Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) (18 page)

Chapter 25

Everyday seemed to flow into the next with the same set of questions. It was like listening to a record when the needle gets stuck in the same spot due to a scratch. I paused at the bedroom door and took a deep breath before I went in.

“Hi Mum” I said, a bright smile on my face.

“Where's your school uniform, you'll be late”

I had stopped trying to explain after a week of the same question every morning.

“Yes Mum
,
it’
s
still early so we can have breakfast together first” I soothed, helping her out of bed.

After breakfast my Dad normally took her for a walk along the beach or in the vineyard while I dealt with the daily change of sheets on the bed. By lunch I would know if her mood was good or bad depending on how much of her food she ate. If it was bad I would slip an extra pill in her drink and she would sleep. Good days we spent in the garden and she would paint. I had learnt a few new things about m
y
Mum
,
the art was one of them. Her landscapes hung in the house but now the canvas was more abstract.

I watched as daily my Dad regained the colour in his cheeks and a vibrancy that he had lost over the years of my Mum's worsening condition. One night a week he would go down to the cricket club and share some drinks and tales with friends he had nearly lost. Being so close to the coast was a bonus fo
r
me
,
whenever I felt homesick I would take my towel and head for an hour or two on the beach. Lying in the sun I listened to all my favourite tracks and caught up on the many books that Sarah had told me to read. Then I would dive into the waves an
d
crawlthrough the water, every stroke making me fee
l
closer to James.

I missed home and I desperately missed James and Charlotte. Even though I spoke to them most days, normally it was evening for them and morning for me but it made the miles feel less when I could see their faces and not just their voices. It was Charlie's eighteenth birthday tomorrow and I hoped that the presents I had posted a week ago had reached her. James had promised to take her out with Pam and Peter, Sarah and Chris and Darren and Sophie. She had also confessed that Zach was taking her for a meal on the Sunday evening but that they were just friends. I had my suspicions but I kept that to myself.

On the eveningbefore I texted Charlotte and waited in front of my computer screen, waiting to see her face
.
My beautiful baby, all grown up. She appeared in her dressing gown and smiled broadly.

“Happy Eighteenth sweetheart” I said. My Dad peeped into the room and I beckoned him over so he could see her.

“Happy Birthday Charlotte, you're making me feel very old knowing that I held you eighteen years ago today”

“Grandpa, you're not that old yet” she giggled “I wish you were all here”

“We do too Charlie” he said “I'll leave you to catch up with your Mum now. Take care and have a wonderful birthday, you only live once so enjoy it” my Dad said, before blowing her a kiss at the screen.

“Hey Mum, thanks for the presents”

“Hope they are ok?”

“The dress is beautiful and the necklace so unusual”

“I've transferred some money into your bank account as I guess you might need it for London living”

“Thanks Mum, I'm going down to the flat a few days before I start rehearsals so that I can get my bearings”

“It was such a kind gesture of Mr King to do that”

“I know Mum, I keep thanking him but he just gets embarrassed and says that the only thanks he needs is a ticket for the opening night”

“I'm going to make sure everyone comes to support you, wh
o
know
s
maybe I'll be home for your debut”

I saw James creeping into the room, holding a cake with candles and followed by Pam, Peter and Jester whose eyes were firmly focused on the cake. A rousing rendition of Happy Birthday followed as I watched her blow out the candles. I couldn't stop the tears in my eyes and when she turned to James and said.

“Thanks Dad” I melted with sheer happiness. In my mind she should have been his all those years ago, now she acknowledged that in those two words.

“So have a lovely time tonight, give Sarah and Chris a hug from me and tell me all about it on Monday”

“I will and Mum I love you”

“I love you too” I murmured, wishing I was there. I watched her stand up and leave, blowing me a kiss on her way out. James sat down in front of the screen and stared at me for a long time.

“That shocked me” I managed, still wiping away the tears. I was getting so sentimental in my old age.

“It shocked me the other day, but in a nice way. If she's happy then I am”

“She's eating more now, but I have heard her being sick in the morning. No
t
every da
y
but a bit more than I think is good”

My mind started to race, bulimia?

