The Vineyard (12 page)

Twenty minutes later, a light tap of the door surprised her. She jumped up and called, ‘Who is it?’

‘It’s me, Cal,’ he answered and Lizzie sheepishly pulled opened the door.

‘Where is he?’ she asked, looking over his shoulder.

‘Gone.’

‘Where?’ She pulled the door back to allow Cal in.

‘Left, in his car. I don’t think reception will let him back in,’ he said with conviction. ‘He knows police will get involved if he sniffs round here again.’

‘I don’t trust him. I don’t know why he wants…’

‘Lizzie, I’m all for men having access to their children. Don’t get me wrong, I would support him normally, had he approached it like an adult. He knows it’s an offence to abduct a child, even his own.’

‘Do you think he would have actually taken him? I’m not sure if he was serious or whether he was just trying to goad me. I think it started as a joke and I panicked and when I held on to the buggy, he found it funny that I was flashing my arse. It probably looked a lot worse than it actually was.’

‘It didn’t look like much of joke from where I was stood,’ Cal told her pacing to and from the window, hands on his hips. Lizzie fixed her eyes on Thierry.

‘Oh, I don’t know what to think. I just won’t trust him again though, never. It was scary.’

‘Well no doubt his emotions are raw just discovering he has a child and was never told.’

‘I had my reasons for not telling him. I certainly didn’t want to be with him and you can probably understand why after…’

‘You don’t have to defend yourself.’

‘Anyway, a huge thank you. I don’t know what we’ve done if you hadn’t arrived. Of course, your friend Charles said you too have a son.’

‘Yeah, but, I knew the child was mine from the start but was lied to, then denied access. She tried to say it was Reuben’s, her husbands. I did the same though, I was determined to make my claim on what was mine. I went to the US to Jack’s mother, Kelly, to sort it out.’

‘I bet you didn’t behave like that though?’ she said, watching Cal stride back from the window, his eyes blinkered in thought.

‘Absolutely not but I had to fight to get him back. She was married to this other guy when I found out what she’d done; claimed the child was his. I had to wear her down to get her to admit the truth, not to me so much, I knew that child was mine, but she had, in living her lie to Rueben, almost convinced herself the child was his.’

‘That must have been awful,’ Lizzie said. ‘So she convinced him so he would support her.’

‘You could say that. She was quite young and quite needy I suppose. I had just signed up to the Navy so I wasn’t around. She wanted something different clearly: money, security or she fell in love, who knows? I never got to the bottom of it.’

‘I was quite different. I was used to being independent, running my own life, I’d set up my own business by the time Thierry was born, making decisions for myself and Thierry.’ Lizzie suddenly felt she was talking too much. She bent down to where her son played and although her body was less shaky she was suddenly uneasy that Cal was now in her room and they were chatting like old friends.

‘Well, I think we’re ok now. We appreciate your help though, thank you.’

‘I’m pretty sure you won’t have seen the last of Anton. He is keen to get access and,’ Cal grimaced, ‘he was talking about getting his lawyers involved. I took the liberty of telling him you have rather a lot on your plate right now with your mother’s ill health, so fingers crossed he’ll give you a bit of breathing space.’

Lizzie wasn’t sure whether to feel grateful or annoyed. It seemed her world was becoming surreal and somewhat out of her control. He was now no doubt expecting her to make a decision about going to see her mother and she still wasn’t sure whether to trust him.

Cal knelt down to their level, and instantly she breathed in his scent and shackled her mind. She had to keep her physical attraction out of the equation and get a grip on the reality of what she was faced with whether she liked it or not.

She watched a while as Cal and her son pushed cars around the floor together, Thierry making vroom sounds and occasionally checking Cal out with his eyes.

‘I just want to be left alone now if you don’t mind,’ she told him and, leaning on one hand, went to push herself from the floor but, losing her balance, slipped directly head first into his chest. He clutched her torso, lifting her gently, their lips brushing. Lizzie squeaked as desire sprang from within her. Peering up as he held her, she fell helplessly into the depths of his eyes, unable to move. How their lips stayed apart she didn’t know. Then she heard a giggling. Thierry ran and threw himself on her like she was playing a game.

‘Mummy, that’s funny.’

‘Are you ok?’ he asked, helping her to her feet. Then he joined in with Thierry, laughing.

