A Stormy Spring (21 page)

Slowly Amelie Babineaux entered her daughter’s apartment.

She cleared her throat before continuing into the living space. Her gaze encompassing the room empty but for the glass table, four chairs and an oak bookcase before she poked her head into the kitchen space. She walked quickly back down the hall and threw open the door to the small bedroom and then the bathroom before joining Lucas.

Staring unseeing out of the grimy window, Lucas felt his temper jerk at the leash.

The sound of a stifled sob had him turn round.

Amelie stood, tears pouring unhindered down ashen cheeks.

On shaky legs, Amelie moved to the kitchen and filled the white plastic kettle.

She tore off kitchen roll to wipe her eyes trying to pull herself together. But what she found in the cupboards nearly broke her again. She knew what this was since she’d lived through it herself. This was depression. This was simply going through the motions rather than living. Why had she listened to Becca? Why had she listened to Justin who’d told her he’d look after Becca and that losing herself in work was just what her daughter needed? But she wouldn’t blame Justin, that was cowardly. No, Lucas was quite right; she
had
let her daughter down.

Like an automaton Amelie poured hot water into instant coffee and broke the habit of a lifetime by adding plenty of sugar to her coffee and to Lucas’s. The man looked as if he needed it. By his anger and the way he’d spoken to her this morning it was obvious Lucas was a man desperately, deeply, in love. And hoped he had the gift of patience, because he was going to need it.

She placed the white porcelain mugs on the glass table thick with dust. The old Becca had found joy in running a home. Her Victorian villa had sparkled with life, fresh flowers, polished surfaces and gleaming glass. The air perfumed with scented candles and the sound of music playing in the background. This was not her Becca. This place was a silent space empty of heart and soul.

‘She’s started sleeping in his shirts.’

The agony in Lucas’s voice made Amelie’s heart clench.

‘I did the same thing for many years after her father died. It comforted me.’ She lifted the cup and took a sip, more for something to do with her hands rather than anything else. ‘I had no idea she was living like this, Lucas. Justin assured me she was doing well and to leave her be. But that is no excuse. You are perfectly correct, I have let her down.’

‘He’s not returning her calls.’

Knowing perfectly well Lucas referred to that slimy snake of a man, Justin Cope, she gave a Gallic shrug of her shoulders. ‘He is a prima donna and I have heard his erratic behaviour is becoming worse instead of better.’

Anxiety was clear in Lucas’s dark eyes as they met hers.

‘Why does he have so much power over her?’

Since she’d often wondered exactly the same thing and had had plenty of time to consider the issue, she told him the simple truth.

‘They’ve been friends for many years. Being my daughter didn’t help since she was judged and found wanting. At least that is how she felt. It wasn’t true of course. She’s a creative genius. And she’s his ticket to success. When Becca was on top of her game their relationship was more evenly balanced. Believe it or not my daughter has a temper and she can give as good as she gets. However, things have changed. He’s taken control and she’s been happy to let him.’

Dark eyes blazed into hers. ‘And you let it happen?’

Amelie refused to admit that she’d tried and spectacularly failed to persuade her daughter that her dance partner was a lower form of life. Or that she’d alienated her daughter by being as stubborn as she was. Or that she’d lived to regret her behaviour.

‘Lucas, she’s twenty-eight years old, an adult who lives her own life and has made it clear that I’ve to, and I quote,
butt out
. What would you have me do?’

‘Do you know she works up to twelve hours a day?’

‘
Oui
, that is not unusual in a creative environment when the muse is flowing.’ She indicated the bleak surroundings. ‘She’s thrown herself into work to forget.’

‘She has missed you.’

‘I’ve missed her too. The positive thing to come out of all this is that she must cut back and rest. The best thing we can do for her is to keep her away from Justin until she’s able to think clearly.’

‘How did he handle Rick?’ Lucas wanted to know.

‘Rick’s priority was the next big IT project. He wasn’t a part of and didn’t understand our world. Justin never found him a threat.’ Her eyes met his and her chin lifted. ‘Can we please get out of here?’

As they descended the stairs, Amelie turned to Lucas.

‘You love her?’

She didn’t miss the bleak look in his eyes before he hooded his lids.

‘If I do, the person who should hear it first is Becca.’

For the first time she smiled. ‘You are very like your father, Lucas. And that is a compliment by the way.’

