The Secrets We Keep

CHAPTER ONE   Olivia Wainwright surveyed the room of new parents and the three new teachers who had joined the staff at Waiheke Island’s only high school. This was her third year as Principal and as Head of the English Department. Most of the parents knew one another because living on an island that measured thirty-six miles from one end to the other it was not hard know everyone and their business. Despite the familiarity, the meet and greet she ran the week prior to the school year commencing was her way of letting everyone know she was available and reinforced her insistence that the school community took the welfare of its students seriously. She knew most of these people, had gone to school with them and other than the six years she spent teaching in the city, Waiheke had always been her home. As she eased her way into the throng, stopping now and then to chat. She glanced around and let out a breath she’d been holding. “That was a big sigh. I hope it wasn’t a sigh of relief.” Olivia turned to face to see one of her closest friends standing behind her. “Relief?” “Ah, hello? This is me you’re talking to. You know exactly what I mean.” “Relief that Hunter Lewis hasn’t turned up?” “Thank you,” Marron scanned the group of parents, “Your mum said he’s been back at the winery since before Christmas.” “It’s odd isn’t it? I mean this is not a big island and yet nobody has seen him or the children.” “They’re definitely enrolled?” “Yep.” “Uh oh! “The target has just arrived by the side door.” Olivia froze. She refused to turn and look at him, “I’m not looking at him. He can ignore me if he wants, I’m the Principal and I will be teaching both of his children. I’m only interested in being professional.” “Of course, you are but you’re forgetting one thing; Hunter has three children, not two. What are you going to do when he finds out?” “He was very clear fourteen years ago; stay away from him and his children.” “Yeah, but he didn’t know that the ugly one-night thing he had with you resulted in some real consequences. While Leo is super cute, he is definitely real.” “Technically it wasn’t one night, just a couple of hours,” Olivia responded. “I know, sweetie. I know what it did to you. I know how much you loved him and then that witch…” Marron’s voice faded away. “He’s coming over, here isn’t he?” Marron nodded, “I’m with you, remember and I’m sure he won’t say anything to embarrass you because then Mr Tall, Dark and Jackass of the century will end up embarrassing himself.” “God, I wished I had your confidence, Marron.” He was close now; Olivia sensed his presence at the same time she registered the chatter around the room seemed to have become a dull hum. Or was that her imagination? Slowly she turned around to face him. Just as Marron had whispered, he was still tall, dark, and too sexy for his own good. There were a few grey hairs at his temple, a few faint lines around his eyes but the last twelve years had been kind to him, especially given his work outdoors. Her first lover, hell she had to turn that around at some point, didn’t she? Maybe Marron was right, she ought to try online dating. Not wanting to let parents or her colleagues pick up on the tension, she stuck her hand out to offer him a professional welcome in just the same way as she’d done for the other parents. “Hunter, how nice to see you.” Her jaw was clenched tight, but she thought she sounded friendly and professional. “Olivia, Marron.” “Hi Hunter. Your kids are enrolled here?” Marron’s question had Olivia smiling inwardly, at least, the innocent tone of the question belied the topic of the conversation they were having only a few moments ago. “Yes, they are.” “I thought you’d have them off at some private school in Auckland,” Marron replied tartly. “Really? Why would you think that?” Marron shrugged, “Well, you’re a Kings old boy, thought your kids would be -,” she paused, “Oops, I’m going to rescue my husband from Valerie Tonkin, because that woman can talk until the cows come home.” She pulled Olivia close and whispered, “Don’t let him mess with you. I’ll just be over there.” She pointed to the furthest corner from where they were standing and Olivia saw Marron’s husband, Xavier Weston, being grilled by the school librarian. When Olivia turned back to look at Hunter and silently hoping he had drifted off into the crowd she found him staring at her, “Well,” she started brightly, “I better mingle for a few more minutes. I hope Mason and Izzy enjoy being back home.” She moved but he placed a hand on her arm, “I hear you have a son?” “Yes, Leo. I believe he’ll be in the same year as your daughter.” “How old is he?” “Fourteen later this year.” They stood in silence while blood pounded in her head. Hunter narrowed his eyes and her heart pounded against her ribs. Was he doing a mental calculation and coming