chapter 22
The next morning Hélène said she needed to pop out to the Post Office at St Peters but that the cleaner was due shortly and would look out for Eve if Nicole was going out. She looked out at the deep blue sky through the kitchen window, and nodded. The beach beckoned again.
A little later she was stretched out on the sand at Vazon. The beach was less crowded today and Nicole staked out her territory with a newly bought mat and a towel from the house. After a liberal application of sun-cream she rolled on to her stomach, covering her vulnerable back with her T-shirt, before picking up her phone.
‘Hi, Susie, it’s me. You’ll never guess what’s been happening here…’
A relaxed and golden-toned Nicole arrived home at lunchtime to find a decidedly frazzled looking Hélène in the kitchen.
‘What’s happened? It’s not Grandmother…?’
Hélène shook her head.
‘No, don’t worry, she’s a bit better today.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I…had a burst tyre just after I’d left the post office and hit a wall on the Route du Longfrie – ’
‘Are you hurt?’ Nicole cried.
‘No, I’m…fine. Thanks. It wasn’t much of a bump.’ She sipped some water. ‘I was a bit shaken, the tyre made such a bang I thought I’d hit something else first. Anyway, I got out of my car to take a look and…and Adrian turned up.’ She refilled her glass before adding, ‘He lives in St Peters, you see, and was walking to the shops when he saw what happened.’
‘That was lucky! Did he change the tyre for you?’ Nicole couldn’t help thinking that this accident might have a silver lining.
‘Yes, he’s always been very handy with cars. Didn’t take him long.’ She looked down at her glass. ‘Anyway, I was still a bit shaky so he suggested I went back to his place for a drink. Well, I could hardly refuse, could I? We had a coffee and then…then I came home.’
‘I see. And are you sure you’re all right? Only you look a bit flustered.’
‘I’m absolutely fine. It was a shock, that’s all. I’d never had a burst tyre before. But thanks to Adrian, it was soon sorted.’
‘Good. Mm, how was it between you two? After all, you weren’t sure if you wanted to see him again.’
‘It was all right. We sat in the garden, which is lovely by the way, and…talked while we had our coffee. It was a bit difficult initially, but it got easier.’ Hélène swirled her glass of water, not looking at Nicole. ‘He suggested that we might go for a walk sometime and I agreed.’ When she looked up, Nicole saw the pink spots on her cheeks.
‘That’s great! I’m so pleased! It’ll be easier for me when I see him again, knowing that at least you two are talking.’
‘That reminds me, Adrian asked if you’d like to have lunch with him tomorrow. He suggested Fleur du Jardin in Kings Mills, if that’s okay with you?’
‘Fine by me. I’d meant to ring him so that’s good.’ Nicole smiled at Hélène, thinking that perhaps her parents might yet be on course for patching up their relationship. Which just left her to sort out her own.
***
Hélène carried out a fresh crab salad to the terrace where Eve and Nicole were already seated. Eve, looking from daughter to granddaughter, sensed a change in the two women. After chewing thoughtfully for a few minutes, she placed her cutlery on her plate and looked directly at Hélène.
‘Something’s happened hasn’t it?’ Turning to Nicole she added, ‘And you look pleased with yourself, miss.’
Hélène, glancing at Nicole who gave a nod, put down her knife and fork before replying. ‘Yes, there’s something I need to tell you, Mother…’
Eve listened in silence as Hélène told her about Adrian and how he’d met Nicole and then herself. And that they were trying to patch up their “friendship”, as she called it. Eve felt a lightening of her damaged heart. She could see that her daughter looked different, the lines around her eyes and mouth appeared less pronounced. Less tense.
‘Well, my dear, I’m glad you told me. I had a feeling something was going on. And it’s only right that that man of yours finally took responsibility for his actions.’ She paused, looking from one to another. ‘You say he’s widowed now?’
Hélène nodded.
‘Do you think he’ll make an honest woman of you?’ Eve’s chin jutted towards her daughter.
Hélène flushed. ‘It’s too soon to talk about that! We’re barely friends…’
Eve pursed her lips. ‘And you, Nicole, what’s making you so bright-eyed?’
Nicole chuckled. ‘Nothing gets past you, does it? I’m having a drink with Ben tonight. As friends.’ She looked pointedly at Eve.
Eve smiled to herself. Her plan seemed to have worked. Good!
‘That’s nice. He’s a good man and I should think he’ll take your mind off your, er, problems.’ Eve turned to Hélène. ‘I’ve got some news, too.’
‘Oh, Mother! Have you decided to go ahead with the operation?’ She leant forward, stroking Eve’s bony hand.
Eve shook her head. ‘No, not that. You know how I feel about hospitals. But I’ve been thinking about the idea of carers and respite care.’
Hélène’s sharp breath was audible.
