The Way We Were_ A Novel - Marcia Willett [78]
Liv frowned consideringly. She picked up her mug and sat holding it in both hands, her elbows on the table.
‘Not really,’ she said at last. ‘Not if I'm honest. I remember the camper van and all that stuff but when I rack my memory Tiggy herself is a sort of shadowy figure. Good vibes, though. She's very real to me because you've often talked about her and described things we all did together, but actually remembering her? No. Why?’
‘Nothing in particular. I saw a camper van just that same orange colour and since then she's been on my mind a bit. And there's something else that happened before that, when I was still at Charlie's, and I simply can't remember what it was. It's bugging me.’
‘What kind of thing?’
‘Oh, I don't know. Just something I heard or saw that triggered off a kind of anxious feeling.’
‘Is that why you asked about Caroline?’
‘Probably. I'm just being silly.’
‘Caroline's fine,’ said Liv firmly. ‘But I know what you mean. It'll come to you at three o'clock in the morning. Don't fiddle about with that slice. Respect the cake.’
Julia laughed. ‘You're right. It's very good cake. Thank you, darling. Sorry. Just having a senior moment.’
‘You're missing Dad,’ diagnosed Liv, ‘and Charlie and every-one. I know you hate leaving them. Tell you what, I'll stay and make us some supper. What have you got in the freezer?’
Liv got up and went out to the back porch, rooting in the freezer, while Julia ate thoughtfully. There was something so capable about Liv, so strong and positive.
Julia thought: I wonder if that's how Tiggy saw me all those years ago. Was I like Liv, full of confidence and quite ready to take on other people's problems?
‘There's some fish,’ she called to Liv. ‘Dover sole. It can go straight into the oven. I bought some brown bread and there's a lemon in the fridge. That will be plenty for me. I never want much when I've been travelling. Can you stay the night?’
‘Sorry, Mum, I simply can't. There's far too much to do tomorrow. You know what it's like at this time of the year.’
‘Yes, of course I do. It's sweet of you to come over when you're so busy How are Val and Chris? Rushed off their feet? So much for the quiet life.’ Julia laughed. ‘I expect they wonder why they ever left London. Have some more tea and then we'll take Frobes for a walk.’
* * *
Driving back later that evening, Liv was grateful that Julia never pried into her private life. If her mother longed for her to settle down, like Charlie and Zack, she'd stopped mentioning it long since. She hadn't mentioned Matt either, although, now both she and Dad knew about the project at The Place, they were keen for her to accept Matt's offer. She'd seen him several times during the last few weeks and each time she was with him she felt the force of his personality and a growing confidence that her immediate future was with him at The Place. However, once she was alone again, out of his field of magnetism, she fell prey to doubts and, though he was making no attempt to press her, she knew she must come to a decision very soon. She was confident that she could meet the professional requirements of the job but she wondered if she had the temperament to make the long-term commitment that Matt needed.
As for Chris … Ever since Aunt Em had told her about Angela, she'd tried to keep a line between them that she was determined not to cross. Even now, with Val inexplicably plunged once more into bad temper and fits of gloom, Liv was managing to hold Chris at arm's length whilst still trying to support and encourage him.
He'd been so sweet that morning when Cat had arrived for coffee.
‘Don't leave me alone with her,’ Liv had pleaded with him. ‘I know it sounds crazy but please stay with me.’
And he had. They'd come out of the office together when the little sports car pulled into the yard, and it had seemed quite natural for the three of them to stroll over to the café.
‘We were just going to have a break,’ Chris said. ‘Nice timing.’
If Cat realized that she was being