Chapter 25
‘We’ll just have one, with lunch.’ Fliss poured white wine into their glasses as they stood in the old kitchen. ‘Because we can, darling. Because we’re almost French and the French do wine in moderation with every meal.’ She met Maxine’s eyes. ‘Well, most of them do. Poor J-F.’
Manu and Théo were cooking omelettes. Manu said, ‘I must phone and ask how he’s doing.’
‘I heard his wife died?’ Maxine said tentatively.
‘She did.’ Fliss handed Maxine a glass. ‘A few months ago. It was a shock.’
Fliss’s words hung on the air. Maxine hadn’t thought it would have been so recent.
‘That’s why I let him sleep over when he drowns his sorrows.’ Fliss glanced around. ‘We’ll make this kitchen look incredible. But let’s eat first.’
Manu placed an omelette in front of Maxine. ‘Bon appétit.’
‘Thank you.’ Maxine inhaled the aromatic herbs.
‘You’ll need the energy,’ Fliss said. ‘We’re demolishing the entire room this afternoon.’ She gave Manu a wonderful smile as he placed a plate in front of her. ‘Thank you, darling. It looks delicious. We should take lunch outside.’
Manu and Théo carried their plates to the garden; Fliss followed, still clutching the wine bottle in her spare hand, and Maxine brought up the rear. They sat at the table and Maxine’s gaze was pulled once again to the churning waves below.
Manu was already tucking in. ‘I’ve hired a skip. After lunch, I’ll turn off the gas and the water, then we can clear the space, disconnect everything and take the old kitchen out.’ Then he asked doubtfully, ‘Are you sure you both want to do that?’
‘Oh, it’ll be exciting,’ Fliss said. ‘The room needs to be completely empty before I can work my magic. Besides, I’ve designed the new kitchen, and I have two lovely men coming to start fitting it on Wednesday.’
‘I’ve nothing else to do,’ Maxine said. ‘Every day’s a school day. I might learn something.’
‘I’ll lend you a pair of overalls so you won’t get grubby. You know, I could always come to London and revamp your flat, darling,’ Fliss said. ‘After all, now you’ve thrown out the ex, you might want to Feng shui the rest of the space.’
‘Fliss thinks it’s good to change the old for the new,’ Manu said. ‘I’m sure it will be, but Théo and I grew up in that kitchen; Maman used to cook all our meals there.’
‘You’re right, Manu. We need to say this to each other.’ Théo exhaled sharply. ‘It’ll be difficult, throwing away all the things we connect with Papa and Maman, but it’s time to let go.’
‘Our father always felt our mother was with him in the things they shared,’ Manu explained.
‘But now’s the right time,’ Fliss said.
‘In some ways I’ll never feel ready.’ Théo hadn’t touched his omelette. ‘But it’s a new stage, and the house is ours now.’ He reached for his glass. ‘We’ll always respect Papa. He’s in our hearts.’
‘Repose en paix, Papa.’ Manu raised his glass and it chimed against Théo’s. Their eyes glistened.
Everyone ate in silence for a while, then Fliss said, ‘I thought we could put some Breton tiles around the new range. Maurice would have liked that.’
‘He loved Brittany. He was a proud Breizhad,’ Théo said. ‘I agree we should use the Breton style.’
‘That’s exactly right,’ Fliss said. She had almost devoured her omelette. ‘Maurice will always be in the fabric of this house.’
Maxine took another mouthful of wine. She admired the way they discussed their feelings openly and made plans collaboratively.
Her phone began to ring. She pulled it from her pocket. ‘Oh, it’s Jo.’
‘Is Joe your ex?’ Théo asked.
‘No – she’s my friend, the one my ex slept with,’ Maxine replied in the spirit of openness. ‘I’ll have to take this.’ She put the phone to her ear and moved a few paces away. ‘Hello, Jo. How are you?’
‘Can we talk?’ came the reply.
‘Always. Is everything OK?’
There was a pause. ‘I need to tell you what happened last night.’
‘Right. Go ahead.’ Maxine gazed towards the table. Fliss was discussing quartz worktops, explaining that a light colour would lift the whole space. Maxine tried to refocus on Jo. ‘Is this about Terry?’
‘Yes. And Russ. Oh, Max…’
‘What happened?’
‘He came round last night, with an expensive bottle of wine. And a lot of sweet talk.’
‘Ah.’ Maxine could imagine it. No more explanation was needed. She waited for Jo to tell her that they’d slept together.
‘It’s not what you think,’ Jo said, her voice a little too high.
