Page 11 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
Daisy recognised Cindy’s minder instantly. She could see, too, that he recognised her.
They smiled at each other. ‘You!’ they said in unison.
‘You two already know each other?’ Marcus asked.
‘We’ve just seen each other around,’ Nat said. ‘Good to meet properly.’
‘Sorted your problem yet?’ Marcus asked.
Nat shook his head. ‘Still working on it. Hope to get it sorted during the festival.’
Marcus turned to Daisy. ‘This guy is a brilliant writer but insists on working as a nanny.’
‘A fellow’s got to eat,’ Nat protested, smiling at Daisy. ‘Especially when the rogues in this business insist on pinching my ideas,’ he shrugged. ‘At least I’ve got a roof over my head. Besides, I like children. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m hoping there’s a taxi waiting for me downstairs. I’ll see you around.’
Impulsively Daisy said, ‘I think I’m staying in the same direction as you – could I share your taxi?’
‘Sure,’ Nat replied easily.
Daisy looked at Marcus apologetically. ‘I’m sorry but I am about to drop from exhaustion.’
Marcus placed a kiss on her cheek. ‘Go home. I’ll ring you tomorrow.’
Daisy looked at him. Now, why had he done that? Still trying to act like a Frenchman rather than the cocky leather-clad Northerner he was? Or trying to stake a claim in front of Nat for some reason?
‘I’ll see her home safely for you, Marcus,’ Nat said.
Daisy bit her lip. Nat had obviously got the idea from the kiss that she and Marcus were an item. Was that deliberate on Marcus’s part?
The taxi was waiting when they got downstairs and Nat held the door open for Daisy before climbing in himself.
‘Where are you staying?’ he asked.
‘I’m lucky that my sister lives down here.’ Daisy gave him the address and took a ten euro note out of her bag and offered it to Nat, who shook his head.
‘Don’t worry about it. It’s almost on my doorstep.’
‘Thanks,’ Daisy said. ‘The little girl you’re looking after, Cindy?’ she said. ‘Are her parents famous?’
‘Verity Raymond and Teddy Wickham the director.’
‘Her mum is the actress Verity Raymond?’
Nat nodded. ‘Cindy’s a sweet kid. Bit lonely at the moment. Misses her friends. At least her father is here now. She adores him. Not that she’s going to see a lot of him during the festival. He’s head of the jury this year.’
‘Would she like to meet up with Tom, my nephew, d’you think? Tom is six. Be a new friend for her.’
‘That’s a great idea. Cindy is almost six – big day next week! You and I could have a coffee together then? Look here’s my number, give me a ring. I guess it will be easier for me to fit in a time around you as you’re here to report on the festival.’
Daisy put the card Nat handed her in her bag. ‘I’ll find out what Tom is up to over the next few days and give you a ring,’ she promised. ‘Many thanks for the lift home.’
Cleaning her teeth before collapsing into bed, Daisy thought about Bernard’s remarks regarding Philippe Cambone. If he was such a nice guy, why were there rumours starting to fly about him? And what exactly were those rumours?
Before snuggling down under the duvet, Daisy opened her laptop and updated her ‘To-do list’: go to another screening tomorrow; write up her ‘clothing the stars for the festival’ piece; find more info about Philippe Cambone.
And, of course, there was still the little matter of trying to uncover a scoop for Bill.
6