“Ask Sarah to have a quiet word tonight or tomorrow, I know if anything's been wrong in the past she has spoken to Rah before me on many occasions”

“Ok” James nodded and looked relieved.

“I believe daughters are harder than sons!”

We both laughed at my comment and then finished with our usual endearments and promises. When the screen went black I took a deep breath. The hour was late but the moon was full in the sky. I took the short walk down to the shore and looked up into the night sky filled with stars. Both Charlotte and James were in my thoughts as I wished on them.

Charlotte's birthday meal was good but they all felt the absence of Stephanie. Sarah noticed that Charlotte's appetite had returned. The evening included lots of talk about life in Manchester and the BBC from Darren and Sophie
.
Then conversationmoved to Charlotte and her fantastic opportunity in London
.
By the end of the evening Sarah had produced countless photographs from the different years of Charlotte's life. Chris laughed as he told funny stories that made Charlie cringe.

Charlotte was the first to succumb to tiredness and disappeared to bed. Pam and Peter weren't far behind or Darren and Sophie who had an early start in the morning. That just left James, Chris and Sarah. The three of them filled their glasses for a final time as James told them of the latest development in the Mitchell saga. It didn't amount t
o
much
,
Rob had ticked him off but promised to dig into Matthew Carmichael-Astaire so long as they didn't do any more private detective work.

In the morning Sarah was the first awake and was about to head for the bathroom when Charlotte beat her to it. Sarah heard her god-daughter throwing up as she changed direction and went downstairs. Putting the kettle on she brewed some tea and waited, soon enough a pale Charlotte walked into the room.

“Are you ok”

Charlotte tried to nod and smile but with her Aunt's arms held open she walked the short distance to fill them. Sarah could feel the sheen of sweat on her clammy skin.

“I guess I'm just really nervous about going to London and taking on such a big part. I always throw up before auditions and performances but this is a whole bigger thing. This is my future” she mumbled into Sarah's shoulder.

Sitting down at the kitchen table Sarah passed Charlotte the tea.

“So how long has it been going on?”

“Since the audition in London
.
It's no
t
every da
y
and normall
y
it’
s
just in the morning and then I perk up later”

“Is there any possibility that you could be pregnant?”

Charlotte looked at her Aunt, eyes wide with shock.

“I never thought of that” she stammered

“Well?”

The question hung in the silence between them, but before anymore was said James walked in.

“Morning girls, fancy a bacon sandwich with that pot of tea?”

Chapter 26

All day Charlotte thought about Rah's suggestion. She had been fucked by Zach three times now without any protection. Then further back on holiday with Mitchell she had been a bit confused with the time difference and forgotten to take a couple of her pills on the right day. In the afternoon she grabbed Jester and his lead and took him for a walk, still pondering. Back at home Sarah and Chris were packing the car, ready to leave.

“So next time we see you, you'll be the star of a West End Show” Chris said, engulfing her in a bear hug.

“I guess so”

Then it was Sarah's turn for the hug.

“Promise me you'll get a test” she whispered in Charlie's ear.

James left for work an hour later which meant that Charlotte didn't have to explain the appearance of Zach and his Ferrari in the driveway to pick her up. She had chosen her floral print dress as it matched her pink heart necklace. She was determined to remember Mitchell all night and to just treat Zach as a friend. Tomorrow she would buy a pregnancy test and check. Sitting in the passenger seat she waited until Zach had reversed out of the driveway.

“So where are we going?”

“It’
s
a surprise but I think you'll like it”

They pulled into the car park of the Symphony Hall and parked. She had not looked at any of the posters on the way in so she had no idea what they were going to see.

They had a quick meal in a small wine bar nearby before the performance. Charlotte was not surprised that Zach had tickets for a box as she settled into the plush velvet seat.

“I hope you like ballet?”

“How did you know?”

“Lucky guess” he joked, resting his hand on the arm of the seats that separated them. The orchestra started to play as the lights went down and the curtain revealed the dancers portraying the story of Romeo and Juliet. Charlotte was entranced as they moved across the stage.

After a short interval the second half started and by the final dramatic moments Charlie felt the tears flowing down her cheeks. Zach passed her his hankie when the final curtain call was over and the light returned.

“Oh my god, that was stunning but so tragic in the end” she breathed.

