Page 52 of A Riviera Retreat
‘First Anthony and now Simon,’ Matilda said thoughtfully. ‘It’s getting more and more like Lottie and Rose’s story every day.’
Amy looked at her for several seconds before the penny dropped. ‘Of course! They both invited the men in their life to stay at the castle, didn’t they? Big difference though – Simon is not the man in my life.’
‘But you’ve invited him to stay,’ Matilda pointed out.
‘Yes, but that’s for Chelsea’s sake, he’s had to tell her some bad news about her business partner.’
‘Oh, the poor girl. Is she all right?’
‘Seems to be,’ Amy said. ‘So, lunch?’
‘Thank you, but no. I’m emailing Josh at the moment, telling him my news about the villa,’ Matilda said. ‘I’ve tried ringing him, but it goes straight to voicemail. I just want him to know what I’m up to, but if I leave a message asking him to ring me, he’ll think something is wrong.’ She sighed. ‘I know I’ll see him sometime this summer, but I do so want to tell him my exciting news.’ Matilda smiled at Amy. ‘So frustrating when you can’t get hold of people.’
Knowing that Josh would be with his mother tomorrow but not allowed to tell her that, Amy could only nod in agreement.
‘Are you sure about lunch?’ she asked.
‘Quite sure. When I’ve finished my email, I’ll have a light snack here and then go down to Cannes,’ Matilda said. ‘I need to ask the estate agent to take me off his mailing list and I fancy a spot of window shopping.’
‘Have you asked Pierre to run you down?’
‘No. He’s driving me to see the villa again this evening to take some photos and has invited me to have aperitifs with him afterwards, so I thought I’d get a taxi this morning. I don’t like to keep bothering him,’ Matilda said. ‘I can’t keep taking him away from his work.’
‘I’m sure he doesn’t find it a bother,’ Amy said, making a mental note to invite Pierre to the surprise party tomorrow evening. ‘But if you want it, the number for a taxi is by the telephone in the kitchen.’
‘Thank you.’
‘I’ll leave you to it then,’ Amy said, standing up. ‘Enjoy the day.’
‘You too,’ Matilda replied, turning back to her iPad.
Back in her room, Amy changed into a white short sleeved cotton shirt, which she tucked into a pair of smart blue jeans, and slipped her feet into her wedged espadrilles. Not knowing where Simon planned on taking them, she figured she was smart enough for any lunchtime restaurant, and casual enough for a pizza café if that was what he had in mind. She gave herself a spritz of her favourite Chanel Allure perfume and was ready.
Chelsea and Simon were already in the 4 x 4 when she went to find them, Simon in the driving seat and Chelsea in the back.
‘You can sit up front with your dad if you want to,’ Amy said. ‘I don’t mind sitting in the back.’
‘No, it’s fine. You can have the panic seat,’ Chelsea said and laughed at the look on Amy’s face. ‘Don’t worry, Dad’s a fast driver, but he’s actually quite good.’
The restaurant Simon drove them to along the coast was right on the beach in a small cove and one that Amy hadn’t been to for years. The last time had been with her parents and Aunt Tasha before she became ill.
‘I haven’t been here for ages,’ she said, looking at Simon. ‘I thought only locals knew about this place. You must know the area well.’
He nodded. ‘Used to spend a lot of time down here. Fancy a walk along the beach before we eat?’
‘Great idea,’ Amy said.
‘You and Chelsea go ahead. I’ll go and tell them we’re here – make sure they keep the table – and catch you up.’
As they made their way down to the waterline, Amy glanced at Chelsea. ‘You okay? Your dad turning up must have been a shock.’
'Just a bit,' Chelsea said but didn't volunteer any information.
Amy waited a couple of seconds but when it was clear that Chelsea wasn't going to say anything, she changed the subject of the conversation.
‘Being nosey here, but what kind of business is your dad in? He seems very successful.’
Chelsea shrugged. ‘All sorts. Since Mum died, he’s become even more of a wheeler dealer.’
