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‘My baby, Mummy’s back and safe. We’re together.’ She smothered the little girl’s flaxen hair and bewildered face with kisses. ‘I’m so glad to see you.’
Suzanne closed the door and rushed up behind her. ‘Whoa, what happened to you?’
Evie got to her feet, cradling Charlotte. ‘So sorry Suz. I am just crazy right now. Crazy with love for this little lady. I’m so lucky. I will explain once I get to grips with the fact that I am still here, with my daughter.’
Suzanne stood rubbing her shoulder and looking confused at her friend’s extreme animated behaviour. ‘I’ll make you a drink,’
‘You’re a sweetie. Thank you.’
‘I’m mystified.’ Suzanne blazed a quizzical frown and marched off.
Evie kissed Charlotte’s hair again and watched her friend. The only person she’d got to know since moving into Seb’s villa over two years ago was the diminutive titian-haired neighbour. They’d met when Charlotte began walking at eleven months. Suzanne and her husband Bram were Dutch. They lived in a sweet little cottage, next door but one, and they’d been converting the run-down cottage adjoining them to rent out. Bram, a local chiropractor, had often swapped his work-whites for old jeans in his spare time whilst Suzanne spent most of her Fridays and weekends cleaning holiday lets close by. Only married for two years, and not having children of her own, Suzanne took great pleasure in having Charlotte around; even looking after her once or twice. Evie was quite proud and didn’t like to put on her. Not that she ever had anywhere to go, alone. And, as Charlotte and Suzanne adored one another, she preferred it when they could all spend time together. She enjoyed having someone to talk to, particularly an adult. It was hard to admit, but her relationship with Seb wasn’t turning out to be all she’d dreamed, and when he’d texted this morning, once again letting her down, Suzanne intuitively rushed over, hearing her shriek. It was Suzanne who had insisted she go out for some fresh air this morning after seeing her upset.
Once Evie’s exhilaration subsided, she wiped tearful eyes and sat down with Charlotte on her lap. Suzanne brought her a tall glass filled with homemade lemon and ice and sat beside her, listening as Evie recounted the drama.
‘Oh my dear, now I understand,’ Suzanne reached out and embraced her. ‘You must have been so frightened.’
‘Yes. It really shook me up. Thank God I didn’t have Charlotte on the back of the bike. It was lucky for us you insisted Charlotte stay here. I was so angry with Seb. You must have suspected how upset I was.’ Evie pinched her nose with embarrassment.
Sitting back and taking Evie’s hand, Suzanne looked concerned. ‘I could hear he had got to you.’
Charlotte pointed to the floor. ‘Baby.’
Suzanne crouched to the floor, picked up Charlotte’s dolly from the floor and placed it in her hands. A gleeful chuckle spread across the little girl’s face as she squeezed it to her chest.
‘You hide it so well, Evie. I’m so glad I’ve never met your partner. I don’t think we could ever be friends. He is so inconsiderate leaving you so long alone.’
Evie sighed, rolling eyes at herself for displaying her disappointment to Suzanne earlier. Suzanne was her friend, the last thing she needed was her to become involved in her and Seb’s relationship. If she discovered who Seb was, Suzanne could be tempted to go to the press. That side of their relationship had never been put to the test.
Back home, Evie lowered Charlotte gently down in her cot for her nap and swiped a warm kiss on her daughter’s pink cheek. She covered her with a light cotton sheet then, yawning, opened a window to let in the breeze and slumped into what she affectionately named the nursing chair. She slid her legs onto the footstall. It always reminded her of an old person’s chair, high-backed with wings but comfy nonetheless. Intent on just watching her infant, within seconds her eyes drooped. The cage – as she’d aptly named the house, even before Seb installed metal bars at the numerous blue-shuttered windows – for once felt refreshingly welcome, although it still never felt like home. It lacked that family vibe. In the early days here, Evie had imagined they would be more like a family by now, spending more time together, but it became less. She’d also hoped that her family would have accepted Seb by now, but that divide was wide enough to require a suspension bridge to cross it. She rarely imagined this beautiful villa as a refuge, but after today’s events she felt overwhelmingly grateful to be here safe, and with Charlotte out of danger. But then fear whipped its tail in her face. What if she had been killed, who would look after Charlotte?