John opened the car door and she slid into the back seat.

‘Mama!’

In the entrance hall of Lucas’s townhouse, Becca flew down the last few steps into the open arms of her emotional parent. They embraced chattering in mercurial French that even had Lucas struggling to keep up. Any lingering doubts that these women didn’t love each other deeply were put to rest in his mind.

Lucas strolled through the house to the kitchen and found the usually unflappable Moira a nervous wreck having been primed by her husband that a superstar was on the way to their home.

‘I can’t believe Amelie Babineaux is in my house, in the flesh, in person.’

‘Ah, I forgot you are a ballet fan.’

She spun on him. ‘Why didn’t you tell me who Becca’s mother was? What’s she like?’

He opened his mouth, caught her eye and shut it. ‘A lovely lady.’

She nodded, chewing on her bottom lip as her brain raced. ‘I’m doing fish tonight and I’ll add a cheese course. The French like their cheeses.’

‘There will be four of us for dinner.’ He’d forgotten to mention it and expected a scold, but Moira simply bobbed her head.

‘No problem.’

He wandered back through the house wondering what had happened to his usually composed staff since Becca had come into their lives. Hearing music coming from the room Becca had turned into a practice studio; he changed direction and headed for it.

Dressed in low slung yoga pants and a matching skinny vest of pale grey, Becca was showing her mother a tricky manoeuvre. Amelie relaxed on a couch nodding as Becca jotted down a couple of changes to her work.

‘I am going up to change,’ he told them. ‘Shall I show you to your room, Amelie?’

They all moved up the stairs, Lucas leading the way to a bedroom that was placed as far as possible from his. If Becca noted it, she made no sign.

‘By the way,’ he said as he left them in Amelie’s room. ‘Burt Lindstrom is in town and I’ve invited him to dinner with us tonight. You know what he’s like, Becca, so dress casual.’

After, Lucas left, Amelie Babineaux sat on the bed.

‘Come, and sit next to me,
Cherie.’
She waited until Becca sat next to her and pulled her close. ‘How are you?’

Becca’s throat closed with the weight of swirling emotions; guilt, sorrow and grief.

‘I’m a mess, mama. I’m having twins.’

Her mother simply inhaled a deep breath and hugged her tighter.

‘Lucas is a good man. He will be a good father.’

All the fears, the anxieties tumbled out of Becca and she met her mother’s eyes.

‘I can’t open my heart to him or anyone. I can’t take the risk of losing the people I love. It hurts too much.’

Amelie shook her head and a sharp look entered her eyes. ‘It is supposed to hurt! I did not bring up a coward!’

She knew that, of course she did. ‘I don’t want to love again. I put all those dreams, a family, a husband, aside. I didn’t want this!’

‘I am here for you.’

‘I’ve brought you enough grief, Mama.’

‘No. You have brought me nothing but joy. Are you telling me you cannot love your children?’

Becca shook her head. ‘No, of course not.’

‘So, it is Lucas you are withholding your heart from?’

Was she? ‘Everything is too intense between us. It’s not like it was with Rick.’

Her mother kissed her cheek, stroked her hair. ‘That does not mean it is wrong. It means it is different, and thank goodness for it.’

Becca bit her bottom lip, and confessed, ‘I sleep in Rick’s shirts.’

‘Ah, darling, you miss him. That is perfectly normal.’

Her mother’s vivid blue eyes were searching and filled with an anxiety that had Becca take another breath. ‘No. I use them as a shield against Lucas, to give me space.’

With a shake of her head, her mother took her hand. ‘You are afraid of him?’

‘Terrified.’

‘Then you must tell him. Communication is key in any relationship. Lucas does not appear to be a monster or a bully. And I believe he cares for you very much. Talk to him, give him a chance.’

She would talk to him, Becca decided.

Just not yet.

Burt’s big laugh boomed through the orangery as Amelie wiped her streaming eyes.

You got a lot of bang for your buck with Burt, Becca decided.

He was an Australian who looked as if he should be running one of those cattle stations in the outback rather than being a theatre and film impresario. He was a big bear of a man in his sixties with a thick head of strong grey hair. His tall tales were legendary and as those wicked eyes settled on hers, Becca couldn’t help but smile.

‘I don’t believe a word of that,’ she told him trying and failing to keep a straight face.

