The Vineyard

Chapter 7

Two weeks later Sophie arrived in Cannes a day earlier than planned. Although she was due at Lizzie’s flat in readiness for the trip to the Luberon, it was a good opportunity to first view the commercial premises her friend was so obviously mad about.

‘I am a bit worried about the price Liz, I mean, a prime position like Rue Antibes is going to command a premium isn’t it?’

‘Well yes, but think about it? That is where it’s at. Our clients will expect it. We’ll have our regulars because it’s only a short distance from the existing salon, and of course the external bookings such as the yachts, apartments and hotels will stay the same but we will get far more tourist traffic and vicinity traffic. There are clients from local towns that will come to Rue Antibes to shop but wouldn’t necessarily go near the current salon because it’s off the beaten track.’

‘Right, so it would also drive more traffic for the aesthetic beauty side too. I mean it’s not too commercial a site is it?’

‘It’s perfect, location, size, looks spacious. You wait ‘til you see it. I’m sure you’ll agree,’ Lizzie said, with a higher level of enthusiasm, if that was at all possible. ‘Plus the cellar I believe isn’t used currently so that could be utilized. Anyway, we’ll decide once we go along and see it.’

‘What time is the appointment?’

‘It was for tomorrow morning but I’ve asked the agent if we can go this afternoon.’ Lizzie scrunched up her nose in her little sister way she did with Sophie. ‘I’m waiting for a call. Do you want coffee?’

‘Love one. Where’s Thierry?’

‘Marie-Claire takes him to a toddler group today from two to four. Sit on the terrace and I’ll bring you a drink. We have some catching up to do.’

Minutes later, Lizzie arrived with coffee. Sophie had made herself comfortable under the canopy and out of the pulsating sunshine.

‘I have never been so excited in my life. And you will be down here with us and working with me.’ Lizzie pulled her chair in closer to Sophie.

‘I know. It’s my dream come true too. Though, naturally, I’m apprehensive.’

‘I’m pretty sure once you get going it’ll be fine. You’ll have income too, from the university, won’t you?’

‘Oh yes, and I have more savings to put into the business but I’m hoping that the university work will cover day-to-day living. I’ll just find a small apartment for now. I’m letting my Paris apartment and I have one week officially left at the hospital when I return.’

‘That’s come round quick. Why didn’t you tell me, we could have gone next week to the Luberon?’

‘No. I need to tie up all the loose ends, I won’t move down for a few more weeks. Mid July or thereabouts.’

‘Well stay here and take your time looking for an apartment. We’ll sort something out. There’s no point in rushing into something. I’ll help you and you can spend some time getting to know the salon and the business.’

‘Thanks. That sounds like a good plan.’

‘I’ve been doing some thinking, since I returned from visiting my mother, I mean, and since you announced your plans. I think I was overdramatic about the land, my inheritance.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, put it this way, am I honestly going to return to England?’

‘Tricky one as you now seem so settled here.’

‘Exactly. I’ve moved on from my girlish dreams.’

‘I think it was the circumstances too. It was natural to feel betrayed, especially as you had just learned of your Grandfather’s death. I think I would have reacted the same. And, to be honest, if you were there, I’m sure your mother would have consulted you.’

‘Oh I’m not saying I would trust my mum a jot. I’m not so sure she would have wanted my input but I know this. I began this business as a necessity. I was probably just fortunate in that it was an area I was familiar with. I was always trying out new make-up and creams. Mum always had products sent to her as a magazine beauty editor.’ Lizzie suddenly faltered with an unexpected surge of emotion as she recollected childhood dreams and her grandfather. She wiped the corners of her eyes. ‘Sorry. My point is, that from messing about I’ve built mine and Thierry’s future, so being realistic, I’m never going to go home and make a life there as a riding school instructor, mucking out other people’s horses. Not when I’m happy here.’

‘Well that is how I would read it too. You ok?’

