The art of deception Page 22

  ‘And what will you do about John and baby AJ? I bet they both miss you.’

  ‘I doubt that very much. John is sick of me and my tantrums while AJ is too young to understand.’

  ‘You’d be surprised. I remember when you were a baby, whenever your mum came into the room, you used to stop crying. That was after only a few weeks.’

  ‘I can’t talk about that any more, Dad. I’ll stay here until I find a place of my own, though.’[AB18]

  ‘OK, but I intend making the most of you while you are here. Let’s have some quality time together – what do you say?’

  ‘Yes, why not, but remember I’ll be out looking for another job and a place to live too.’

  ‘But not all day.’

  ‘No, I hope not.’

  A delighted smile spread across his face ‘Good. Anyway, I’d better get on.

  I’ll have a spot of breakfast and then I’m off to my workshop until lunchtime. I’m restoring a George IV walnut coffee table. It was in a right old state but now it looks like new. Come and have a peek when you’ve got a spare few minutes.’

  ‘I will,’ she said. ‘Oh, and Dad? Do you have a computer? I left mine at John’s.’

  ‘I do, but it’s old. Under the telly. I’ll give you the user name and the password.’

  ‘Thanks, Dad, you’re a star.’

  Once he’d gone, she searched for estate agents within a thirty-mile radius of Dexford; there were around twenty hits. She made a list of names, addresses and email addresses, then drafted a letter. She had her CV saved online, thankfully. If employers read this, she’d be sure to have a chance of a job.

  <><><>

  On the way home from work, John made a detour to Alan’s house. As soon as he turned into the street, he saw her car – just as he’d expected, she wasn’t with friends after all. And then, as he drove by, she came out and got into her car. He pg. 160

  put his foot down hard on the accelerator. If she’d looked up at the sound of screeching tyres, she would have seen him – but she didn’t.

  What should he do now he knew the truth? If he wanted her back, he’d need to tread carefully.

  He arrived at his parents’ house only five minutes later than he intended.

  He could always say he’d been held up in traffic.

  Although he had a key, he rang the bell to save any embarrassment.

  His dad opened the door. ‘Welcome to the madhouse.’

  ‘Has he been all right?’

  ‘Yes, as good as gold. Eating, sleeping and pooing to his heart’s content.’

  That raised a smile on John’s face and as he followed George inside, he saw baby AJ in his mother’s arms.

  ‘Glad you’re enjoying yourselves,’ he said.

  ‘We’d forgotten what it’s like to have a baby in the family again,’ she said.

  ‘That’s lovely. But much as I love you having him, I wish his mum was with him instead.’

  ‘You’ve heard nothing, then?’

  ‘Just a text message saying she needed some space and for me to leave her alone. I know she’s at her dad’s. Maybe I should phone him, see if he’s willing to help.’

  ‘Good idea,’ Susan said.

  ‘But I can’t see him wanting to cooperate. Remember, Angie’s his little girl.’

  ‘Want to stay for tea?’

  ‘No, no, you’ve done enough today.’

  Susan shook her head in protest. ‘John, he hasn’t been any trouble, and we’ve got plenty of food. You’re welcome to share it with us.’

  John thought about returning to an empty house and having to cook his tea.

  ‘OK, you’ve convinced me, but only as a one-off, seeing as you’re having him every day until Friday.’

  After eating, John didn’t fancy going home yet, so he stayed a while longer until AJ’s bedtime approached.

  ‘Thank you for everything, Mum, Dad.’

  They both hugged him and kissed AJ. At home, he kept wondering what Angie was up to. Did she regret leaving them? Would she realise her mistake?

  <><><>

  He’d just got up on Saturday morning when his mobile rang. He jumped, thinking it might be Angie. But no – to his amazement, Sarah was on the line. Strange for her to phone now.

  ‘Hi John, how you doing?’

  ‘Good, thanks, and you?’

  pg. 161

  ‘I’m OK. Listen, Jack’s at football this afternoon, so I’m at a loose end. If you’re free, can I come and have a look at the baby?’