up with the correct answer? “I’d appreciate if you’d extinguish any budding friendship between your boy and my children.” “I can’t do that Hunter. While we, as parents might not agree with the friends our kids make, they ought to be free to make friends with those they feel comfortable with. If you make it difficult for them it will go underground and then you’ll have problems.” “I won’t be encouraging it.” “That’s fine because you’re their father. Now, if you’d remove your hand, I need to get these parents to take a seat and explain what the school is planning this year.” His hand whipped off her arm as though he’d forgotten he’d placed it there. “You realise I could make things difficult for you, don’t you? I’ve already been approached to apply for a position on the school board.” “And your point is, Hunter?” “Is it appropriate that a single mother holds such a position of influence over so many kids?” Olivia snorted then immediately checked that the volume of conversation in the room meant it went unnoticed. “Seriously? God, Hunter what decade are you locked in? Single mothers and women in general hold many positions of influence. If you want to join the board, we’d be more than happy to welcome you. If you want to be a royal pain, go ahead. Just remember, as a parent your behaviour and decisions have a direct effect on your children. Now, if you’d excuse me?”     When Olivia pulled up in front of the house, Leo was shooting hoops with – oh God! It was Mason and Izzy Lewis. s**t! s**t! s**t! Gathering herself together, she pushed open the door, an action that had all three of the teens turning to look at her. Mason was the image of his father and standing with Leo the physical similarities were amazing. Izzy, who’d only been six weeks old when her mother died was all Nina. “Hey, Mum!” Leo called, “Hope you don’t mind that I asked Mason and Izzy to come round.” “Of course not. I didn’t realise you knew one another.” “We just met. I was coming back from Grandma and Granddads place when I caught up with them.” Mason stepped forward, his hand outstretched, “Not sure if you remember me, I’m Mason Lewis and this is my sister Izzy.” Olivia took his hand, and he gave her a firm shake. She remembered. He’d been about seven or eight months old, and his grandparents had called in to see her parents the last time she’d seen him. Neither Hunter nor Nina was there. Mason had been a happy baby and he’d taken a shine to her, she remembered. She also remembered silently hating Nina for giving Hunter such a beautiful baby. But, as she was soon to discover, appearances in a marriage can be deceptive.  She offered her hand to Izzy and the girl tentatively reciprocated. “Izzy, short for Isabel?” Olivia asked. “I’m only Isabel when I’m in trouble,” she remarked, a shy grin at the corners of her mouth. As if sensing his mother was not quite on board with the situation, Leo asked, “You’re sure it’s okay aren’t you Mum?” Pressing   what she hoped was a genuine smile, “Absolutely. I have a few school related matters to sort through, so I’ll leave you to it.” Olivia wasn’t sure if her appearance had flattened their enthusiasm, but she felt, rather than saw them following her. Approaching the front door, she said, “Don’t forget to be hospitable, Leo, make sure you get snacks and drinks, okay?” He beamed his beautiful smile, the one he’d inherited from his father, “Thanks, Mum. You’re the best!”   Once she was inside, Olivia let out the breath she’d been holding. How the hell was this supposed to work? She couldn’t tell Leo the Lewis kids were off limits; in fact, it wasn’t that she couldn’t, she simply would not. Moreover, how did she drop into the conversation that they were her half brother and sister? Sliding into a chair in her study, she forced herself to concentrate on the timetables for each teacher that stared at her from her laptop. Her mind was all over the place. She heard the kids return outside, and the sound of them chattering and bouncing the basketball had her tumbling down memory lane and just as she refused to prevent Leo enjoying Mason and Izzy’s company, she dragged her mind back to the task at hand rather than reminiscing over lost summers and first love.  