RACHEL
Sitting in her favourite place, on the top step under the jasmine-covered arch over the three stone steps that led down from the terrace to her small garden, Rachel sniffed the air appreciatively. Early evening and the sweet smell of the night-scented jasmine was heady.
Sipping her glass of rosé, Rachel tried to marshal her chaotic thoughts into some sort of order. To try to make some firm decisions.
The sounds of BB in the kitchen preparing supper for them both drifted out through the open window. Offering BB the spare room had turned out to be one of her better decisions. He was an excellent lodger – more of a friend now than simply a lodger – he’d slotted into the house and her life so well. It was like having Hugo living at home again.
Hugo. Now she had to think about his email that had pinged into her mailbox an hour ago. Suggesting a date for the family to visit. Restlessly Rachel stood up and began to move around the garden, stopping to pull the occasional weed, smell a rose, before leaning against the trunk of the gnarled apple tree that should really be pulled up, all the while trying to sort out things in her mind.
What had Hugo said before she left France? Something about life throwing curved balls into plans. Well, her life had certainly had enough curved balls thrown into it over the years to scupper a national cricket team. The fall out from last year’s expected but unhappy event had certainly changed her life. Leaving France was meant to set her on the right course for the rest of her life. She didn’t need another of those blasted curved balls winging its way towards her.
One she’d never anticipated. One, if she were truthful, she didn’t know how to handle. Running away to avoid the situation that was closing in around her was becoming more and more appealing. But how to explain her reasoning to Hugo? Where to run? Hugo and his family she knew would welcome her back to France. Had never wanted her to leave. Or should she go somewhere completely new? Somewhere she could be herself, where the past didn’t intrude on the present.
‘Another glass of rosé before supper?’ BB called from the kitchen.
‘Thanks,’ Rachel said. She stood up and began to make her way back to the kitchen. ‘Something smells good.’
‘Chicken with orange and tarragon. My Mom’s favourite supper dish,’ BB said. ‘Ready in about fifteen minutes.’ He glanced at her. ‘You looked deep in thought out there.’
Rachel nodded but didn’t explain, saying instead, ‘Shall we eat out here? I’ll fetch everything.’ To her relief BB didn’t press her about her thoughts as she covered the table with a cloth and fetched the cutlery.
An hour later, as they finished their meal and Rachel said, ‘Truly delicious, BB, thank you,’ the doorbell rang.
‘Bit late for visitors,’ Rachel said.
‘Do you want me to go?’ BB asked.
‘No, it’s okay,’ Rachel said, standing up as the doorbell peeled urgently again.
Johnnie was standing on the doorstep with a tearful Carla in his arms. As Rachel opened the door, the child leant towards her holding out her arms. Touched, Rachel scooped the child into her own arms and hugged her tight. She sensed Johnnie’s relief as Carla’s arms went around her neck and she quietened.
‘I’m so, so sorry to land on you,’ Johnnie said. ‘But I’m at my wits’ end. I’d have gone to Sabine but she’s out tonight.’
‘Not a problem,’ Rachel said. ‘Come on through to the terrace.’
‘She’s been grumpy all day,’ Johnnie said. ‘I was hoping once I put her to bed she’d sleep and wake up happier. But if anything, she’s got worse.’
He ran his hand through his hair. ‘Is she ill? Should I have gone to the doctors?’
Cuddling Carla and gently stroking her head, Rachel looked at Johnnie. ‘Her cheeks are very flushed. I think she’s teething, poor little mite. You’ll need to brace yourself for a long night. Go to the chemist in the morning, they’ll suggest something for her gums that will help. In the meantime, if you’ve any ice cubes at home, try gently rubbing her gums with one.’
‘Right. Okay. Will do,’ Johnnie said. ‘If you’re sure that’s all it is.’ He looked at Carla now sucking her thumb as she snuggled against Rachel. ‘Come on then, young lady. Let’s get you home.’
Rachel felt the arm around her neck tighten and the child press herself against her.
‘How about I walk down to your place?’ she said. ‘I’m enjoying the cuddle and she’s happy for the moment.’
‘You sure? She’s not too heavy for you?’ Johnnie said.
‘It’s not far. I’ll be fine.’
Carla fell asleep as Rachel walked the short distance down to Johnnie’s cottage. Rachel gently laid her in the cot while Johnnie covered her with the quilt and they tiptoed out of the room.
Downstairs Johnnie said, ‘Do you have to rush? Got time for a glass of wine?’
Rachel shook her head. ‘I’d better get back. BB cooked supper so I have a kitchen to clean!’ Resolutely she ignored the disappointment on Johnnie’s face.
‘I should grab some sleep yourself while Carla sleeps,’ she said. ‘Might be a long night.’
‘Good idea,’ Johnnie said. ‘Rachel, I can’t thank you enough for coming to the rescue yet again.’
Before she’d realised his intention, he leant in and kissed her. Not a friendly kiss on the cheek. A proper one on the lips that seemed to Rachel to last for ever.
As he moved back, Rachel took a deep breath. Best to stop this before it went any further.
‘Let’s pretend that didn’t happen, shall we?’ she said. ‘Don’t want to spoil a beautiful friendship.’
Quickly she opened the door and left.