“She’s quite something,” said Joe, shaking his head. “A real vixen.”
“How long have they been together?”
“Together isn’t a word I’d use. They’re lovers, plain and simple. He’s married with kids. She’s divorced. It’s going to get messy. About six months, to answer your question. Snatched moments and I’m the beard.”
“You’re very good to put up with it.”
“He’s my mate. I’d do anything for Freddie. Trouble is, he’s in love. A man don’t use his head when he’s in love.”
“I was very little when my parents divorced, but I know it’s damaged me. I mean, how could it not? Anyone who thinks children escape unscathed when their parents divorce is kidding himself. All through my childhood I dreamed of them getting back together. Even when Dad had married Submarine and moved down here, I still wished.” She leaned across the table and lowered her voice. “I wished Submarine would meet with an accident.”
“Naughty girl.”
“Very.”
“Sounds like she’s still alive and kicking.”
“Unfortunately. At least she hasn’t given Dad any children. There’s some justice, after all.” She knocked back her vodka tonic. “I’m still Dad’s only daughter. There’s consolation in that.”
Joe laughed. “You’re funny.”
“Gallows humor.”
“Can I get you another drink?”
“You most certainly can, Joe. Thank you.”
He walked over to the bar. Clementine sat back on the bench and watched him sleepily. He was easy on the eye. A little coarse, perhaps, but she liked the way he laughed at her jokes and looked at her so appreciatively. When he returned with her vodka, he was grinning.
“What are you smiling about?”
“Us.”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, Sylvia and Freddie, they’ve set us up.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
“I thought they’d just gone out for a cigarette.”
“No. They’ve gone out for a shag. But they’ve left us together on purpose.”
“She wouldn’t set me up without warning me.”
“Of course she would. That’s Sylvia. She has a big heart. She wants everyone to be as happy as she is.”
“So Joe, if you’re my date, we might as well order something to eat. I’m ravenous.”
He stared at her eagerly, mouth twisting at one corner with anticipation. “There are less stars in the sky tonight.”
“There are?”
“Yes, because the brightest star is sitting here at this table with me.”
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or her lonely heart, which was ready to open for the first man with a key, but she laughed heartily at his lame line and took another gulp of vodka.
When Sylvia and Freddie came back, Sylvia smoothing down her dress and patting her updo, Clementine and Joe were enjoying cottage pie and laughing inanely at everything they said.
“So, looks like you two have hit it off,” said Sylvia, shuffling onto the bench and filling the air with the overpowering smell of tuberose.
“Where have you been?” Clementine demanded.
“For a ciggie, lovely.”
“Long ciggie.”
“Yes, we made it last.” She laughed huskily.
“Let’s order,” Freddie suggested. “Smells good.”
“It is good,” enthused Joe, his mouth full.
“Sylvia, are you setting us up?”
“I’d never do such a thing without telling you, Clemmie,” she replied, looking appalled.
“Just that Joe said—”
“Don’t listen to a word Joe says. He’s a terrible old rogue. Why, have you really hit it off?” She didn’t wait for a reply. “If you have, I’ll happily take the credit.”
“You won’t find a better man than Joe.”
“Freddie’s right. Thirty-two, unmarried, no kids, good job—and that’s saying something these days.”
“What do you do, Joe?” Clementine asked.
“Anything you want.” He laughed at his own joke.
“No, really.”
“Yes, really. I’m a handyman.”
“Like Harvey,” she muttered, giggling at the thought of him in a blue boiler suit and cap.
“I can do anything.” He raised his eyebrows and grinned. “Anything at all.”
3.
The following morning Marina sat at the breakfast table with Grey in the private house they had converted from the old stables across from the hotel.
“I’m glad to see that Jake is back this morning,” she said tightly. “Long dentist appointment. What was the man doing? Taking out all his teeth and putting them back in again?”