Flicking her hair back with her hand she revealed her flushed face. ‘Yes, sorry. Legs,’ she said, pointing the blame. Then she burst out with laughter.

‘Anyway, Yes, sure. I’ll leave you two alone.’ Cal released a small vehicle from under his leg with his fingers and pushed himself against the floor, with his knuckles, to stand up. ‘Look Lizzie, I would like to help or, rather, Charles could help. He’s a good lawyer who deals in French family law. I think you should at least seek advice. You will be better equipped knowing where you both stand.’

Lizzie looked at him severely. ‘I am quite capable of finding a lawyer.’

‘Fine. But watch out, especially if you do wish to travel home.’

‘Oh believe me, if I really wanted to take him to England, I wouldn’t let Anton stop me.’

‘I meant the law could be on his side if you take his child out of the country. He has rights as a father?’

Lizzie tried to read Cal’s intent as she now stood looking at him searchingly, without getting captivated by his eyes. It dawned again, that Cal had been in Anton’s position and denied access. At least initially. Yes, he would have the first-hand experience albeit he had dealt with the US law rather than the French.

‘Do you know what I think? I think it is you he has a problem with,’ she said, holding Thierry in her arms. ‘He knew about Thierry several weeks before he began his demands. It seems to me that his concern only heightened since that day in Cannes, when he saw us there.’

‘He still had feelings for you and he’s jealous you think?’

‘No. I don’t believe he has feelings for me,’ Lizzie said. ‘He probably felt threatened only because he thinks you and I are an item and, he’s protecting what’s his. I think he doesn’t like the idea of his child being, well he virtually admitted, he couldn’t watch him with another man.’

‘I can understand that,’ Cal nodded.

‘Well I got myself into this mess. I will work something out.’ She averted her eyes once more to stop herself being hypnotized by his. She couldn’t stop the tingling inside her but she was learning to ignore it. Cal rubbed her gently on her arm.

‘Anyway, I’d better go now. I want to ring Caroline and see how she is.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Can we meet for dinner later?’ he asked

She turned to face him and just motioned a no with her head. Her head ached and she just wanted to lie down. ‘I have some food for Thierry here and I’m not sure yet if I will want to eat later,’ she told him, opening her door.

‘Ok. I fly back tomorrow so let me know if you decide you want to see your mother? I’m in room twenty one.’

Chapter 11

After a long lie down, Lizzie did in fact feel famished and got herself and Thierry showered. Downstairs in the restaurant Lizzie spotted Cal sitting at a table alone, speaking to a couple at the table beside him. Good she thought, at least he’s occupied and will leave me alone. But, in her secret heart, she couldn’t help enjoying the excitement he brought into her life. Yes, she knew it wasn’t right, and she would never act on it but he’d certainly made her feel like a woman again. Something she hadn’t felt for a long time. But, after their brush earlier, he was becoming so difficult to resist. She had to make sure she didn’t get too close again. In fact, it was just as well he was travelling back to England. At least he was out of temptation’s way.

She sat with Thierry on the dining terrace, the sun now cooler but creating fantastic light over the valley and vineyards beyond. It was a truly magnificent Provence scene that would have inspired artists such as Cezanne and Van Gogh. The waitress brought out a booster seat for Thierry on which Lizzie placed him to give him a little more height. The menu, as usual, made her mouth water and she ordered a goat cheese and rocket salad for herself and a child’s size pizza. As Thierry munched through his dinner, Lizzie glanced back at Cal, who was still sat chatting to the couple. She couldn’t help now wishing he would come over to their table. She didn’t know whether it was the romantic setting and the balminess of the evening but it seemed too beautiful not to share.
Stop, stop
. Instead, she pulled out her mobile and rang Sophie. She still had to face the decision whether to visit her mother

‘How are things going in Paris?’ she asked her friend.

‘Well, annoyingly, the problem took five minutes to sort out. I was tempted to come straight back, but then I started sorting out my wardrobes and got distracted. How are my two favourite people?’

‘We’re ok, missing you.’

‘I’m sorry. What a pain. I’ve…Oh, that’s my buzzer, it’s probably Guillaume. He said he was going to take me out for a drink tonight. Lizzie can I call you later or tomorrow?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Lizzie hid her disappointment. ‘Bye.’