‘I realise how selfish I’ve been, forcing you to give up your home and stay with me most of the time.’ Eve sighed. She hated admitting she was wrong, but… ‘So, we’ll arrange for carers from Social Services to come in as needed. And the doctor says he can arrange for respite care in a very nice home if you wanted to go away for a week or so.’
Eve saw the tears in Hélène’s eyes.
‘You’re sure, Mother? You’ve always said – ’
‘I know, I know. But I’ve been a burden for too long and now that you’ve someone in your life –’ Eve waved away Hélène’s protest, ‘Or may have shortly. Then it’s time you had some fun.’ Her eyes twinkled as she continued, ‘If a place can be found soon enough, you might be able to go away during this school holiday. Go with a friend, perhaps.’
‘Thank you, Mother, I’d love to go away for a few days. It’s been so long…’
‘What a wonderful offer, Grandmother! I think you’re lovely,’ Nicole said, reaching across to kiss Eve’s cheek. Hélène also kissed her, a look of wonderment on her face.
Eve cleared her throat. ‘Right, enough of the thanks and kisses, can I please finish my crab salad?’
They laughed and as they continued their meal Nicole chatted to Hélène about the proposed holiday. Eve, tiredness beginning to grip her, felt drained and in need of a lie-down. It was hard work pretending to feel better than you did.
***
At 7.30pm sharp Ben arrived at La Folie to collect Nicole. She had dithered for some time about what to wear. Nothing too “obvious”, she decided. Had to be low key as it was only a drink in a pub. No big deal.
The evening promised to remain warm so she settled on cropped jeans and a silky white top to set off her tan. Snatching up a sweater for later, Nicole ran down the stairs as Ben rang the bell.
‘Hi! What a lovely evening,’ she smiled at Ben, casual in jeans and T-shirt. As he bent to brush her cheek she caught a hint of his lime fragranced aftershave. Mm, nice.
‘You’re right, it is a lovely evening.’ With his hand on her elbow he steered her towards his sleek, silver car and opened the passenger door with an exaggerated gesture.
‘Your car awaits, Madame!’
Laughing, Nicole settled herself in the leather seat and a few moments later they were on the road to the west coast.
‘Where are we headed?’
Ben glanced at her. ‘Cobo. Have you been there?’
‘I had a look the other day. There’s a pub on the front isn’t there?’
‘Yep. It’s where I often meet up with friends. Though not tonight,’ he added, with a grin, ‘They’re busy so it’ll just be the two of us. I thought we could have a walk on the beach first before heading to the pub.’
‘Great.’ Well, at least I’ve got him to myself this evening and a walk on a beach is quite romantic, I guess.
He pulled into the small beach car park where she’d seen him the other day. Reaching for her hand, he led the way down the steps. It was mid-tide and the sand glistened damply in the sunlight. As they strolled towards the shoreline the tangy smell of the seaweed clinging to the rocks became stronger.
Ben took a deep breath. ‘Ahh! I always feel as if I’ve been let out of school when I come to the beach. The air’s so invigorating after a day spent with sick people.’ He turned to Nicole. ‘Not that I mind being with my patients, you understand. Particularly your grandmother – ’
She laughed. ‘Don’t worry, I know what you mean. Your work must be very stressful, especially if your patients are unlikely to recover. I couldn’t do what you do.’ She bent to pick up a delicate pink shell, turning it over in her hand. ‘Did you always want to be a doctor?’
‘Yes, since I was a boy. It runs in the family, you see. Both my father and grandfather were doctors. Dad only retired a few years ago and I took his place in the practice.’ He caught her hand again as they headed for the rocks.
‘We’re unusual in being a family of doctors. Quite a few come over on licence from the UK. Is it the same in Jersey?’
Nicole nodded, enjoying the warmth of his hand in hers. A caring hand.
‘You didn’t want to be a surgeon or a specialist?’
Ben shook his head.
‘Not a surgeon, no. For a while I did consider becoming a paediatrician as I love children. But there’s so much more variety in a GP’s work.’
Reaching the rocks, he guided her to the nearest pool. The sun’s rays on the water made it sparkle like diamonds. As they bent down to watch the antics of tiny fish and shore crabs, their heads touched.
‘Sorry…’ Nicole began, but as their eyes locked he kissed her. For a moment they remained crouched on the rocks, locked in the kiss. Oh, that was nice!
‘Look, I'm sorry, Nicole, I hadn’t meant to…I mean I thought we could just be friends. You’re married…’
‘Separated. And I can’t see us getting back together.’ Her heart sank. Friends! With that electricity…
Ben frowned.
‘That’s as maybe but I don’t want to risk falling for you in case you suddenly up sticks and go back to him.’ He let go her hand and moved away slightly. Not looking at her. ‘I…I had that happen to me before. She was English, here on a licence, and suddenly she went back to a boyfriend in London.’
As he glanced up she saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes.
