The Vineyard (31 page)

Sophie returned a little later and they went through all the work that had to be done at the salon, Jean-Luc made some changes here and there to his drawings, so two stud walls which they’d decided to re-arrange and the electrical detail was finalised where possible.

‘The building work will take four to five days,’ Jean-Luc said, placing his pencil behind his ear, ‘Providing we can get all the materials.’

‘It’s really good of you to be able to do the work so quickly,’ Lizzie told him.

‘Sophie gave me some warning. She said you hoped to get the contract signed earlier this week – so I was working other jobs around this.’

‘Well, we really appreciate it. That gives us a couple of weeks for all the furnishing and final touches. Thank you. We can’t wait to see it completed and to get it opened by beginning of September.’

‘Absolutely,’ Sophie agreed.

‘It is exciting. You have done very well to get this site,’ Jean-Luc said with a genuine affirmation in his nod.

‘Well I’m lucky I have you two, otherwise God knows where I’d be.’

‘The poster and leaflet art work are here,’ Sophie said, reaching across the table. ‘Hope you like them? The press release is here. All they need is your approval and the date and a time - or anything else you may want to add or change.’

‘This is where it gets tricky. We don’t want to commit to a date just yet. Hopefully we should be able to put the date on them by next week, once we have work underway and…’ Lizzie trailed off. She couldn’t bring her worries about Anton into this. Sophie gave her a questioning glance and Lizzie discreetly winked and signalled with a pointed finger for her to wait as she picked up a set of keys behind Jean-Luc. She then held them out to him.

‘So Jean-Luc, here are the keys and you will want a cheque for the deposit so I will get that for you.’

‘It’s there under that Launch folder Lizzie. You just need to sign it.’

‘Oh bloody hell, you remind me of someone else Sophie, thanks. She thinks of everything,’ Lizzie told Jean-Luc as she signed the cheque and passed it to him. ‘I’ll pop along in the morning as early as I can,’ she told him, stuffing his arms with the drawings. He kissed them both goodbye and made his way out of the door. Lizzie waited until he was out of earshot and then updated Sophie on the lawyer’s letter.

‘Oh my God, Lizzie. It’s becoming very scary isn’t it?’

‘Far more than I ever imagined. Yes. And,’ she looked at Sophie’s disappointed face, ‘terrible timing.’

‘Well, if we have to wait a while, so be it.’ Sophie squeezed her friend’s shoulder in reassurance.

‘I’m sure it won’t affect the immediate future but I’ve got a real sense of uneasiness about Anton. I’m sure I’m becoming paranoid but it’s, well, I sense trouble. He was so adamant he should have custody, not just shared, but total.’

‘I’m pretty sure the court won’t decide that. And, his lawyer should tell him how it all works.’ Sophie tried to assure her.

I just hope you’re right but I wouldn’t put it past Anton to corrupt them.’

‘He can’t hold that much control. No judge would want a child’s welfare jeopardised.’

‘He is not going to ruin our lives, I am resolute, but for now I’m keeping Thierry close.’

‘I should pull my finger out and find somewhere to live, pronto,’ Sophie said, pulling her hair back and tying it with a band before reaching for her laptop. ‘You and Thierry need your home back.’

‘Don’t be silly. We’ll manage.’ Lizzie squeezed her best buddy.

‘No, but realistically it may antagonise the situation, and us. I’m here to help but you need your space. I need to find my own place soon. I did start looking when I arrived but got all consumed with the salon which I’m not complaining about – FYI!’ Sophie started up her laptop.

‘Sophie, I owe you. You are not going anywhere, well not unless you make sure it’s somewhere you’re happy with.’ Lizzie stretched across her friend and pushed down the lid of the laptop. ‘There’s no point rushing and I love you being here.’

‘No boss. I appreciate your sentiment,’ Sophie said opening the laptop again, ‘but, I insist.’

Lizzie laughed. ‘Partner, or more accurately, right arm, your decision! I’ll have a look at this artwork.’

Chapter 34

With the list of events produced by Lizzie, Charles began to compile a file against Anton. Charles reported the next step would likely be a mediator meeting at the court in the hope of accomplishing an agreeable visitation programme. Lizzie sat in Charles’ office listening to Anton’s apparent statement and listened attentively to the facts and procedures.

‘Judges can be bribed can’t they?’

Charles sat motionless, calm and professional. ‘Don’t be alarmed, lawyers are paid to send letters to rattle their client’s opponents.’

‘I can’t imagine where he has got these ideas from,’ she said, looking down the list on the new letter, slowly rotating her head to alleviate tension.

‘His lawyer but probably at Anton’s insistence,’ Charles said.

