‘I’m sorry?’
‘That’s the technique. The word’s French, it means to sweep – the colour’s swept on, gives a really natural look.’
‘Ah, yes, I love it, and her nails… have you seen her nails?’
I nodded.
‘Just gorgeous.’
My heart sank. It didn’t matter if Ella was self-obsessed, always trying to push her views down everyone’s throats and judging them if they didn’t agree – all Joy saw was a pretty, presentable young woman she could introduce as her daughter-in-law. It seemed that Joy – like everyone else – had been seduced by the honeyed caramel hair and cappuccino-coloured nails. Only I could see beyond the gloss, but then Ella only ever seemed to be hostile towards me, she was lovely with everyone else.
As for Jamie, I’d never seen him like this over a woman. He followed his new wife around like a lost puppy. My brother-in-law had always been a lot of fun and the kids adored him, but he seemed somehow quieter in her shadow. He’d usually lift any family gathering with his easy charm and sense of humour, and Joy came alive in his presence – perhaps we all did. But Jamie had changed. You could see her in his eyes, and when Ella spoke, he seemed to grow in stature, like he was bursting with pride.
Later that day, I bumped into him. I’d just come inside from the pool, leaving Dan with the kids and Ella lying nearby rubbing sun oil in every crevice. Once inside the house, I couldn’t help it, I turned around and watched through a window, and within seconds of me leaving, she’d said something to Dan. He was sitting a few feet away from her and looked up, put his sunglasses on his head and sat up to chat. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he seemed more animated than he had all week. It disturbed me, especially after her comment the previous evening, suggesting someone might tell him what I’d been trying to hide.
I stood for a few minutes trying to work out what they were saying, if the body language would give anything away. As they chatted, there was much smiling, lots of positive nodding from Dan – he even laughed at something she’d said. I could see he found her engaging, but luckily it seemed she was keeping my secret safe – for now. She wasn’t going to say anything at this juncture, she was just enjoying playing with him – this was a different kind of sport. He stood up and went over to where she was, a smile in his eyes. My heart started thumping, and I wondered if it had been like this for him with Carmel and Marilyn at first. Was this how it started: a flirty exchange, a harmless giggle? Would Dan, or even Ella, jeopardise their relationship, their family for something more than friendship? I didn’t trust her, and I realised then that I didn’t trust Dan either.
I held my breath as he stood over her and, taking the bottle of sun oil from her hand, poured some into his open palm and rubbed his hands together. I was breathless as she rolled onto her tummy, and he leaned over her, slowly rubbing the sun oil into her back, her shoulders. Both his hands on her golden flesh, I could almost hear the sizzle as he worked the oil into her, taking such care, so involved in the task.
She was leaning on her elbows. I could see her face now: her eyes were closed, her head thrown back as if in ecstasy, while Dan continued to pour more oil on his hand, slathering it across her back, moving down her body, slickly, slowly, savouring every moment as his hands crept towards her hips.
And as he did this, Ella opened her eyes and looked directly at me. She knew I was there, behind the glass – she’d probably known all the time. Then slowly, she opened her mouth like she was climaxing, and closed her eyes. I was filled with fear and disgust but was unable to take my eyes from what was happening. Then someone tweaked the side of my waist with both hands and I jumped.
‘Oh God, Jamie, you gave me such a shock,’ I said.
He was smiling, beaming actually, like he was enjoying my reaction. It felt, for a moment, like old times. I tried to forget what was happening by the pool, turning away from the window so I could focus on him.
‘Hey, I’m sorry if I upset you the other day… about Ella,’ I said.
He shrugged, looking slightly uncomfortable.
‘It’s another perfect day out there,’ I sighed, hating the silence between us, but he didn’t respond. He’d seen Ella and Dan and was now gazing past me out on to the pool area.
‘My big brother playing the lothario again?’
‘I… Yes, I think he’s helping Ella with her—’
‘Mmm, probably laying it on thick… and I don’t just mean the sun oil,’ he said, unsmiling.