‘I’m so sorry, Ben. I can understand how you feel. It’s horrible to be rejected isn’t it? I felt like that when my…husband Tom was unfaithful. Several times.’ She reached out and clasped his hand. ‘Come on, shall we go and have that drink you promised me and have a proper talk?’
Ben nodded and helped her over the rocks.
A few minutes later Nicole found herself sitting at a small table facing the beach while Ben went inside to buy drinks. Unbidden, the memory of her first date with Tom popped into her head. It had been on a summer’s evening at a riverside pub in Bristol, so shared uncomfortable similarities. Nicole shook her head as if it would erase the memory. She didn’t want to go there. That was the past…
Ben returned and they sat for a moment watching the sun slowly sink towards the horizon. Hues of reds and golds spread across the sky, bathing everything with a golden tint.
‘Do you feel like telling me a bit about yourself, Nicole? Your adopted family and your…husband?’
She described her parents and childhood in Jersey and told him, briefly, about Tom and how they became a couple. Ben seemed to listen intently, asking her the odd question.
‘Right, enough about me. What about you, Ben? Your family?’ Nicole grinned at him over the rim of her glass.
‘Just one sister. My father’s a retired GP and my mother was a nurse. A bit of a cliché, that,’ he said, grinning. ‘They’ve had a good marriage and spent their lives here. Something I’d like for myself.’
‘How long’s it been since the bolting girlfriend?’
‘Three years. I got over her ages ago but I’ve been too busy doing up my house to socialise except with old friends. I…wasn’t too keen on dating.’
‘Mm. It’s only been a few months since Tom and I split up and it’s been hard. Although you can’t just stop loving someone ’cos they behaved badly, it does make it difficult to think of going back. I’m sure he’s psychologically wired to be unfaithful and I can’t deal with that anymore.’ She gazed down at her drink, lost in thought.
Ben reached for her hand.
‘Perhaps it’s time I ventured out into the water again. They do say there’s plenty of fish in the sea!’
She looked up and saw his tentative smile.
‘Maybe you should. After all, you’re surrounded by it!’ Giggling, she waved her hand towards the sea and he laughed.
‘Okay, tell me more. You mentioned a house. Where is it and have you finished working on it?’
‘In Town, not far from the surgery. It was badly in need of renovation and I’ve spent the past couple of years working on it and it’s nowhere near finished. It’s been a slow process as I’m trying to do as much as I can myself. Used to be good at woodwork when I was at school,’ he grinned.
‘Mm, just as well you’re not a surgeon or you could ruin your hands. We had builders in to do ours as neither of us had the time or skills to have a go. But I do like choosing the finishing touches, making a place a home.’ She felt a pang of sadness as she pictured the lovely farmhouse left behind. Mentally shaking herself, she smiled at Ben.
‘So, apart from DIY, which to me sounds like hard work and not leisure, how do you relax?’
‘I surf and join up with friends when they take their boats out. There’s usually something going on, particularly in the summer. Barbecues, island hopping and meeting up for meals or drinks. And I do love travelling, though I’m not finding it as much fun on my own.’ He twirled the lager in the glass before adding, ‘When I was with Pauline we took several holidays together. But haven’t been away much since,’ he grinned ruefully. ‘Most of my friends are married or in relationships so I travel solo.’ Ben looked up, asking, ‘What about you? Any hobbies or interests?’
‘Like most islanders I’ve always been a water baby, but prefer the warmer seas of the Med or Pacific. I’ve travelled to lots of fantastic places around the world, but never on my own.’ She sighed. ‘I’m with you on that one, it’s more fun to be with someone.’ Unless it’s an adulterous husband, she thought. Glancing across at Ben, Nicole imagined what it would be like to jet off with him to a faraway place. Stop it! She chided herself. It’s too soon to think like that. You’ve only just met and you’re still married, for God’s sake! Clearing her throat, she continued, ‘I’ve not had much time for hobbies but I do read a lot and enjoy going to the theatre and cinema. And walking. I aim to walk along the cliff paths while I’m here as the views are brilliant.’
Ben looked thoughtful, as if he was weighing something up.
‘I’m going over to Herm with friends a week on Friday. They’re renting a cottage for the week but I’m only staying until Sunday evening. If you’d like to come over for the day, you’d be welcome to join us. I’m sure you’d all get on.’
Nicole didn’t hesitate. ‘I’d love to, thanks. I was planning to pop over sometime as it’s the only island I’ve not visited.’
‘Great! We’re going across in Nick’s boat on the Friday evening. So, how about joining us on the Saturday? Bring your bathers as we’ll be heading to a beach at some point. Nick’s wife will be there so you won’t be the only female, and there’s another single guy. We’ll have a lot of fun, I promise.’
‘I look forward to it.’
As the sun melted into the horizon with a flash of gold, Nicole felt her heart lift. In a little over a week she was going to spend a whole day with the gorgeous doctor on a tiny island. Okay, there’d be other people around, but still…