‘Fine. It happens now and again. I just choke up.’ Lizzie sniffed. ‘I, with you, want to grow this business. I feel rather stupid. Mum was right. I’ve not taken any interest in it. I don’t think I can remember how to ride a horse anymore let alone run an equestrian centre.’

At that moment, the telephone rang and Lizzie grabbed the phone and then headed towards the open terrace doors. ‘Ok. We can go down and meet the agent at three o’clock,’ she told Sophie. ‘This is so exciting!’

‘Please don’t get your hopes up too much. It’s still down to finances and work, remember. And, what if the cosmetic surgery side doesn’t take off?’

‘Oh and birds don’t have feathers?’ said Lizzie locking up the terrace doors. ‘Of course it will. Who else has all this under one roof? We have the best beauticians, currently working to capacity, and I’ve got more wanting to come in. Good people too.’

‘Really? I do need to get to know this business more.’

‘It will come Sophie, the knowledge will come.’

‘I hope so.’

‘Here, could you note down any repairs you think we need to do?’ Lizzie asked with a wry smile. ‘Hopefully we can make some assessment of expenditure.’

Outside the premises they met Monsieur Tasse, the commercial agent, waiting in a casual pair of khaki trousers smartened with a navy cloth jacket. In his arms was a file topped with a form. He greeted them both and then presented the folder to Lizzie.

‘I just need you to sign here before we go in,’ he told her.

‘Brilliant. Did you bring a legal pack with you?’

‘Yes, some basics and I will explain things as we go round.’

As they shuffled around behind Monsieur Tasse, Lizzie took photos and made notes on what changes she could visualise in the space and Sophie, as Lizzie instructed, noted the areas needing work.

Armed with their photos and lists, they set off back to Lizzie’s apartment, expressing to Monsieur Tasse their interest and that they would let him know, as soon as possible. There was no doubt of its potential. The ground and first floors would add more than adequate work space but the basement was disappointing in that it needed so much work.

In eager chatter they returned to a light tea with Thierry, who happily relayed news of the contents of his packed suitcase. Lizzie packed some final items for their trip to the Luberon and set them aside ready to put in the car for the morning.

‘We might as well have some time out,’ Lizzie said, throwing the last bag down in the hall. ‘Let’s celebrate our new venture. Go over our plans.’

‘Sounds good to me, although I thought you’d want an early night as we are off early tomorrow,’ challenged Sophie.

‘I’m too excited to sleep.’

‘Me too.’ Sophie threw back her shoulders and punched her fists in the air. ‘Whoa, I’m so happy.’

‘Oh, it’s fabulous. A lot of money but… and, I should really get some sleep, but hey ho, I’m in holiday mode now. I really need this break although, I have to say, my girls have worked very hard too. Do you know, most of the Cannes salon staff have worked from seven in the morning ’til nine and ten at night during the events?’

‘I can believe it. This place is a ‘glamour magnet’ attracting so many people. Well I’ll be here for it all next year. I can’t wait! I’ll get to hang out here during next year’s film festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. That’s a huge mix of people and hopefully they’ll all be spending money!’

‘Well Monaco is bloody expensive and is just a few stops on the train so Cannes probably accommodates more people than Monaco that week.’

‘Well I know where I’d rather stay.’

‘Nothing to do with your budget then darling?’ asked Lizzie, wryly.

‘Jest you may, but no. I don’t really get Monaco.’

‘Maybe you will when we’ve built this business big enough!’ Lizzie jibed, ‘But yes it can seem a bit sterile most of the year. I hear there are so many lovely places along this coastline and, of course in the hills. I still haven’t got out much to explore the area and I’ve been living here nearly four years!’

‘Liven up,’ Sophie squeezed her friend’s arm, ‘Can’t you find time to get out whilst you’re bringing up a baby and building an empire? Slacking or what?’

Lizzie giggled. ‘Well, at least I, or we, are addressing it, are we not? Sooo…exciting eh?’ She grabbed Sophie’s arm and they ran out of the apartment and marched along the narrow street. ‘Bonnieux tomorrow. I feel like an excited child all over again.’

