Page 43 of Lost in Translation
‘Well, thank you again for all you did. I mean at the hospital, and everything.’
‘Charlotte, you have thanked me more times than my humble help warrants. It was my pleasure. I am always here if you need anything.’
A shiver of pleasure — and another emotion she pushed down — coursed through Charlotte’s body.I am always here. The movieToy Storysprung to mind: a perennial favourite of the boys, who adored their talking Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys. Charlotte loved the theme song, ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ and they’d belt it out in the car on long journeys.
‘Are you still there?’ Oops. Charlotte had lost the thread of the conversation.
‘Yes. Sorry, what was that you said?’
‘About the tickets for Elton John. I don’t want to push you, but I wondered if you’d reconsider coming with me? Or I am happy to give them to you, to go with your husband.’
Charlotte knew there was no way she’d accept tickets that had cost several hundred francs. She also knew Dom would have no interest in going, whereas Charlotte—
‘When is it again?’ Out of curiosity, she’d checked the Montreux Jazz Festival website and learned Elton was playing two outdoor concerts, but she couldn’t remember the dates.
‘This coming Saturday. It will be very busy, so we would need to go early to secure a good standing point.’
Before she could change her mind, Charlotte said, ‘I’d love to come. With you, I mean, but I must pay you for the ticket.’
‘It would be my treat,’ insisted Jürgen. ‘I can pick you up, if you like.’
‘No, really, there’s no need. We can meet somewhere near the stadium and walk to the concert together.’ Charlotte didn’t want Jürgen rocking up at the door in his Ferrari, and Dom making sarcastic comments. Quite how she would explain her actions to Dom remained to be seen, but then again she was an adult who could do what she liked. If Dom could sneak away for a three-day yoga retreat, she could go to a local concert.
‘That is wonderful. Remember to bring a hat and sun cream, as the forecast is hot.’
‘Yes, Dad,’ laughed Charlotte. ‘Shall I bring a picnic too?’
Assuring Charlotte that there would be plenty of food and drink stalls, Jürgen confirmed their meeting place and time, then ended the call.
Charlotte slumped back on the sofa. What had she done? The occasional coffee was one thing, but going to a concert with another man? She toyed with calling Jürgen back immediately and making some lame excuse about forgetting another engagement—
‘Dammit, grow a pair, woman!’ she exclaimed. She slammed her book down on the side table and went outside to check on the boys.
Chapter 36
The day before the concert,Charlotte was a bag of nerves. Not because Dom had objected, though. No, he’d raised an eyebrow when she announced her plans, with the other one twitching in harmony at the mention of Jürgen.
‘You really want to see that old codger? Elton, I mean, not your German pal.’ He’d laughed at his feeble joke, following it up with a crack about it being a miracle that the singer was ‘still standing’.
‘Yes, I do. I think he’s brilliant, and this is his farewell tour.’ Charlotte had gasped at the schedule posted online. Over three hundred shows around the world, ending in 2021. She figured Elton would need a long lie down at the end of it all.
Dom’s biggest gripe was having to look after Alastair and Robson. ‘You might have checked with me first, Charlotte. A few of us from the office were planning a beer and bowling night out.’
Tough,Charlotte muttered under her breath. Leaving Dom fiddling with his laptop, she’d sought sanctuary in the bedroom. Ruth had texted asking if she was free for a chat, and a chinwag with her friend would ease the butterflies fluttering around in her chest. It wasn’t adate,for goodness’ sake! Just two people going to a concert along with thousands of others. No big deal.
‘How’s it going, hon? Has Dom persuaded you to realign your chakras?’
Charlotte laughed. She’d already filled Ruth in via email about her husband’s furtive foray into the world of sun salutations and coconut oil pulling, which sounded gross. Ruth, of course, had asked if Charlotte believed him. She’d said yes, although her conviction wobbled more than one of the boys’ baby teeth. ‘I’m quite happy with my chakras, whatever the hell they are. More to the point, how are you?’
‘Well…’ Ruth stretched the word out like a piece of elastic. ‘I have some news.’
‘Out with it, then!’ Charlotte mentally crossed her fingers and toes that Ruth had decided. Therightdecision for her friend, even if Charlotte didn’t agree with it.
‘I bumped into Will — the fitness guy — the other day when I was picking up some shopping. We chatted a bit, and he invited me for a coffee. Or revolting herbal tea, in my case.’
‘OK. And did you drop “I’m pregnant and you might be the daddy” into the conversation?’
Ruth shook her head vigorously. ‘Didn’t need to. He gave me chapter and verse on how his business was booming, and then bang, he dropped an absolute bombshell.’
