The Vineyard (23 page)

***

Thierry was three! Before his breakfast, he tore excitedly at the largest of his presents, a huge box his Grandma had given him and Cal had organised. Still in his pyjamas, he couldn’t climb on his toy quick enough.

‘Like Cal’s tractor!’ he screamed, pedalling it around the conservatory.

At ten o’clock, Lizzie’s mobile rang and Sophie sang Happy Birthday and wished him a lovely day. Thierry was jumping up and down and at this point, Lizzie decided it was a good time to give him his present from her. Cal brought the big box around from the garden and helped Thierry lift the lid off exposing the contents; a small bike with stabilisers. Ideal too, with the space to play outside here. Thierry was now shaking with all the fuss and was helped on it by Cal whilst Lizzie began taking photographs. He looked the happiest boy in the world and Lizzie noticed the tears of joy streaming down Caroline’s cheeks.

She arranged for a small group of his friends from the nursery to come along to the afternoon party as well as Cal and her mother. She and Cal decorated the garden, hanging bunches of balloons, bunting and ‘Happy Birthday’ banners, which billowed in the light breeze. The warm weather was perfect. She placed the cake she’d baked and iced the previous evening on the trestle table, which was dressed and deliberately positioned in the shade. Thierry squealed with surprise when he clapped eyes on the Thomas the Tank Engine cake, his favourite character. It wasn’t the most perfect Birthday cake she had ever seen but, Lizzie was proud it had come out so well considering it was her first attempt at something other than a round Victoria Sandwich base.

As Lizzie continued with party preparations, her mother helped with preparing the table and Cal took Thierry up and down the driveway god knows how many times on his tractor and then on his bike.

Caroline had stepped out to join in to give Cal a break when a car pulled up. When the driver stepped out she recognised him immediately.

‘Michael,’ she said, fleeing to his arms. ‘How lovely. I thought you had another week in New Zealand.’

Michael met her embrace.

Lizzie soon followed to watch her son and was walking over to Thierry and Cal when she observed the stranger with her mother. She’d seen the car before.

Her mother turned. ‘Lizzie, this is Michael, the new love in my life,’ Caroline announced proudly. ‘I must apologise to you both because I haven’t mentioned him to you Lizzie with all that’s been going on. Long story Michael, I shall explain but this is Lizzie my daughter and I have a new grandson!’ Her face beamed. ‘Meet Thierry.’

Lizzie threw a stunned frown at Cal as Michael held out his arm moving towards her. ‘Lovely to meet you Lizzie, and hello Thierry.’ He shook Lizzie’s hand and then ruffled Thierry’s hair in a friendly manner. ‘What a tall, handsome man you are. And, how old are you Thierry?’

The boy had an aura of coyness but not discomfort. His tongue circled as he eyed the stranger up and down. Thierry raised a hand showing two fingers and then pushed another up. ‘I’m three,’ he answered.

‘Wow, That’s nearly a grown up,’ Michael said and laughter sprang through the air. They all looked on as Thierry ran to his tractor.

Michael circled his arm around Caroline’s shoulders. ‘I did pop in a couple of weeks ago but you weren’t here. I came back early to do a shoot, well, quite a long shoot in Ireland so I didn’t have long before I had to fly off again. I rang too but there was no answer.’ Michael then shook Cal’s hand. ‘Good to see you again Cal. Looks like the winery’s nearly there.’

‘Yes, just fitting the inside now,’ Cal replied as they all walked towards the kitchen door.

‘I think I need a drink,’ said Lizzie, still numb from the shock and going to the fridge. ‘Can I get you guys a beer? Would you like a glass of white wine, Mum?’

‘Why not?’ Caroline said, squeezing Michael’s hand. Lizzie could see why her mother found Michael alluring. He was quite charismatic; a tall, slim, greying, man with deep blue eyes that sparkled. He obviously kept himself fit and was wearing stylish simple classics with ease.

‘A beer’s good for me,’ Cal said as he came in the kitchen behind them. Lizzie gave Thierry some juice, and then handed out the drinks as she made them.

With her mother mooching off with Michael and Thierry into the conservatory, Lizzie turned to Cal. ‘I’m confused,’ she said, bluntly. ‘I thought you and Mum were…erm, in a relationship.’

‘Really!! No. Not at all,’ he tittered. ‘But it’s funny. Why would you think that? I don’t think Michael would be happy to hear that.’

Lizzie shot him a quizzical glance complete with a sheepish grimace. ‘Oh. I thought.’ Lizzie went quite red. ‘I just thought that you were.’

