accept a payment from us, or me at least?’

Kelly flicked her long hair back. ‘Oh, honey, no, I couldn’t. I’m only too pleased that Jack has his father here, and Thierry. It’s an ideal distraction. I’m hoping,’ Kelly leant towards Lizzie hushing her voice, ‘Jack will go to the pool with Thierry. It will be a step forward, well, in respect of, you know, being in a public place with the possibility of bumping into people. It could increase his confidence couldn’t it?’

‘Oh, absolutely,’ Lizzie agreed. ‘I wouldn’t mention it to Thierry unless Jack is comfortable with it though. He’ll not let go once he gets wind of something.’

Kelly twisted her mouth, fixing her eyes on the vast blue of the sky and ocean. ‘Yes, I’m gonna see how Jack gets on in the next few days. Anyway, you must have something to eat before you go for your walk,’ she insisted.

Lizzie smiled as she turned to Cal. ‘Yes. Good thinking. Oh, what was the choice?’

The walk was everything Kelly had promised, glorious. A chilly breeze swept over the sand but it was great to feel the wind in her hair and the sun on her skin. Lizzie removed her shoes and let her feet sink into the soft sand on the shore as the waves bashed away repeatedly and mesmerisingly. Walking hand in hand with a barefoot Cal, his jeans rolled up, was refreshingly liberating, and dead romantic. Lizzie imagined she could almost be on a film set advertising the perfect getaway. And the boys, running and splashing on the edge of the water with their trousers also rolled up, was so endearing to watch. However British it appeared! Jack was obviously adept at keeping his younger siblings amused and was just so relaxed with her son. He had a particular knack for inventing games so Thierry was really chuckling away and having fun.

As Cal lightly squeezed her hand, she sought his eyes, watching his tousled hair rush and tumble in the breeze.

‘It’s beautiful isn’t it?’

‘Fabulous,’ she agreed.

‘I can’t believe we’ve been stuck in Jack’s room all week when we could have enjoyed all this.’

‘Probably not so romantic with Jack, but yes. If he’s come this far, maybe he will venture out more now.’ Lizzie’s twirled her arm around capturing the breeze.

‘Yes, perhaps we’re being over-protective. Oh God, who knows? How are you supposed to know what the best thing is for your child?’ Cal kicked the sand with his bare foot. ‘It’s difficult as hell. Unfortunately, I’ve not been around on a daily basis like a real parent. Mind you, neither has Reuben. I wouldn’t have thought either of us know him as well as Kelly.’

‘You can’t, surely. I’m sure my mum thought she was doing the right thing, but I construed it as overbearing and domineering.’ Lizzie peered round again at the boys. ‘I hope our relationship is much closer so we are more involved in each other’s lives and the children’s. I don’t want to be one of those mothers to just tell my son what he should do, but rather, guide.

‘Mmm. I do wonder if Kelly tries to overpower him. The way he tried to avoid her when I first arrived makes me think he’s clamouring for some peace, or space.’

Lizzie wanted to shout Hell yes that woman is controlling! There were so many similarities to her own mother. Even the last twelve or so hours Lizzie had felt constricted. Kelly was practically running the beach house as a guest house rather than letting it. As much as she appreciated her welcoming them, she didn’t expect her to be here with them all day today and do every activity with them. Then, Lizzie feared she was being a little harsh. It was Kelly’s son who was going through the trauma, and the reason why they were here. Maybe it was just her way of feeling useful in a crisis.

‘I suppose it’s hard to get a balance sometimes, and possibly it depends on the child and the dynamics of the relationship. I don’t think many teenagers talk to their parents about their problems. I know I didn’t,’ Lizzie laughed, ‘as you know.’

‘No. I didn’t share much with my parents, although Mum was, and is, a good listener. She would never have forced me to do anything I wasn’t happy doing.’ Cal flicked a mass of thick tresses from his face.

‘And, I suppose, what’s happened with Jack is extreme. Kelly didn’t have any idea and even if she did, what could she have done different?’

‘We can only do our best.’ Cal took her arm and twisted her round to face him, embracing her, knocking her off balance then, grabbing her waist, found her lips. Lizzie responded like a magnet instantly succumbing to its force. Blood rushed to her loins. It was so good to be wrapped again in his arms and kiss those lips. She truly felt she belonged to him and this blissful state was the crescendo of a long and beautiful symphony she could play time and time again. She and Cal and their little family. Quite possibly making more little additions to their family. She wished she could picture them all in their new home.

As if reading her thoughts as they prised themselves apart, Cal slipped his hand back into hers and said, ‘Maybe one day, when we make that old wreck of a house liveable, Jack can come and live with us.’

