Highland Fling (30 page)

‘Oh! Um, well, it’s not really the sort of thing I’d like to talk about over the phone. I ... I thought it would be better in person –’

‘No. It’s better over the phone. What did you hear Jack?’

‘Um. Well. I heard that you may have feelings for me and ... and I wanted to know if that’s true because I have feelings for you Lizzie. God. I’ve thought about nothing else but you since we met. Can I come up? Please? I just want to take you in my arms and –’

‘You bastard! How could you? You’re worse than Max. At least he waited for a few years. How dare you! Phil told you that Max said I was head over heels in love with you didn’t he? So you thought you could pop up here and I’d fall into bed with you. You utter shit! My God. I can’t believe that I thought you were special. How wrong could I be? Well, I won’t. D’you hear me Jack. If you think you can just come here and screw me you’re very much mistaken. Now sod off and don’t ever call me again.’

Lizzie pressed the off button and threw the phone down the stairs.

To say Jack was stunned would be a gross understatement. He sat on the sofa for a full half an hour with the phone still in his hands going over and over the conversation. What had he said? Why was she so upset? Was Max lying?

Phil arrived and Jack let him in.

‘You okay Jack? You look ... troubled.’

Jack snorted. ‘That’s a bloody understatement. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck and then another one and then they’ve both reversed over me, for good measure. Either I’m going mad – or she is.’

Phil headed to the fridge. ‘I take it we’re talking about Lizzie. Can I grab a beer?’

Jack nodded. ‘Yeah and get me one please, I need it.’

‘I think I will too,’ Phil said. ‘So come on, what’s happened now.’

‘Well, after you and Ross both told me what Max had said I thought about it and I, well I just called her. I thought we could talk, you know. I mean, I’m free and so is she apparently, so there’s nothing in our way, or so I thought. But when I suggested going up to see her she went ape and ranted about me thinking I could just screw her or something and she called me a bastard and a lot more besides. Then she told me to sod off and never to call her again, and then she hung up. If that’s someone who’s head over heels in love with me I’d hate to meet the woman who dislikes me.’

‘Shit! What on earth did you say to her?’

‘Nothing. Honestly. I just asked if we could talk and that I’d heard she had feelings for me and how I felt about her and ... well, I did say I’d like to take her in my arms but ... well I didn’t mean like that.’

‘And she went ape?’

‘Bloody King Kong ape!’

‘Wasn’t King Kong a gorilla?’

Jack cast Phil a withering look. ‘Does it matter?’

Phil shrugged ‘Probably would to King Kong but no, sorry, being facetious.’

 Phil gulped his beer and Jack followed suit.

‘Listen Jack, as nice as she is, I think I’d lick my wounds and walk away. It’s been nothing but trouble since you met her. Maybe some things just aren’t meant to be.’

Jack shook his head and looked wistful. ‘I just can’t get her out of my head mate and believe me, I’ve tried. I ... I love her.’

Phil eyed his friend warily. ‘Jesus Jack! You sure?’

‘Pretty sure yeah. I’ve never felt like this about anyone. Not even Kim. You said it yourself, I’ve always been so easy going. Seriously, I’ve just gone along with the flow and if it felt okay then that was fine but with Lizzie, it’s never felt okay. From the moment I laid eyes on her I’ve felt as if something’s crawled inside me and is taking me over. Everything was Lizzie – is Lizzie. I think, breathe and feel her every waking hour and I dream about her every night.’

‘Shit Jack. I think you need an exorcist! If that’s what being in love feels like you can keep it!’

‘But that’s the weird thing, it feels great, well most of the time it feels as if my heart’s being ripped out but when I was with her it felt, I don’t know, like I was experiencing creation, seeing things and feeling things like I’ve never seen them or felt them before. It felt ... feels as if I’m really alive for the first time ever. I’m not just going with the flow anymore – I’m fighting against the tide.’

Phil was looking worried. ‘Okay mate, now I’m really worried. You sound as if you’ve lost it. Have you had any of these before I got here?’ He held up his beer bottle.

Jack shook his head and smirked. ‘I know it sounds crazy but maybe that’s what love is. I mean real love, passionate, all consuming love. Maybe that’s where the expression being crazy about someone came from.’

Phil nodded and pursed his lips, ‘And being madly in love, I guess.’

