The Vineyard (37 page)

Over the next few days, Lizzie spent as much time as business allowed with Caroline, Michael and Thierry. The salon was quite hectic but Josephine, as always, managed it with her usual efficiency, co-ordinating room and staff rotas whilst the reception staff kept the clients happy. Sophie got to grips with her dual role with not just her university lecturing and research but her new clients and their treatments. It was rewarding and she looked forward to discovering not only results but new possibilities within her role. So far her ladies sang her praises, walking out of the salon with smoother skin from their Botox treatments but it was early days and she was excited about the future.

Whilst at the hospital, the following week, Sophie bumped into a former colleague from her Paris days who now worked as a registrar in the neurological department. They chatted generally and Sophie being Sophie just happened to make a connection and discovered disturbing news. Anton D’Amaritz, she was told had suffered a stroke that very morning. She called into Lizzie’s on her way home.

‘Yes, a stroke Lizzie,’ she repeated. ‘These things can happen.’

‘Please don’t mention this to Marie-Claire,’ Lizzie said alarmed. ‘She doesn’t need to blame herself any more than she has.’

‘Of course not.’ Sophie agreed. ‘Apparently, he’d not long come out of the coma.’

‘Do you think I ought to go and see him?’ Lizzie blurted.

‘No why? Anyway he only had the stroke early this morning. His condition would need to stabilise.’

‘Was it bad?’ Lizzie began pacing but searched Sophie’s eyes.

‘Well it was fortunate he was still in the hospital but it is unlikely they’ll know what damage has been done until they have him stable.’

‘God, he won’t die will he? Was this solely because of his head injury?’

‘It’s unlikely he’ll die, but likely his injury has made him vulnerable yes. The risk is certainly higher after a serious head injury, particularly if a bone is fractured.’

‘So what happens now?’

‘Once they’ve assessed him,’ Sophie’s head followed her friend’s pacing, ‘he’ll go through a rehabilitation programme depending on the parts of the brain which have been damaged and affected.’

‘Will it take long?’ Lizzie wasn’t sure whether this was good or bad news.

‘Depends again on the severity. Could be weeks, months. He may have to relearn basic motor skills such as walking, washing and dressing himself, holding objects, language skills such as speaking and writing. He may not be seriously affected if they caught the signs early enough.’

‘Bloody hell Sophie, this spells trouble. His family will try to sue for sure.’

‘Why, he’s the one who put himself in that position. It was hardly an accident – he was abducting a child remember.’

‘His family won’t see it that way though will they? They’ll come up with some kind of imaginative accusations for sure. Like “he was manipulated, set up”. I don’t know, but I’m sure they’ll think of something.’ Lizzie slowed, reaching in the fridge for a bottle of wine.

Sophie jumped up from her chair ‘Don’t let it get to you Lizzie.’

‘I’m not. I suppose I should be celebrating or should it be commiserating? He’s out of my hair for a while but it could make Collette all the more determined. Anyway, it’s easier to numb my brain than to think about it.’ She poured two glasses.

‘Not for me, Lizzie. Charles is coming over, I need to get going,’ Sophie told her.

‘Just one, small one, please?’ Lizzie held out the half-filled glass.

‘Just this half, then I’m off. Five minutes,’ Sophie conceded.

Lizzie smirked. ‘Charles is a rock and he knows his stuff. You have a real peach of a man there.’

As the smile spread across her eyes Sophie nodded in agreement. ‘I think he’s well aware what a plonker Anton really is and what a bully he can be. All mouth but no substance. He says his type rarely get what they want because of their tactics; they’re barely prepared for what they need when faced with legalities, details, records that sort of thing. They don’t read things properly either, they rely solely on pursuing their own gratification.’

‘And money, Anton can afford lawyers to fabricate.’

‘Yes, and Charles is used to that too. Don’t forget, the one person who always wins is the lawyer. Anton’s lawyer will still get paid whatever the outcome.’ Sophie finished her wine. ‘Anyway, sweet, I’m off. Promise me just one more glass?’ And she pecked her friend on the cheek before collecting her bag and leaving.

‘Have a lovely evening,’ Lizzie said and wandered to the balcony to watch her go and the street bustle below.

***

Sophie arrived back at her apartment and showered quickly and applied a minimal amount of make-up before preparing a quick meal for herself and Charles. She boiled some new potatoes then rinsed some lettuce and chopped tomatoes before Charles buzzed the intercom. He had come straight from the office still suited and carrying nothing but a weak smile and some shattering news.