‘Anton’s law.’

‘It’s common when one party is aggrieved. I’ll write confirming you are keen to find a solution with the mediator.’

‘Arsehole, that’s what he is.’ Lizzie stood to go. ‘Sorry to swear. Ok, I’ll wait to hear from you, otherwise I’ll leave it in your capable hands.’

‘Believe me, I will do all I can,’ he assured her.

Back at her apartment Lizzie spent some time with Thierry before compiling thoughts and a list of questions for Charles, Anton and the mediator. Sophie was out, much to Lizzie’s shame, once again at the helm of the salon. Marie-Claire was busy in the kitchen. Thierry drove his little cars around his mat. A smile broke from her lips as she observed her son; he was now becoming very good at keeping himself amused with his toys, creating his own little world.
What would happen if that monster got his mitts on you?
She shuddered at the thought. She moved his books aside and sat near to him.

‘Don’t sit on books Mummy,’ he said without looking up. He loved reading, or looking at his books alone – creating his version of the story anyway!

‘I’ve moved them here darling,’ she said, chuckling at his growing cheekiness. She noticed he was developing in character and becoming more and more headstrong. She thought he had finished with the ‘terrible twos’, now he was developing a ‘trying three’ syndrome if ever there was one. Once he had made his mind up that he was going to do something his way, there was no persuading him otherwise. More stress to the collection, Lizzie thought pouting her mouth and turning back to her task.

Once she had made some notes and a list, Marie-Claire took over Thierry’s care whilst Lizzie took a meander along to the new salon in Rue Antibes to see how the work was progressing and talk to Jean-Luc in case he had any issues to discuss. As she turned into Rue Antibes, the usual crowds shopped but one person in particular made her heart stop. She spotted Cal striding causally along with someone, a young woman from the quick glance she’d grabbed before turning the corner.

‘Lizzie,’ she heard but she continued faster, as if she hadn’t. What the fuck? He had soon moved on she told herself, holding her stomach which felt as though a giant cricket ball had been hurled at it.

‘Lizzie,’ he called again. His heart-wrenchingly familiar voice snatched at her but she kept on walking. Oh God, she thought. He was now going to come out with some vague excuse that this was his cousin or sister. The pair were now running behind her.

‘Lizzie.’ He caught up and stopped in front of her. She turned and tried to steady herself. Sure enough, he was followed by a beautiful woman of part-Asian origin dressed in what appeared very expensive though casual jeans and top. Lizzie felt a heavy jolt in her throat like she wanted to throw up. How could he after all he said? She met his eyes with an instant melting affect. How she’d missed him, yearning to throw herself into his arms.

‘How are things?’ he asked, knowing from Charles that she was not in any better place.

‘Fine thank you.’ And she brushed passed him.

‘Wait, wait. I…this is Annatia Wu. She is my friend Jez’s girlfriend.’

Annatia smiled displaying perfect white teeth. ‘Hello.’

‘Hi.’ Lizzie gave a forced smile with no idea who Jez was.

Cal continued. ‘I’m sure you have lots on your mind right now Lizzie but is there anything I can do?’

‘Yes. Please just keep away,’ she answered.

‘Well there’s no reason not to speak to Annatia. We’ve come looking for you. We were coming to the salon. Annatia has an interior design studio in Milan but is spending more time here at Jez’s vineyard. I thought maybe you girls could help one another. Annatia was keen to explore your beauty salon.’

‘You don’t look like you need one,’ Lizzie blurted almost rudely, still quite put out.

‘Thank you,’ Annatia replied trying to remain polite. ‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’

‘No, sorry, she is looking to build up her business in Cannes.’ Cal scratched his ear. ‘Look, she can possibly help with the shop fitting.’

‘It’s all in hand thank you. You have my number Cal. I’m just going to the new salon now to meet the builder. Another time perhaps? Give Annatia my mobile number, we may need it in the future.’ Lizzie found herself getting a tad irritated with Cal, which wasn’t like her but, she felt she was quite capable of finding her own friends or interior designers.’

‘Maybe I could help if you have builders,’ Annatia suggested. ‘Interiors are my forte and, I thought, if I can help, and this is at no cost to you, I promise, only if you’re happy, you might recommend me.’

Lizzie hovered uncomfortably searching both Cal and Annatia. ‘Ok, well, come along with me now but Cal, I’m afraid you will have to lose yourself for a while.’

‘Fine. I’ll go along and see Charles,’ he said checking his watch.

‘I’ll call you when I’ve finished, Cal,’ Annatia suggested, sensing an awkwardness.

