Seven Days Beyond Read online

  Contents

  Seven Days Back

  About This Book

  Other Books By Ruth Hay

  Quote

  Saturday.

  Sunday.

  Monday.

  Tuesday.

  Wednesday.

  Thursday.

  Friday.

  The Reunion-Saturday.

  The Reunion-Sunday.

  The Reunion-Monday.

  The Reunion-Tuesday.

  The Reunion-Wednesday.

  The Reunion-Thursday.

  The Reunion-Friday.

  Seven Days Beyond

  a There, Back & Beyond novel

  by

  Ruth Hay

  www.ruthhay.com

  SEVEN DAYS BEYOND

  When women change, can their men adjust?

  So much has happened to Valerie and her friends in the decade since they spent a week of friendship and bonding in the Lake District.

  Now Valerie wants to revisit that memorable event but her plans have to change when an unexpected surprise takes precedence.

  Book Three in the new There, Back & Beyond series from Ruth Hay! Books One and Two now available!

  Ruth Hay writes women’s fiction

  for discerning readers.

  Discover her Prime Time and Seafarer books today!

  Prime Time Series

  Auld Acquaintance

  Time Out of Mind

  Now or Never

  Sand in the Wind

  With This Ring

  The Seas Between Us

  Seafarer Series

  Sea Changes

  Sea Tides

  Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out just how far one can go.

  T.S.Eliot

  Saturday.

  The first time Carla Carstairs walked the red carpet she walked hand in hand with her mother and Zoe Morton.

  There had been endless discussions among them about what to wear to the premiere of the new movie.

  Carla was inclined to downplay her outfit as she had what she described as “only a minor role” and she did not want to upstage any of the “real” actors.

  This statement was immediately rejected by her mother who was immensely proud that her daughter had achieved such a triumph in the five years since she began as a complete newcomer. Her opinion was that Carla should dress as attractively as possible.

  This opinion was supported by Zoe. She believed Carla would draw attention in any outfit she might choose to wear. The young woman had only grown more stunning as she learned to recognize her own unique style. The modelling work that had launched her career had drawn a great deal of attention. It was the combination of pale skin and ice blue eyes with that profusion of dark red hair that singled her out from the crowd. When Zoe decided to employ Carla for her new campaign, she had the idea to use Carla and her mother, Corinne, in the promotion of cosmetics for the older woman.

  The theme was; Look After Your Beautiful Skin, Now and For Your Future.

  The amazing effect of Carla’s glow with Corinne’s contrasting dark hair and dark eyes and the same pale skin, was dramatic in photo shoots and when the public learned this was indeed a real mother and daughter, the campaign went viral almost as soon as it began.

  With that level of exposure, Carla was assured an opportunity in any field of activity she chose. She chose to pursue her first love, screen acting, and continued to model to pay for tuition and to support herself.

  There followed endless classes of singing, dancing, method acting, improvisation, auditions, photocalls, more auditions. With every skill gained there was a corresponding gain in Carla’s confidence. It was not a fast process. Zoe had watched as she returned to the loft night after night with bruised feet and bruised spirits until finally the positive comments for which she worked so hard, overcame the negative ones.

  It was often said and written, Carla’s looks got her in the door. She never denied the fact but she always made it plain to interviewers or fans that hard work had got her onto the screen.

  A few small roles in television series and one exhausting stint on the London stage soon led to auditions for indie films. One of these became a popular favourite. It was a documentary about the plight of abused women and Carla had taken the risk of appearing as unglamorous as she possibly could. It catapulted her to the next level and feature film producers began knocking at her door.

  At this point in her career, her agent, Martin Polk, who had been advising her on the sidelines all the way, gave her a piece of invaluable advice. He warned Carla not to accept a role that might type-cast her.

  “You’ve demonstrated you can do sad and ugly. Don’t let them trap you into that as your one acting talent.”

  She paid attention and refused two similar parts. It was a difficult decision to turn down respectable film companies but it proved Martin right when a small, but telling, cameo in a much bigger production came along, giving her the chance to show her acting chops without a disguise.

  And now, she was about to arrive at her first premiere.

  The three outfits had been selected a week earlier. Zoe chose a slim red and gold brocade skirt, ballerina length, with a darker red, scoop-necked top, and three–quarter sleeves. Corinne debated about her attire for days, trying on ten or twelve ball gowns that swept the floor. Zoe reminded her that she would be representing the Excelsior brand and should look appropriate for a London movie theatre rather than the Oscars.