She glistened a smile knowing how much that would mean to him. Although, as a mother, she doubted he realised how much Kelly would abhor that idea. She would have to face it though if Jack was making plans. It could be a reality soon. She shuddered at the thought of Thierry leaving her one day.

Chapter 9

By nine thirty the following day, they were at the car ready to leave to tour the island. Jack was holding Thierry’s turtle figure and climbing in as Lizzie secured Thierry in his seat. Cal was loading the back with coats and wellies. Kelly pulled up beside them and, appearing rather more made-up than yesterday, pulled out several grocery bags.

‘Good morning. Have you found the map? It’s behind Reuben’s chair.’

Cal nodded. ‘Yep.’

‘Good. I’ve brought you some fresh bread and milk, and I’ll prepare your dinner. I thought you’d enjoy a homemade chicken and ham pie.’

‘That’s very thoughtful, thank you,’ Cal told her. ‘I’m not sure what time we’ll be back though.’

‘Thank you, Kelly,’ Lizzie echoed.

‘Oh, no problem. You guys have a good day.’ Kelly dropped her bags and walked across to Jack. ‘How’s my boy this morning?’

‘Yes. All good, Mom. See you later then.’

‘Well, give your mom a squeeze.’ Kelly leant in and hugged Jack. ‘I love you, sweetheart. Have fun.’

Lizzie noted Jack shrug awkwardly as his mother shut the car door. Typical sixteen-year-old boy, she grinned to herself.

After a few hours of stopping off at beaches and lighthouses, they made a stop for lunch before heading for the whaling museum. Thierry couldn’t wait to see the giant skeleton of the sperm whale Jack had told him all about.

Whilst Thierry waited for his chicken nuggets and chips Lizzie pulled out some of his other figures from his small Superman rucksack. He began chatting to Jack about his super-heroes as he pulled out a Spider-Man, Superman and The Hulk.

‘They’re running,’ he motioned Superman to Jack.

Jack explained how many of them would run or fly to help people and save them. ‘They’re nice guys like my dad.’

‘Is Cal a super-hero?’ Thierry asked.

‘Yes, he’s my hero,’ Jack laughed.

‘Is my mummy a super-hero?’

‘Yes, she’s your super-hero. Wonder Woman maybe.’

‘Is your mummy Wonder Woman?’

‘No. She’s…’ Jack was suddenly aware that the adult ears and eyes were present. ‘Sometimes.’

‘Does your mummy fly?’

Lizzie started, aware her son was now embarrassing Jack. ‘Tell Jack how many super-heroes you have, Thierry? Count them. Ready, one, two…’

‘Three, four, five and Ironman. Mummy, where’s Ironman?’

‘In the bag, poppet, but look, here comes your lunch.’

After lunch Lizzie took Thierry out to the cloakroom.

Jack turned to his father. ‘He’s a really bright kid. Fun to be around. A shame they’re not staying longer.’

‘Yes,’ Cal smiled. ‘I’m glad you like each other.’

Leaning further in Jack said, ‘I can come to Europe. Dad, I’ll see more of you if I’m in London. I was talking to Robbie yesterday.’

Cal’s eyes narrowed. ‘I think we will have to sit down with your mom and work out a plan. My gut’s telling me it’s too soon for you to go to London.’

‘But Dad, I can stay with Robbie. Well, Robbie goes to LSE in the fall but his dad has already purchased an apartment.’

‘My point exactly. Robbie probably doesn’t even know for sure if he has a place at the LSE. He can’t know that yet. And besides, he’s put all the work in already to get his grades. This is the place we need to start at. Your mom and I will happily sit down with you so you can plan a path that’s right for you. If you’re still planning to be an architect, you’ve got to select the right courses and the best university colleges for you. Not Robbie. The best might be here or somewhere else in the UK.’

‘But I want to go to London. And soon. You know, I can finish the SATs there.’

‘Like I said before, get your SATs completed here and then we can help you decide.’

‘But, I don’t want to stay here… I need you here, Dad. I feel so much stronger with you here, I don’t want you to go. Not now. You’re a proper dad. Pops is rarely…’Jack paused. Thierry suddenly interrupted, rushing up to him holding up the action hero Spider-Man to his face. ‘Can we at least stay at the beach house when they go?’

