Page 43 of A Clean Sweep
Sophie hesitated, her nose crinkled in true Michael fashion. Celeste swirled her spoon around in her coffee, her nerves jangling like wind chimes in a breeze. What would Michael think if he knew who was sitting opposite his daughter? What would hedo, more to the point?
‘Where am I now? Well, believe it or not, I’m having lunch with Celeste. No, Dad, I’m not joking. She called me up and we agreed to meet and … here we are.’
Another pause. Celeste lifted the cup to her mouth then put it down, her hands shaking too much.
‘It’s OK, Dad. Honestly. I didn’t have high expectations’ – Sophie gave a half-smile/half grimace in Celeste’s direction – ‘but we’ve survived. Even had a few laughs. Dad, are you still there?’
Celeste pictured Michael’s usually gentle and kindly face contorted with fury and disbelief that she – the viper in the nest – had attempted to worm her way into Sophie’s affections. Any faint hope of reconciliation shrivelled up inside her. It was over. Except—
‘Sure, she’s right here. I’ll just pass you over. Hang on.’
Sophie held her phone out to Celeste. Celeste eyed it with all the enthusiasm of a toddler being offered a spoonful of cough syrup. Hands still a-tremble, she tentatively took it and raised it to her ear.
‘H…hello? Michael?’ She waited, certain his words would be cold and dismissive.
‘Celeste? You’re really there? With Sophie? Sorry, stupid remark, of course you are. It’s just … I didn’t expect … oh, darling, I’m so, so sorry.’
As Michael’s achingly familiar voice came down the line, Celeste felt a warm tingle spread from her head to her toes. He was speaking to her,reallyspeaking to her. But – wait a minute – had he justapologised?
‘I’ve been a complete idiot. Blaming you for everything and letting Sophie do the same. The real bad guy in all this was me, not having the courage to keep in contact all those years. Just burying my head in the sand and convincing myself that all I needed was you. And Idoneed you, Celeste. I’ve missed you so much these past days but I just needed some time to sort my head out.’
‘But, Michael, I went out my way to keep you to myself. You know that. I’m so ashamed of myself but I can’t turn back time. If only I could. I called Sophie because I wanted to try and make amends.’ She glanced at Sophie, who merely nodded. The unreadable look was back, but minus the edge of hostility.
‘I don’t think I’ve done a very good job of apologising so far but I’ll keep trying. For all our sakes.’ Celeste halted, unsure what to say next and still reeling at Michael’s contriteness. Did she deserve it? Or was it truly the case that they shared the blame, neither willing to shatter their tranquil little existence? They were all suffering the consequences now, but no one more so than Sophie and her boys. But … maybe, justmaybe, there was a glimmer of hope for some kind of resolution.
‘Listen, darling. I am so happy you and Sophie have met. And I promise I’ll talk to her properly now, explain that Itake responsibility for my own pathetic actions,’ continued Michael. ‘But, for now, can you just hurry home to me?’
Saying her goodbyes, Celeste handed the phone back to Sophie who was now signalling to the waitress for the bill. She pulled out her own purse and shooed away Sophie’s attempt to place a bundle of notes on the table.
‘This one’s on me. I’m just glad we got together and … let’s just see what the future brings. But I would like to see you – and the boys – again. Please?’
As the waitress reappeared with the bill, Sophie stood up and shrugged on her coat. She hesitated for the briefest moment before shuffling around the table and giving Celeste a quick hug. Celeste felt as if she’d just won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
‘I think we can arrange that. And, by the way, make sure you tell my dad about your writing. If you don’t, I will!’ said Sophie with what could only be construed as a proper, from-the-heart, smile.
Counting out the change, the waitress looked between Celeste and Sophie. Thanking them for the generous tip, she turned to leave then turned back again.
‘You know, it’s so lovely to see a mother and daughter out having a nice lunch together. I saw the pair of you laughing away earlier and it proper made me happy. Me and my mum just don’t get on. She thinks I should have gone to uni, got myself a degree, instead of working in a café. But I like what I do and one day I’ll open my own place. Anyway, have a good day.’
As she zoomed off to the next table, Sophie looked at Celeste. Celeste felt the corners of her mouth twitching. Then they both burst into peals of uncontrolled laughter, vaguely bordering on hysterics.
Chapter 28
Tabitha twirled this way and that. Checked out her reflection in the mirror. Looking pretty damn hot, she decided. The satiny fabric clung in all the right places; her hair was piled up in an artful way that suggested done but with wispy tendrils hinting at ever-so-slightly undone. Make-up just right, not too much, not too little. Yes, all perfect for a very special day.
'You look amazing.' Adam was standing in the doorway, looking pretty amazing himself. Normally dressed down in jeans and casual shirts, he was resplendent in formal attire, even if his top button was undone and his tie languishing in his pocket. 'Are you ready for this?'
Tabitha took a step towards him, slightly hindered by the tightness of her dress. She envisaged him unwrapping her later, like a much-wanted Christmas present, and couldn't suppress a smile of sheer, unadulterated joy. 'Never been more ready in my life. Let's get this road on the show!'
Adam gave her a look as he drew her close, careful not to crease her outfit or smudge her face. 'Methinks someone might have had a glass too many of bubbly in the preparationstages. Getting your words a little mixed up, my gorgeous girl?'
Tabitha hiccupped gently – OK, she had downed a couple between showering and dressing – but … hey … wasn't that what champagne was invented for? Celebrating the golden moments in life. Like when she'd gone for the interview in London and actually bagged the job. Which she loved with a passion, even if it meant spending prolonged periods of time away from Adam. It involved travelling all over the country, meeting new people, doing precisely what she loved and had dreamed of for years. Leaving Meryl had been hard but her beloved boss had been a total rock. Possibly aided by the fact that she was stepping out – her words, not Tabitha's – with Steve and all seemed to be going well.Verywell, in fact. And all due to Tabitha's magical powers (or inability to keep her non-twitchy nose out of other people's business if you accepted Emily's viewpoint).
Speak of the devil, or at least a wickedly besotted pair, judging by the way Meryl and Steve approached with their hands tightly clasped together. Meryl was a vision of loveliness in a shot silk mauve dress, perfectly complemented by Steve’s charcoal suit and lilac shirt. She hurried towards Tabitha, who had been joined again by Adam after a hectic round of introductions and hand-shaking.
‘Tabbie! You look stunning, my darling girl. Doesn’t she, Steve?’ She hugged Tabitha enthusiastically, before giving Adam the same treatment. He responded with equal enthusiasm, having grown immensely fond of Meryl in the past twelve months.
‘She does indeed. Pretty as a picture as always.’ Steve gave Tabitha a kiss on each cheek, before exchanging a manly backslap/hug with Adam. ‘What a perfect day for a wedding. Speaking of which, when are the happy couple due to arrive?’