  After that Corinne allowed Zoe to choose and she found a lovely navy dress and jacket with just the right amount of bling on the collar and sapphire earrings to match. Zoe was aware that mother and daughter would be photographed together so it was important both outfits would look attractive when placed side by side. Carla had always bowed to Zoe’s style sense and she happily agreed to wear a silver grey silk dress with a half train at the rear and a cut-out above the gathered train to show off her sculpted back. Once diamond jewellery had been added and the remarkable hair dressed in a classic French twist, Zoe was satisfied. Corinne’s well-cut dark hair and darker outfit would provide a startling backdrop for her daughter’s younger style. Both would look sophisticated and natural; exactly right for the Excelsior brand. For herself, she intended to step into the shadows and leave the duo to the flashing cameras. This was their triumph. Her part was finished. She felt like a swan sending her grown cygnet out into the wider waters of the river that would take her away. If she never had a child of her own, she would be content with the relationship she had shared with Carla during this amazing time in her life. No, it had been an amazing time in both their lives.

  Zoe had warned the limo driver what to expect. She had often been exposed to photographers at big events but that was nothing compared to the reception Carla was about to receive.

  The driver quickly opened the rear door for Carla and held her arm as the battery of photographers fired their flash bulbs in her face blinding her for a moment or two. By then Corinne and Zoe had emerged from the limo and formed an escort around Carla until she had a chance to recover.

  Murmuring ‘thanks’ to the driver, the three women progressed forward as a group.

  Carla was blown away by the sheer volume of sound that met her arrival. Crowds were being held back by a barrier but the voices were screaming and chanting CC, the name the fans had chosen. Zoe carefully moved Carla and Corinne forward and from the back kept them walking along the red carpet at a good pace. This was no time to stop and greet the fans. It was too much of a volatile situation. When they reached the theatre entrance, Carla was still shaking.

  “What was that?” she asked.

  “I suppose that was your public, my dear,” replied her mother.

  “I think it was fans of
both you ladies. You are a phenomenon, you know; the first mother and daughter combination to break through from magazines to billboards and now to films.” Zoe spoke while steering the women away from the entrance to the safer area far from the doors where a backcloth had been set up with the name of the film. More posed photos would be taken here for television and magazine features.

  “So, Zoe, do you think I should be planning a movie career also?”

  Zoe had actually given this some thought but never discussed it with either woman. She looked at Corinne in her lovely outfit and assessed the possibility again. “Is this kind of reception something you would want?”

  “Huh! Not a chance! I was pulling your leg. One diva in the family is enough. I have other responsibilities at home, as you well know. Arthur is back at work part-time now but Colin has issues related to his army service overseas. He needs supervision and help until he can stand on his own feet again. I am quite busy enough with that and my VON work.”

  The film premiere was well received. Carla had to submit to several more interviews and multiple photo opportunities during which she was grateful to have been given hints on how to present herself for the cameras. Long hours in studios had taught her how to stand and pose effectively. The gorgeous back view of her dress came in for several glowing compliments.

  At last it was over and Corinne moved forward to reclaim her daughter. They followed a theatre manager who showed them a back exit where the limo was waiting. In the car they hugged each other, too tired to speak but still thrilled at the reception Carla’s work had garnered. The limo dropped them off at a quiet side street in the centre of London where Zoe’s home now stood. They quickly stepped to the front porch. Although Zoe had no near neighbours, she was keen to keep her location a secret from prying eyes. It was a treasured and precious place for her. Zoe was waiting. With her was a surprise guest.

  “Valerie! You’re here!”

  Before she could explain, she was enfolded in their arms.

  “Stop, you two! Those beautiful dresses will be ruined if you don’t let me go!”

  “But, how did you get here? We thought you were travelling in Scotland and couldn’t make it for the premiere.”

  “Well. I couldn’t totally miss this grand occasion so I made some adjustments and flew down to London.

  I am so sorry I could not be at the film event but I am here for the best part.”

  “Right!” said the hostess, “and, she is staying the night with us, so get those high heels off and let’s relax. There’s a good supper ready and plenty coffee. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

  Sunday

  Valerie Westwood sat back in the taxi and closed her eyes. She had not had much sleep. Hearing about the premiere and admiring the dresses and watching the late night news on TV to catch the footage of the red carpet procession had absorbed several hours when she should have been asleep. Sleep could not compare, however, to the thrill of seeing her friends again even for such a short time, and she knew she would have a chance to catch up on the long flight to Vancouver. She had to acknowledge in these minutes of the ride to the airport that in some ways she had gone from too much time on her hands after David’s death, to not nearly enough time to do everything she had to attend to.

  “Feast or famine,” she sighed.

  “What’s that, Miss?”

  “Oh, nothing! Just thinking out loud. Probably a bad sign, you think?”

  “No, Miss. Thinking is never a bad thing. It’s them who don’t think gets the world in trouble!”

  She chuckled at the wisdom of taxi drivers who saw all kinds and categories of people in their daily lives. She patted the flight bag by her side and ran through in her head an inventory of all the items she should have packed for the journey. She had a new-fangled iPhone in which she had made a comprehensive agenda for the next two weeks but she did not yet trust or understand the device, and had resorted to a paper file in addition.