‘Jo, if you spent the night with him, I really don’t mind.’
‘I sent him away.’
‘Oh?’ Maxine was waiting for the rest of the story.
‘He gave me this sob story about how you wouldn’t speak to him or text, and it was all my fault. And he needed to cry on my shoulder.’
‘I’ve no intention of speaking to Russell.’ Maxine couldn’t help herself. ‘And it’s not your fault.’
‘He said it was.’ Jo’s voice was small. ‘Then he poured wine and threw himself at me.’
‘What?’
‘He was all over me, saying he was lonely and I was lonely too and we could find some brief comfort in each other.’
‘How insulting,’ Maxine said.
‘I told him I regretted everything. I shouldn’t have come round that day. Of course, he blames me.’ Jo was snivelling. ‘It was a moment’s madness.’
‘We’ve all had one of those,’ Maxine murmured to herself.
‘I bet you haven’t. You’re so wise.’
‘Don’t be so sure.’ Maxine gave a dry laugh. ‘Anyway, I’m glad you threw him out. How dare Russ try to blame you?’
Jo sniffed. ‘The thing is – I want Terry back.’
‘Have you told him?’
‘I’ve tried. I’ve phoned. I’ve begged for forgiveness. I even went round to your flat to see him, but he wouldn’t open the door. I’ve hurt him badly, Max.’
‘You have.’ Maxine wondered how to help her friend. ‘Don’t give up. Go round again. Explain.’
‘Do you think he’ll listen?’
‘You could write a letter.’
‘Max, Terry’s wonderful. I threw everything away in a moment. I feel so used. And I betrayed you too.’
‘You did me a favour,’ Maxine said grimly. ‘Seriously, Jo. I’m having the time of my life. I’ve met great people. I was with Russ because – well, I don’t know. Habit? Routine? To keep loneliness at bay? But I feel happier now.’
‘You sound amazing,’ Jo said weakly. ‘I wish I had some of what you have.’
‘Jo – honestly – you’ll be fine. Give it time.’
‘How can I forgive myself?’
‘Ask Terry to forgive you.’
‘I want my old life back.’
‘We can’t change what’s happened, but—’ Maxine felt sorry for Jo. ‘Russ was a blip.’ For a moment, Maxine found the idea funny. Russell was nothing more than a blip for them both. ‘Concentrate on yourself. And talk to Terry.’
Jo wailed. ‘What if he won’t forgive me?’
‘You have to start with yourself. Let go of the past.’
‘Right.’ Jo took a deep breath. ‘Where are you now?’
‘Right now?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m having lunch on a cliff top, overlooking the beach.
Drinking white wine with the most inspirational woman and two gorgeous men.
’ Maxine glanced towards Fliss, who raised an almost empty glass.
‘Then this afternoon, I’m going to wreck a kitchen.
I think that’s a metaphor for life, don’t you?
Knock something down, demolish it and then rebuild it exactly how you want it. ’ Maxine saw Fliss wink.
Jo groaned in her ear. ‘I’ll talk to Terry. And I’m definitely never speaking to Russell again.’
‘Then you’re halfway there,’ Maxine said. ‘Jo, I’m just at the end of the phone if you need me.’
‘Thanks, Max.’ Jo’s voice was sad. ‘For not hating me.’
‘Of course I don’t hate you. I don’t hate Russ either. I’m just getting on with my life. It’s the best we can do. Take care, Jo,’ Maxine said, and there was silence at the other end. She put her phone back in her pocket and ambled back to the table.
Fliss stood up. ‘Coffee?’
‘Oh, that would be lovely.’
‘I’m sure you need it after the counselling session,’ Fliss said.
Manu was on his feet. ‘I’ll make it.’
‘And we have some kouign-amann left over – a small slice each will give us energy for all the demolishing we have to do,’ Théo said, following Manu.
‘They’re both so gorgeous, aren’t they?’ Maxine and Fliss watched the brothers walk towards the house. ‘They’re my best friends, after Shirl.’
‘They’re lovely,’ Maxine agreed.
‘So – we’re bringing in the new this afternoon.
’ Fliss reached over and grabbed Maxine’s hands.
‘But first – I couldn’t help overhearing – tell me what the horrid ex has been up to and we can both have a damn good laugh about it.
I feel so sorry for your poor friend. But as for your ex, good riddance to him, and let’s hope the door hits him on the way out.
’ She picked up the bottle and grinned wickedly.
There was a small amount of wine left in the bottom, which she swirled.