‘I’m really looking forward to just spending time with you and Thierry. He is such a sweetie. You have done a great job with him Lizzie. And, he is so cute. I’ve never seen a boy so beautiful.’

‘Well, I’m biased I know but yes, he is beautiful. I also think Marie-Claire is extremely good with him. I was lucky to have found her. I think I told you, she’s Betty’s niece. She learned fast and is firm but fair with him where behaviour is concerned. She also has an uncanny knack for being able to get down on his level. She plays with him like a responsible big sister.’

‘I agree you’ve been fortunate, particularly as I’ve heard it’s rare to keep a good au pair, but you have to take credit too.’

‘I’ve never really thought about it. Any of it. I just moved to France, got pregnant, had a child and built up a beauty business. All I know is that when we came down to Cannes, I was hooked. This place just felt right. I knew when I discovered I was pregnant, I was going to settle here and provide for us both.’

‘You’ll be telling me next you planned the baby!’ Sophie teased as they now weaved back along the Rue Antibes.

‘Ha. Ha. I don’t think I could have planned such a perfect outcome as this. Well, I don’t know now what’s going to happen with Anton. I really couldn’t imagine him having access to Thierry. It just doesn’t seem natural.’

‘Well from what you told me on the phone, if he insists, he will probably be entitled to access.’

I think I know that but I’m in denial. I want him to go off the idea. Anyway, I don’t think he wants a son necessarily. I think he’s scared. He doesn’t want anyone else to have his son. It’s probably more to do with the way he is. He just has to be in charge making sure everyone is doing what he wants.’

Do you think it would have worked if you were in a relationship – not with him, any other? A marriage or lived with a partner?’

‘Phuuhhh,’ Lizzie burst into laughter.’ Anyone but him!! Uumm. I’ve not stopped to think about that either. I don’t know the answer to that. I don’t do a lot of thinking do I?’

‘Maybe it’s best that way.’ Sophie caught her infectious laughter.

‘Well put it this way, I haven’t missed having a man around. The downside I suppose, I pay for any work I need doing. The few friends I hang out with are pleasant, male and female, we have a laugh. Occasionally, and I mean very occasionally, I get a bit of action. Nothing serious, but since I had Thierry, I think it’s suited me.’

‘Oh, I think it sounds ideal and simple. Keep it simple. That’s what I need to do.’ They turned the corner and the darkness of the night sky over the sea told them they were close to the bar. Sophie continued, ‘I always end up getting involved don’t I? I need to keep my love life casual too.’

‘Are you still seeing Guillaume?’

‘Yes. I must be needier than you.’

‘Oh Sophie, I wouldn’t say that. I think it’s more a case I don’t want just anyone to be Thierry’s father. I don’t want Thierry to get attached to one guy only to get hurt if it doesn’t work out. And likewise, men aren’t keen on women with children already are they?’

‘I never know what men want to be honest.’

‘Ahh here we are.’ Lizzie veered them onto the packed pavement of the Café Gourmand. Waiters buzzed back and forth with delicious Mediterranean salads. As she opened the door, lively chatter filled the air. Lizzie stroked the length of her arm as she felt the air conditioning penetrate her skin. Small groups of people gathered around the front bar.

‘Let’s go further in. Hopefully we’ll get a table.’ Sophie followed and was led to a table close to a bar at the back of the long room. There was a crowd at the bar but a waitress appeared with a pad to take their order.

They settled down with their beers, engrossed in talk of their plans about the new salon and their ideas. The meals were promptly placed in front of them by a petite polish girl so Sophie was savouring her chicken salad when Lizzie followed her eyes and saw her friend’s attention diverted to a door just beside the back bar.

Lizzie followed her sight line. A rather attractive, dark-haired man emerged from the men’s toilet. The tips of his hair had been lightened and dried by the sun. His skin darkened by the same. He was well dressed but had a casual, unfussy, dishevelled look about him.