Seb was the natural candidate but often so far from home. She decided she would have to discuss an emergency strategy with him and ensure somebody had Seb’s contact details. Seb led a parallel existence touring the world, singing and partying, it was likely he would probably hire some inadequate nanny. She shivered at the idea. But who else? Even if she hadn’t been killed, she could have been seriously injured, which could mean Seb would leave her with a nurse. She wondered if he would even bother to contact her family. Apart from a highly stressful visit on Charlotte’s first birthday, her parents and sister had all but disowned her because they found him vile. Maybe they had been right about Seb all along. Maybe he was just keeping her sweet. No, Seb did care. He was just busy. Vulnerability crawled into her skin. She would have to have some sort of emergency strategy, just in case. Maybe Suzanne was best placed to deal with any emergencies close to home.
Chapter 3 (#ulink_9cf7d179-49c3-5a91-9f2b-98fbd370ef07)
Evie must have dozed off because the next thing she knew she was being woken by her phone buzzing. She reached for her rucksack, snatched her phone from the pocket and dashed to the landing expecting it to be Seb, ringing up and apologising for this morning. She pressed the button and made her way down the stairs.
‘Hello,’ she said in a cheerless tone.’
‘Evie, how are you, and Charlotte?’ Cally’s voice blasted into her ear.
Mirroring the upbeat sound, she said. ‘Erm, very well, thank you. This is a surprise Cally. Unusual to hear from my big sister.’ Evie couldn’t believe the lively pitch of her own voice. Cally and she weren’t at all close. Quite the opposite in fact. There must be something wrong, she concluded. Something has happened to make her call.
‘That’s so lovely to hear. I’ve been meaning to call you for about a month,’ her sister continued. ‘It’s been chaotic. I wondered if you’d mind me coming over to see you both. And of course, it’s Charlotte’s second birthday next week.’
Evie felt her heart swell. At least she remembered. ‘Well,’ she coughed, still swallowing the surprise, ‘we haven’t seen you for such a long time. Yes. It would be nice to see you again.’
Cally took a paused breath. ‘Are you sure? Only I know I’ve been a bit harsh on you.’
A tinge of suspicion rose in Evie’s chest. She licked her lips. ‘Cally, nothing’s changed but I’d like to think we’ve both grown into adults who are capable of respecting how we each lead our lives. If you are just coming to judge and labour my past decisions, then don’t bother. I don’t want you here just to…’
‘Evie, I thought we could try to get along, even be friends. And, yes, I do have my reasons, I have to confess; I am worried about Mum’s health.’
‘They’re ok though, aren’t they? Mum and Dad?’
‘To be honest, Mum sounded pretty bad on the phone last night and it shook me a bit.’
‘Her asthma you mean?’
‘Exactly. I thought the whole idea of living in Florida was to improve her asthma but maybe she had a cold or something, she was rasping heavily.’
Evie felt the lump rise in her throat. ‘Oh God, she’s not going to die is she?’
‘No. Well, I hope not. I did get a bit scared. And, it sounds selfish considering I haven’t been the best sister, but I felt in need of support.’
Holding her head, Evie was tempted to blurt out that, like their parents, Cally had never offered her support since Evie had been in France… but she held her tongue. ‘No. You are right to ring me. I should ring them, and share the responsibility.’
‘Well, I’ve been going through some… let’s just say I’ve been thinking about us a lot lately, and I really feel we need to patch things up. I’ve come to realise life is too short and I need to make some changes. If you’ll let me?’
Evie’s chin jutted towards the ceiling. This was so out of the blue. Her sister had all but disowned her in the past, when she had virtually begged her for help when she was pregnant. Cally had sided with their parents, in the same vein, denying her even an ounce of support or understanding. ‘Perhaps we should both try to make amends. That is if you can overcome being ashamed of me.’
