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.’
