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‘If you’re wondering if I’m going to sue you, then don’t worry. You don’t have to be nice on account of me causing trouble.’ Evie said, catching him by surprise. He remained crouched as she continued. ‘Let’s just say we all had a lucky escape. As long as your people make more effort to cordon areas off, to be absolute certain no one is allowed to wander. I won’t make trouble. I take it that’s why you are here?’
Ben stood up and faced her. ‘Believe me, we won’t take any chances. I had nightmares last night thinking about what could have happened, and I wouldn’t blame you if you wished to pursue a claim.’ He held out a concerned palm. ‘I was told a sign was in place but it evidently wasn’t visible enough, so we are responsible. I’ve brought you a form to fill in to claim any damages.’
‘No. I just want to erase the whole incident.’
‘Your call.’ Ben stepped back towards the car. ‘And… I’ve brought this. I could have had it delivered I suppose, but I have a new bike for you. I’m afraid your bike was beyond repair. The chassis was weak and deemed unsafe.’
‘What, you bought a new one?’
Ben scratched his collar. ‘Well, yes. You said you couldn’t manage without one, and I did try to get it to you yesterday but they had to build it. I’ve just collected it. It will need tightening in a few weeks, or before if you use it frequently.’
She held her lip. ‘Oh, Jesus. This is embarrassing.’
‘Why?’
‘My other one wasn’t even brand new when I had it. You didn’t have to. You could have just got a second-hand one.’
Ben grinned. ‘I’m so sorry. If you don’t like it, I can return it and get something you would like. You choose.’
Feeling touched by her concern for his spending, he reached out to the back of his hire car and opened the rear.
‘Take a look.’ He reached up and heaved the heavy frame out, bouncing the sparkling new bike on to the gravel. ‘Try it. If you like it, I’ll fit the child seat on.’
‘It’s lovely.’
‘It’s a hybrid, like your other one, so it can be used on most terrain. Try it for height.’
Evie stepped away, pushing the pushchair in front of her. ‘No. I can’t accept this. It’s…’
‘Of course you can,’ Ben cut in ‘to be honest, I’m more than pleased I can do something for you. I feel terrible after what happened. Please, try it. I can adjust the saddle if it isn’t right.’
A flash of distrust crossed her face as he watched her pondering in silence
Clutching both hands, he raised his brows for a response. He was sure he’d done the right thing and the last thing he wanted to do was upset her. It wasn’t only that the whole film would be in jeopardy if they were sued, he also hated to see women upset. You can’t change who you are, he reminded himself. That’s what his sister, Hannah, told him when he raced to her side if she cried or had been troubled. His sisters often took his side. There were five years between him and Hannah. Both she and his eldest sister, Nicola, seven years his senior, were the sweetest. They argued among themselves at times but were just like mini-mummies’ to him, and he’d always felt torn if he had to take sides when the pair of them were in dispute, or if they argued with their mother. They would also protect him from his elder brother too, who constantly jibed him about his dyslexia. He now wondered if his sisters’ closer bond with him was the root cause of his brother’s attention-seeking behaviour. Anyway, this girl was far too wonderful to upset and he needed to change tack.
‘Ok. Perhaps it would be better if you tell me what you want?’
‘I thought you were going to fix my bike, not… not bring me a brand new one. That’s all. I feel it’s too much.’
‘Well, I can’t change the facts. The bike wasn’t fixable and I couldn’t see any second-hand bikes where I was, so I got the next best thing. I promise you, I chose this because it resembled everything about your old one – the size, the colour, the gears, the saddle, even the height should match yours. It wasn’t expensive if that’s what you’re worried about. Try it out before you decide. You definitely can’t ride your old one.’
She looked down at the buggy and turned it around, shading the girl from the full sun, then gazed up to him, her eyes bright but suspicious.
‘I’ll give it a go along the track,’ she relented and pressed the brake down on the buggy. ‘Erm, I’m now going to offend you but can I take your car keys with me? I’m just not happy leaving you with Charlotte.’
Ben sucked in his amusement but she was quite serious. Instead he smiled. ‘Yes, of course. Chain her to the gate if you want or would you prefer me to go?’
‘No. Just your keys.’ She held out her hand.
