Page 111 of Villa of Secrets

‘I’ve never thought of it like that before.’

‘Me neither, child. Anyway, he asked if I could try and overcome my feelings of animosity towards him for Rebecca’s sake. Because whatever our differences, he knows we both love her, and would I allow him to visit at some point in the future.’

‘And can you, Bubba, accept him as he is?’

She stared at the floor for a moment. ‘I don’t know, but I’ll do my best.’

‘Go on,’ Naomi encouraged.

After a minute with her thoughts, Bubba continued. ‘You see, I don’t understand what it’s like to have a husband. When I see you and Costa together, still in love after all these years, and your lovely boys, it only reminds me of Giovanni and all that was taken from me. Sometimes I wish the past would go away and leave me in peace. Yet, at the same time I hate to forget all those I loved and lost.’

Naomi felt her heart break. She took Bubba’s hand.

‘Now I realise I shouldn’t try to take that happiness from Rebecca. I should be pleased that she has found love too. It’s so difficult, Naomi, but I am trying to change my attitude towards her husband.’

‘That’s a relief. Come inside for a wash and some dinner.’ She helped Bubba up and into the cottage.

‘You know what, I’ll give the ablutions a miss, child. Those wet wipes are just fine for my craggy bits. And a simple sandwich would be perfect. Let’s have a big glass of red wine with it, yes?’ She paused for a moment and then placed her hand on Naomi’s cheek. ‘I love you, you know that? I appreciate how difficult it’s been, how hard you’ve worked since I had my stroke. I don’t believe anyone would have taken such good care of me.’

‘Bubba . . .’ Naomi blinked back tears. ‘What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.’

‘Where are you up to?’

‘Laundry and beds—’

‘No, the diaries?’

‘Oh, Josie tells you you’re pregnant.’

Bubba nodded. Lost in thought for a moment she shook her head. ‘Sonia, oh how I loved that child.’ Then she returned to the present. ‘Look, nobody cares if their sheets are ironed. Let’s give up everything that isn’t essential for a few days. Now, come on, a sandwich please, then I’ll get out of your way. I’m desperate to watch the TV quiz, test my brains, and I’m eager for you to learn more of my experiences from the diary.’

Naomi kissed her cheek. ‘Thank you.’

*

‘I love you, Fritz,’ were Rebecca’s first words to him when he answered the phone. She went over everything that the specialist had said. They were heading for parenthood.

He said all the right words, yet she sensed something was amiss, as if he wasn’t quite grasping the situation.

‘Fritz, what is it? Is something wrong?’ she said.

‘I’m on speaker in the car on my way to the airport. I’ll tell you when I get to Rhodes.’

‘You’re coming to Rhodes! How wonderful, when?’

‘As I said, I’m on my way now.’ He paused. ‘I know you’ve been through a lot, darling, but, well, we’ll talk when I arrive.’

‘What do you mean? Tell me.’

‘I can’t. I’m driving and it’s lashing down. I need to concentrate on the road. I’ll see you in a few hours.’

The call ended. Rebecca stood outside the shop where she’d just bought her first maternity dress. Afraid of learning what Fritz had to say, she wondered where he had gone to on the first Monday of every month. The worst possible news came to mind: he was leaving her; he had cancer; they were bankrupt because of the IVF; his merger had fallen through. Then she told herself to stop being stupid. Whatever she was about to learn, they would deal with it together.

*

Marina cupped Bubba’s chin and peered into her face. ‘There you are, all done. You look fab! Short hair suits you, Bubba, and with the lip gloss and your new cardi, the boys won’t recognise you.’

Naomi watched as Bubba patted her soft curls and grinned her crooked smile. The phone rang and she picked up.