Page 70 of A Riviera Retreat
‘Of course I will,’ Chelsea answered. ‘But I’m cross with you. You should have told everyone it was your birthday. We could have had a proper party, with balloons and presents and things.’
Matilda shrugged. ‘I didn’t want to make a fuss,’ she said quietly.
‘Oh, Tilly, that was just plain silly of you. Come on. Time to go and glam ourselves up for our last evening at Belle Vue.’
As the two of them stood up, Chelsea called out to her dad. ‘We’d offer to help, but we’rebothoff to shower and get ready,’ she emphasised ‘both’ knowing that he’d get the message.
‘See you later,’ Simon called out, giving her a thumbs up before turning to Josh and mouthing, ‘It’s balloon and bunting time.’
Vicky and Anthony returned from Monaco not long after. Anthony went straight to help Josh and Simon, while Vicky went to find Amy and see if there was anything she could do.
Amy, busy in the kitchen packing ice around several bottles of rosé and champagne she’d placed in a large oval ice bucket, smiled. ‘Think we’re all done, thanks.’
‘I’m so sorry we were late getting back. Unbelievable how crowded the train was. And then the traffic through Cannes. I feel guilty for not being here to help, but I promise I will do my fair share of clearing up after the party.’
‘No worries. How was Monaco?’ Amy asked.
‘Good. We talked properly about what we both want for the next few years. Lots of decisions to be taken when we get home but…’ and Vicky held up her hands with her fingers crossed. ‘I think – hope – we’ll weather the storm together.’ She glanced at Amy. ‘And your day?’
‘Lovely. Simon and I went across to St Marguerite for a few hours. Afterwards, back here wasn’t so good for a while – Kevin turned up again. Luckily, Simon came to my rescue and I think the message finally got through to Kevin that he’s not welcome here.’
‘Well done, Simon. So we’ll both enjoy the party this evening,’ Vicky said, smiling.
‘Talking of which – grab a handle and help me carry this monstrosity out and we can get the party started,’ and Amy emptied the last of the ice around the already condensed bottles in the tub before picking up the opposite handle to Vicky.
When they got down to the pool area, it was transformed with bunches of balloons, the Happy Birthday bunting strung across the front of the summer kitchen and Michael Bublé crooning out of the speakers Josh had set up. Pierre was there, busy lighting the citronella candles in jars that were dotted around. Simon and Anthony were diligently keeping an eye on the array of meat sizzling on the barbecue.
‘This lot should be ready soon,’ Simon said, carefully turning first a row of sausages and then one of burgers. ‘The steaks will be next. Ah, here come the others with the birthday girl.’
Amy quickly started to pour champagne into eight glasses ready to hand them around.
‘Oh, my goodness,’ Matilda said as she realised it was a surprise birthday party for her. ‘I didn’t think anyone knew. Did you tell?’ she asked, turning to Josh.
‘Guilty as charged.’
‘Happy Birthday, Matilda,’ and everybody raised their glasses in her direction.
‘Right, food’s ready,’ Simon called. ‘Grab your plates, ladies, and tuck in.’
Sometime later when the barbecue food had been eaten and dusk had started to fall, Chelsea slipped away to fetch the bottles of champagne Matilda had secreted in the fridge. Bringing them back, she handed them to Josh and whispered, ‘Can you do the honours with these, ready for another toast please? I have to fetch the cake.’
When she reappeared with the cake, its sparkler candle fizzing, Simon led the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’.
As the last words faded away, Vicky and Anthony called out, ‘Speech. Speech.’
Matilda laughed. ‘Really? I’m not one for speeches, but here goes.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Thank you all so much for tonight, the surprise party, the presents, the friendship. Thank you for everything. Here’s to you all,’ and she raised her glass in acknowledgement to everyone. ‘Thank you all for a wonderful birthday. I shall remember it forever.’
Chelsea handed her a kitchen knife. ‘Now you can cut the cake.’
Once everyone had a slice of cake, Chelsea tapped on a bottle for their attention. She gave Simon an apologetic look before starting to speak.
‘I don’t want to take the limelight away from Tilly on her birthday, but I have something to tell you all. I’m Amy’s new chef for the summer. I’m coming back next week to take over Olivia’s job.’
After everyone had congratulated her, Chelsea made her way over to her dad who was standing with Amy.
‘Great cake, Sunshine. And congratulations again on the job.’
‘Thanks,’ Chelsea hesitated. ‘You okay about it? I need to start paying you back, but it won’t be quick – unless I win the lottery. I’ll start selling off the equipment when I get back, so that might speed things up a bit.’