Reluctantly, Lizzie took Annatia along to the salon. Sophie was already there with Jean-Luc and Lizzie introduced everybody. Both Sophie and Jean-Luc held surprise in their eyes as Lizzie told them why Annatia had come along.

‘That’s really weird,’ Sophie remarked with a genuine expression of enthusiasm on her face. ‘Jean-Luc and I were just saying we could do with an expert just to put us straight on how to make this corner more attractive or useable even, and you brought Annatia in.’

‘Well then, we have our very own angel, dropped out of the sky in Rue Antibes,’ Lizzie cut in rather sharply.

‘Are you ok Lizzie?’ Sophie caught the blatant sarcasm and wondered whether her friend was just overtired or overstressed.

‘Yes, I’m…No, Sophie. This is all becoming too much. Would you all excuse me?’ Lizzie turned and bolted for the door. Sophie looked at the other two aghast at her friend’s uncharacteristic reaction.

‘I’ll be back,’ she called, grabbing her bag and chasing after Lizzie. She rushed down Rue Antibes behind the familiar figure bobbing among busy shoppers. As she caught her she felt Lizzie’s weight lean into her in despair.

‘Come on.’ Sophie led her to one side. ‘Come in here and have a coffee.’ She took Lizzie by the hand and pulled her into the nearby bar.

‘I’m sorry Sophie, it’s all getting too much. Why Cal dumped that woman on me I don’t know. Oh, you know it’s not her, not that, not even the business or the new salon. I know you are taking care of everything. It’s just everything else, Mum, Anton, Cal.’ Lizzie was led easily into step with her friend steering her by the arm as she spilled out her troubles. ‘I don’t know how to deal with it. I’ve never felt so powerless, so helpless if you like, it seems so fucking unfair. I’m sorry. I can’t…deal with…I can’t think,’ she babbled with a self-pitying cry, her head down. Sophie ushered her to sit down at the nearest table. A waitress witnessing the scene approached them as they reached the popular people-watching enclosure.

‘Deux café au lait, grande, sil’vous plais,’ Sophie ordered, holding her friend close. ‘

‘I… I’m struggling. I feel bad that I can’t be with Mum, the hassle with Anton, although Charles is now taking care of it, I feel Anton is controlling everything again and I’m not sure if I’ve done the right thing with Cal. Oh, just one big mess really!’

‘Sit,’ Sophie ordered.

‘It’s all getting on top of me.’ Lizzie sat down but her mind was far from settled. Sophie perched in close next to her. ‘All I’ve ever wanted is for Thierry to be happy.’

‘It is a lot to be dealing with and it’s stressful but Michael’s looking after your mum and like you say Charles has everything in hand. Don’t worry about Cal for now. Look, we’ll have our coffee, get back to salon, then go and see Charles. Or,’ Sophie paused, ‘I’ll go back to the salon. You can wait here for a while as long as you calm down.’

‘No, no it’s fine. We’ll go together. I need to apologise to Annatia.’

‘Just sit and let’s... calm down and take stock,’ Sophie said rubbing her friend’s shoulder. ‘Phew, I need to find a notebook and compile a list of all your worries so I can keep abreast of it all. There must be so many things going on in your head. No wonder you are stressed!’

‘I’m sorry. I’ll take some deep breaths.’ She breathed in heavily through her nose. ‘As always, you bring light into the darkness Dr Pitou!’

‘That’s brilliant. I have some uses. I can now add ‘Light bulb’ to my list of qualifications.’

Lizzie gave a shaky laugh. ‘Isn’t it in there already next to ‘wall’ – you listen without talking back at me which is what I love about you.’ The large coffees arrived and they both began to stir and sip at the frothy tops. ‘Well one day I will try to put your qualities into some sort of image gallery – we’ll hang them in the salon, remind me when I’m bored,’ Lizzie mused.

‘You? Bored? Don’t start deluding yourself sweet,’ Sophie jeered as Lizzie began to sink back into her chair with a smile. ‘Good. Let’s sit and enjoy.’ Sophie checked her phone while Lizzie couldn’t get the vision of Cal and the woman out of head. It had really shaken her. She realised how deeply she really felt about him and seeing him had, as usual, turned her to mush. Even so, the nagging voice inside her was making her wary. Did Cal really feel the same about her or was he filling a void created by Jack? He’d got close to Thierry really quickly and not having Jack around must have really made him feel he’d missed out on so much. Was she right to let him get so close to them both. Thierry would get hurt if Cal didn’t have true feelings for her. If the relationship between her and Cal wasn’t strong enough, Thierry would be the one who would suffer. It was evident from what Sophie had said about his violent reaction to losing Jack that he was highly affected. The more she thought about it, the more she felt her doubts were right.