‘As true as I’m sitting here. We had to fly in a doctor and nurse to have his pecker unpicked from his zipper. Since we were in the middle of the rainforest it could’ve been nasty,’ he said referring to a star that was known for his action films.

His eyes still held hers as he sipped his wine. ‘Good to see you back. Justin’s been doing a great job.’

Becca blinked. ‘I’ve never been away. Justin’s dealing with the contract negotiations leaving me in the studio where I belong.’

Those dark eyes went sharp now. ‘He mentioned he was working on the final number, said he’d have it ready in a couple of days.’

Selecting a fat strawberry Becca missed the lightning look Burt exchanged with Lucas. ‘Actually, I’ve sorted it. I’ve been working on it here.’

Burt showcased white teeth in a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. ‘Yeah? That’s great. How about we go over it now?’

Puzzled by the sudden change in the atmosphere but too polite to show it, Becca shrugged.

‘Sure, if that’s okay with everyone else?’

Lucas stood and took her hand. ‘Why don’t we show Burt what you’ve done to the ballroom?’

‘Well, isn’t this something? What a great floor! All you need are mirrors along that far wall and a barre and you’re sorted,’ Burt said as he made a beeline for the baby grand piano and settled his bulk on the stool.

Becca kicked off her shoes as Burt lifted the lid. Tickling the ivory keys, his big fingers demonstrated the dexterity and touch of a maestro as he launched into the number. She moved through the routine wearing nothing but jeans and a T-shirt, losing all inhibitions as she threw her heart and soul into dance.

When it finished, Burt’s brow was creased as he scanned her paperwork.

‘Show me how you sorted that wonky transition in the fourth number.’

She walked over to four A4 cardboard boxes in the corner and pulled out a file. Padding back, she flicked through it and found what she was looking for. ‘It was fixed on the 11
January.’

‘Let’s try it.’ Burt thumped out a jazzy number and once she caught the beat Becca touch-stepped and hip-swung into the number.

When it finished to applause from Amelie, Lucas stepped forward.

‘It is late and enough excitement for one night. You are looking pale,
querida
.’

Becca wanted to be annoyed by his usual high handed behaviour. However, her head was beginning to pound behind her right eye.

‘What’s this? Have you been sick?’ Burt wanted to know.

With a quick look at Lucas, Becca shook her head. ‘No, I’m pregnant and have been told to take it easy.’

Stunned, Burt stared at her and then Lucas for a long moment before he crowed with gleeful laughter. ‘By God, I never thought I’d ever see the day! Lucas, you dog!’ He stood to give Lucas a manly hug before punching him energetically on the shoulder.

‘That is his way of saying congratulations,’ Lucas told Becca and Amelie apologetically as he rubbed his shoulder.

Her mother gave both men a grin. ‘If you are going up, Becca, I’m coming too. It has been lovely to meet you, Burt,’ Amelie told him with a shy smile.

Burt redeemed himself by bowing low over her hand and wiggled a big bushy brow. And Amelie astounded her daughter by blushing like a girl.

‘The pleasure has been all mine, ma’am,’ Burt purred like a big lazy lion.

Burt kept the smile on his face until the women had left.

Eyes like ice, he turned to Lucas.

‘What the
fuck
is going on?’

‘Whisky?’

‘Make it a double,’ Burt growled. With a worried frown he flicked through the file of Becca’s work. ‘That pansy faced pretty boy bastard has taken the credit for every piece.’

Lucas handed him a square chunky glass.

‘Thank you for coming at such short notice. But I felt time was of the essence.’

‘That kid’s had the stuffing knocked out of her and he does something like this?’

‘Tell me about them.’

Burt sat back and simply stared at him. ‘Well, hell, Lucas. She’s carrying your baby. I’m assuming a certain intimacy here.’

‘She’s refused to marry me.’

Now Burt simply goggled. ‘Sensing a story here.’ At Lucas’s bland stare, he shook his head. ‘Shit. Okay. They’re the best. First used them four, no five years ago. Becca’s the creative talent, but has no more idea of business than a puppy. Justin’s the driving force. He’s petulant and sneaky. I actually asked him about Becca and why her name wasn’t on the contract we’d drawn up and he said she was unwell and not pulling her weight, blah, blah, blah. To tell you the truth I kept waiting for him to appear this evening.’