Twenty-two
Rachel was awakened by two small bodies leaping into her bed and a wet tongue licking her face.
‘Can we go to the beach?’ Gemma asked. ‘And have a swim before breakfast?’ her twin finished for her. ‘Please say we can, Grandma, please.’
Rachel smiled. She could never resist the two terrors when they pleaded with her like this, and it was a beautiful morning, the sun shining through the venetian blinds. It was going to be another glorious day.
‘Only six more sleeps till Santa comes,’ Indie said, her hand in Rachel’s as they made their way down the steps to the beach, ‘and Mummy says Uncle Al will be here with a surprise.’
Rachel laughed. The twins had found it too difficult to say Alexander when they were younger, so he’d become Uncle Al.
‘What do you think his surprise will be?’ Gemma asked. Emily had her grandmother’s other hand and Gemma was skipping along beside them. This morning, Rachel had decided to dispense with Molly’s leash and hope the dog was okay.
‘What do you think?’ Rachel asked, and the next few minutes were filled with their suggestions which included a motorbike, a unicorn – both twins were mad on unicorns at the moment, a cat – Indie would love to have a cat but Jess was allergic, and various other toys they’d seen on television. There was no mention of the special someone Rachel was hoping for.
When they reached the edge of the ocean, Rachel opted to stay in the shallows with the girls and Molly rather than have a swim herself. It was still early, but Jess would be picking the three girls up at eight, and Poppy and Rachel were planning to set off for Bellbird Bay at nine and make a day of it. ‘It’s ages since I had a girls’ day out,’ Poppy had said, and Rachel had been happy to agree. Once Alexander arrived and the Christmas celebrations began, she’d be flat out preparing food and ensuring everyone was happy. There would be no opportunity for her to have any time to herself.
Back home, Rachel helped Emily dress and popped her into a highchair with a Sippy cup of milk, then whipped up some banana pancakes. It was a recipe she’d got from Liz and which had proved a favourite with the girls. While the pancakes were cooking, Gemma and Indie played with Molly who seemed to have regained her customary level of energy, though Rachel noticed the girls were still being gentler with her than usual.
They had just finished breakfast when Jess arrived, in a rush as usual. With a flurry of hugs and kisses and promises to catch up for an early dinner on Christmas Eve followed by the carol singing by the marina, they all left, giving Rachel time to shower and pull on one of her caftans ready for Poppy to arrive.
Before Rachel had time to check herself in the mirror, she heard Poppy’s car and, with a quick, ‘Goodbye and be good,’ to Molly, she headed out to join her.
‘The tree looks good,’ Poppy said.
‘Thanks.’ At the twin’s request she’d turned on the lights when they returned from the beach and hadn’t taken time to turn them off again. ‘I always think it’s a special part of Christmas. It wouldn’t be the same without a tree.’
Intent on turning the car ready to drive off, Poppy only nodded. As they passed Bob’s house, Rachel caught sight of Luke’s decorated tree. She was glad she’d helped him choose it, and it appeared he’d done a good job of selecting the decorations by himself. She hoped his son would appreciate the effort he’d made, her stomach giving a little flutter at the sight of his back as he entered the clinic accompanied by Nelson. Fortunately, Poppy made no comment, though Rachel noted her eyes following the tall figure and his dog.
The pair chatted amicably on the drive south, sharing news about what they’d bought their grandchildren, and Poppy laughing at the twins’ suggestions for what Alexander’s surprise might be. Rachel shared the fact she’d prepared two rooms – just in case – and that she’d already bought a Christmas gift for Alexander’s anticipated partner. ‘What else could it be?’ she asked, when Poppy suggested she might be wrong.
‘I can’t imagine,’ Poppy replied, ‘but you know Alexander. He has always liked to play pranks. So, don’t get your hopes up, and don’t be too disappointed if he arrives on his own.’
Rachel felt her heart drop. But she was sure Poppy was wrong. She was only trying to protect her from disappointment if Alexander didn’t produce a partner.
It was after ten when they reached Bellbird Bay, and Rachel was ready for the coffee Poppy suggested. They parked close to the esplanade, and Poppy led the way to a café which she said she’d visited on an earlier trip. The Bay Café was situated on the esplanade close to a bookshop and not far from Birds of a Feather , the boutique where Rachel hoped to find the garments which would transform her. Fat chance , she thought, but it was how Poppy had described their shopping spree.
The café looked promising, not unlike their own Blue Dolphin Café , Rachel thought, with its sun-bleached wooden tables and views of the beach. They chose one of the outside tables and ordered coffee and friands, which Poppy said were delicious and were baked by a local woman. She was right, Rachel thought, as she bit into the hazelnut and apple confection.
‘Are you sure this is a good idea?’ Rachel asked. Now they were about to actually visit the boutique she was getting cold feet. Maybe they should enjoy the coffee and friands, then turn around and go home.
‘You’re not going to pike out on me, are you?’ Poppy said with a frown. ‘You’re going to love Greta’s stock, and I promise you, she won’t try to foist you off with anything that makes you look silly.’