‘Hmm, I didn’t see that on the menu,’ Sophie declared as he swept past them.

Lizzie watched him trek nearer the bar, towards another man who was hidden by the shadows. As he stopped, her heart skipped a beat. ‘Shit!’

‘What’s wrong? Do you know him?’ Sophie queried.

Sensing attention on him, Charles Pitt-Barker peered at them with curiosity. Sophie’s face, Lizzie noticed, blushed as his eyes stayed on her. Sophie couldn’t wrench her eyes away.

‘Lizzie tell me?’ Sophie said trying not to move her lips. Lizzie dared to peek back and instantly Cal waved his hand up. She smiled back briefly, then with heart pounding looked back at Sophie.

‘The other man is my mum’s toy boy Sophie. That’s the one I was telling you about. He is the one who is leasing my inheritance.’ Lizzie felt more heat rise in her seeing them sidling towards them. ‘Oh. They’re coming over.’

‘Hi Lizzie. Good to see you.’ Cal reached for his friend’s shoulder as Charles was seconds behind. ‘This is my friend Charles. Charles Pitt-Barker. Do you mind if we join you?’ Searching Sophie’s longing face, there was really only one answer Lizzie could give.

‘Er, this…this is Sophie. My best friend,’ she paused. ‘She’s a doctor in Paris.’

Cal gave them both a welcome kiss on both cheeks and Lizzie fought hard to keep her body from reacting to his magnetism. It’s not real, not real.

‘Oh. So what brings you to Cannes? Are you on holiday?’ Cal asked Sophie.

‘Sort of. We’re off to Provence in the morning for a break,’ Sophie gave a cheery response

‘Interesting,’ said Cal. ‘Where are you staying?’ Sophie looked at Lizzie.

‘Bastide de Capelongue.’ Lizzie said.

‘Really, I’m…’ Cal began but Sophie cut in.

‘And, I’ll be moving down here soon,’ she said, wearing a gratified smile.

‘Oh, so quite a cosy community emerging here Charlie-boy.’ Cal squeezed his friend’s shoulder. ‘You’ll be neighbours with my good friend here. Although…if he needs that emergency cup of sugar, you will have to make it a watertight jar.’ Both girls looked at them curiously. ‘Charles is more often sailing than at his apartment. And of course you would need to swim it over to his yacht.’

Charles scratched the back of his ear as the girls inspected him for oddness. Then he put out his hand.

‘Hi.’ He shook Lizzie’s then looked Sophie in the eye. ‘Hi,’ he repeated to Sophie who, Lizzie noted, could hardly contain her enthusiasm, but was trying for a peculiar air of mystery and nonchalance. Lizzie tried not to laugh.

‘Sorry. Sophie, the conversation drifted. This is Cal. I met him when I went home to Mum’s.’

‘Oh, yes ok. Hello. Lizzie told me all about her…’ Sophie fumbled for the right word, ‘visit.’ Lizzie looked relieved.

Cal returned her a smile before he said,

‘Let me get you both a drink?’

‘No. Let me get the drinks,’ interrupted Charles, looking like he needed to escape as beads of sweat sprung from his forehead.

‘Oh, Charlie-boy, even better,’ Cal jested. What do you girls want?’ Lizzie was actually beginning to become annoyed at Cal as he popped himself into the seat next to her. She made a larger space between them in case he got too close. He wasn’t really behaving like she would expect. Maybe her mother controlled him so tightly when they were at home that he let himself relax a bit more without her reins. She looked over to Sophie.

‘A couple of beers would be lovely,’ she said and observed her friend. She had never once seen Sophie look as puppy-eyed as she did right now, clinging to Charles’ every word. She cleared her throat before she spoke to Cal. ‘So, what brings you here? Business or pleasure?’

‘Both. I had a business meeting today. Convinced Charles to come out for an hour’s pleasure rather than settle in a chair with his case notes and then I have another meeting tomorrow morning.’

‘You have a lot of business here it seems?’ Lizzie’s voice stung with sarcasm.