‘I’ve never been ashamed of you, Evie. Jesus, I didn’t know you thought that. No, like Mum and Dad, I thought you made some bad choices. One very bad one, but you and Seb have obviously proved us wrong. I regret saying that now though and… well, I really miss my family. And I promise I will be polite to Seb.’
A silence sliced the air as Evie collected her thoughts and wiped her cheek.
‘Well let’s not run up your phone bill – yes, come. I’ll bake a lovely cake. Charlotte would love it too. She may not remember you but she loves company. We will look forward to you coming.’
Cally sniffed a few times and replied. ‘Thank you Evie. I’m sorry it’s been so long and, I know, it’s tragic. She’ll forget she has an auntie. I’m so sorry, I’ve been so busy.’
‘Oh, don’t, it’s ok. I presume you’re still clubbing in Majorca?’
‘DJ’ing, yes. God, I’m so tired all the time but I’m taking a few days off so, if that’s ok, I’ll come next Tuesday about lunchtime, then stay till’ Thursday morning. Will Seb mind?’
‘He’s away but I’ll look forward to it. See you Tuesday.’
‘Ok. I’ve got the flights in front of me and I’m booking them now. See you next week.’
Her hands shaking, Evie pressed the finish button and stared down at the device, her heart confused but at the same time brimming with tenderness. Her sister cared enough to call and was really coming to see her. Ok, she had reasons, but neither she nor her parents had instigated it – which meant Cally had actually thought about them both, and remembered Charlotte’s birthday. As sisters they’d never really got on. Cally being the elder, by three years, typically she’d resented Evie being around her, especially when with her friends. She had regularly mocked Evie for being so stupid. Evie believed it until she excelled at her English composition, the polar end of her sister’s talent scale. The maths genius of the family. Cally was the straight-A student who must have swallowed a calculator because she just seemed to shoot figures out of her head and topped her crown with a first at uni.
Their parents, Jill and Steve, despaired of course when Cally announced she was off to Europe DJ’ing. Then, after hearing that Evie had got herself pregnant, they must have abandoned all hope for their girls. Evie sighed, reflecting momentarily on that particularly ugly episode of her past – aware that her mother couldn’t face the village gossip, or listening to how successful the other children had become. Evie couldn’t wait to wake up Charlotte and tell her the good news. What a day! She dashed up the stairs two at a time, feeling on top of the world for once. From near death to meeting a handsome stranger, and now Cally was visiting!
Chapter 4 (#ulink_3f22262c-b124-545d-ab2b-a060808dbcb7)
After checking all the signs at the entrances to the bridge, Ben returned to the café at Capestang. His legs wobbled more so now than earlier. Slouching in a cushioned chair, he wiped sweat from his beaded forehead and ordered a Pastis. Something bitter-sweet for his taste buds. How would he have ever lived with himself if anything had happened to that mother, never mind the consequences for her daughter? It had really brought it home to him – just how important it was to ensure an area was properly managed. It could have ended in complete carnage and put paid to the whole project. His biggest fear; years of hard graft, down the pan. But, he clutched his temple, a beautiful young mother could have lost her life. Had the mother not found that almighty strength today, she could have possibly been permanently maimed, or even killed. Her child could have been left motherless in so many ways.
A waiter appeared and laid down a square tissue, placing a glass on it and pouring a short measure of water into it.
‘Merci,’ Ben mumbled, adding more water before taking a gulp. The heat of the aniseed shot to his throat instantly, numbing it like he’d dived into freezing water.
‘Here you are,’ Samantha turned a chair around and positioned herself opposite him.
‘Oh,’ Ben said, gripping his throat, ‘you made me jump.’
‘I expect you’re still upset about that episode.’
‘Yes. It shook me up, I can tell you. It shouldn’t have happened. Thought I’d get a stiff drink before I got back. Thank God she’s ok.’
‘I’m with you there. She’s a sweet girl.’
