Evie wheeled the shiny bicycle inside the steel gates and propped it up, unclipping and lifting a reluctant Charlotte down from the chair. Apart from being deadly attractive, this man was so kind and so easy to talk to. She loved the smell of him, like him it seemed alluringly strong and dependable. She inhaled and took a deep breath, then let out the longest breath, trying to expel her guilt. If only she could feel as relaxed with Seb.
‘Go pish shop,’ Charlotte moaned, wriggling and twisting her body in defiance.
‘I need to try on my new helmet, sweet pea.’
Retrieving the buggy, where she’d stacked the helmet box, from outside the gate, Evie instructed Charlotte to wheel it to the door, helping her push it over the main threshold and into the hall. She collected the box, and with her daughter keen to see inside it, headed for the front shaded terrace. Seated on the bench, Evie winced at a dark cloud bruising the sky and continued. With a little strap adjustment, it was perfect. Ben had made a good selection.
Hearing a car, her heart raced. Ben had returned. She stood and peered out. Hmm, we’re popular all of a sudden. Evie didn’t recognise the small car but instantly knew the silhouette of the driver. Wondering why he hadn’t informed her of his visit, she watched as Seb Wilde stepped out of the car. Entering the open gate, he eyed the new bike with curiosity and strolled towards her. Whipping off the helmet, she examined him. His fair hair was cut shorter, his skin unusually tanned and, in long shorts and a casual t-shirt, he appeared slimmer. An anxious smile crossed his face. Evie put her helmet to one side and composed herself, determined she would not be argumentative and that she would make the most of his company, however mad she was at him. And it did seem petty after yesterday’s trauma.
‘Charlotte, look who has come to see us,’ she shrilled, taking the child’s hand. ‘It’s Daddy.’ She dropped the child’s hand and stepped into Seb’s open arms, which were welcoming but brief.
‘You’re in good spirits, especially after yesterday. What was that outburst about?’
‘I was bloody mad at you yesterday, but you’re here now. Can’t I be happy to see you?’
‘Yes, I gathered that. That’s why I’ve come.’
Evie stood back, observing as he bent down to his child.
‘Hello Charlotte.’ He brushed a hand through her hair. ‘How are you? You have grown, and are looking very pretty.’ He twisted a blond curl around his finger.
Charlotte rushed to her mother’s leg and clung to her knee. Her tongue licked her top lip as she scrutinised her father. Seb stood back up, and patted his daughter’s head. ‘It’s Daddy, silly.’
Evie sensed his irritation but what did he expect, not having been home since early February – and that visit was short. It was now the end of May. Charlotte was nearly two years old and so much more knowing. Although, she doubted he had any inkling of a child’s perception.
‘She’s going through a shy stage.’
‘I think she’s forgotten who I am.’
‘Well. She’s wary, I suppose. Four months is a long time in her mind. You look different too. Very well in fact. Have you been on holiday?’
‘A few days’ sailing for my manager’s fortieth, but, no, been touring and writing.’ He averted his eyes from Evie, looking at Charlotte instead, and awkwardly rubbed his chin.’
Hmm, Evie thought, looks more like a few months’ sailing and a few days’ touring. ‘Well, she’ll warm up. How long are you staying?’
‘It’s her birthday soon, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, next Wednesday. She’ll be two. Are you here for the week?’ Cally suddenly came to mind and she thought of the tension it could create.
‘Evie, sorry I won’t.’ Seb scratched his brow. ‘I’ve brought her a present but I’ll be in New York. I go tomorrow night so, I’ll just be staying tonight, I’m afraid.’
Evie’s head dropped and she took in a deep breath. ‘Perhaps you should put it in your diary for next year.’ She shifted her eyes up and down and her hands flitted to her waist. ‘So, ‘how is it that your manager’s fortieth is more important than your daughter’s birthday?’
‘Of course it isn’t.’ Seb rubbed his nose. ‘It’s just that we had a few days with nothing scheduled.’
‘Because he’d scheduled it, maybe? Isn’t it time you managed your own personal schedule, Seb? Your own priorities.’ Evie’s teeth ground with anger. He just didn’t get it, did he?
‘What’s got into you? This is what I warned you about, Evie. Why I couldn’t take on a child. Don’t make me out to be the ogre.’
Evie swiped her neck in a fluster. Of course he was right. He was having to compromise to make their relationship work. It didn’t stop it hurting any less though. She and Charlotte needed him more than he needed her. Then his usual grin appeared, creating the instant charm which always managed to melt her anger.
‘Oh. Well, we will have to have a little party tonight. I was going to get some fish for our tea so…’
‘No,’ Seb interrupted. Let’s eat out. Where would Charlotte like to eat? What’s her favourite restaurant?’
Evie gave a wry smile, huh, like they eat out. ‘Fish. She loves any fish. Sea bass, monkfish, dorade, or oysters, mussels, prawns… but I usually cook it.’
Evie could see he wasn’t keen.
He beamed as he clicked his fingers. ‘There’s a good fish restaurant in Sete, on the quay by the canal. Why don’t we head there? I’ll give her the present now while you get ready.’
Evie glared at him. What on earth would she wear? She only had the little white dress she wore last summer when he took them to a restaurant in the pretty hilltop village of Effies. He looked away and turned his attention to the bike. ‘Is that brand new?’
‘Yes. I had a rather nasty accident yesterday and my bike got damaged, so the… a guy who caused the incident replaced it.’
‘Well good. At least he has the courtesy to sort it out quickly. Was that the car I just saw drive out?’
‘Probably.’
‘Where was the accident?’ he asked, looking around for somewhere to sit.
‘On the bridge at Capestang.’
He looked down. ‘Your leg?’
‘Yes, but it’s ok, just a graze and bruising. It scraped along the wall of the bridge. I was more worried about what would happen to Charlotte if I had gone over and drowned in the canal. I need to give your phone number to my neighbour Suzanne, in case of an emergency.’
Seb pulled a face and began walking to the front terrace. ‘As long as you use a different name. You haven’t told her who I am?’
‘No of course not.’ She was now becoming cross at his skewed priorities and obsession with being hunted by the press. ‘Anyway, I trust her.’
‘You should trust no one. I’ve told you, most people crave money.’
Evie swiped a fly from her arm. ‘Oh don’t be so hung