Something in the Air (Skylarks #3)

Chapter 10

10

Nadia hadn’t been nervous at all when she’d arrived at the venue. The first thing she’d done in her beautiful room in the country house was fling open the window to hear the sea in the distance and let the sunshine filter in, and then she’d taken a long, luxurious shower and got dressed for the dinner dance.

She’d been to enough of these fundraising events to know how it worked. Everyone gathered in the same place, people you saw regularly in their smarter attire, those you rarely saw welcoming you with open arms, introductions to people she’d never met and would do her best to remember so as not to cause offence.

After coming downstairs, she placed a couple of bids on items in the silent auction, which would close when they were all called into the marquee for dinner. She never wanted to win at these things but she always placed bids to try to get the price up and thus raise more money for their charity. The circulating drinks would help the process, as would the two ambassadors behind the table of items who were explaining to newcomers how this all worked as well as sharing the details of all the prizes. They were good at it, the sales pitch side, and she left them to it and went into the reception room where crowds were gathered.

What she hadn’t quite expected as soon as she entered was to see Hudson at the opposite end, as though the crowds had parted just for them. In a tux, he looked more handsome than ever before and although she was eager to talk to him, her nerves made her stall her journey across the room so she could calm herself first. She talked to anyone who caught her eye, hugged supporters she’d known for years. Dorothy, stunning in the most spectacular turquoise dress, caught her and introduced her to a couple of friends she’d brought along. One of them was hoping to win the flight in the helicopter. ‘Who am I safest with?’ the woman asked Nadia. ‘Maya? Or Vik?’

Nadia smiled. ‘You’ll be safe with either of them. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, shall I?’

Talk turned to helicopters when the woman told her she’d been up in one years ago, over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and all the while, Nadia could feel Hudson’s eyes on her.

‘It’ll be a different view,’ Nadia assured her, ‘but seeing Whistlestop River from up above is spectacular.’

The woman clapped her hands together. ‘Come on, Dorothy, come with me; I’m going to keep an eye on those bids and see if I can go a bit higher.’

And then she was there, in front of Hudson and when he told her she looked beautiful, she blushed. That kind of reaction wasn’t going to keep her feelings hidden, was it? But hidden was what they needed to be because he was married. Off limits.

With so many people in the country house, the temperature had risen and she was glad of a sleeveless dress. They worked together, had been this close plenty of times, if only she could remember that and try to act at least semi-human. And he would never cheat, she knew that much about him, so she should do her best to keep things purely professional.

‘It’s a sellout,’ he said.

‘We had a few tickets left yesterday morning but the last few went. This could be our best fundraiser yet.’

‘What’s the fizz like?’ He eyed the glass she’d barely started.

‘I’m taking it slow. Just the one. I find it best at these things not to have too many drinks until it’s almost over.’

‘Because then everyone else is so drunk, they won’t remember if you make a serious faux pas?’

‘Exactly.’ She took a step back from him and looked around. ‘Where’s Lucinda? Is she here tonight?’ A few days ago, she’d asked whether his wife was coming to this but thinking about it now, he hadn’t ever answered her question.

‘She’s not, no.’

‘I thought you said your kids were away at her parents’.’

‘She’s gone with them.’

Lucinda had been at the fundraiser a couple of years ago and from memory, she’d won a weekend at a yoga retreat in the Cotswolds after placing a winning – and very generous – bid in the silent auction. It was odd for her not to be here now. Everyone else had brought their partners along. It was a novelty getting this dressed up, to have a chance to be glamorous. Nadia certainly appreciated it.

He closed the gap between them again and she was about to take a step back, nervous at the close proximity, when he dropped a bombshell.

‘Lucinda and I are divorced,’ he said.

If Nadia had heard the news from anyone else, she would’ve doubted its credibility but hearing it from Hudson himself made it real. ‘You’re divorced? Since when?’

‘It was finalised a month or so ago, but we separated in the latter part of last year. It had been a long time coming.’

‘You never said a thing.’ Her heart beat faster. He was single. Just like she was.

‘Easier not to, I suppose. And I feel pretty dumb for not seeing what she was really like – or for ignoring it and assuming things would get better.’