‘It’s not working Sophie,’ he announced. ‘I think you are a lovely girl and perfect in every way for me but I’m really struggling.’ He held his head down as he spoke.

Sophie stared at him speechless, trying to absorb what sounded like rehearsed words. She sensed he hadn’t yet finished.

‘I don’t want you to think you have done anything wrong to bring this about either,’ he continued. ‘I…I’m just not…maybe it’s going too fast for me to cope with. I don’t know. All I know is…I’m…I think I still miss Katie or I feel I am still grieving and, until…’

Choking inside but holding back her tears Sophie stood firmly in front of him determined but scared her voice would break ‘Charles it’s ok.’ She dipped her head into her hand and held it for a few seconds. ‘I think I understand.’

‘When I met you, I convinced myself I was over Katie but I’ve since discovered, I’m really not. It’s too soon and...’

Sophie’s chest heaved before she breathed out slowly. ‘Really, it’s ok. I’m just grateful you are or can be honest. I hope we can still be friends, still go out, do things together and just forget about the relationship – if that’s possible for you?’

‘I’m sorry Sophie.’

‘I’ll live,’ she joked and searched his face for a moment. He seemed genuinely to be struggling. ‘I’ll call you next week and if you’re up for it, we can go for a drink. You have been a good friend too and, the least I can do is help a friend in need. I don’t want you getting all depressed do I?’

‘That’s very kind of you Sophie. You have taken this much more gracefully than I would have…’

‘Expected?’ she finished trying now to contain the tone in her voice.

‘Hoped,’ he replied. ‘I thought you would be mad.’

‘No. I’m not mad. Devastated maybe, hurt?’ she sighed. ‘There is no point in us expending all, or what energies we have left after a busy day, into a fight. I have dermal fillers and chemical peels to attend to! You have paternity suits and child abduction issues you need to work on. Honestly, we’ll be fine.’

‘I’m so sorry,’ he told her, gently rubbing her arm. ‘Sophie, I hope we stay in touch. He walked with clumsy feet to her door. ‘Bye for now.’

As soon as he shut the door, Sophie spurted out her tension ‘Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck,’ she squealed. Five minutes later she phoned Lizzie ‘Is that wine still on offer? I’m coming back.’

Chapter 41

‘Hi Charles,’ Lizzie answered her phone.

‘How is Sophie?’ he asked

‘Upset Charles,’ she said holding the phone back from her ear.
Stupid question
‘But she respects your decision. She’s fine. We celebrated us both being single last night actually with the remainder of Cal’s sparkling wine he’d brought back to the apartment after the launch.’

‘I feel a right bastard,’ he admitted. ‘She doesn’t deserve this shit. She took it really well, I admire the way she deals with things.’

‘And that’s why I love her Charles. She’s never let me down. Anyway, any news?’

‘Oh, err yes, well. I’ve had correspondence from the D’Aramitz family lawyers and there’s nothing alarming. You don’t have to do anything. Leave it with me. A court hearing for the abduction is set for the twentieth of October but, they have all your statements.’

Lizzie took the following day off to be with her mother, Thierry and Michael. Her mother and Michael would be heading back to England the following day so although she had managed some time with them, the two weeks had flown by. Caroline and Michael had wanted to visit Aix-en-Provence and Grasse so they set off for the hills early in Lizzie’s car and drove first to the market in Aix and then strolled to the Cours Mirabeau for a light lunch. Entering the café Lizzie heard her name and as she looked around Jez and Annatia waved eagerly from their table on the far side.

‘We will sit down and organise drinks darling.’ Caroline waved her hand ushering her daughter to go to her friends. ‘I’ll sort Thierry out. I’ll order him some milk.’

Lizzie made her way across and greeted them both with kisses on both their cheeks. ‘Hi, how are you both?’

‘Very well thank you, and thanks to you. Jean-Luc has introduced me to a few people. Business is growing and Jez has been busy harvesting,’ Annatia replied beaming perfect pearl teeth.

‘Of course, yes, I believe Cal has been too. Busy time of year for you wine growers,’ Lizzie agreed.

‘Hopefully we’ll see more of Cal now he’s bought the land here,’ Jez remarked before guzzling down a large mouthful of beer. Annatia jerked her coffee cup just before it reached her mouth and placed it back to her saucer. Lizzie gaped from one to the other.

‘What land? I didn’t know about any land in France.’