‘Okay.’ Rachel sighed. She could see Poppy wasn’t going to let her get away without buying at least one new garment – and she was driving, so Rachel was stuck here till she chose to drive her back to Pelican Crossing.
Rachel stared into the window of the boutique. The two garments on display were brightly patterned with tropical flowers and parakeets. She’d look ridiculous in something like that. ‘I don’t think…’ she said, but Poppy had already pushed open the door, so Rachel had no option but to follow her.
An elegant woman with short blonde hair greeted them. She was wearing one of her own creations and on her it looked good. ‘Good to see you again,’ she said to Poppy. ‘And this is?’
‘Rachel,’ Rachel said.
‘Welcome to Birds of a Feather , Rachel. I’m Greta. How can I help you today?’
‘Rachel is looking to revamp her wardrobe,’ Poppy said, before Rachel could speak.
Greta eyed Rachel speculatively, but somehow it didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. ‘I see you’ve fallen into the trap of many of us as we reach middle age, and elected to wear clothes which hide your figure instead of enhancing it.’
Rachel flinched, Greta had seen through her right away, but she would, wouldn’t she? She wanted to sell her outfits.
‘What I’d suggest,’ Greta said, ‘is that you invest in a couple of items of shapewear. These days they’re nothing like the garments our grandmothers, even our mothers, used to wear. They’re comfortable and will help smooth and shape your curves. You can buy them in somewhere like Big W or online. I sometimes wear one myself when my back is bothering me – I’m on my feet too much.’
‘Oh!’ It was something Rachel had never considered. Her caftans and the loose pants and shirts in her wardrobe were so comfortable, and it didn’t require any effort to slip them on. But this was about change, wasn’t it? ‘You don’t stock them?’
‘Sorry. But let me see what I have that would suit you. I’m guessing you don’t want anything too extreme… or too tight? Though I expect you have a lovely figure under that caftan.’
It was almost exactly what Lou had said. Could they both be wrong? Rachel straightened her shoulders. She could do this. ‘Right.’ She watched as Greta pulled garments off the racks which were dotted around the walls of the shop. Poppy had taken a seat and was watching with interest.
Finally, Greta came back to join Rachel, her arms filled with different coloured garments. She studied Rachel again. ‘Yes, I think we’ll go for wide-legged pants with tunics, and perhaps one of these dresses.’ Hanging a selection of garments in one of the change rooms, Greta held up several loose dresses. They were not too unlike what Rachel was wearing but appeared to have been cut to flatter a figure much slimmer than hers. The pants and tunics were similar to the cream outfit she’d worn to dinner with Luke.
‘Okay,’ she said, entering the change room and reminding herself that she didn’t have to buy anything. The mirror in the change room wasn’t designed to flatter. When Rachel removed her caftan, she averted her eyes. She looked at the clothes hanging there. The pants were of a solid colour, as were the dresses, while the tunics varied between solid-coloured ones which complemented the pants and a couple with more vibrant patterns, though not as wild as those she’d seen in the window. She had to admit that Greta seemed to understand what she was prepared to wear and had avoided presenting her with anything featuring a more exotic print.
First, Rachel tried the pants with one of the tunics. She turned this way and that. Yes, she could wear this. Then she tried another of the tunics, a more vibrant one this time, surprised how different it made her look and feel. She almost didn’t recognise herself. She was in her undergarments and taking one of the dresses down from the hook when she heard Greta outside the change room. ‘How are you doing in there? Need any help?’
Rachel was about to refuse when, pulling on the dress, it became stuck. ‘Maybe,’ she said, whereupon Greta opened the door.
‘Oh, I see what’s happened.’ Greta helped Rachel remove the dress, then put it on again. This time it slid on without any effort. ‘I was right, you know,’ Greta said. ‘You do have a lovely figure. Many women would kill to have curves like yours. This dress looks great on you. Why don’t you go out and show your friend?’
Rachel looked at herself in the mirror. The deep blue linen sleeveless dress wasn’t anything she’d have chosen, but she did look good. The dress skimmed her figure and swirled around her calves making her look slimmer than she had in years. Maybe everyone else was right and she’d been hiding behind her caftans.
‘Wow!’ Poppy said, when Rachel walked out and twirled around. ‘You look wonderful, like a different person. You must buy it.’
By the time they left the boutique, Rachel’s credit card was a lot lighter. She was now the owner of two pairs of the wide-legged pants, three tunic tops – one solid-coloured and two of the vibrantly coloured ones with geometric patterns, the bright blue dress, and an orange one which she couldn’t resist.
‘Thank you so much, I hope to see you again, ladies,’ Greta said as she showed them to the door.
‘Thank you ,’ Rachel said. It had all been so much less painful than she’d feared, and she was looking forward to wearing her new outfits, already planning to wear the blue dress to dinner with Luke next evening.
‘Are you pleased with your purchases?’ Poppy asked, once they were back outside.
‘Yes, I think I am. I’d never thought I could wear outfits like these, but Greta… She’s very good, isn’t she?’