‘I’m so sorry, Hudson.’

‘She moved out a while ago and I got used to being on my own but I needed to establish some stability for the kids, keep a bit of myself private until we all got our heads straight. That’s another reason I never said anything at work.’

‘It must be really hard for all of you.’

‘We should’ve accepted it was over years ago. We’re both happier this way but it’s still been tough on the kids.’

Their conversation was halted by another one of their supporters who wanted to thank them for finding such a delightful venue. The woman kept them chatting for a while, talking about the stunning location, the elegant marquee, the silent auction.

‘I’ve placed a good bid on every single item!’ she said before she spotted a friend and flitted over to them instead.

‘It’s people like that who keep us going,’ Hudson remarked.

‘She was certainly enthusiastic – if she wins everything she’s bid on, she’ll be broke.’

Hudson’s laughter was a tonic given what they’d been talking about, but Nadia couldn’t ignore his admission about his marriage and act as though it had been run-of-the-mill conversation. ‘So, given what we were just talking about, you’re okay?’

‘I’m okay.’ He leaned so close to her that her heart began to thump harder, her hands felt clammy all of a sudden as though this was a date, not a work function. ‘I know people say that it was a joint decision even if it wasn’t, but this really was. The reason it didn’t happen sooner was the kids; neither of us want them to suffer – we stayed together first for Beau and then for the two of them. We were over a long time ago.’

If she moved any closer, their lips would touch, and the thought sent her spiralling.

She wanted to reach for his hand and if her feelings didn’t run deeper than a friendship, she might well have done. Was he telling her all of this now because he felt something more towards her?

He stepped back, smiled at someone who said hello on their way to the bar. ‘Carys was unsettled at first but she’s so young, the transition has been a bit easier. Beau… well, Beau is a teenage boy; I won’t lie, it’s been harder with him. He’s been in a bit of trouble at school and I still worry what’s coming my way with him.’

‘You’re a good dad, Hudson.’ Nadia remembered on more than one occasion Hudson having phone calls with his wife that sounded full of tension, asking her what time she’d get away, requesting that she really make an effort. Nadia had tried not to eavesdrop but in a work environment, it was sometimes unavoidable. ‘Do the kids see much of Lucinda?’

‘Not as much as she promises half the time. She’s forever coming up with excuses, but I’ve learned that I can’t make her change; I’d exhaust myself trying. So I’m there to pick up the pieces, to leap in at the last minute.’

It was time to circulate again as more supporters demanded their attention and it was, after all, the whole point of tonight.

‘We can talk later if you need to,’ Nadia said quietly before they joined the throng.

‘I’d like that.’

Was this dangerous water she was treading? He was still a father, and a good one, and his kids were quite rightly his priority. She didn’t want to interfere with that.

She talked with some of the town’s locals who’d made the trip out here this evening. Originally, the fundraising committee had thought about having a marquee at the airbase, but they’d decided it wouldn’t have the glamorous side to it that might attract a lot of supporters. Yes, it was easier to get to, but people wanted to be wowed by the whole night. And this country house with views of the Jurassic Coast certainly did that.

‘The venue is just gorgeous,’ one of their supporters gushed. ‘And it was only an hour by minibus.’ That was another thing the fundraising committee had organised – transport to and from the event because they knew that would lure even more people.

Nadia circulated, although all she wanted to do was have a heart-to-heart with Hudson because now she knew that he and Lucinda weren’t together, she realised she probably hadn’t been imagining it – that there might be something more than friendship between them. It wasn’t just one-sided.

The announcement was made for guests to make their way into the marquee. Nadia checked the seating plan and weaved through the tables towards the centre where she found her place card. She scooped her dress beneath her and sat down. A balloon and streamer centrepiece with their table number stood tall and proud, the silver cutlery gleamed, the murmur of voices told her how much everyone was enjoying this.

‘Where’s the wonderful Bess this evening?’ one of their oldest supporters, ninety-three-year-old Maud, asked. She seemed delighted to find she was sitting next to Nadia.

‘You know The Skylarks – we can’t stop what we do for a party.’

‘A very good party.’ Maud picked up a glass filled with a clear drink, a mint leaf and plenty of ice cubes.

