The Riviera by Karen Aldous

help you decide.’
    ‘But, I don’t want to stay here… I need you here, Dad. I feel so much stronger with you here, I don’t want you to go. Not now. You’re a proper dad. Pops is rarely…’Jack paused. Thierry suddenly interrupted, rushing up to him holding up the action hero Spider-Man to his face. ‘Can we at least stay at the beach house when they go?’
    Cal looked up as Lizzie snatched his heart just simply gliding back into her chair. He had the three people he loved and cared about right here before him, and it all appeared so perfect. What were Jack’s chances of securing his grades if he went to Europe? Jack certainly looked brighter and chirpier than last week but was it really all resting on him? Was he key here in determining his son’s emotive state and future? Was this really what fatherhood was all about? Making sacrifices? How would Lizzie react if he told her his son needed him more than her for at least the next few months? Would she accept it? Although he couldn’t bear the thought of being so far apart from her, Jack would have to take precedence. And he couldn’t expect Lizzie to stay here, May was her busiest month. It was tough on his new venture too, but, he told himself, he could hopefully weather some of that with Jes’s help. This however, would need some delicate handling.
    He was ushered back to the table with Lizzie’s hand waving in his eyes. ‘Hello. Are we going to see this whale?’
    ‘Yes, let’s go,’ Cal said zipping up his jacket. ‘Ready, guys?’
    She buttoned up Thierry’s coat and took his hand. Then Thierry snatched it away and ran to Jack.
    ‘Hold Jack’s hand,’ he said sidling up to him and reaching up his tiny hand.
    Lizzie reached for Cal’s. ‘You’ll have to do then.’
    Hooking a strong arm around her shoulder, Cal placed a light kiss on her lips ‘It looks like we’re both surplus to his needs with Jack around.’
    ‘Isn’t it great they get along?’
    ‘It’s just perfect. I wish we could all be together, permanently.’ He squeezed her.
    Cal watched her breath escape and her mouth curl at the ends.
    Squeezing his waist, she whispered, ‘Couldn’t you bring him home? A week or so over Easter.’
    ‘I’ll speak to Kelly.’
    As they entered the old candle factory where the Whaling Museum was now housed, Thierry was immediately hooked by the skeletal displays of the gigantic sperm whales. He listened and asked questions as Jack led him round the museum. He was barely aware he was followed by Cal and Lizzie.
    ‘Oh, I think we may have a problem getting him back on the plane,’ Lizzie sighed.
    Cal tightened his grip on her hand. ‘I’m sure he’ll be fine once he knows he’s going to see his gran on the way.’
    ‘I hope so. He’ll be leaving you and Jack. I hope he doesn’t get too upset. He’s really becoming attached.’ Lizzie twisted her mouth and blew a small sigh. ‘This is one of the reasons I was afraid to get involved with anyone. Oh God, this sounds selfish. I don’t mean it’s anyone’s fault and I know it’s only temporary. I just worry he will get hurt…’
    Cal took a deep breath.
    ‘Lizzie, I’m not going to hurt him or you. I’ll do all I can to get back in a few weeks. I promise. We’ll tell Thierry the truth. That Jack has to stay here for a while with his tutor. He knows the tutor and has met him. I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s sharp. And he must know he’s loved.’
    He tried to read her eyes. The green hues were stronger than ever today. She tucked her hair behind her ear which unsettled him. How was he to convince her that he would never mess with their lives?
    Returning to the beach house, the aroma of Kelly’s chicken pie wafted under Lizzie’s nose as she climbed out of the car. A delicious homely smell full of love and comfort, yet Kelly playing wife and mother to them all, her man, her child, wasn’t lifting her mood. And she yearned to be alone with Cal.
    Kelly appeared at the