‘Why do you think I keep coming back?’ Poppy laughed. ‘She’s magic, knows exactly what suits your figure. Now, lunch. My treat.’
‘No, you’ve done enough, driving me here,’ Rachel said.
‘Nonsense. I love coming here and seeing what Greta has on offer. I’ll probably pop down again after Christmas, so if you want to make another trip…’
‘Oh, I don’t think so.’ Not as soon as that, but Rachel knew she would visit Birds of a Feather again, with or without Poppy.
Back in the car, Poppy drove through the town, stopping in the car park of The Leonard Family Resort. Rachel recognised the name. There had been a big article in the local paper when Leo Carlson had chosen to sell off his chain of international hotels to renovate this one in Bellbird Bay.
‘Leo Carlson… Isn’t he…’ Rachel said, when they were seated in the restaurant.
‘Yes, he and Greta are married. Another happy ever after second time around.’ Poppy gave Rachel a pointed look.
Rachel flinched. She didn’t want to talk about Luke today. She picked up a menu and studied it.
But Poppy wasn’t to be sidetracked. ‘What’s going on with you and the vet?’ she asked. ‘A little bird tells me you’ve been seen together at the yacht club.’ She waited expectantly.
While Rachel was glad it was Poppy asking, not Liz who wouldn’t have hesitated to interrogate her till she got an answer, Rachel was aware of Poppy’s interest… and concern.
‘You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to, but sometimes it helps to share.’
Rachel put down the menu and twisted her fingers. Perhaps Poppy would understand. Like her, Poppy had been widowed before she and Cam got together, though her husband’s death had been sudden – a freak sailing accident – whereas Kirk had died after a long illness had taken its toll on Rachel. It was when she had started to gain weight, unwilling to leave his bedside and snacking on whatever she found in the pantry.
‘Oh, Poppy. I’m in a fix. As you know, Luke was Becky’s boyfriend.’
Poppy nodded and took a sip of the wine which had already been served.
Rachel took a sip too, before continuing, ‘Like every other girl at school, I had a huge crush on him. He was gorgeous and he was kind to me. It wasn’t like I was only Becky’s little sister. He really seemed to take an interest in me. Oh, of course, I knew I was far too young for him – I was only fourteen. But he sometimes included me when they went to the beach, and once to a movie.’ She stopped and closed her eyes, remembering… ‘Anyway, he left school, left Pelican Crossing. Becky went to Sydney, married Andy, I married Kirk. I rarely thought of him… Well, perhaps sometimes, as you do.’
Poppy nodded again, and Rachel wondered not for the first time, if she’d fancied Cam back then before she and Jack got together.
‘Molly gets a tick. I take her to the vet, and there he is.’ She swallowed. ‘Then we met again at the fundraiser. You were there. You saw. After that he invited me to dinner… twice. We’re neighbours. I helped him choose a Christmas tree. That’s about it.’
‘And?’
‘There’s no and , Poppy. He’s here for three months, then he’ll be off again. Back to Sydney.’
‘But you like him?’
‘Who wouldn’t?’ The words were out before Rachel could stop them. She bit her lip. But this was Poppy. She’d been there.
‘Oh, Rach!’
A waiter appeared and they placed their orders, Rachel choosing the first item she saw on the menu which luckily was a coconut chicken salad, not something fattening. Poppy chose the same.
‘If he wasn’t leaving, would you feel differently?’
Rachel sighed. It was the question she’d been asking herself. She hadn’t come up with an answer, but the prospect was appealing. She’d lain awake thinking about it. ‘But he is, Poppy. There’s no point in imagining otherwise. So, best I don’t even think about it.’
‘What about him?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘How do you think he feels?’
‘Poppy, it’s been less than a month since he arrived.’ She paused. It seemed much longer . ‘But he says he wants to get to know me.’ Rachel blushed, remembering some of the other things he’d said… remembering the gentle touch of his lips on hers…
‘Are you seeing him again?’
Rachel sighed again. ‘Tomorrow night… but only because it’s Christmas. I have all the family events, Alexander’s coming home. And Luke’s son and partner are coming up from Sydney.’
‘And after Christmas?’
‘I hope we stay friends. I enjoy his company.’
‘Friends? Sounds to me as if you’re more than friends already.’
‘No, really. He probably still thinks of me as Becky’s little sister.’ But there had been that kiss.
‘Widowed or divorced?’
‘Widowed.’
‘Something else you have in common.’
‘Hardly enough to build a relationship on.’
‘So you have thought about it?’
Their meals arrived, and Rachel tried to avoid any further conversation about her and Luke as she forked up the salad. ‘This is very good,’ she said.
‘I know what you’re doing,’ Poppy chuckled, ‘but I won’t say any more. Only, do think about it. I can speak from experience when I say that love can be just as sweet second time around. Don’t dismiss a relationship with Luke because he’s only here for three months. A lot can happen in three months.’
‘Thanks, Poppy.’
Rachel didn’t know whether she was thanking Poppy for deciding to stop talking about Luke, or for her suggestion a lot could happen in three months. She didn’t want to think about that… not yet… not now.