‘A smidgin. Just because it’s there.’ She poured a thimbleful into each glass. ‘To you, Max. Happy holiday.’
It was late evening as the four of them sat in the garden, exhausted, watching the sun set in a damson sky. The sea murmured below as Théo poured more wine. ‘Today was good.’
‘We have done a lot of work,’ Manu said, glancing at the almost empty dishes of cold chicken, ham, salad, cheese, tomatoes and bread.
‘We have,’ Fliss agreed. ‘I can’t believe how easily those cabinets came out.’
Théo laughed. ‘The woodworm had eaten most of them.’ He turned to Maxine. ‘You did a great job with those old tiles. Maman picked them years ago, when they were all the fashion. Earth brown, with a chicken on them.’
Manu filled his plate with the last of the salad. ‘I remember when Papa first brought them home, she was so thrilled. They put them up together. It’s funny how small things can make someone so happy.’
‘Yes, little things can bring joy,’ Maxine said, and realised how true her words were. ‘A sunset the colour of damsons, a plate of food, good company.’
‘You’re understanding the French way of life,’ Fliss laughed. ‘I couldn’t believe how happy little things made me when I first came here. A glass of wine. The beach. Swimming in the sea.’
‘Fliss loved her designer shoes and silk dresses,’ Théo said fondly. ‘I was the same when I was in Paris. I thought it mattered what I wore. I had to have expensive aftershave.’
‘Look at us now.’ Manu’s face shone. ‘Simplicity is richness.’ He seemed wistful. ‘Once I cared about how many pairs of boxer shorts I could sell. Now I own seven pairs.’
‘And being successful isn’t important.’ Fliss forked a tomato. ‘Oh – that reminds me. I’m going to see Shirl tomorrow. She and I are going to make a playlist for Friday. You’re coming on Friday, aren’t you, darling? You must.’ She grabbed Maxine’s hand.
‘Friday?’ Maxine was puzzled.
‘Caribbean night,’ Manu said. ‘At Le Shack.’
‘Everyone will be there.’ Théo leaned forward. ‘I don’t think there’s ever been a Caribbean evening here. Shirl’s bringing us something new to share.’
‘They’ll play all the old favourites. Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker.’ Fliss was on a roll. ‘Bob Marley. Eddy Grant. Shirl and I will pick music we can all dance to. We can bop first and smooch later. Joel has a fantastic menu.’ Fliss’s eyes gleamed. ‘You will come?’
‘Of course,’ Maxine murmured. The sun had almost dipped below the line of the sea; it was small now, the waves streaked orange. ‘I ought to go back.’
‘Shall I walk with you to Clotilde’s?’ Théo asked.
‘We could both go,’ Manu suggested.
‘Two handsome French men, vying for your attention?’ Fliss burst out laughing. ‘How can you refuse, darling?’
‘Thanks. I’ll be fine,’ Maxine said.
‘Borrow a jacket at least?’ Fliss shivered; the air was cool now.
‘It’s only minutes from here.’ Maxine stood up. ‘It’s been a truly lovely day.’
‘We must put you to work more often,’ Théo said.
Manu stood up. ‘Thank you for your help.’
‘It was fun.’ Maxine felt herself enveloped in a hug, first Manu, then Théo. Finally Fliss wrapped her arms around her. She smelled of sweet perfume.
‘Don’t be a stranger, darling.’
‘I won’t.’
‘We’ll see you on Friday,’ Fliss called as Maxine walked towards the car park and down to the steps.
She waved back, taking out her phone as she reached the road.
She wanted to check her texts – she’d heard one or two ping earlier, but she’d chosen to ignore them.
Now, as she walked back to the cottage, she hoped that there would be a message from J-F, but she hoped most of all that there was nothing from Russell.
There were two texts from Jo, the first thanking her for her advice, the second a little more panicky. Terry had not picked up the phone earlier. She’d tried phoning three times.
There was another message from Gráinne with a photo of her, Dylan and Cian at the park, and the message that by the time Maxine came back from Brittany there would be wedding bells. Then a second message saying that she was joking, but she loved them both dearly.
Maxine replied quickly. She was delighted that Gráinne’s love life was going so well, and Jo should be patient – it would all work out in time.
She checked her messages again. There was nothing from J-F. She wondered why he hadn’t replied.
Clotilde’s Cottage was in darkness. A glance over her shoulder told her that the light from the sun had almost gone. The sky was inky, apart from a tiny red shimmer glinting on the waves.
Tomorrow would be another day. She’d deal with everything then.