Grr! She checked the timetables and then sent out all the information she had discussed with staff after the meet and greet. Her last job was to save everything. It was two weeks until the start of school, but all the preparatory work had been done so other than going in two or three days before the start, she could have a few days of doing nothing. Olivia rolled her shoulders and moved her neck from side to side. The meeting with Hunter left her both frustrated and wary. She didn’t want to make him an enemy but there was so much anger coming from him meaning he was far removed from the easy-going boy she’d grown up with and loved with all her heart. That was before Nina came along, before Nina fed Hunter with lies and innuendo while at the same time pretending to be Ella’s best friend. The front door slammed followed by the sound of excited conversation coming from the kitchen. Getting to her feet, she moved toward the ranchslider and pushed it across, letting the fresh sea breeze come in. Taking a deep breath Ella stepped onto the wooden deck. She never tired of the view in front of her, the vast expanse of the Hauraki Gulf, the dark brooding shape of the Moehau Range always offered comfort and inspiration. “Mum?” Leo called. Leaning against the railing she let him know where she was. The three of them burst onto the deck, carrying juice and cracker biscuits. “That looks nice,” she said. “We’re starving,” Mason responded, “Dad went to a meeting and didn’t feed us.” “Oh, I see. Well feel free to help yourselves.” Izzy hesitated as the two boys sat down at the glass topped table on the deck and began opening packets and digging in. “Did you know my mum?” she asked, moving closer to Olivia. “Not that well. She came to school here for only a few months and she was a couple of years ahead of me.” Izzy moved closer, “My Dad said we weren’t to be with Leo, but I don’t understand why,” she whispered. “I don’t know why either but if you’re worried that he’ll get mad when he learns you’ve been here, he ought to take it up with me, not you and Mason. Okay?” Keep telling yourself that, Olivia Wainwright. Izzy laughed, albeit nervously and Olivia wanted to grab her and give her a hug because she sensed this girl was missing out on a lot. “Izzy, come on, you’ll miss out!” her brother called. “Go on sweetie, eat up,” she urged Izzy, “I’ll make some sandwiches for you as well.”   Hunter toed off his work boots in the utility room. Unlike Auckland, Waiheke didn’t usually have a high humidity index but today had been a doozie and he needed a shower. Taking the stairs two at a time, he pushed open his bathroom door, peeled his tee shirt from his overheated skin, flicked the water on and stepped out of his jeans. He turned the water temperature to cold and stepped under the spray. God, he needed this, especially after the episode with Olivia. You sure as hell covered yourself with a bucketload of glory, my friend. Helping his brother establish a vineyard in Spain had kept him out of New Zealand for much of the last fourteen or so years. His parents had taken Mason and Izzy to New Zealand on a regular basis, but he’d stayed away, it was the best way to avoid the potential for contact with Olivia. Until now. Hunter shut off the water and reached for a towel before stepping out of the shower. In his room he pulled a clean tee shirt from the drawer, clean underwear, and a pair of three-quarter chinos. In his bare feet he padded downstairs to the kitchen and then it hit him. Silence. Total silence. Where the hell were Mason and Izzy? He glanced at his watch, almost seven o’clock. The kitchen showed no signs of life which was unusual because Jack usually spent more time with his head in the refrigerator than anywhere else. Unease settled over him. He reached for his phone and hit Mason’s number. It rang for a while before his son picked up. “Where are you?” he asked. “At Leo’s. Sorry we forgot the time.” Leo’s? As in Olivia’s son? In the background Hunter could hear Izzy chatting excitedly, something she wasn’t known for. “Dad?” “I’ll come and get you.” “No need. We can walk it in five minutes.” Hunter groaned. She was only five minutes away. Double crap to that. All his carefully constructed measures were collapsing around him. “I don’t suppose we could stay for the barbecue Ms Wainwright is making, could we? Some other people are here as well.” There was no mistaking the hope in his son’s voice. “Dad?” “How long have you known this Leo? And what about the other people?” He heard Mason give a long, exasperated sigh, something Hunter was hearing a lot of these days, “We met Leo this afternoon, while you were at that meeting. Leo’s mum is the Principal at school, I’m sure you met her there. The other people are friends of hers.” “Okay, but not too late. Text me and I’ll pick you up.” “It’s five minutes, Dad. Thanks.” Hunter threw his phone on the table and raked a hand through his hair. Well, it looked as though it was dinner for one tonight. He was about to reach into the freezer when his phone pinged. Don’t be a grouch Hunter. I’m not poisoning the minds of your children. Join us. Marron and her husband are here together with their son, Lucas. He stared at the screen. Was he a grouch? His gaze shifted to photos of Mason and Izzy and he wondered if that’s how they saw him. He loved them, no question of that, but maybe he was a little too strict. If this island was to be their home, they had to be able to make friends. His thumb hovered over the screen on his phone, and he groaned. Just say yes! Where do you live? Next door. At the end of the long driveway. Your grandparents house? That’s right. See you in five. He had no idea if this were right or wrong but for his kids, he’d humour Olivia Wainwright but only to the point where he was sure she wasn’t planning to pull the rug out from under him.   