‘Sorry Lizzie. Love you both and enjoy the rest of your week.’

Blast!
Vexed she was now having to face her decision alone without being able to consult Sophie, Lizzie went into silent panic. She had no idea what she was going to do. Truth be told, she couldn’t really grasp her own emotions.

Well, she had to make up her own mind and if her mother was really life-threateningly ill, she should at least do the dutiful thing and help her. Take a leap of faith and trust them. It was only right. Wasn’t she now woman enough to act the adult instead of the child. Cal obviously cared enough to help them out as mother and daughter regardless of his motivations. Would they really make up something as drastic as cancer? It was possible Cal felt out of his depth coping with her illness and needed support himself.

Regardless, she couldn’t help herself falling for him, wanting him and dreaming headily that he would take her in his arms right now and take her to his room and make love to her. Stealthily she peered at him, shielding her face with her arm but, whoops, he caught her, and her cheeks stung. Lizzie was annoyed with herself, not only had she embarrassed herself, but what must he think? He must sense her sexual tension. She almost hated herself for allowing her head to conjure such thoughts. He was forbidden fruit. Possibly a step-father! And, could he be trusted? What would he do if she made a pass at him? Would he betray her mother?

Switching her mind to the only little man that mattered, she brushed his thick fringe back from his brow as Thierry nibbled away at his pizza. She surveyed him, feeling immense pride and unparalleled tenderness. She could never imagine life without Thierry and she would never ever jeopardise it. He was the final reason she should get Cal out of her mind.

Her food arrived and to keep her son busy she leaned back and lifted her bag from the back of his chair. Rummaging through it, she supplied Thierry with his favourite little cars which always kept him amused and, removing his plate, placed them on the table in front of him. He was soon engrossed. Lizzie tucked into her salad, listening to Thierry chat away to the cars. It made her smile. It was a great shame his father was such a fuckwit but he would have to be faced. She blew out a heaving sigh, not noticing Cal until a hand appeared with a glass of beer in it and he sat beside her. Thierry gave him a cheerful grin before continuing playing with his cars. Cal joined in with the vroom, vroom sounds, mirroring Thierry.

‘Quite a natural,’ Lizzie blinked hard to retain her senses.

‘Lots of practice. I was a boy once,’ Cal smiled, sending Lizzie’s heart into overdrive. She gave a little laugh at his attempt at humour. Still tense about how to read him she tried desperately to ignore the presence of his body as he sat so close to her.

‘How are you this evening?’ he asked, eyes still on Thierry who pushed a car across for him. ‘Thank you,’ he said to the boy.

‘Much better thank you,’ she answered, observing the two of them veering cars around the table cloth - so very much on the same level - boys and their toys! ‘I can’t thank you enough, for rescuing Thierry.’

Cal continued playing. ‘You’re very welcome. It’s good to know I’m useful for something.’

He waited until Lizzie pushed some pieces to the side of her plate and positioned her knife and fork together in the centre before he cleared his throat and said, ‘At the risk of ruining what is undoubtedly a most beautiful evening, I just want to let you know I heard from your mother a short while ago.’ At Lizzie’s start, Cal waved a commanding hand and continued, ‘Like it or not, she is being admitted into hospital tomorrow. They are going to operate. The tests and scan have revealed…well, what she most feared.’ He gazed at her in silence.

A lump rushed to her throat. She scanned her almost empty dinner plate and swallowed hard, trying to take it in, not wanting to be sucked into a trap or a scheme but also afraid what he was saying was true. Would he lie about something like this?

‘Please Lizzie,’ he said softly, searching her eyes. ‘The strong suspicion is that she has an aggressive form of breast cancer,’ he added, reaching for her hand and rubbing his thumb across it. ‘I’m sorry. That is all I can tell you,’ he paused, ‘as I’ve told you before, I am just the messenger. So, you need to make your own mind up. You do what you feel you must do but I would like to help in any way I can,’ he finished and she watched as his dark lashes lowered for a while and then opened up.

‘Are you alright?’ Cal asked.

Lizzie nodded, holding back her emotions. She gazed into his eyes, seeking that trustworthiness she so needed. She couldn’t imagine why he would actually make up such a thing. She was afraid to open her mouth. Afraid what she would say. He withdrew his hand and her eyes followed him as he slowly rose without breaking eye contact.