  John shuddered. Although they’d talked of him visiting her, he never expected her to take him up on it. He began to wonder what was behind this; perhaps she wanted to lecture him about his life again, but she meant well. ‘I’m shopping this morning, but I’ll be free this afternoon. So, by all means drop in.

  Have you told Jack?’

  ‘When I mentioned it, he just shrugged his shoulders. He’s in another world with his football. I’m sure he loves that stupid game more than me. But never mind that. How does two o’clock sound?’

  ‘Sounds fine. But AJ might be having a nap.’

  ‘That doesn’t matter, at least I’ll get to see him. Until later, then.’

  ‘Yes, can’t wait.’

  ‘Me neither.’

  John’s heart beat hard against his chest. This sounded a little sinister to him. But since she’d been his confidante, he couldn’t exactly say no. Now he’d worry until she arrived; and what if Angie turned up? She’d think he was having an affair when nothing could be further from the truth.

  All morning, Sarah remained on his mind and he was sure he’d forgotten half of what he needed at the supermarket. Still, he’d deal with that problem later.

  After lunch, he put AJ in his pram and got him to sleep in ten minutes. The baby never ceased to amaze him by how good he was for his age. If only Angie could see how easy it could be.

  John kept the TV on low and waited for Sarah’s imminent arrival. He didn’t have to wait long – one forty-five had her ringing the bell.

  She beamed at him when he opened the door, and followed him into the living room.

  ‘Is he asleep?’

  ‘Yes, unfortunately for you. He’s only had half an hour so far – usually he has an hour or two. Let me get you a drink.’

  ‘Just a coffee, please. White, one sugar.’

  ‘OK, coming up. Make yourself comfy. I won’t be long.’

  ‘Thanks, John.’

  He sat on the sofa, and they sipped their drinks.

  ‘Nice house, John. I’m impressed. You deserve this, though, because you’ve worked hard over the years. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.’

  ‘I wouldn’t say that. I’ve done my best but sometimes I wonder what the point of it was, now Angie’s gone.’

  ‘That’s not your fault, nor Angie’s. She can’t help being ill. Such a shame, she’s missing out on so much.’

  ‘Yeah, exactly.’

  ‘All right if I have a look?’

  ‘Be my guest.’

  pg. 162

  She walked across to the pram, where AJ was still fast asleep. ‘Ah, he’s lovely – looks just like his dad. So calm and at peace.’

  ‘I’m glad he doesn’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. He’d be upset.’

  ‘Yes, true. Maybe you should be thankful it’s happened now instead of when he’s older.’

  ‘I could do without it happening at any time, but I get your meaning.’

  ‘I can’t wait to see him awake. He’s making me broody, John.’

  She came back and sat closer to him.

  ‘I’m surprised you still don’t have any kids of your own.’

  She smiled ruefully. ‘Well, Jack’s not keen, even though he knows I want a baby. All he cares about is his stupid football.’

  ‘You must keep badgering him. One of these days he might surprise you and give way.’

  ‘You’re wrong. He won’t. I thought I felt the same when we got married, but it’
s true what they say about biological clocks. I’ve realised I really would love to have kids. But he still says no.’

  ‘Well, you can still afford to wait.’

  ‘Yes, but it would be so much better to do it now. If we hang on much longer, I’ll be in my mid-thirties. His football is the sticking point – he lives and breathes it. Trains twice a week, plays on a Sunday, goes to matches most Saturdays and in midweek, home and away. We hardly see one another and he refuses to see that it’s a problem.’

  ‘Why not go with him sometimes? You might enjoy the odd match together.’

  ‘Ugh. I hate football – twenty-two grown men kicking a ball around a football pitch is so boring. I’d prefer to watch paint dry. Then he watches it on the TV. My God, I see those stupid players in my sleep.’

  ‘I must admit I love football, but not to that extent. Some men are fanatical.’

  ‘It gets to me. No wonder it’s putting a strain on our marriage.’

  ‘Does he know that?’