  There was the agency related document. She would be sending a summary of the latest tour and the reviews that had been submitted by the clients. She felt it had been a successful tour of Scottish castles and the reviews supported her opinion. Of course, she now understood the value of the pre-planning that had taken months of negotiation from her office in London, Ontario. The timing had to be perfect. Tour groups were not welcomed in the fall when shooting parties were a priority for owners and managers so she had to find castles that were available in the spring but not too early in the season when the weather in Scotland could be uncertain.

  Eilean Donan was a tourist favourite and was operated on a year-round basis by a company set up for that purpose but other, less well known places, had to be contacted months in advance of the arrival of even a small tour bus such as she had commanded. It was extremely lucky she had a connection to two unusual castles through the series of fortunate encounters that had put her in contact with Anna Mason Drake’s friends.

  First, five years ago, there had been the meeting with Jeanette McLennan and her mother Jean, in the Gold Rill Hotel in Grasmere when they discovered Valerie and her party were about to occupy Anna’s luxury apartment in Ambleside for the week. It had led, eventually, to Fiona and Gordon Campbell, a young couple who lived in Glenmorie Castle and who were happy to host anyone approved by their beloved Anna or any of her close friends. They agreed to host the visit Valerie had in mind.

  It had been a wonderful evening welcomed into the bosom of a true Highland family. The group had dined together in a magnificent hall surrounded by clan treasures. The family included son, Fergus, and a baby daughter, Shona, who were introduced and then whisked away by a housekeeper who later served the four-course meal. The fascinating conversation around the table was watched over by the most extraordinary huge, black hound called Hector who waited serenely by the fireside for his master’s call.

  In addition to that exclusive access, Gordon Campbell recommended another castle on the Scottish Borders run by Gordon’s older sister and brother-in-law, where the party received the same hearty welcome and warm hospitality.

  Valerie was able to put together a sterling tour ranging from Eilean Donan on the west coast, to Glenmorie just outside Oban, then Stirling Castle and across to the east coast for Edinburgh Castle and the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, concluding with the overnight stay in the Campbells’ Kirkby Castle on the Borders with a side trip to Sir Walter Scott’s nearby house, Abbotsford.

  It was truly a triumph for Valerie. Even seasoned travellers, such as two Canadian couples on her tour, had commented on the special nature of the trip with the contrast between the huge, formal, military castles and the homelike atmosphere of the Campbells’ Scottish tower castles. One of the couples had written, ‘A real glimpse into modern castle life in Scotland. An exemplary tour with a charming, knowledgeable guide.’

  Secure in this review, Valerie had left her party at Glasgow airport and taken a short flight to London and three of the most important friends in her life.

  And now, with hardly a chance to catch her breath, Valerie was flying back to Canada and a very different reception.

  She did manage to sleep for about two hours on the way to her stopover in Toronto. She would be changing planes there for the flight to Vancouver, but not staying overnight with Brian and Victoria as she had planned to be with Jean sometime on Sunday. There was, however, time to phone her son and catch up on anything she had missed while travelling in Scotland.

  “Oh, Hi Mum! When did you get into Toronto? When are you flying on again?

  We are all well. Lynn is looking forward to her annual stay with you in London and her first time travelling there on her own. Yes, she is very responsible for her age although she is still a little girl in some ways.

  She asked me if I thought the train in Springbank Park would still be running.

  I know! It’s amazing what impresses a child, isn’t it?

  Business is good, Mum. Victoria has had a promotion and we are close to paying off t
he mortgage.

  I am based in the Mississauga office now, so, not so much driving around as before.

  I know you hated me being on the road and, of course, it means more time with Lynn. She’s quite the little skating star these days. When you took her to the outdoor circuit in the park that Christmas it really sparked her interest in the sport.

  Well, I am not sure when I’ll see you. That’s dependent on your busy schedule, Lady Tour Guide! You’ll have to let me know when you have a window, as they say!

  Right! I will give you a tutorial on that iPhone although you could visit one of their stores for help or even try Google. Okay! I get it. The personal touch is easier.

  So, where’s your next tour going to be? Oh, a secret for now! I won’t breathe a word. Sounds great!

  Yes, I’ll give your love to Vicky and Lynn. You give ours to John and the family when you see them.

  Good. Take care. Have a good flight. Remember to get some exercise before you board. Flying all day in a sitting position is not to be recommended for anyone. Bye then, Mum. Love you too.”

  She took his advice and paraded around the airport keeping her eyes and ears open for flight announcements. She hoped to get early boarding and settle into her seat with luggage stowed before any seat mates arrived. There was also the chance of a free seat with no seat mate if the plane was not full. She had learned a few tricks they didn’t teach at Westervelt College in London where she had completed her Travel Industry courses.

  It would have been lovely to have spent a few days relaxing in her London, Ontario’s Stoney Gates’ townhouse. It had worked out to be the best place to unwind after one of her trips. Even the thought of its serene atmosphere calmed her heart and soothed her spirits. The secluded townhouse was like a private suite in a luxury hotel with all her favourite things around her and no staff disturbing her routines.