The Dilemma(51)

Remembering how Marnie had involved me in that particular lie, I close my eyes. I don’t want him here, she’d said, which had made me think that Max was the father of the baby she’d lost. Had she’d known I’d jump to that conclusion, had she said it on purpose so that I’d lie for her?

‘I ended up phoning Rob’s work, the week he was meant to be in Singapore, asking to speak to him,’ Max goes on. ‘They told me he was away on holiday. So, I phoned Marnie and asked her straight up if he was with her. She said – I’ll give you the polite version – that it was nothing to do with me, and hung up on me. I haven’t spoken to her since.’

‘I’m sorry, Max,’ I say helplessly.

‘I knew I should say something to you, but I couldn’t. I mean, Marnie was right, it wasn’t really my problem and I didn’t have actual proof that he was there.’ He pauses. ‘How long have you known?’

‘Since he and Cleo went to see Marnie for Cleo’s birthday. I FaceTimed her and saw him, in the background, he was—’

I stumble over the memory and the word naked. ‘She doesn’t know that I know. I need to speak to Adam first.’

‘Why haven’t you? Sorry, but I couldn’t believe it when I asked Josh if Rob and Jess were coming tonight, and he told me they were. I thought that neither of you must know, especially when I saw that Adam was alright with Rob. And then I saw that you weren’t. I’m glad Josh doesn’t know; he’d probably kill Rob. Even I want to kill him.’

‘Adam will too – which is why I’m worried about telling him. It’s not only that, though, it’s also Marnie. Adam is going to be devastated. She’s always been up there on a pedestal for him.’

Max shakes his head. ‘I can’t believe she’s been so stupid. Sorry,’ he says, looking guilty.

‘Don’t apologise, I’m furious with her too.’

‘You are going to tell Adam, right?’

‘Yes, once the party is over. I just wanted us all to have this one last time together.’ He nods, but I’m not sure he understands.

‘I’m scared of what it’s going to do to us all,’ I say, moving towards the door. ‘I’d better get back out there. And thanks, Max, for stopping me from breaking Rob’s face. I will at some point – but my party isn’t the time or place to do it.’

I walk back outside and see Adam at the side gate, talking to an elderly woman, and I hope she hasn’t come to complain about the noise. I pushed a note through the letterbox of every nearby house, warning them that there would be music until 2.00 a.m. Adam looks as if he needs rescuing, so I go over.

‘Adam?’ I say. ‘Is everything alright?’





10 P.M. – 11 P.M.





Adam


I make my way back to Livia’s mother, who I’d left at the side gate while I went to find Livia.

Remembering that I’d seen her going into the house with Max a few minutes before, I headed inside and heard them talking in the dining room. I was about to open the door when I heard my name, Max saying, You are going to tell Adam, right? And instead of interrupting, I stood there, trying to listen to what they were saying, until Livia said she needed to get back to the party.

Now I wish I’d just opened the damned door because I can’t think what Liv might need to tell me. She said something about wanting us all to have this one last time together but she can’t know about Marnie, she can’t, she would never do what I’ve done. The weight of it is so heavy it’s a struggle to breathe. I want to be on my own, I want to go upstairs and hide myself away. But Livia’s mother is looking at me expectantly.

‘She was with someone,’ I say. ‘I didn’t like to interrupt. But she’ll be out in a minute.’

‘Thank you.’

How am I going to be able to warn Livia that her mother is here before she comes out and sees her?

‘Adam?’ I whip round at the sound of her voice behind me. ‘Is everything alright?’

I move quickly to block her mother from view, wanting to prepare her.

‘There’s someone to see you,’ I say hesitantly.

The colour drains from her face because she’s guessed, maybe from the strained look on mine, who I’m referring to.

Neither of us seem able to move so Livia’s mother steps out from behind me.

‘Hello, Livia.’ And as her eyes fall on the daughter she hasn’t seen for twenty-three years, they fill with tears.

For a moment Livia just stares. ‘Mum?’ She takes a step towards her, as if she can’t quite believe what she’s seeing and needs to take a closer look. She looks so confused I want to fold her in my arms. ‘Is that really you?’

Livia’s mum raises her hand and touches her hair selfconsciously.

‘Yes. I thought I’d come and wish you a happy birthday,’ she says, attempting a smile.

Livia looks behind her. ‘Is Dad here?’

I turn to the table, where the box is waiting for Marnie, and pull out the two chairs that Livia and I sat on to drink Kirin’s champagne.

‘Why don’t the two of you sit here?’ I suggest, and they move slowly towards the table, their eyes still on each other. ‘Call me if you need me,’ I tell Livia, giving her a kiss. ‘I won’t be far.’