Page 29 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
Standing in the circle of his arms, Anna smiled. ‘I’ll try. Having you here makes it very special. Have I told you how handsome you’re looking tonight?’
Leo shook his head. ‘We make such a perfect couple!’ he said, laughing, and delicately traced the outline of her face with his fingers before gently kissing her again.
As a brisk toot of a car horn sounded outside, Leo placed Anna’s white fake fur shrug around her shoulders, before picking up and handing her the small beaded clutch handbag she’d decided to use and taking her by the arm.
‘The red carpet awaits – let’s go.’
Sitting next to Leo as the limousine made its way towards the Palais des Festivals, Anna checked the contents of her bag: lipstick, comb, tissue and her locket. It was the first time in years that the gold locket wasn’t around her neck, but the diamond and sapphire necklace had to take precedence tonight.
‘Relax and enjoy the evening,’ Leo whispered as the limousine came to a halt at the foot of the famous steps. A burly security man opened the car door and together Anna and Leo stepped onto the red carpet.
Nothing had prepared Anna for the noise and the exuberance of the large crowds lining the Croisette and along the front of the Palais. Four or five deep in places behind the barriers, she could see people standing on stools, several strategically placed ladders, all hoping for a better view of the stars as they arrived. Now, standing on the actual red carpet in the open air, the noise was amplified several times.
Leo took her hand as numerous flashlights went off.
‘Who do they think we are?’ Anna whispered to Leo.
‘Someone very famous, obviously – you’re looking so glamorous tonight,’ Leo said, pulling her towards him and kissing her, to the delight of the crowd.
Rick was waiting for them on the red carpet, standing slightly to one side of the stairs. ‘Anna, you look stunning. Nice to see you, Leo. Helen and Rupert should be here in a moment,’ he said. ‘Then it will be our turn to walk the walk and face the paparazzi.’
‘The atmosphere is amazing,’ Anna said, looking around.
To her left a couple of television reporters were facing cameramen and talking rapidly into microphones, detailing the scene before them, announcing the names of the famous stars as they arrived and describing the sumptuous gowns and jewellery.
Further up the steps, Anna caught a glimpse of Bernard being approached by another reporter with a cameraman in tow. She’d forgotten he’d become a big name down here and his thoughts on the festival would obviously be sought after by the media.
The gentle pressure of Leo’s hand in hers brought her attention back to their own group and she smiled apologetically at Leo.
‘Sorry,’ she whispered. ‘That’s Bernard up there.’
Leo followed her gaze.
‘I wonder what he’s talking about to the TV reporter,’ Anna said. ‘Ah, here are Rupert and Helen,’ she added, as a silver limousine drew up.
Watching the two young stars ofFuture Promisesarrive on the red carpet, Anna felt a surge of affection for both of them. A couple of people in the crowd, realising who they were, called out their names, ‘Rupert, Helen love, can we have your autographs?’
Smiling happily, the two went over and graciously signed the offered magazines, books and cards.
Finally they all linked arms and began to make their way up the paparazzi-lined flight of steps through a barrage of flashlight. As they drew level with Bernard on the last of the red carpeted stairs and went to enter the Palais itself, Anna couldn’t help overhearing the interviewer say.
‘Finally, Bernard, can you give us any information about this latest development in the Philippe Cambone saga? I know you two were very close. Were you aware of this secret family he had in the States?’
Anna gasped involuntarily as she heard the question and would have fallen if Leo’s grip on her arm hadn’t tightened and saved her as she stumbled, trying unsuccessfully to hear Bernard’s reply.
Leo looked at her, concerned. ‘Anna, are you okay? They’re waiting to show us to our seats.’
‘I’m fine,’ Anna said, gripping Leo’s hand tightly. ‘Lead on.’
16
It was nearly 2 a.m. when Anna and Leo got back to the Villa Flora after the party. Anna felt completely exhausted but strangely exhilarated at the same time. The two of them sat for a few moments in the moonlight out on the terrace, listening to the frogs and winding down.
‘That was quite a party,’ Leo said, standing up and taking her hand to pull her onto her feet. ‘Never let it be said that I’m getting old, but I honestly don’t know how people cope with partying every night during the festival.’
‘Neither do I,’ Anna said.
‘Come on, let’s go to bed.’