‘Yeah! And I think that’s what I am, madly in love, only I’ve never been madly in love before so I’m not absolutely sure. All I know is that I need to be with her like I need to drink to stay alive – and I don’t mean alcohol.’

‘I know what you mean mate. Never felt like that about anyone myself so couldn’t tell you either way – and I’m sorry to put a lid on all this Shakespearean tragedy stuff but isn’t there just one problem? Hasn’t she just told you to fuck off?’

Jack dropped on to the sofa beside Phil. ‘Sod off actually – and to never call her again.’

‘Well mate. I think you’re stuffed. I need more beer.’ Phil got to his feet.

‘Do you really ... think I’m stuffed I mean? Do you think I should give up and crawl away?’

‘I would. But then, I’ve never been madly in love. The other option is to get on a plane and go up there and have the door slammed in your face – but that was a bloody heavy door mate. Your choice. I can only tell you what Max said. He could have been lying but I really don’t see why. What does he have to gain from that?’

‘And he definitely said she was head over heels in love with me?’

‘Yeah. Well ...’

‘Well?’

‘Sorry. Something just occurred to me but it is so bizarre that ...’

‘What?’

‘Well, you know I overheard Max’s phone call and told you Lizzie and he were getting back together and that the weekend had given them the push they needed and now we all realise that they’re not and he meant the push they needed to get the divorce started?’

‘Yeeeees.’

‘Well, the last thing Lizzie knew was that you were going to see Kim in hospital because she’d had an accident and – from what you said – that you were going to marry her because of the baby, only Lizzie didn’t know about the baby, just that you were going to marry Kim, right?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Think about it Jack. She still thinks you’re marrying Kim! She doesn’t know about the baby or Ross or that they got married the other day or ... well, any of it. How could she? Unless Max knows – but how would he know about Ross? And, bearing in mind her husband cheated on her, maybe Lizzie thinks that you’re married to Kim and you’re trying to have an affair with her on the side. That would explain a lot – if it makes any sense.’

It was as if Jack had seen the light. ‘That’s it! It’s got to be. It explains everything. I’ll call her and explain.’ He reached for the phone.

Phil stretched out his hand and stopped him. ‘Not a good idea. Didn’t she say never to call her again?’

‘Yes but once I explain ... No. You’re right. I can’t do this over the phone. I’ll go up there and tell her in person.'

‘And risk the door?’

Jack grinned. ‘She’s worth the risk – even though, it is a very heavy door.’

‘Well, let’s just hope she doesn’t slam it.’

‘Hi mum, it’s Jack.’

‘Darling how are you?’

‘I’m fine thanks. You?’

‘Wonderful darling. We’re at Bessie’s tonight and we’re heading over the border first thing tomorrow. Should be at Laurellei by mid afternoon. Well, that’s the plan anyway. Oh sorry, the reception on my mobile’s not good here, can you hear me?’

‘Yes mum. Listen, I need you to do me a favour. Mum ... mum are you there?’ The line went dead.

Seconds later Jack’s landline rang.

‘I don’t know, we can send a man to the moon but can we get good mobile phone reception? I’m calling from Bessie’s landline. We’re going out to dinner shortly so you’ve just caught us. There’s a new Ghurkha restaurant just opened down the road and you know how much your father loves Nepalese food. It is Nepalese isn’t it? Oh your father’s shaking his head at me. What darling it isn’t Nepalese but I ... oh, he’s saying I’m waffling. Sorry darling, what were you saying, you need a favour?’

Jack grinned. ‘I need a favour, but first, let me just say I love you mum, even though you waffle.’

‘And I love you Jack and so does your father of course and ... sorry darling. Your favour.’

‘I told you about Lizzie and the stag weekend but what I didn’t tell you was ... well, something happened between Lizzie and me.’

‘Good heavens Jack! How? You were engaged! Mind you, who can blame you after what that woman did to you – but you didn’t know about that then so ... are you saying you cheated on your fiancée?’

‘Yes mother, I am, but it wasn’t like that. I had already decided to call off the engagement so as far as I was concerned, it wasn’t really cheating and besides, I ... well, I just couldn’t help myself.’

‘Oh, I know what that’s like darling believe me. Did I tell you about when your father and I ... oh, sorry, best not get into that now, Bessie’s here, but anyway, you don’t have to explain anything to me. I told your father something had happened between you and Lizzie. I could tell. It was the way you looked when you spoke about her. That and the fact that you spoke about her quite a lot, much more than one would expect in the circumstances. Anyway, sorry, the favour.’

