Page 25 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
‘Good to meet you, Daisy,’ Leo said.
‘You too,’ Daisy answered.
‘Would you like some extra ice as well?’ Poppy asked.
Leo shook his head. ‘No. I think I’ve got enough. Thanks for this,’ and he turned to go back to the villa.
‘Wonder if he’s planning to celebrate something in particular,’ Daisy said.
‘Probably just celebrating being together down here,’ Poppy replied. ‘You’ll be late for the stars arriving at the screening if you don’t get going. Enjoy the film with Nat.’
* * *
As usual, Cannes port was busy and Daisy had to dodge the crowds as she made her way to the front of the Palais des Festivals to watch the stars arriving for the evening screening.
A friendly gendarme allowed her to squeeze through the barrier when she showed him her press pass and she stood on her tiptoes in the middle of the Croisette, trying to see over the crowds and record notes on her phone to jog her memory later.
The usual herd of paparazzi were busy snapping away, strident voices urging the stars to, ‘Look this way.’ ‘Turn your head, love.’ ‘Regardez moi.’ ‘Stand still,’ while the precious jewels they wore dazzled under a barrage of flashlights that sought to capture every detail.
The film showing that evening was a popular ‘boy’s own adventure’ and the appearance of the ruggedly handsome male star was greeted with delight by the crowd. Mentally, Daisy made a note of his co-star’s glamorous evening gown – an off-the-shoulder white affair with a sequinned bodice that clung to her body – and the stunning ruby necklace she was wearing.
As the stars made their way slowly up the red carpet towards the entrance, Daisy scrutinised the paparazzi for a glimpse of Marcus but couldn’t see him. A limousine, the French flag flying on the bonnet, drew up at the foot of the steps, discharging a government minister and his wife, in whom nobody was really interested; their progress up the steps, flanked by security men, was quick and over in minutes.
Guessing that all the ‘A list’ celebrities were now in the Palais waiting for the screening to begin, Daisy began to make her way towards the beach cinema and Nat.
A happy party atmosphere pervaded the length of the Croisette as the lights began to shine in the twilight; entertainers were still juggling and singing to the crowds.
Nat was waiting for her by the entrance to the beach cinema, a small black rucksack on his back.
‘Hi. Sorry if I’m late,’ Daisy said. ‘I had to do some star watching for my next report.’
‘No problem,’ Nat said, giving her two cheek kisses. Kisses that were somehow totally different to the ones that Marcus had been insisting on giving her that were far too close to her lips for comfort. ‘Come on. Let’s find somewhere to sit,’ and taking her by the hand, he led the way down onto the beach.
Once they’d settled themselves, Nat slipped the rucksack off his shoulders and began to open the straps. He glanced up at her.
‘Have you seen Marcus today?’
‘No. I expected to see him tonight outside the Palais, but he wasn’t there. Why?’
Nat looked at Daisy seriously before asking, ‘Are you two an item away from work? Marcus seems a bit… proprietorial is the word, I think, over you.’ He paused before continuing, ‘I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. I’m kind of old-fashioned like that.’
Daisy smiled and shook her head as Nat looked at her anxiously. So he had got the wrong idea from all those French-style cheek kisses he’d witnessed Marcus giving her. Next time she saw him she’d make sure to tell him to stop with the kisses and to back off. She wasn’t interested in him.
‘Nat, I’m single. Marcus and I are colleagues working together this week, that’s all. In fact, we barely know one another, we’ve seen each from time to time in the office, but this is the first time we’ve ever worked together. Besides, Jack the Lads really aren’t my type.’
‘You sure?’
Daisy nodded. ‘Positive.’
‘I saw Marcus earlier. Getting up close and personal with one of the stylists working for Dior. They’re having dinner together tonight at the Palm Beach.’
Daisy shrugged. ‘Nat, I really couldn’t care less what Marcus gets up to – or who he’s seen with.’
‘Right, now we’ve cleared that up, let’s have a drink.’
Daisy watched as Nat pulled a bottle of champagne and two glasses out of his rucksack. Should she tell Nat about Ben and Australia? Him wanting her to join him out there? Not tonight, she decided. It was too soon. When she knew him better. Besides, Ben was in the past and too far away to worry about.
Nat handed her the glasses. ‘You look lovely tonight by the way.’