‘It is, but the red team drew the short straw this year and are the ones to stay behind. Bess will get to come along next time.’

Bess, still suffering from morning sickness at any time of the day, had claimed that it worked out better this way – she wouldn’t have to make excuses for being tired or not wanting any alcohol. Next year, she intended to fully make up for it, she said.

Nadia had never had much sickness with either of her pregnancies. Maybe she hadn’t got far enough along. She’d been tired with both though, before nature decided it wasn’t her time and put an end to her dreams before she could feel any of the other changes in her body. She never got to experience a growing bump, the flutters and kicks of a tiny human, the nesting before the baby came, the labour and the utter joy of holding her child in her arms.

She bit back her sadness and smiled at a waiter who appeared and set down the glass of water she’d requested.

Maud lifted her glass of fizz towards Nadia’s glass of water at her table setting. ‘To the red team. May they fly safely tonight.’ And when Nadia lifted hers to meet the vessel, Maud said, ‘You need something better than water, dear.’

‘All in good time. I need to be on my best behaviour for a while.’

Maud, full of mischief, leaned in and said, ‘Then promise me you’ll drink up and let loose.’

Hearing a ninety-three-year-old tell her to let loose made her smile as the other guests on their circular table took their seats.

The meal was delightful – fresh fish and vegetables as the main, a wonderful chocolate souffle for dessert and a cheese selection that almost rendered it impossible to move by the time they’d finished.

The silent auction followed the meal – good job as it gave them all a chance to remain in their seats and recover from the over-indulgence. Maud won the flight in Hilda and she was beside herself, so much so that Nadia was on standby to deal with an elderly person collapsing on her watch. But it seemed Maud was made of sterner stuff than that. And she wasted no time going to talk to Vik to see whether it would be him or Maya taking her up in the air.

Staff raced in to sort the tables in the marquee and shunt a few of them over to the edges to make a decent-sized dance floor. Nadia disappeared to the bathroom to freshen up before the whole team would be huddled together for a group photograph, and bumped into Kate, who was coming out the other way.

‘Did that guy find you?’ Kate asked.

‘Guy? What guy?’

‘There was someone looking for you… He didn’t look like he was here for the actual event; he was wearing jeans.’

‘Was it one of the minibus drivers?’

Kate’s lips twisted. ‘Hmm… don’t think so. Very good looking, though. If he’s one of the drivers then it’s a shame I’m staying over.’

Nadia just laughed. ‘Well, if I find him, do you want me to send him up to your room?’

‘Don’t tempt me. See you for the photo shoot,’ she called over her shoulder as she headed back to the party.

Nadia freshened up, pressing a bit more face powder onto her cheeks, putting on more of her red lipstick. Her hair was behaving for once and she ran her fingers through the sides to separate the strands a bit.

She looked at herself in the mirror, her mind on Hudson once again. He’d told her about the divorce and as far as she knew, he hadn’t told anyone else. The thought had her hopeful that his feelings were growing for her as much as hers were for him. But would it be too messy and complicated to start something? Those kids would and should always come first. He had history, baggage, but then again, she certainly came with her fair share.

She returned to the marquee and joined the others for the photograph they’d frame and put up at the airbase. And when they were given their freedom again, she immediately found herself swept away in Frank’s arms when he requested a dance.

‘Were you ever going to take no for an answer?’ Nadia laughed.

‘No chance. Marianne is helping clear some of the tables so I’m on my own and need someone.’ It was a sedate number, but it wasn’t long before that was replaced for an energetic twist track that involved way too much moving after a heavy meal – not that it seemed to deter anyone else.

When others in the team joined the dance floor, including Hudson, Nadia wasn’t quite so relaxed. She was self-conscious, worried about what she looked like, discombobulated by his presence.

After the partying was interrupted by the MC announcing the estimated amount raised that evening and a rapturous applause rang out along with whoops and cheers, hugs ensued between the team, supporters, anyone. The atmosphere was electric and whoever predicted this would be a wonderful fundraiser had been right.

She grabbed a glass of water from the table at the side and took it out of the back entrance of the marquee. She needed the fresh air. The sun had set while they’d all been enjoying their evening and the breeze gave her a welcome little shiver.