He heard them before he saw them, lots of laughter and animal sounds and even he had to smile at whatever was going on. As Hunter neared the house, he spotted Mason and Izzy with two boys. They were shooting hoops, something he could make time for with his kids – but didn’t, he reminded himself guiltily. He had a lot of work to do when it came to being a parent. “Dad!” Izzy called with more enthusiasm than he’d seen from her for in more years than he wanted to remember. She jogged up to him. “Hey, did I just see you hit a three pointer?” “Yep! Want to watch us?” “I ought to introduce myself to the adults. Who are the other two boys?” “The one in the blue tee shirt is Leo, Ms Wainwright’s son and the other boy is Lucas. His mum and dad are out on the deck with Ms Wainwright.” Mason and Leo turned their heads toward him. When his eyes met Leo Wainwright’s, Hunter’s breath froze in his chest. He knew those eyes; he saw them every time he looked in the mirror and when he looked at Mason. How old is he? He’ll be fourteen later this year. “Dad? Are you okay?” Hunter dragged his eyes off Leo and looked at his daughter, “All good. How about you show me where Ms Wainwright and her friends are?” “Sure, the front door is open. Come on.”  Izzy pulled him into the house. Hunter was only vaguely aware of how much it had changed since Olivia's grandparents lived here and he might have admired it a bit more had he not been reeling from seeing Leo Wainwright.  That night: the one Hunter pretended had never happened, the night…He stopped in his tracks. What the hell was he doing here? Was Leo his son? Did his parents know who Leo Wainwright’s father was? And why the hell had no one told him? He knew why Olivia hadn’t told him. Never, ever come near me or my children. As far as I’m concerned you don’t exist. “Dad you’re being weird,” Izzy said. “Hey Iz, is your dad okay?” Leo drew level with Izzy and extended his hand, “I’m Leo. Thanks for letting Mason and Izzy stay.” “You’re welcome.” he mumbled, uncertain if the boy heard him or not. Movement at the top of the stairs made him look up. Olivia . At the meeting earlier he’d registered her beauty was undiminished by the passing of time, in fact she was stunning. Now he was able to take in the transformation of Olivia Wainwright. Flawless skin, her hair was shorter than he remembered, and the gangly teen had been replaced by a lushly rounded woman, making him think of a fine wine. His body hardened, serving up a reminder that it had been a while since any woman awakened that response in him and if he thought about it a bit more, only Olivia had evoked that response, she had been the yardstick, the one he compared all others to. It hadn’t worked because he hadn’t had s*x in forever and he’d married the wife from hell. “Come on up, Hunter. Leo, tell Mason and Lucas the food is ready.” Hunter slowly climbed the stairs, Izzy following him close behind. “Izzy, do you want to help Marron and me in the kitchen?” Hunter didn’t miss the glow of happiness crossing his daughter’s face, and guilt punched him in the gut. His plan at keeping everyone separate had seemed so sensible in theory, now he wasn’t so sure he could do it. He knew Izzy was starved for female attention and here she was lapping up everything Olivia and Marron handed her. He did his best to be both mother and father, but the truth was, he was a crap mother. Too many times he didn’t understand what Izzy needed and if it weren’t for his own mother, Izzy would be even more starved of female connections. At the top of the stairs Olivia said, “Xavier’s outside on the deck and is our barman as well as the barbecue guy.” He stalled, wondering why she was doing this. Was it another way of messing with his mind? Did he want to be here? Wasn’t it a conflict of interest for the Principal to socialise with some parents and not others? Thinking about that, Hunter realised the rules were probably different here and given Marron was as close as a sister to Alex, the rules would and could be relaxed. “Hey Dad, glad you came,” Mason said, placing a hand on his father’s shoulder. Another boy followed him, “This is Lucas,” his son added. “Hi Mr Lewis.” Mr Lewis? His kids had only been here for an afternoon and they were certainly making themselves at home. He ought to be happy for them; happy they were able to fit in and he was proud that they could do that. Moving towards the open ranchslider, Hunter stepped out onto the wooden deck and breathed in the fresh sea air.