‘That’s what I thought. Unassuming. I can’t believe she didn’t make more fuss.’ Ben said, recalling her strength and dignity, and how struck he was by her natural beauty.
‘Well lucky for us, she didn’t. I think I’d be grateful to be alive too from what I’ve heard. Jamie said it was pretty horrific, we’ve got the scene shot if you want to take a look. Anyway, the guys are ready to go when you are.’
Ben ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his forehead. ‘I don’t wish to see a replay, once was more than enough. I’ll be over in a minute then I’m going to drive into Beziers to find a bike shop.’
‘Ah, speak to Trevor, he will know where to go. Actually I’ll WhatsApp him.’ Samantha pinched her phone out from her gilet chest-pocket and began tapping her fingers on the screen.
Ben leant forward and grabbed his glass, the spicy aroma catching his nostril before he swallowed another mouthful of Pastis. Not as good as the first but still refreshing. It had eased the rattling nerves. He sat back again as he watched his assistant. She had every resource to hand, as always. He wondered whether he should run Evie’s idea about the peasant women past her. Perhaps it was too soon. He’d considered his script strong. His protagonist, Pierre-Paul Riquet, was a highly tenacious man and doggedly fastidious in overcoming every obstacle to get the Canal du Midi built. The backers liked it. His storyline contained plenty of conflict and meaty action. Riquet was a man of steel which contrasted so ironically with the softness of his heart; a family man devoted to his wife and five children and, for his time, mid-seventeenth century, admiringly committed to his workers. It was extraordinary to hear Evie’s take and Ben was keen to know exactly what history his books hadn’t disclosed.
Samantha’s phone wailed, jogging his attention. She scanned the screen. ‘Aha, he recommends a shop in St Chinian. Cycles Mari.’
‘Great stuff Sam, thanks. Ok. Are they ready? Let’s get this shot and I’ll get going. If it’s ok, while I’m gone, get the guys to carry on with shots of the buildings, vineyards or whatever is listed on the schedule. My head is not really on the task right now. Is that ok?’
‘Completely.’
Crashing past overhanging shrubs the following morning, Ben drove along the bumpy track to the gates where he had dropped Evie off. Out of the car, he peered through the tall iron gates facing the substantial two-storey villa with shutters drawn and little sign of anyone home. Checking the area around the gates, he located a bell and pushed it twice. As anticipated, there was no response. Back in the car, he grabbed his pad from the passenger seat and scribbled down a note asking her to call him with a suitable time to deliver her bike. He padded back over to the gates and searched for a letterbox or somewhere she would see the note. It was then he heard voices. Turning, he saw Evie pull a gate closed across the track, wheeling a buggy towards him. With her hair blowing in the breeze, and her glowing complexion, his pulse increased. What he saw was even more beautiful than he remembered. As she neared, he clenched each palm, one of them containing the note. He slid it into his pocket.
‘Hi,’ he said, feeling himself drawn to the shimmer of her eyes. ‘You look amazing. How do you feel today?’
‘Yes, good. Grateful to be alive, as you can imagine.’
‘Your leg?’
‘Sore, but fine.’
‘Good stuff.’ He knelt down to the buggy. ‘Charlotte, I presume. A beauty like her mother. Hello Charlotte.’
The little girl backed away, eyeing him with suspicion. She held her lips between her fingers.
‘If you’re wondering if I’m going to sue you, then don’t worry. You don’t have to be nice on account of me causing trouble.’ Evie said, catching him by surprise. He remained crouched as she continued. ‘Let’s just say we all had a lucky escape. As long as your people make more effort to cordon areas off, to be absolute certain no one is allowed to wander. I won’t make trouble. I take it that’s why you are here?’
Ben stood up and faced her. ‘Believe me, we won’t take any chances. I had nightmares last night thinking about what could have happened, and I wouldn’t blame you if you wished to pursue a claim.’ He held out a concerned palm. ‘I was told a sign was in place but it evidently wasn’t visible enough, so we are responsible. I’ve brought you a form to fill in to claim any damages.’