Ben reached into his pocket. He shut his rear door before clicking it locked. ‘Here.’ He pressed the keys into her hands, passed her the bike and stepped back against the car, not daring to touch the buggy. She swung her leg over the saddle and rode off. He scratched his head, feeling he should say something to little Charlotte whose mummy was cycling away, but he kept his lips sealed.
‘Mummy bike.’ Charlotte said.
‘Mummy gone.’
‘Where Mummy gone? Where Mummy gone?’
Ben coughed. ‘Mummy coming back.’
Charlotte threw herself forward in her pram. ‘I want Mummy,’ she urged in panic
Ben scratched his neck and looked around him, hoping no witnesses could hear and accuse him of terrorising the child.
‘Mummy,’ she called. Evie was now at the other end of the track and turning back. She waved.
He knelt down beside her. ‘Mummy waving. Wave to Mummy,’ Ben told her and demonstrated by waving his hand in the air. ‘Mummy coming.’
It seemed to do the trick and the little girl’s expression transformed to a smile. Evie gathered speed.
‘Mummy come.’
Ben breathed a big sigh as Evie slowed and squeaked the brakes a few feet away.
‘Mummy,’ Charlotte’s legs began kicking.
‘Yes, it feels really good.’ Evie said. ‘Rather nice.’
‘Good, so you’ll happily use it?’
‘Yes. Thank you.’
‘I’ll put the child seat on.’
‘Thank you. Do you need a spanner?’
‘No, it’s all here. Ah, but I do need the car keys back.’
Evie twisted her mouth with a wry grin and delved into her pocket. ‘Just a precautionary thing, you understand,’ she said, passing them into his hand.
‘Sure. I’d do the same.’
Ben scrambled into the back of his car while Evie inspected the detail on the bike. He couldn’t help grinning to himself at her quirkiness. He found her so endearing; worrying about a replacement bike, for goodness’ sake. She didn’t seem ungrateful, more suspicious about his motives maybe, and, rightly so, very protective towards her child. He was pleased she had finally accepted the bike now though and wondered if it might be a good moment to ask her about the research. He was so enthused by her peasant girls and eager to know more.
‘Mummy out.’
‘Oh, sweetheart. Yes. You can come out.’ Evie told her child, unclipping her from the buggy. ‘We can have a little ride in a minute. We’ll pop down and see what Monsieur Fish has for us today.’
Swinging around while unwrapping the polythene wrapping on the child seat, Ben seized his moment.
‘You know you’ve created quite a dilemma for me?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘My script for Riquet. I can’t stop thinking about what you said about the female peasants from the mountains having an input to Riquet’s building of the canal.’ Ben mounted the seat while Evie held the bike. Charlotte watched curiously.
‘It’s your script. Your film. You do what you want with it. It was just an opinion, that’s all.’
‘But you are so passionate about them, their story. I can’t help feeling, especially if it’s fact, it should be added. And as you’re a journalist you probably know all about research and love digging out these types of stories… so, could you do some further research on this for me? And quite soon.’
He watched her face with caution, but her face lit up.
‘Well, yes, I’d love to. I did my journalism course before Charlotte so although I have the core skills, I haven’t had buckets of experience. I know the library in Beziers like the back of my hand, and the information centre in Colombiers, I’ll try and locate some primary sources too.’
‘Great, I want passion, I love your passion. All my team have passion. That’s enough. Great, do you work freelance now?’
‘No. I… don’t work. Well, I’m toying with the idea of working now that Charlotte’s a little older.’
‘But why didn’t you continue with your journalism?’
‘Apart from a few placements, I didn’t really get out to work. Lost confidence, I suppose.’ Her head swung down, scanning the floor.
‘Seems such a waste,’ Ben said, adding the last nut of the seat.
‘I know, my mother wasn’t pleased, I can tell you, but I’ve been busy with Charlotte anyway.’
‘You do want to do it, don’t you? I mean…’
Her head flipped up with such high velocity, a sweet peppery fragrance wafted from tresses of blonde hair. ‘Hey yeah, of course. It would suit me perfectly.’ Her eyes shone with such brutal honesty he swore he could see right into her soul.
‘Parents always have high expectations. I know mine did, but I didn’t want to become an architect like my mum, which she would have liked. I’d like to make them proud one day though, just as a thanks.’
‘Bit late for me now. Damage has been done.’
‘I bet they love their granddaughter.’
Her shoulders shrugged. ‘I doubt it. Well they might if they came to see her.’