‘Well, maybe an easy mistake to make,’ Cal jested, ‘an attractive woman, with no man around! I guess there’s no reason not to jump to that conclusion.’

‘I think it was something she said, that day I came home and we were arguing. She said…Oh it doesn’t matter.’

‘We’ll think about this shall we?’ He said edging close to her. ’I told you the other day that I liked you. I wouldn’t have said that if I was in a relationship with Caroline would I?’ He raised one side of his brow.

Lizzie blushed, giving herself away, and breathed in his distinct, powerful odour, her body liquefying like melting ice cream. He caught hold of her and pulled her close.

‘Or any woman I hope!’ she said. Setting her eyes on his beckoning lips – oh God she could… She took a deep breath and went to slide past him.

He caught hold of her and pulled her close, with mischief in his eyes. ‘Interesting. So how does that change things?’ he asked, his eyes and lips just inches from hers, turning her whole body to liquid honey, her pupils enlarging as his burrowed into them. Cal leaned in to her and covered her lips with his, whirling her away to another world.

‘Mummy, mummy, James, it’s James,’ her son shrieked, running in to the kitchen. ‘James from nursery.’

‘Anyway, I’d better get this party underway.’ Flustered, Lizzie tore herself from Cal, just able to stabilise her legs. She took Thierry’s waiting hand as he dragged her out to the front door.

Chapter 23

Lizzie was in a spin and not just from managing six children for two hours. Cal helped her with games whilst Michael helped organise drinks with Caroline for the children’s parents. Each time Lizzie sneaked a glance over at Cal, he seemed to catch her and she blushed or felt her body tingle. She was going dizzy trying to concentrate and every move she made felt as though her limbs had been swapped. Trying to light Thierry’s birthday cake was a disaster as her hand shook uncontrollably, firstly she flung a lit match straight onto it and then dug her knuckles into the smooth icing attempting to retrieve it. Cal, witnessing her shaky hands, took over and successfully lit the three candles and carried the cake to Thierry, shielding them from any breeze. As the ‘Happy Birthday’ song finished, Thierry took a huge intake of breath and blew hard, spraying the cake as he did so.

‘Well done darling,’ cheered his gran. ‘Make a wish.’

‘I’m not sure he knows what a wish is yet Mum.’

‘Well you make a wish for him then,’ her mother replied. And Lizzie turned a bright pink as she peered up from Thierry and locked eyes with Cal.

Once Lizzie and Thierry had said goodbye to his friends, she joined the others to tidy up the garden and the kitchen. She then made them all some tea whilst Thierry played with his new Play-Doh set at the kitchen table.

‘Well what a lovely party,’ said her mother. ‘You must feel exhausted darling. And you Cal, you’ve not stopped either. Why don’t you two have a break? Treat yourselves to a nice meal down the Cricketers or Bartellas.’

‘I’m fine, just need to sit down for five minutes,’ Lizzie said.

‘Actually that sounds like a perfect idea,’ Cal said. ‘We can take Thierry and give your mum a bit of peace.’ He raised his eyebrows at Lizzie.

‘Thierry’s fine here,’ her mother said, brushing the back of his neck. ‘He can play for a while and I’ll put him to bed. He’s no trouble. Michael’s here. He can help me if I need it.’

‘Mum, you’ve done enough. You should be resting.’

‘Look, you’ve nursed me for over two weeks now. You have a break. Go. Go and get ready and have a relaxing evening.’

Lizzie finally got the message. Her mother wanted some time with Michael. Why didn’t she realise sooner.

‘Ok but Cal, haven’t you got something arranged for tonight already?’

‘No. I’m all yours,’ he said and Lizzie blushed crimson.

‘Well ok. I’ll finish my tea and go and get bathed.’

‘Come and have a look at the winery Michael?’ Cal said.

‘Love to.’ Michael collected his mug of tea and followed Cal out. ‘It won’t take me long to nip home and get ready. I’ll come a get you at seven Lizzie,’ Cal called over his shoulder.

‘Oh, yes. Fine,’ she called as they went out.’ Are you sure Mum?’

‘Yes of course sweetheart. Give me a chance to catch up with Michael too.’

‘He seems really nice.’

‘Yes, he is. Sorry I was going to tell you about him this week as I thought it was next week he was coming back.’

‘So Michael is someone you’ve been seeing for a while?’