Jez edged uneasily to the front of his chair rubbing his tall glass. ‘Oh, well… maybe he didn’t get it; Charles said something about him finding land. He would have told you if he had.’

‘Maybe he doesn’t want me to know.’ Lizzie’s stomach stirred. ‘Anyway, we haven’t had any contact so…’

‘We heard the launch went well,’ Annatia said in a warm voice, ‘I was in Hong Kong at my parents’ but Charles spoke to Jez, sang praises about you both.’

‘Yes it went better than we’d hoped.’

‘How are your visitors? Is your mother well?’

‘Yes.’ Lizzie brightened, eager the subject was quickly diverted. ‘She is doing extremely well. She’s loved spending time with Thierry and seeing our life in Cannes. She and her partner Michael have had a fun time, that’s what they report anyway. They go back tomorrow.’

‘Oh yes, Cal’s…’ Jez voice trailed.

‘Coming to collect them and taking them back, yes,’ Lizzie finished. ‘So good of him isn’t it?’ ‘A true gent is Cal,’ Jez added.

‘Anyway, lovely to see you both,’ Lizzie said. ‘We have a schedule to keep to so I’ll get my folks sorted and head off to Grasse. Bye for now.’ She kissed them both again and went in search of her mother.

Drinks had already arrived as Lizzie joined them. Caroline was chatting with Thierry whilst Michael pondered, scratching his neck with one hand and holding the menu with the other.

‘Mum, has Cal said anything to you about buying land in France?’

Caroline’s smile went crooked with alarm and she looked at Michael. Lizzie realised Cal had sworn them to secrecy.

‘He’s vaguely mentioned he was looking, why?’

‘His friend Jez just mentioned he has either bought or was buying here. He would have told you though surely – he’s still got the lease with you hasn’t he?’

‘Yes but I’m sure he would sort that out. He’s not the type to abandon a…’

‘We don’t know Mum. You can’t just accept things, people at face value,’ Lizzie almost screamed and then quickly composed herself. ‘I mean, I’ll find out. I’ll speak to him when he comes tomorrow. Don’t worry about it. I’ll sort it.’

Chapter 42

From Aix-en-Provence Lizzie drove up to the hillside town of Grasse still stewing after hearing Cal’s plans. What the hell was he playing at? After taking in the views they trundled down the narrow winding streets to the oldest perfume factory in the heart of the old town. Thierry was surprisingly engaged as they ambled through the distilling rooms and Caroline explained what the old copper stills contained whilst Michael carried him so he could see the equipment. He then asked about the flowers as they viewed the hundreds of tiny bottles in the next large room containing the perfume bases. He helped make a mix for his Grandma which he aptly named ‘Sweet Lavender’ because it was and which Caroline, of course, was delighted with. He then made a mix for his Mummy he named ‘Sweet Grasse’.

***

It was gone six by the time they returned to Cannes. They headed straight for their favourite pizza restaurant, Chez Xavier, just along from Lizzie’s apartment in Rue Marceau, where Thierry loved to watch the pizzas being made and cooked in the large oven. As always it was packed with locals and tourists. Once the drinks were ordered, the waiter took their food order.

‘Aunty Sophie,’ Thierry cheered pointing down to the main door. As Lizzie followed Thierry’s glance to the ground floor, sure enough, Sophie collected two pizza boxes and left unable to hear them call over the bustling restaurant noise.

‘A very hungry aunty Sophie too by the look of it,’ Lizzie joked.

***

Sophie had rung Charles. ‘Have you eaten?’ she asked.

He yawned. ‘Err, Sophie. Hi, err no. Just going through some case notes and….blah, blah, you know, all the stuff that goes…’

‘I’m coming over with a pizza. Ten minutes ok?’

‘Yeah, could do with some company to be honest.’

Sophie buzzed and when she reached his door Charles was wiping his face with a towel and led her to the kitchen where, Sophie noticed, he’d just poured some cool beers.

‘Couldn’t face cooking and an empty apartment so I thought of my friend Charles who might actually also be feeling the same,’ Sophie grinned as she grabbed two plates from a cupboard.

‘That’s kind of you, thank you,’ he said as she piled the pizza on plates on his kitchen worktop. He grabbed the beers and made space on his table, pushing large files to one side.

‘Eat before it cools anymore,’ she ordered taking a bite of the crispy margarita, sprinkled with fresh herbs. ‘Mmm, that’s good. I was famished.’