  ‘He does, but he doesn’t care. Football will always come first with him.’

  ‘There are worse things in life. At least he’s still with you.’

  ‘True, but if I’m not happy, he may as well not be there. It’s hardly a fulfilling relationship. And he won’t let me have a baby.’

  John raised his eyebrows. He was about to speak again when AJ woke.

  ‘I’d better get him out,’ he said, standing up. He picked AJ up and held him close, feeling the tears pricking his eyes as love for the boy welled inside him. AJ

  calmed down and wriggled his arms and legs happily.

  ‘He’s boisterous, isn’t he? Careful you don’t drop him.’

  ‘I won’t, he’s in safe hands.’

  ‘I can see that.’

  pg. 163

  ‘Do me a favour and hold him while I make his feed up?’

  ‘Oh, I’d be so honoured,’ she said, taking him off John’s hands.

  At once AJ started to cry.

  ‘Oh dear, what have I done now?’

  ‘Nothing, he’s just used to me, I suppose. He’ll be the same with you, if you give him time.’

  ‘Ah, he’s so small and vulnerable. I could eat him.’

  He laughed. ‘I wouldn’t advise it.’

  When he came back, AJ was quiet and calm in Sarah’s arms.

  ‘Well, it seems you do have the knack, after all.’

  ‘All I’ve done is to hold him and hum to him.’

  ‘Ah that’s it. You sing well, I could do with you when I’m trying to rock him to sleep. Fancy feeding him?’ he said, holding out the bottle.

  ‘Do you mind?’

  ‘No, of course not. I need a rest.’

  Sarah set about the task with vigour; he noticed how entranced she was with his son.

  ‘Wish Angie was more like you; I’d be so much happier.’

  ‘Wow, he has a strong suck. He’s hungry,’ she said, without looking at him. Within fifteen minutes he’d drunk the lot and was gurgling contentedly.

  ‘Excellent work, Mrs Benson. You’re hired.’

  ‘Thank you, I’d be very pleased to take up your kind offer if I wasn’t employed as an accountant.’

  ‘That is a shame. Never mind, I suppose I’ll have to get someone else.

  Unless … say if I offered you a wage well over the going rate?’

  ‘Stop messing around, John, you’re making me sad.’ She waved a hand in front of her face, about to cry.

  ‘God, we’re a right pair, aren’t we? I never realised you were as miserable as me.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come. I was afraid this might happen.’

  ‘No, I’m glad you did come. I wanted to show you what a proud dad I am, even if his mum doesn’t love him.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sure she does – and when she’s better, you’ll find that out.’

  ‘I’ll believe that when I see it. Get him to sleep if you want. And then I can hear you sing again.’

  ‘I’d love to.’

  He sat and watched while she sang. She had a good voice, and got the baby to sleep again within ten minutes.

  ‘Success!’ he exclaimed.

  ‘Ssh now, you’ll wake him,’ she said as she laid AJ in the pram. She stood waiting for a reaction, but none came.

  As she turned, he saw her weeping and when she reached him, he held her close. She shuddered and he wept too.

  pg. 164

  Then moving away, they stared at each other for a moment. Without a conscious decision, they moved together and their lips touched.

  John pulled his face away. ‘This mustn’t happen. It’s not right or fair.’

  Sarah looked aghast. ‘My fault. I’m so sorry, I needed someone to comfort me. Jack isn’t interested.’

  ‘No, it’s both of us. I felt the same too, after all the terrible days I’ve had with Angie. You’re the only person who listens to me, who I’d trust with my life.

  And now I’ve blown it.’

  ‘No. We all need someone, John, and if that someone’s love isn’t returned then we look elsewhere. Let’s forget it happened, shall we?’

  ‘I’ll be honest, Sarah – I wanted you. And I still do. But I won’t destroy two families. We’d both end up with nothing.’

  She nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear. ‘We have to stop.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’d better go before I do something I’ll regret.’

  He took hold of her hand, amazed at how much he wanted her. She pulled herself free. ‘Bye, John. See you Monday.’