Ben rubbed the side of his head and bit his lip. Maybe that was a bit too honest. ‘Well, anything you can dig up would be appreciated. Where these women came from, who they were, was there one in particular, did he have an affair or affairs? Apart from the labouring, what were their roles, ages, anything? I can give you an advance for expenses etc., and pay you hourly or a set fee? Have you got email?’
‘Oh, er. I’ve got your card with your email on. Shall I email you?’
Ben sensed a hesitation. ‘Yes, fine.’ Ben tightened the last bolt on the seat and asked her to put Charlotte in. They all seemed happy with the result. ‘Oh, I’ve got you a new helmet in case there was any damage to yours. I hope it fits.’ He went to the rear of the car and took out a box while Evie balanced her daughter on the bike.
‘You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble. Can I get you a drink?’
‘Like I said, it’s the least I could do. Anyway, I’d better get back to the set, so thank you for the offer. And,’ he reached inside the car, ‘the claim form. Here.’
Evie leant the bike and Charlotte against her hip and took the sheet of paper. ‘Huh, don’t be silly,’ Evie said, tearing it in half and half again, ‘the research work will be far more rewarding, thank you.’
Ben waved as he left. He would have loved nothing more to have stayed with them longer. Her charm was infectious. He felt her warming to him and was delighted that she would help. The fact that she had the training was a bonus. He drove to the end of the track and turned onto the narrow road. An approaching car swerved past him to the other side of the lane, overshooting into a small opening. He waved an apologetic hand at the driver as he drove off. It was a small Fiat, he noted, but the driver looked a lot like the singer, Seb Wilde. ‘Bloody hell, could he be her partner, and Charlotte’s father?
Chapter 5
Evie wheeled the shiny bicycle inside the steel gates and propped it up, unclipping and lifting a reluctant Charlotte down from the chair. Apart from being deadly attractive, this man was so kind and so easy to talk to. She loved the smell of him, like him it seemed alluringly strong and dependable. She inhaled and took a deep breath, then let out the longest breath, trying to expel her guilt. If only she could feel as relaxed with Seb.
‘Go pish shop,’ Charlotte moaned, wriggling and twisting her body in defiance.
‘I need to try on my new helmet, sweet pea.’
Retrieving the buggy, where she’d stacked the helmet box, from outside the gate, Evie instructed Charlotte to wheel it to the door, helping her push it over the main threshold and into the hall. She collected the box, and with her daughter keen to see inside it, headed for the front shaded terrace. Seated on the bench, Evie winced at a dark cloud bruising the sky and continued. With a little strap adjustment, it was perfect. Ben had made a good selection.
Hearing a car, her heart raced. Ben had returned. She stood and peered out. Hmm, we’re popular all of a sudden. Evie didn’t recognise the small car but instantly knew the silhouette of the driver. Wondering why he hadn’t informed her of his visit, she watched as Seb Wilde stepped out of the car. Entering the open gate, he eyed the new bike with curiosity and strolled towards her. Whipping off the helmet, she examined him. His fair hair was cut shorter, his skin unusually tanned and, in long shorts and a casual t-shirt, he appeared slimmer. An anxious smile crossed his face. Evie put her helmet to one side and composed herself, determined she would not be argumentative and that she would make the most of his company, however mad she was at him. And it did seem petty after yesterday’s trauma.
‘Charlotte, look who has come to see us,’ she shrilled, taking the child’s hand. ‘It’s Daddy.’ She dropped the child’s hand and stepped into Seb’s open arms, which were welcoming but brief.
‘You’re in good spirits, especially after yesterday. What was that outburst about?’
‘I was bloody mad at you yesterday, but you’re here now. Can’t I be happy to see you?’
‘Yes, I gathered that. That’s why I’ve come.’
Evie stood back, observing as he bent down to his child.
‘Hello Charlotte.’ He brushed a hand through her hair. ‘How are you? You have grown, and are looking very pretty.’ He twisted a blond curl around his finger.
Charlotte rushed to her mother’s leg and clung to her knee. Her tongue licked her top lip as she scrutinised her father. Seb stood back up, and patted his daughter’s head. ‘It’s Daddy, silly.’
Evie sensed his irritation but what did he expect, not having been home since early February – and that visit was short. It was now the end of May. Charlotte was nearly two years old and so much more knowing. Although, she doubted he had any inkling of a child’s perception.
