Free The Riviera by Karen Aldous Page B

Although, as a mother, she doubted he realised how much Kelly would abhor that idea. She would have to face it though if Jack was making plans. It could be a reality soon. She shuddered at the thought of Thierry leaving her one day.

Chapter 9
    By nine thirty the following day, they were at the car ready to leave to tour the island. Jack was holding Thierry’s turtle figure and climbing in as Lizzie secured Thierry in his seat. Cal was loading the back with coats and wellies. Kelly pulled up beside them and, appearing rather more made-up than yesterday, pulled out several grocery bags.
    ‘Good morning. Have you found the map? It’s behind Reuben’s chair.’
    Cal nodded. ‘Yep.’
    ‘Good. I’ve brought you some fresh bread and milk, and I’ll prepare your dinner. I thought you’d enjoy a homemade chicken and ham pie.’
    ‘That’s very thoughtful, thank you,’ Cal told her. ‘I’m not sure what time we’ll be back though.’
    ‘Thank you, Kelly,’ Lizzie echoed.
    ‘Oh, no problem. You guys have a good day.’ Kelly dropped her bags and walked across to Jack. ‘How’s my boy this morning?’
    ‘Yes. All good, Mom. See you later then.’
    ‘Well, give your mom a squeeze.’ Kelly leant in and hugged Jack. ‘I love you, sweetheart. Have fun.’
    Lizzie noted Jack shrug awkwardly as his mother shut the car door. Typical sixteen-year-old boy, she grinned to herself.
    After a few hours of stopping off at beaches and lighthouses, they made a stop for lunch before heading for the whaling museum. Thierry couldn’t wait to see the giant skeleton of the sperm whale Jack had told him all about.
    Whilst Thierry waited for his chicken nuggets and chips Lizzie pulled out some of his other figures from his small Superman rucksack. He began chatting to Jack about his super-heroes as he pulled out a Spider-Man, Superman and The Hulk.
    ‘They’re running,’ he motioned Superman to Jack.
    Jack explained how many of them would run or fly to help people and save them. ‘They’re nice guys like my dad.’
    ‘Is Cal a super-hero?’ Thierry asked.
    ‘Yes, he’s my hero,’ Jack laughed.
    ‘Is my mummy a super-hero?’
    ‘Yes, she’s your super-hero. Wonder Woman maybe.’
    ‘Is your mummy Wonder Woman?’
    ‘No. She’s…’ Jack was suddenly aware that the adult ears and eyes were present. ‘Sometimes.’
    ‘Does your mummy fly?’
    Lizzie started, aware her son was now embarrassing Jack. ‘Tell Jack how many super-heroes you have, Thierry? Count them. Ready, one, two…’
    ‘Three, four, five and Ironman. Mummy, where’s Ironman?’
    ‘In the bag, poppet, but look, here comes your lunch.’
    After lunch Lizzie took Thierry out to the cloakroom.
    Jack turned to his father. ‘He’s a really bright kid. Fun to be around. A shame they’re not staying longer.’
    ‘Yes,’ Cal smiled. ‘I’m glad you like each other.’
    Leaning further in Jack said, ‘I can come to Europe. Dad, I’ll see more of you if I’m in London. I was talking to Robbie yesterday.’
    Cal’s eyes narrowed. ‘I think we will have to sit down with your mom and work out a plan. My gut’s telling me it’s too soon for you to go to London.’
    ‘But Dad, I can stay with Robbie. Well, Robbie goes to LSE in the fall but his dad has already purchased an apartment.’
    ‘My point exactly. Robbie probably doesn’t even know for sure if he has a place at the LSE. He can’t know that yet. And besides, he’s put all the work in already to get his grades. This is the place we need to start at. Your mom and I will happily sit down with you so you can plan a path that’s right for you. If you’re still planning to be an architect, you’ve got to select the right courses and the best university colleges for you. Not Robbie. The best might be here or somewhere else in the UK.’
    ‘But I want to go to London. And soon. You know, I can finish the SATs there.’
    ‘Like I said before, get your SATs completed here and then we can