‘Yes, I’m afraid I have this passion for wine and it just so happens this region and its experts have a lot to teach me.’

She couldn’t help but detect a note in his voice too and wondered why. Or was it his flirty expression? She didn’t know whether she imagined it but he seemed to have almost a secret smile. When his eyes caught hers, his pupils enlarged and his cheek dimpled as his smile unfolded. There was definitely some high voltage between them, she couldn’t deny, but she shuffled back a little more to keep her distance.

This was going to be an interesting evening she decided. She wanted to ask him why her mother didn’t accompany him on his trips. Surely she would love the south of France – but it was none of her business. They sat in silence for a while watching Sophie ogle Charles. She really wanted to catch up and chat to Sophie about the new salon but there was very little chance of that now as a waiter arrived with a bottle of Champagne encased in a bucket of ice and four Champagne flutes.

‘Thought this might be easier!’ announced Charles. ‘Couldn’t bloody remember what it was you asked for anyway.’

‘See what I mean, he doesn’t get out much,’ Cal said. Lizzie chuckled whilst noticing Sophie was still looking quite fascinated with Charles as he fumbled with handing out the slim flutes and then, with a shaking hand, poured the bubbly. Sophie passed the filled flutes around.

‘Thank you Charles. Cheers,’ Said Lizzie.

‘Good health,’ Charles said.

‘Sante,’ Cal said raising his.

‘And congratulations to our new business.’ Sophie clinked first Lizzie’s glass and then the guys.

‘Yes. Of course. To Beaute Dedant,’ Lizzie clinked her flute with Sophie’s.

‘To Beauty Within!’ Charles translated.

‘So what do you guys do?’ Sophie asked.

Cal and Charles glanced at each other with mischievous eyes. Then Charles spoke. ‘As little as possible! No. I’m in law here in France, family law mainly and my good friend here, I’m sure Lizzie knows, is into his wine, although he has quite a CV, with his naval captaincy and his .com business and, of course, I forgot to add fatherhood too. Cal has a son Jack, it’s a pretty eclectic mix.’

‘Wow, you are both busy boys. What’s the .com business?’ Sophie’s Champagne was slipping down a treat and Lizzie was pleased to see her friend relax, although she was surprised to hear Cal had a son, Jack. She wondered if her mother knew and, for her own sake, she needed to determine whether her mother was married to Cal. He was not wearing a wedding ring.

‘It was something my father and I set up some years ago. Land searches, online conveyancing,’ Cal expanded. ‘Speeding things up for solicitors you might say.’

‘Oh Lizzie, someone else with some business acumen,’ Sophie squeezed Lizzie.

Cal kept his eyes on Lizzie as she nodded approvingly. He winked and Lizzie felt her legs tremble. Was she supposed to feel flattered or furious?

‘Quite far removed from the navy Cal,’ Sophie probed. ‘How come?’

‘My dad was the main driver, I helped to build it with him but it just took off. Right time, I suppose.’

Lizzie, still not sure what to think of Cal, wanted to ask him about his son and was waiting for an opportune moment but the chatter continued about their new venture as Sophie revealed more about their plans for the new premises in Rue Antibes, and just as Lizzie began to relax a little with the bubbly lightening her head, Cal announced it was time to go. He had an early start. Charles then agreed as he did too and, being sensible, Lizzie conceded, she and Sophie didn’t want to be setting off late to Provence.

They finished their Champagne. Sophie gave her friend a sad face. Cal pecked Sophie goodbye and, turning to Lizzie, slid leisurely towards her pursing his lips gently on both sides of her face. His touch sent a charge through her cheeks which rippled through her entire body. Shuddering with shock, Lizzie turned pink, thinking maybe her imagination was in overdrive. She certainly felt his magnetism but he wouldn’t. Not flirt with his lover’s daughter. That was how it seemed. Not only did it raise her hackles but she was exasperated that she didn’t get a chance to ask him some questions. She wondered if her mother knew of his son. Not that it was really any of her business of course.