“I thought everyone studied that play at school?”

“No I did Hamlet and a Midsummer Night's dream” she replied. She felt his hand on her back as they walked back to the car.

On the drive back Charlotte closed her eyes and let the music from the stereo wash over her. She must have slept because the engine stilled and woke her.

“Hey, sleeping beauty you're home” Zach said.

“Sorry I fel
l
asleep
,
your car is way too comfortable”

“So can I give you a lift down to the flat next weekend? Get you settled into London life”

“Thanks that would be great and Zach thank you for this evening”

“My pleasure” he replied. He made no move so Charlotte leant across and pressed her lips to his cheek.

“Goodnight Zach”

“Goodnight Charlotte” he murmured, resisting the urge to return her kiss.

He watched her stand in the doorway as he turned and left. Inside the house Jester followed her up to the bedroom and took his usual space at the bottom of the bed. She reached for her phone and sent Zach a message.

“You were a perfect gentleman and friend tonight x”

Zach smiled as he read the text a few times before he replied

“But what do you prefer? Gentleman or what did you call me that time? Oh yes a charming predator x”

Charlie grinned in the darkness and then typed.

“I'll let you know next weekend!”

Then with her hand wrapped around the heart shaped necklace Charlie fell asleep. This time it was Mitchell she found as they danced together by the lake.

For the rest of the week Charlotte felt fine, no sickness and when her Aunt phoned on Friday to wish her luck on the move and the show she reassured her that she was alright, just a passing bug. By Saturday morning she was packed and ready when Zach pulled up. James shook his hand and exchanged pleasantries whilst Charlotte loaded her bags and a couple of boxes into the small boot. She turned to him as Zach got into th
e
driver’
s
seat.

“Take care Charlie, I'm only a phone call away if you need me, come home when you can”

She slipped into his arms and he held her tight.

“Your Mum and me are so proud of you” he whispered.

“Thanks Dad, I won't let you down”

Before she could change her mind and stay she backed away and got into the passenger seat. Her stomach flipped and she felt sick with worry. Was she really good enough? Could she really cut it in the world of dance without Mitchell? On the drive down she turned to Zach.

“So how was Monday night, find anything out?”

“The flight leaves on Sunday from Heathrow so thought I could go and take a look, take som
e
photo
s
even if I think I can get away with it. There is something up as when I started talking about America Daniel went very quiet, like he was hiding something”

“Perhaps I could come too”

“Let me think about it” he replied, turning to flas
h
a
quick smile before his eyes were back on the road.

At the flat Zach gave Charlotte a key and a coded credit card that gave her access to the flat from the main front door on the street. He cleared some space in the wardrobe of the master bedroom and took his few belongings into the spare room. Then it was all the various high tech gadgets in the flat, but Charlie guessed that the most she would use was the oven and microwave in the kitchen, followed by the television and stereo system in the lounge. Having studied the rehearsal schedule over and over she realised how little time she would actually be in the flat.

“So where are the rehearsal studios?” Zach asked, as they stopped for a breather and a welcome coffee.

Charlie gave him all the information and he pulled out his laptop.

“Ok, there's a bus stop just along the road from the front door and you can catch that and it will drop you off a short walk from the studios, and it runs every twenty minutes”

Zach looked up and saw her anxiety reflected back.

“You'll b
e
fine
,
I've seen your fearless side. Is there anything else you need to know?”

“Just the nearest supermarket and maybe a cafe so I can eat” she grinned “but that's probably a bit down market for you”

“Yes, but hey I'm here all day and tomorrow s
o
let’
s
go and be commoners, check out the supermarket and grab some food for later, unless you want to eat out?”

“Whatever you decide”

He showed her the staircase that led down the many flights of steps, but then they went down in the lift. Inside the main entrance was a reception desk and Zach paced over to the gentleman sitting there.

“Mr King” he stood up immediately “how can I help you?”

“David, this is Charlotte Eden she will be staying in my flat for the next couple of months so please take care of her”

David nodded and agreed as he took a look at the beautiful young lady with Zach.

“Welcome Miss Eden, if you need anything jus
t
rin
g
the intercom, and of course enjoy your stay”

“Thanks and just call me Charlotte”

David nodded and smiled but outside Zach turned to her.