‘Yes, it was last year, I was at the station waiting for the London train and Michael was there with a camera, he’s a photographer and he was taking pictures of the railway arch; the bridge which goes across the road. He was producing a book on the village landmarks in pictures. Yes just a small project for a man of his stature, but one of his own. He works on high-profile clients and shoots in London, New Zealand, Australia, the US. Well, anywhere it takes him. Anyway, he’s looking to wind down and moved back to the area. His children are in New Zealand, his wife is out there but they are divorced.

‘Must be quite well known?’

‘Well that’s how we got chatting. I thought I recognised him from, well about twenty years ago, we had worked together on some shoots for Cashmere Cosmetics or one of those when I was at the magazine full time. He’s a talented man.’ Caroline sat down and carefully took a sip of her hot coffee.

‘What a small world. He wasn’t in the village then?’

‘No. He grew up here and lived in Kensington in London, then travelled, met his ex-wife in New Zealand, spent quite a bit of time there with his family but continued to travel. He is a lovely man.’

‘I’m pleased for you Mum. He’ll do you the world of good.’

‘Well he doesn’t know about any of this,’ she whispered.

‘What. You haven’t told him?’ Lizzie blinked in surprise.

‘No. I didn’t want to ruin his time with his family or make him to feel he had to rush back on my account, so I decided to keep it myself for now so please don’t mention the cancer will you. I will tell him.’

‘Of course.’ Lizzie for once was quite in awe of her mother. She did have some qualities in her that she hadn’t discovered yet. That was thoughtful of her not to drag him back.

‘Great that he got to meet you and my grandchild though.’ Her mother’s face lit up excitedly.

‘Yes, I’m sure it’s something good to share. Has he got grandchildren?’

‘His daughter has just had a little boy. That’s why he went back. He prefers to go in the winter months, you know, when it’s warmer over there. He gets the benefits, he says. He did ask me to go with him. Luckily I said no. What with you coming home and with this,’ Caroline pointed to her right breast, ‘I’m glad I didn’t go. I did say to him maybe next time.’

‘Yes once you have regained your strength, in a few months, you might find it will do you good.’

‘Well, let’s wait and see. I may need to have chemotherapy yet.’ Caroline’s expression soured.

‘Was it Tuesday your appointment with the consultant?’

‘Yes. He will have the results of the biopsy.’

‘Well let’s pray everything is ok.’ Lizzie said, giving an encouraging nod.

‘I do hope so Lizzie. I’m scared.’

‘There’s no point in worrying or being scared until you know you have something to worry about Mum.’

‘Well I can’t help it.’

‘Yes you can. You have something else to focus on now. Michael, Thierry, oh and lil’ol’ me!’

Caroline gave a light laugh. ‘Oh Michael doesn’t live here. He lives in Whitechurch Lane. But you’re right, I have Thierry now, you and Michael. I have lots to occupy my mind and shouldn’t waste time worrying.’

‘Won’t I be in your way – with Michael back I mean?’

‘God, no. You are my family. How can you be in my way? I’ve just found you again. I don’t want you and Thierry to go.’ Her mother couldn’t conceal the quiver in her voice.

‘But we will have to go, when you’re better. I have to get back to my business.’

‘Yes of course. I understand.’ Caroline’s face turned and looked down at the table and then back at Thierry kneeling on the chair. She wiped her cheek.

‘Mum.’ Lizzie reached over and placed her hand on her mothers. ‘You won’t lose me again. I promise.’

‘I’m not going to lose sight of you either.’

‘You can come to Cannes whenever you want. Thierry would love his grandmother to visit him too. And, we’ll get back to visit you too.’

‘Oh Lizzie. I hope it’s not too late.’ Neither could then speak as emotions choked them.

Cal and Michael returned to the kitchen enthusing about the winery and Thierry cheered looking up from his game. Lizzie felt flutters release inside her as her throat cleared and her heart lightened. Caroline gave a small cough also clearing her throat and possibly sensing a shift in the air.

‘Ok, I’m going up for a bath,’ Lizzie said prompted by the men’s return although not rushing as Cal was so obviously engrossed.

‘See you later,’ Cal said to her again and continued his conversation with Michael.

***

Lizzie had to put into practice what she had preached to her mother. There was no point in worrying unless there was something to worry about. She too would refrain from thinking about her mother’s possible treatments until they had seen the consultant.

Relaxing was far from Lizzie’s mind as she soaked in the bath. Her heart was still racing and flutters were still bubbling in her stomach. Michael was her mother’s lover not Cal, it was all so surreal. What a shock to discover he was a free man and, he liked her – so what he told her the other day was even more relevant. Wasn’t that what she wanted she asked herself as she immersed herself in the bubbles.