‘It’s all very complicated and I won’t go into details now but I think Lizzie still thinks I’m engaged to Kim. Well, actually I think she thinks I’m married to Kim now, so I just wanted you to see if you can casually mention that I’m not.’

‘Oh! Is that all? Well of course I can but ... why does she think that and why don’t you just tell her yourself?’

‘I’ve tried but it’s a little awkward at the moment. I’m trying to get a flight up but it’s Easter weekend and everything is booked solid. I may have to get the train or drive so that won’t be until sometime tomorrow or the next day. It would just help if she knew I wasn’t with Kim anymore before I arrive. It’s an oak front door.’

‘What’s the front door got to do with it?’

‘She may well slam it in my face.’

‘Good heavens! Why on earth would she do that?’

‘Doesn’t matter mum, as I said, it’s complicated. Will you do it?’

‘Of course I will darling and I’ll tell her just how lucky she is to have you –’

‘No mum. Please don’t do that. Just let her know, casually, if you can, that it was Ross who married Kim – oh and that it’s Ross’s baby and not mine. Although, I don’t know if she knows about the baby so that may just complicate things even more.’

‘Well, I’m certainly confused; but leave it with me darling. I’ll do whatever I can. I don’t think she’s got any vacancies though. If you’re coming up I mean. Your father and I were lucky because someone had just cancelled but I think she’s full so you may have to find somewhere else to stay. I suppose you could stay in our room for one night and ... oh, your father is doing his Queen Victoria impression, clearly not amused. Anyway we’ll sort it out. I’m sure she’ll find somewhere for you to sleep and ... oh, I suppose ... No. I won’t say another word. Call us on the mobile and let us know when you’ll be there. Assuming we can get a signal in Scotland. Do you want me to say you’re coming or do you want that to be a surprise?’

‘A surprise. And Scotland’s not the moon mum, it has mobile phone towers. You’ll get a signal. See you soon.’

‘So does Northumberland darling, but I’ve had to call you back on the landline. Oh your father’s clearly starving to death, he’s tapping his watch, oh and he’s saying hello – to you I think. See you soon, Jack.’

‘You must be the only man on earth who tells his mum everything and isn’t a wimp.’ Phil said when Jack had hung up.

‘I’ve just got a great mum, that’s all. And I don’t tell her everything just the bits I don’t mind her knowing. Besides, you tell her things too. You always have.’

‘That’s true but then, she’s not my mum. You’re right though, she is great. Anyway, I think we should leave things as they are for now and adjourn to the pub. Emma’s going to pop in with some of her mates and Pete’s going to be there with his new girlfriend.’ Phil got up and stretched.

‘Pete’s got a girlfriend? When did this happen?’ Jack stood up and headed towards the door.

Phil shook his head benignly. ‘Last Friday night in The Mucky Duck. Her friend was all over you like a rash.’

‘Really? I don’t remember that.’

‘You wouldn’t. You were madly in love with an ape from Scotland. You didn’t notice anything.’

Jack slapped Phil’s arm. ‘Watch it. That’s my future girlfriend you’re talking about.’

‘Yeah. If your mum can get her to play with you that is.’

Chapter Nineteen

‘Hello, you must be Lizzie. I’m Evelyn Drake and this is my husband Jack,’ Evelyn Drake said holding out her hand on the doorstep of Laurellei Farm.

‘Hello. Yes I am. Pleased to meet you and welcome to Laurellei.’ Lizzie shook hands with Evelyn and Jack. ‘Please, come in. I’ll show you to your room and then if you’d like to come down to the sitting room once you’ve settled in, I’ll make some tea. There’ll be cakes and scones too so please help yourselves to those.’

‘Oh thank you Lizzie. We’ve not long had lunch actually but a cup of tea would be lovely.’

Lizzie showed them to their room. She’d given them the toile de jouy room, which had meant some rearranging. The vacant room had been the one Jack had occupied. The one they’d made love in, but that was too weird. She couldn’t put his parents in the same bed, no matter how many times the sheets had been washed since.

Evelyn chatted on the way. She said how lovely the house was, how spectacular the scenery was, how pleasant the drive up was and finally, when Lizzie handed her the key to their room, how lovely Lizzie was – just as Jack had told them she would be.