Page 22 of A Riviera Retreat
‘Marcia’s father. We play golf together occasionally. He doesn’t have a good word to say for her husband. Was against the marriage in the first place and wants her to kick him out. You, apparently, were the latest in a long line of affairs.’
Chelsea was silent. And she’d thought she meant something to him.
‘If he gets in touch, promise me you won’t have anything more to do with him?” Simon said.
‘I promise you that goes without saying, Dad. I’m concentrating on the business from now on. No room in my life for any man – except you, of course!’
‘You’ll meet someone worthy of you one day, Sunshine,’ Simon said. ‘Please don’t become bitter and twisted. I want to see you happy.’
‘I am happy,’ Chelsea insisted. ‘I’m having a lovely holiday – I’ve even taken over cooking dinner for everyone because the regular cook is ill.’
‘You’re working on holiday?’
‘You know me, happiest when I’m cooking and this place is wonderful – you’d love it here. Belle Vue is a special place. Amy, the owner, is lovely too.’ She hesitated before adding, ‘I’m swimming again. The pool here is amazing. I’ve realised how much I’ve missed swimming, so that’s something I’m going to get back into when I come home.’
‘Sunshine, that’s the best news I’ve heard in years. I was so sad you felt you had to give up after…’ Simon’s voice faded away.
‘I know. But it’s definitely back in my life from now on,’ Chelsea said.
A few minutes later, Simon ended the call, saying he was a lot happier now he’d spoken to her. Chelsea stood looking out over the terrace for a few moments thinking about her dad. She’d been wrong in expecting him to be furious with her over Kit. She should have remembered how protective he was of her – and how much he cared.
Day Six Of The Holiday – June 11
12
When Chelsea told Matilda that Pierre was driving her down to Cannes to do some shopping, and would she like to go with her, Matilda accepted immediately. ‘Yes please. How d’you feel about lunch out? My treat – a belated thank you for your help with my suitcase at the airport.’
‘Lunch sounds a great idea, but I really didn’t do anything.’
‘Shall we ask Vicky to join us?’ Matilda said, ignoring her comment. ‘D’you know where she is?’
‘She’s already typing away in the summer house – not sure she wants to be disturbed.’
As Pierre drove them down, they told him they planned on staying in town for lunch and would get a taxi back to the villa afterwards.
‘Non, non. You call the villa and I come for you when you are ready.’
Pierre dropped them on the Boulevard de la Croisette, not far from the famous Palais des Festivals, and they made their way up to rue d’Antibes, via the mall Matilda had explored the other day.
‘How’s the ankle? You haven’t brought your stick,’ Chelsea said.
‘It’s so much better, I thought I’d be brave and chance leaving it behind today,’ Matilda answered.
‘You can always take my arm and lean on me if you need to,’ Chelsea offered.
When Matilda stopped by the boutique and pointed out the jacket she was tempted to buy, Chelsea urged her to get it.
‘It’s a beautiful colour. Did you try it on? I bet you looked good in it.’
Matilda nodded. ‘The leather is wonderfully soft and so comfortable. It’s just that I’m not sure I live the kind of life where I’d wear it enough. Get my money’s worth. It’s so expensive.’
‘I’d wear it every day.’ Chelsea laughed. ‘It would become my signature look.’
Leaving the mall behind, they crossed the road and Matilda stopped in front of an estate agents. An outside rack fixed to the wall held copies of the free monthly magazine showcasing hundreds of properties along the Cote d’Azur. Matilda took one and put it in her bag. Chelsea glanced at her curiously.
‘Bedtime reading,’ Matilda said. ‘With a little bit of daydreaming. Right now I need to find the post office so I can buy stamps and post my cards. Pierre mentioned there was one in this direction somewhere.’
While Matilda queued for what seemed like forever at La Poste, Chelsea wandered off in the direction of an upmarket kitchen shop. When Matilda found her there, she was standing in front of a set of copper saucepans and sauté pans.