‘She’s going through a shy stage.’
‘I think she’s forgotten who I am.’
‘Well. She’s wary, I suppose. Four months is a long time in her mind. You look different too. Very well in fact. Have you been on holiday?’
‘A few days’ sailing for my manager’s fortieth, but, no, been touring and writing.’ He averted his eyes from Evie, looking at Charlotte instead, and awkwardly rubbed his chin.’
Hmm, Evie thought, looks more like a few months’ sailing and a few days’ touring. ‘Well, she’ll warm up. How long are you staying?’
‘It’s her birthday soon, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, next Wednesday. She’ll be two. Are you here for the week?’ Cally suddenly came to mind and she thought of the tension it could create.
‘Evie, sorry I won’t.’ Seb scratched his brow. ‘I’ve brought her a present but I’ll be in New York. I go tomorrow night so, I’ll just be staying tonight, I’m afraid.’
Evie’s head dropped and she took in a deep breath. ‘Perhaps you should put it in your diary for next year.’ She shifted her eyes up and down and her hands flitted to her waist. ‘So, ‘how is it that your manager’s fortieth is more important than your daughter’s birthday?’
‘Of course it isn’t.’ Seb rubbed his nose. ‘It’s just that we had a few days with nothing scheduled.’
‘Because he’d scheduled it, maybe? Isn’t it time you managed your own personal schedule, Seb? Your own priorities.’ Evie’s teeth ground with anger. He just didn’t get it, did he?
‘What’s got into you? This is what I warned you about, Evie. Why I couldn’t take on a child. Don’t make me out to be the ogre.’
Evie swiped her neck in a fluster. Of course he was right. He was having to compromise to make their relationship work. It didn’t stop it hurting any less though. She and Charlotte needed him more than he needed her. Then his usual grin appeared, creating the instant charm which always managed to melt her anger.
‘Oh. Well, we will have to have a little party tonight. I was going to get some fish for our tea so…’
‘No,’ Seb interrupted. Let’s eat out. Where would Charlotte like to eat? What’s her favourite restaurant?’
Evie gave a wry smile, huh, like they eat out. ‘Fish. She loves any fish. Sea bass, monkfish, dorade, or oysters, mussels, prawns… but I usually cook it.’
Evie could see he wasn’t keen.
He beamed as he clicked his fingers. ‘There’s a good fish restaurant in Sete, on the quay by the canal. Why don’t we head there? I’ll give her the present now while you get ready.’
Evie glared at him. What on earth would she wear? She only had the little white dress she wore last summer when he took them to a restaurant in the pretty hilltop village of Effies. He looked away and turned his attention to the bike. ‘Is that brand new?’
‘Yes. I had a rather nasty accident yesterday and my bike got damaged, so the… a guy who caused the incident replaced it.’
‘Well good. At least he has the courtesy to sort it out quickly. Was that the car I just saw drive out?’
‘Probably.’
‘Where was the accident?’ he asked, looking around for somewhere to sit.
‘On the bridge at Capestang.’
He looked down. ‘Your leg?’
‘Yes, but it’s ok, just a graze and bruising. It scraped along the wall of the bridge. I was more worried about what would happen to Charlotte if I had gone over and drowned in the canal. I need to give your phone number to my neighbour Suzanne, in case of an emergency.’
Seb pulled a face and began walking to the front terrace. ‘As long as you use a different name. You haven’t told her who I am?’
‘No of course not.’ She was now becoming cross at his skewed priorities and obsession with being hunted by the press. ‘Anyway, I trust her.’
‘You should trust no one. I’ve told you, most people crave money.’
Evie swiped a fly from her arm. ‘Oh don’t be so hung up on it. No one is really interested in our little lives.’
‘For Christ’s sake – my mother, the press, my reputation – it’s all important, Evie. My whole image is clean, boy-next-door, you know all this.’
Yes, they’d been over this before, but she had to speak to somebody. ‘Well perhaps I don’t understand why you don’t want your parents to know. They might like a grandchild. And nobody is a saint.’
Agitated, Seb kneaded his fist into the arm of the sofa. His eyes were sulky. He sat back, crossing his legs. ‘Like yours, they’re not that liberal minded.’
‘Well Suzanne is the only person I have to help, so…’
‘Well, tell her Charlie Lot or something so if she rings it will mean something. I hope it doesn’t come to that. What would I do with Charlotte on the road?’