She hadn’t been outside all that long before Hudson came and stood beside her.

‘You escaped,’ he said.

‘I needed to. It’s hot in there and frantic.’

‘It’s been a good one. Only one problem…’

‘We have to better it next year?’

‘Exactly.’

Their view was of the coast beyond. The lights of a boat in the distance and the moon up above reflected into the water and showed a beauty that existed no matter whether it was day or night.

‘What I told you earlier…’ Hudson began.

‘Don’t worry.’ She turned to him. ‘It won’t go any further.’

‘It’s not that.’ Hands in his pockets, he looked at the ground. She wondered whether he couldn’t wait to loosen his bowtie or whether he wanted to keep the tux on the way she wanted to stay in her dress: to make this evening last for longer.

It was when he looked right at her, she knew he was going to say something about the way he felt.

He reached for her hand. ‘I’ve been wanting to say something to you for a while. Not only about the divorce, but about… well, us.’ He was nervous and it made Nadia feel calmer to know she wasn’t the only one.

‘Us?’

‘I think you might have feelings for me that extend beyond a friendship,’ he said.

‘I do. But… I don’t ever want to get in the way of anything.’

‘You won’t.’

‘The kids.’

‘They will always be my priority.’ He groaned. ‘Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m crazy to even think about having a life of my own right now.’

‘You’re not crazy.’

He reached out and moved the few strands of her hair away from her lips when the wind blew it there.

She looked up at him, at his handsome face, the olive skin, the five o’clock shadow, the endearing smile she could melt into. ‘You really have feelings for me?’

‘Most definitely.’ He grinned. ‘Do you think you might like to go on a date with me? Maybe even more than one?’

She smiled. ‘I’d like that. But no rush, not if it’s not right for you and your family.’

He let out the breath, looked at their hands, entwined, stepped even closer. He kissed her very gently on the forehead. ‘That’s all I need to know for now.’

She could’ve stayed in the moment forever. ‘We should get back inside before we’re missed.’

‘Dance with me?’ he asked as they made their way back to the marquee and rather than lively music, the track changed to the sort of music that drew couples in closer together. Some of those couples were in love – others were friends.

And Nadia and Hudson? They were somewhere in between.

Hudson led her onto the dance floor. He lifted one of her hands in his, he set his other against her waist and their bodies almost touching, Nadia tried to ignore the giddy feeling she had running through her, the feeling that made it near impossible to move.

Neither of them said a word; they just danced.

But as they drew closer to Kate, who was dancing with her dad, Kate caught Nadia’s eye. ‘He’s over there, that guy I told you about.’

‘What guy?’ Hudson asked.

Nadia was about to say she had no idea when she locked eyes with the man who’d come in the back entrance of the marquee. Highlighted by the moonlight, it was hard to know if she was imagining it, it seemed so unreal.

Hudson followed the direction of her gaze. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Archie…’

And then it was as if her feet moved all by themselves.

She’d come out of Hudson’s embrace, walked over to the man, stopped in front of him.

It had been almost twenty years since they’d laid eyes on one another, over two decades since they’d mourned the loss of their baby. Standing in front of her now was the same Archie she remembered with the blond hair that had faded, the piercing blue eyes she’d looked into plenty of times, the same habit of biting his cheek nervously when confronted by something he wasn’t sure of.

Her heart thumped; her whole body tensed. ‘What are you doing here?’

When Archie didn’t say a word, Hudson interjected and introduced himself, perhaps to save Nadia from whatever he thought this was. ‘I’m Hudson, good to meet you. You missed the silent auction, I’m afraid.’

‘I’m not here for the auction.’ His eyes never left Nadia, not until a little boy came to his side.

And when Nadia looked at the child, she felt winded. The resemblance was there all right and to see it was confronting.

‘Can we go somewhere and talk?’ Archie asked. ‘It’s important. I wouldn’t have come otherwise.’

Nadia felt Hudson’s arm go around her waist. But she pulled away and turned to face him.

‘I’m sorry, Hudson, I need to deal with this.’

And she watched Hudson slowly nod, disappointment written all over his face as he turned and walked away from her, back into the crowds.