Chapter 7
Tara sat back in satisfaction and looked around their new apartment. She admired the high ceilings and cornices, loving the Gothic influences and intricately designed woodwork the large Victorian house had. Fortunately, the building had been renovated sympathetically to its original features. It was everything and more that she’d wanted, whattheywanted. Calum had been in awe of his bedroom, thank goodness. Giving him the bedroom with the balcony had been a real deal breaker and well worth the sacrifice. Robin had even left the small bistro set for them, which was very kind of him. Yep, life was slowly on the up, she thought, so glad to have moved into a home she could call her very own.Nothingto do with that ex-husband of hers.
Then, just as she was basking in the contented glory, who should ring the flat’s intercom? Why, Richard, of course, forever having a habit of sapping any of her positivity. He buzzed again impatiently. Tara smirked to herself, knowing how it must annoy him having to speak through an intercom to gain entrance into the Augusta House grounds. She pressed the button by her door.
‘It’s me,’ said Richard somewhat petulantly.
‘OK, come through,’ replied Tara, still smirking. She saw the big cast iron gates open through the window and Richard’s car drive in. Calum was in the passenger seat looking a tad sullen. Tara frowned, hoping everything was all right with him. Then they both got out and made their way towards the building, causing her to frown again. Why was Richard coming up too?
Something was afoot. Tara had detected a sense of foreboding in the air for some time now. A pattern gradually seemed to be forming, one that involved Richard’s weekends. Calum hadreturned more subdued than normal lately. Tara didn’t like it. Although she appreciated the free time to herself, another part of her resented the way Richard was starting to manipulate Calum, as if he was calling all the shots, dictating when and how long Calum was to stay at his. Richard had apparently requested to see Calum’s form tutor at school, but Tara hadn’t been told why. It all unnerved her. Now, watching him saunter into the building with Calum, she mentally prepared herself for the obvious confrontation that was about to follow. He might look casual and relaxed, but underneath she knew full well how determined and controlling Richard was. The cheery wave and warm smile he gave through the window meant nothing. He was transparent to her and Tara saw straight through his façade.
Answering the door, she told herself to stay cool and calm, no matter what he was about to throw at her. The fact Calum was with him told her he would be reasonable, to a degree, not wanting to cause too much of a scene with him about.
‘Hello, Richard,’ she said dully, opening the door, then smiled at Calum as he barged in.
‘Hi, Mum,’ he called over his shoulder, heading straight to his bedroom.
‘Can I come in, Tara? There’s something I need to discuss with you.’
Her heart sank. What bombshell was he about to drop? Tara nodded and stepped aside to let Richard enter. Already Calum had started playing his music.
‘Come through,’ she said. ‘Do you want a drink?’
‘Thanks.’
Richard sat awkwardly at the breakfast bar whilst Tara put the kettle on. She felt his eyes on her back, watching her every move. Turning, she placed a cup of coffee down on the bar before him. He coughed uncomfortably then began.
‘Melissa and I are having a baby.’ He paused to search her face for a reaction. There wasn’t one. Tara just stared back, expressionless. ‘I told Calum a short while ago and… Well, to be honest, I’m not sure how he feels about it.’
‘Did you ask him?’ she replied flatly.
‘Yes, but he didn’t really give a reply, just kind of grunted.’
Welcome to my world, was the reply Tara felt like giving. Clearly Calum hadn’t jumped with elation at his father and stepmother’s news. She must admit, it did come as a bit of a surprise, especially given the way both Richard and Melissa had initially been reluctant to spare time for Calum. That and the fact they were both so materialistic. They didn’t strike her as the family type, more interested in ploughing their energies into the dental practice – and reaping its hefty profits.
Tara crossed her arms and continued to stare at her ex-husband. His hair was greying more at the temples. One or two wrinkles had appeared. And this was before a crying baby was about to keep him up all night. Oh dear, oh dear, she thought somewhat smugly.
Richard watched her scrutinise him and instantly read her mind. He hated the thought of his good looks fading. He hated the thought of growing old, especially when he had a new young wife to please, which was proving bloody difficult at the best of times – and this wasn’t the best of times. For he, too, had been surprised. He always believed Melissa was on the same page as him, wanting a good social life, weekends away, foreign holidays, expensive hobbies and shopping sprees. Not nappy changing and play dates. Never before had she ever mentioned starting a family, otherwise he would’ve talked her out of it. But maybe clever Melissa understood him better than he’d understood her, because when she had announced her pregnancy – or rather, ‘theirpregnancy’ – she looked the epitome of happiness itself.He’d been shafted. This wasnotwhat he’d signed up for. But it was too late now. His beautiful, calculating wife had seen to that.
He weighed Tara up, only now appreciating what he’d actually had – an honest, hard-working woman and a great mum. He gave her an almost pleading look, willing her to give him some sort of reassurance.
‘What exactly do you expect me to do, Richard?’ Tara asked in a bored tone.
He blinked, not quite believing her cold attitude. ‘I’d like you to talk to Calum for me. Make him understand he’s still my main priority.’
‘And is he?’ she replied bluntly, making him flinch.
‘Of course he is. I’ve tried spending more time with him, hoping he knows I’ll always be there if he needs me. But…’
‘But what?’ Tara snapped impatiently, growing tired of listening to Richard’s whiney voice.
‘He doesn’t want to talk about it. Refuses to acknowledge the fact he’ll be a big brother.’
‘Well, he’s got time to adjust.’ She shrugged her shoulders. ‘I suggest you persevere. Just like I do.’ She smiled politely. ‘Now, if you don’t mind, I’m expecting company,’ she lied, eager to see the back of him.
‘Oh, right,’ he replied, somewhat deflated. On his way out he called, ‘I’ll see you next weekend, Calum!’
‘Whatever,’ came the reply.
Richard looked at Tara as though wanting support from Calum’s blasé response. He didn’t get any. She just stared him out.
‘Well… I’d better get going,’ he said dejectedly.
‘Yes,’ replied Tara, crossing her arms. ‘Melissa will be waiting,’ she added, smiling sweetly. Richard gulped. Tara resisted the urge to laugh out loud. ‘Goodbye, Richard,’ she said. And with that, she closed the door.
She looked towards Calum’s bedroom and hesitated. Should she go in and speak to him? No, that was exactly what Richard wanted. She’d speak to their son when he was ready, inhistime.