  <><><>

  Later that Saturday night, in bed, John started shaking. He’d never dreamed something like this would happen. As if he didn’t have enough problems! He should have been stronger, stopped it before it had begun. Now it was too late, and he doubted their friendship could even survive. He shouldn’t have taken her into his confidence. Maybe he should just ignore what had happened; carry on as before and hope for the best.

  He felt so guilty, even though Angie had left him. Didn’t this make him as bad as her, if not worse? As he gazed across at AJ sleeping in his cot, he wondered what he’d jeopardised with the kiss. His job? His life with AJ? If Angie found out, she’d go crazy and might try to get AJ off him in spite. Or maybe he was being ridiculous; Sarah wasn’t a girl to tell tales or act maliciously, and she’d be risking her own relationship, too.

  The next morning, he received a message from Sarah.

  ‘Thanks for letting me come over and see your gorgeous son. I loved every minute I spent with him. I now realise what I’m missing. It makes me broody but still hope we can do it again soon. Love Sarah.’

  At least she remained friendly. But he wanted more – and if she did too, could he resist? If he refused, he’d upset her. Dear God, what a nightmare. He had to answer her text or she’d suspect something was wrong. He chose his words carefully.

  pg. 165

  ‘ My pleasure. Love to do it again but I fear that might be difficult with our present commitments. Love John.’

  pg. 166

  Chapter 33

  aving spent half of Monday morning looking for jobs, Angie began scouring the internet for flats to rent. A few looked nice but most of them H were plain and ordinary – and even those were expensive. She saved the details of some she liked for later as she wasn’t sure where she’d be working yet.

  This depressed her, but she had no alternative.

  At two o’clock, her dad came into the house, covered in dust and dirt. He smiled at her and sat on the armchair.

  ‘How’s it going, Dad?’

  ‘Yeah, not too bad. I’ve sanded it down, now it needs varnishing.’

  ‘Good. Love to see it when it’s finished.’

  ‘OK, I’ll give you a shout. So, what have you been doing while I’ve been slaving away?’

  ‘Nothing much. On the computer, searching for jobs and places to live.’

  ‘Any luck?’

  ‘I’ve applied for
five at various estate agents. And looked for rented property in similar areas. But until I’m offered a post, there’s no point in viewing any flats.’

  ‘I still say you’re making a big mistake moving further away. What’s wrong with this area? I appreciate you’re not staying here, but there must be accommodation closer to home that would allow you to keep your job.’

  ‘Dad, I’ve told you. I’m leaving in case I bump into John and the baby –

  it’ll make me ill again. And they won’t let me back for five months anyway. I’m surplus to requirements now Bethany’s got my job. It’s about their fear of me having more babies, perish the thought.’

  ‘Won’t you consider going back to John?’

  ‘No, not a cat in hell’s chance. That part of my life has gone.’

  ‘But what about AJ?’

  ‘Dad, I’m not interested. You were the one trying to get me to abort him, I seem to remember.’

  ‘Yes, well you know why.’

  ‘Yes, but even if he gets it, he won’t develop symptoms until he’s much older. And I still might get it, too. How will I handle that after what happened to Mum?’

  ‘Rachel’s upset you’re leaving on account of her.’

  ‘I’m not. It’s your future happiness that concerns me – I won’t jeopardise that.’

  ‘You’re very obstinate.’

  ‘You don’t say. Now I’d be grateful if you’d shut up. I’m not changing my mind and the more you carry on, the more liable I am to leave before my time.’

  ‘OK, I’ll just get my sandwiches. Help yourself to anything from the fridge when you’re hungry.’

  pg. 167

  During the afternoon, she delved further into flats that were vacant, making a list of those she liked and where they were situated. But as the time dragged on, she was at a loose end and in need of something to do. Her urge to go out was strong, but where to? Having been around Dexford so many times recently, she was loath to do that again.

  She browsed the contacts on her phone, remembering friends she’d hung out with before John. She’d message a few, to find out what they were doing now.