The Riviera by Karen Aldous Page A

door, her long hair tied back but, her make-up freshly touched up.
    ‘Hi, you guys. Did you have a good day?’ she asked heading straight for Jack and holding out her arms, embracing her son. ‘Has this little man worn you out?’ she then said turning her attention to Thierry.
    Jack grinned. ‘He’ll tell you all about the whales and the bones, that’s for sure.’
    ‘Oh, great. Come. I’ll get you all a drink. I hope you’ve all worked up an appetite too. I’ve baked an awesomely large pie. I hope you like it?’
    Cal shot a glance at Lizzie. ‘Sounds amazing but we didn’t have lunch until late. A few hours yet perhaps.’
    ‘It does smell lovely though,’ Lizzie assured her, watching Kelly’s face twitch.
    ‘I’ll keep it on low for now. I’m sure it won’t spoil,’ she said heading for the kitchen.
    Once in the house, Lizzie settled down on the floor at the coffee table with Thierry taking out his pad and pens from his bag. She drew him some whales and fishes which he tried to copy. Cal sat across from them on the sofa resting his socked feet on the footstool, and burrowing his head against a cushion. He winked at her as he watched them both and within minutes, Lizzie smiled as his eyes began to drop. She guessed all the fresh air had tired him out. And he’d had a tiring week.
    Thierry then snuggled up to her and, stroking his hair, Lizzie’s eyes sank wearily into a contented slumber.
    Just moments later, Kelly breezed in carrying a tray piled with pastries. ‘I thought I’d bake some of your favourites, Cal. I just know you won’t be able to resist one of these bad boys; cinnamon whirls with fresh cream.’
    At once, eyes pinged on Kelly.
    ‘I’d love one but I’m saving my appetite for chicken pie. After dinner perhaps,’ Cal told her as his eyelids rolled back shut.
    Lizzie managed a smile. ‘I think the fresh air has knocked us all out.’ And her lids fell under the weight of tiredness.

Chapter 10
    By the time they boarded the ferry, Lizzie was quite relieved to be out of Kelly’s lair. And if she was honest, her mind struggled with the thought of Cal being cooped up with her there. Beneath she was reeling at the thought of them spending so much time together, and in such close proximity. It wasn’t as if Jack was there all the time. And, she reminded herself, they were in love once. In fact, she was sure Kelly still found him attractive, or was it possible seeing him for who he really was for the first time had rekindled it? When Reuben had returned at the weekend, she’d noticed a contempt in their relationship, they didn’t strike her as a couple in love. Her only comfort was that Cal would be returning in less than two weeks and bringing Jack along. At least, eventually, Kelly had agreed it would be good for Jack.
    Thierry, as she imagined, loved the ferry crossing from Nantucket back to the mainland. It was the longer option and, if she’d realised they were going to visit Martha’s Vineyard during their stay, she personally would have preferred the plane. Still, it meant Thierry could spend a little more time with Cal. He travelled with them all the way to Boston where they finally had to leave him and face the journey back to London, and then on to her mother’s in Kent.
    As the door flew open Lizzie’s eyes sprang out. Her mother sparkled. Her hair, still in a sumptuous bob, her radiant skin, her wide smile, her trim figure. She was obviously taking good care of herself. Spotting Thierry, her mouth widened further.
    ‘My darlings, you flew all the way across that big ocean just to see me.’ Caroline took the bunch of white tulips from Thierry’s outstretched hand, bent down as she squealed throwing her arms around her grandson. ‘Thank you. Wow, what a difference a few months make. Lizzie, he’s lost his toddler look. You look so grown up, Thierry,’ she said hugging him so tight the he was staggering to balance. She unfurled her arms, steadying him and kissing