Now she wanted to scream. ‘We have to be realistic and at least put a plan in place in case of such an eventuality. It’s really brought it home to me, especially as I don’t have my family.’ Evie scrimped back her hair and pulled it to one side. ‘Although, that could change.’
‘What do you mean?’ Seb got up and began pacing. Evie knew he would disapprove. As far as he was concerned, if they weren’t prepared to help their own daughter or sister, they were scum and he insisted she have nothing to do with them. At the time, she had agreed with him, but naturally spending so many months on her own had given her a different perspective. She really would have appreciated having her family around her.
‘My sister is coming to see us next week. Do you remember Cally? We’re going to try to rebuild our bridges. I could give her your number too, for emergencies.’
Seb pushed his shoulders back, resting his hands on his hips. ‘No, not Cally. Why? She’s never helped before. She must be after something. Probably to pry.’
‘My mum isn’t too good and she’s worried.’
‘Oh so now they need your help. So what are you going to do, rush across the Atlantic with my child and help them? You committed to me and to bringing up… Charlotte. I don’t need the paps chasing you around airports trying to fill their dirty pages.’
‘Apart from my family Seb, nobody knows. They’re not going to say anything. Stop it. Stop getting paranoid.’
‘Why should I trust them? And I don’t want you going anywhere without asking me first. That was our deal, remember. Anyway, run along and make yourself pretty. I’ll get the presents out of the car.’ He strolled off shaking his head.
Evie looked down at her shorts, wondering if she looked so bad. She sat Charlotte on the sofa and told her to sit still for her daddy’s surprise. Waiting with her until Seb had unloaded several packages, she then collected her bag from the hall.
‘Give her the small one, I’ll be back soon to watch her unwrap them.’
She ran upstairs to her bedroom and pulled out her one decent dress. The only plus was, it probably fitted better now that she was fitter. Cycling along the canal certainly shifted the pounds. She turned on the shower and, stripping off her clothes, stepped in. It was a refreshing change not to rush or have Charlotte in the shower with her. She stood under the square shower-head, allowing the tepid water to rush through her hair and over her body. As she lathered, she couldn’t help wondering if Seb actually wanted to be here. Each time he came home he seemed increasingly detached. Distant. Or maybe it was her.
It was possible he’d felt trapped and found it all too much of a bind. In fairness, he had never wanted it, even though he was half responsible. He had come round though, after his initial angry outburst, when she’d insisted she was going to keep the baby. He was never quite accepting her decision, but at least he became much more considerate – working out a plan for them both. He’d become somewhat caring and loving, even. For two months after Charlotte was born, he’d stayed. They’d been a proper little family for a while and Evie had really enjoyed their time together. He’d seemed to too. But their domesticity was short-lived. His career had to take precedence, he’d said. Of course, deep down, she knew that. She accepted he was a superstar, and his singing and song-writing was who he was. The problem now was that he treated her like one of his entourage. No, less than that, he squeezed her and Charlotte in when he had nothing better to do.
Turning off the shower, Evie swiftly towelled off the water and wrapped the towel around her whilst she dried off her hair. She added a little make-up to her face, not that there was much left in her make-up bag. Then, slipping on her dress, and dabbing on a little perfume, she grabbed her bag, heading down the stairs. The scene she met was rather sweet. Seb was teasing the paper off for Charlotte to tug on but she could only pull it so far, and Seb was actually taking her hand and showing her. Evie sighed as she peered around, the larger of the boxes had been unwrapped… but the picture on the box caught her by surprise. It was a beautiful Edwardian dolls’ house, which was any little girl’s dream. Well, maybe not a two-year-old’s dream but, she considered, a wonderful gift. Although it quite clearly needed fixing together.
‘Oh, Charlotte, that’s a pretty house.’
‘House, Mummy,’ Charlotte pointed at the picture on the box.
Becoming impatient, Seb pulled more paper off each smaller present, partially revealing dolls-house furniture and a family of small figures. Evie considered Charlotte a little young for such tiny accessories and would hide them away for another year.
Evie squatted beside her daughter. ‘They are beautiful sweetheart. We’ll put them away and build it another time. Let me get you tidied up. We are going out today for dinner with Daddy for your birthday. We are going in the car.’
Charlotte stood up, now distracted. ‘Pish, Mummy. Car, Daddy.’