Cal looked up as Lizzie snatched his heart just simply gliding back into her chair. He had the three people he loved and cared about right here before him, and it all appeared so perfect. What were Jack’s chances of securing his grades if he went to Europe? Jack certainly looked brighter and chirpier than last week but was it really all resting on him? Was he key here in determining his son’s emotive state and future? Was this really what fatherhood was all about? Making sacrifices? How would Lizzie react if he told her his son needed him more than her for at least the next few months? Would she accept it? Although he couldn’t bear the thought of being so far apart from her, Jack would have to take precedence. And he couldn’t expect Lizzie to stay here, May was her busiest month. It was tough on his new venture too, but, he told himself, he could hopefully weather some of that with Jes’s help. This however, would need some delicate handling.

He was ushered back to the table with Lizzie’s hand waving in his eyes. ‘Hello. Are we going to see this whale?’

‘Yes, let’s go,’ Cal said zipping up his jacket. ‘Ready, guys?’

She buttoned up Thierry’s coat and took his hand. Then Thierry snatched it away and ran to Jack.

‘Hold Jack’s hand,’ he said sidling up to him and reaching up his tiny hand.

Lizzie reached for Cal’s. ‘You’ll have to do then.’

Hooking a strong arm around her shoulder, Cal placed a light kiss on her lips ‘It looks like we’re both surplus to his needs with Jack around.’

‘Isn’t it great they get along?’

‘It’s just perfect. I wish we could all be together, permanently.’ He squeezed her.

Cal watched her breath escape and her mouth curl at the ends.

Squeezing his waist, she whispered, ‘Couldn’t you bring him home? A week or so over Easter.’

‘I’ll speak to Kelly.’

As they entered the old candle factory where the Whaling Museum was now housed, Thierry was immediately hooked by the skeletal displays of the gigantic sperm whales. He listened and asked questions as Jack led him round the museum. He was barely aware he was followed by Cal and Lizzie.

‘Oh, I think we may have a problem getting him back on the plane,’ Lizzie sighed.

Cal tightened his grip on her hand. ‘I’m sure he’ll be fine once he knows he’s going to see his gran on the way.’

‘I hope so. He’ll be leaving you and Jack. I hope he doesn’t get too upset. He’s really becoming attached.’ Lizzie twisted her mouth and blew a small sigh. ‘This is one of the reasons I was afraid to get involved with anyone. Oh God, this sounds selfish. I don’t mean it’s anyone’s fault and I know it’s only temporary. I just worry he will get hurt…’

Cal took a deep breath.

‘Lizzie, I’m not going to hurt him or you. I’ll do all I can to get back in a few weeks. I promise. We’ll tell Thierry the truth. That Jack has to stay here for a while with his tutor. He knows the tutor and has met him. I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s sharp. And he must know he’s loved.’

He tried to read her eyes. The green hues were stronger than ever today. She tucked her hair behind her ear which unsettled him. How was he to convince her that he would never mess with their lives?

Returning to the beach house, the aroma of Kelly’s chicken pie wafted under Lizzie’s nose as she climbed out of the car. A delicious homely smell full of love and comfort, yet Kelly playing wife and mother to them all, her man, her child, wasn’t lifting her mood. And she yearned to be alone with Cal.

Kelly appeared at the door, her long hair tied back but, her make-up freshly touched up.

‘Hi, you guys. Did you have a good day?’ she asked heading straight for Jack and holding out her arms, embracing her son. ‘Has this little man worn you out?’ she then said turning her attention to Thierry.

Jack grinned. ‘He’ll tell you all about the whales and the bones, that’s for sure.’

‘Oh, great. Come. I’ll get you all a drink. I hope you’ve all worked up an appetite too. I’ve baked an awesomely large pie. I hope you like it?’

Cal shot a glance at Lizzie. ‘Sounds amazing but we didn’t have lunch until late. A few hours yet perhaps.’

‘It does smell lovely though,’ Lizzie assured her, watching Kelly’s face twitch.

‘I’ll keep it on low for now. I’m sure it won’t spoil,’ she said heading for the kitchen.

Once in the house, Lizzie settled down on the floor at the coffee table with Thierry taking out his pad and pens from his bag. She drew him some whales and fishes which he tried to copy. Cal sat across from them on the sofa resting his socked feet on the footstool, and burrowing his head against a cushion. He winked at her as he watched them both and within minutes, Lizzie smiled as his eyes began to drop. She guessed all the fresh air had tired him out. And he’d had a tiring week.

Thierry then snuggled up to her and, stroking his hair, Lizzie’s eyes sank wearily into a contented slumber.

Just moments later, Kelly breezed in carrying a tray piled with pastries. ‘I thought I’d bake some of your favourites, Cal. I just know you won’t be able to resist one of these bad boys; cinnamon whirls with fresh cream.’