‘No. I just want to erase the whole incident.’
‘Your call.’ Ben stepped back towards the car. ‘And… I’ve brought this. I could have had it delivered I suppose, but I have a new bike for you. I’m afraid your bike was beyond repair. The chassis was weak and deemed unsafe.’
‘What, you bought a new one?’
Ben scratched his collar. ‘Well, yes. You said you couldn’t manage without one, and I did try to get it to you yesterday but they had to build it. I’ve just collected it. It will need tightening in a few weeks, or before if you use it frequently.’
She held her lip. ‘Oh, Jesus. This is embarrassing.’
‘Why?’
‘My other one wasn’t even brand new when I had it. You didn’t have to. You could have just got a second-hand one.’
Ben grinned. ‘I’m so sorry. If you don’t like it, I can return it and get something you would like. You choose.’
Feeling touched by her concern for his spending, he reached out to the back of his hire car and opened the rear.
‘Take a look.’ He reached up and heaved the heavy frame out, bouncing the sparkling new bike on to the gravel. ‘Try it. If you like it, I’ll fit the child seat on.’
‘It’s lovely.’
‘It’s a hybrid, like your other one, so it can be used on most terrain. Try it for height.’
Evie stepped away, pushing the pushchair in front of her. ‘No. I can’t accept this. It’s…’
‘Of course you can,’ Ben cut in ‘to be honest, I’m more than pleased I can do something for you. I feel terrible after what happened. Please, try it. I can adjust the saddle if it isn’t right.’
A flash of distrust crossed her face as he watched her pondering in silence
Clutching both hands, he raised his brows for a response. He was sure he’d done the right thing and the last thing he wanted to do was upset her. It wasn’t only that the whole film would be in jeopardy if they were sued, he also hated to see women upset. You can’t change who you are, he reminded himself. That’s what his sister, Hannah, told him when he raced to her side if she cried or had been troubled. His sisters often took his side. There were five years between him and Hannah. Both she and his eldest sister, Nicola, seven years his senior, were the sweetest. They argued among themselves at times but were just like mini-mummies’ to him, and he’d always felt torn if he had to take sides when the pair of them were in dispute, or if they argued with their mother. They would also protect him from his elder brother too, who constantly jibed him about his dyslexia. He now wondered if his sisters’ closer bond with him was the root cause of his brother’s attention-seeking behaviour. Anyway, this girl was far too wonderful to upset and he needed to change tack.
‘Ok. Perhaps it would be better if you tell me what you want?’
‘I thought you were going to fix my bike, not… not bring me a brand new one. That’s all. I feel it’s too much.’
‘Well, I can’t change the facts. The bike wasn’t fixable and I couldn’t see any second-hand bikes where I was, so I got the next best thing. I promise you, I chose this because it resembled everything about your old one – the size, the colour, the gears, the saddle, even the height should match yours. It wasn’t expensive if that’s what you’re worried about. Try it out before you decide. You definitely can’t ride your old one.’
She looked down at the buggy and turned it around, shading the girl from the full sun, then gazed up to him, her eyes bright but suspicious.
‘I’ll give it a go along the track,’ she relented and pressed the brake down on the buggy. ‘Erm, I’m now going to offend you but can I take your car keys with me? I’m just not happy leaving you with Charlotte.’
Ben sucked in his amusement but she was quite serious. Instead he smiled. ‘Yes, of course. Chain her to the gate if you want or would you prefer me to go?’
‘No. Just your keys.’ She held out her hand.
Ben reached into his pocket. He shut his rear door before clicking it locked. ‘Here.’ He pressed the keys into her hands, passed her the bike and stepped back against the car, not daring to touch the buggy. She swung her leg over the saddle and rode off. He scratched his head, feeling he should say something to little Charlotte whose mummy was cycling away, but he kept his lips sealed.
‘Mummy bike.’ Charlotte said.
‘Mummy gone.’
‘Where Mummy gone? Where Mummy gone?’
Ben coughed. ‘Mummy coming back.’