“He will only refer to you as Miss Eden
;
it’
s
just the way he likes to manage the building.

Pulling her close he found her hand and they walked to the corner. Charlie saw the bus stop and then they turned the corner and she saw a plethora of shops and a couple of small supermarkets. They walked into the first one and Zach insisted on carrying the basket.

“The maid will do all the necessary cleaning and laundry for you on a Monday and Thursday”

He watched her fill the basket with bread, cheese, milk, eggs and some salad and ready meals. Then it was his turn as he added some olives, feta cheese and other more expensive items including a couple of bottles of wine.

At the checkout they almost had an argument but Zach being Zach won and paid.

Back at the flat Charlotte organised her clothes and toiletries whilst Zach settled in front of the laptop, worked and made various phone calls. Then as the evening started to draw in he ordered a couple of take away pizza's and laid out the olives and feta cheese for them to snack on while they waited. Charlie had never seen him this casual in his jeans and t-shirt. She had changed into he
r
onesie, a birthday present from her Aunt an
d
Uncle, whic
h
made him laugh.

“What do you look like” he chuckled, when she walked in and gave him a twirl.

“One of my favourite birthday presents” she said, pulling up the hood so he could see the panda ears.

Sitting crossed legged on the floor next to the coffee table Charlotte tucked into the delicious slices of hot pizza.

“Can I move the furniture in the dining room tomorrow, I think it will make an adequate practice room” she asked, between slices. She had noticed the large almost full length mirror on the one wall and the fabulous parquet floor.

“Yes, I'll give you a hand with the table in the morning”

“So you still haven't told me your other conditions”

“Tomorrow” he murmured, enjoying the taste of the pinot noir and the relaxed atmosphere between them.

The next morning Charlotte woke to hear the sound of wood scraping on wood. Pulling on her dressing gown she wandere
d
down the corridor to find Zach pushing the heavy table to the far corner of the room. She rushed over to help him and it was soon in place. The dining chairs stacked neatly on top.

“I struggle to sleep sometimes” his explanation, before ordering them breakfast.

“So when do we need to leave for the airport on our undercover spying mission”

“About two”

After some muesli and yogurt Charlie showered and changed into her leotard and footless tights, then plugging her iPod into the main system for the house she pressed play and started to warm up. Zach heard the music as he worked in the lounge then later he paused in the door way and watched in awe. With the music still playing he stepped into the bathroom and let the showe
r
cares
s
his skin. Closing his eyes he saw her image there, weaving and casting a spell. Stepping out into the steam filled room he almost bumped into her. She stood in front of him, her body naked and covered i
n
shee
n
of sweat. He longed to take her but instead he let her pass.

She was soon ready to head to the airport. Zach made her wear a hat and dark glasses just in case they were spotted by Daniel or Felicity. Inside the busy terminal they located the gate for the flight. While Charlotte bought them both a coffee Zach found the best vantage point where they could see but not be seen.

“Now we wait” he said, reaching for his cup. Charlie drank hers quickly and then regretted it.

“Just off to the ladies” she muttered. Inside she swept a hand through her hair before fastening it back under the hat.

Coming out of the door she bumped straight into a guy going in the other direction.

“Sorry” she said, looking up into the bright green eyes of the blond man. He looked faintly like Mitchell but these days she often saw her memory of him in others.

She stumbled past and for a moment turned to take another look. At the same time the blond stranger did the same, how could it be Charlotte there at the airport? Mitchell shook his head and heard Felicity approaching at speed.

“Stop dragging your heels Matthew, we will be starting our new life at the end of this flight”

When Charlotte reached Zach's side she was about to say something but he pulled her in tightly to his side
.
They stared at the gate where they could see Felicity, Daniel and another young man with blond hair. Zach pulled the camera up on his phone and took a couple of shots. For a short second the blond man looked hesitant as he handed over his passport and then looked away from the airline official and towards them. Charlotte gasped it was the guy she had bumped into, the one who if he had dark hair would look exactly like.....Mitchell! The warmth of the airport engulfed her as she closed her eyes, feeling suddenly dizzy and faint. Zach turned in time to see her legs collapse beneath her.