Page 39 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
They were strolling around the market when Poppy asked, ‘I almost forgot. How was your evening with Nat? Heard you come in at two.’
‘Oh, hope I didn’t wake you.’
‘I couldn’t sleep,’ Poppy said briefly. ‘Did you tell Nat about Ben?’
‘Yes. It was a great night. Nat and I seem to be on the same wavelength over lots of things. He took me to a jazz club he knew up in Valbonne, out in the country behind Cannes. He actually likes Jamie Callum as well. Remember how Ben always used to moan at me for listening to him? And yes, I did tell him all about Ben.’ Daisy looked at her sister. ‘Can you believe Marcus had also poked his oar in? Gave Nat the impression that I couldn’t wait to jet off to be reunited with him. At least you didn’t do that when you mentioned Ben. Two dozen eggs enough?’
‘Plenty. Cheese stall next. How did he react?’
‘He was fine – told me all about Julia, the love of his life in primary school,’ Daisy laughed.
She’d really enjoyed last night. Nat was so good to be around. And honest about his own past. He thought her plans for the future – going freelance and moving into the cottage – were great.
As Poppy stood by the cheese stall agonising over how big a brie to buy and whether gorgonzola was a popular choice, Daisy wandered over to the flower section to look at several vases filled with one of her favourites – vibrant, happy sunflowers. Just what she needed – a visual reminder of the happy mood she was in.
Her mobile trilled its text alert as she selected three sunflowers and paid for them.
‘Seen any reasonably priced asparagus anywhere?’ Poppy asked, joining her.
‘That stall over there and the next one for the olives and the tapenade you wanted. Think that’s everything on the list then. No, we still need some smoked salmon. And then the cake.’
Walking back to the car with Poppy carefully carrying the large cake box, Daisy took a quick look to see who the text was from. She didn’t recognise the international number and it wasn’t until they’d stowed the shopping in the car and were driving home that she clicked on the message.
srry hve bn fool. rtrning to uk nxt wk 2 marry u. lv u. ben.
Daisy hit her knees with her fist clenched. ‘I don’t believe this,’ she said, reading the message out to Poppy. ‘Now what do I do?’
‘You should have replied to his letter, telling him it was too late, days ago,’ Poppy said, with a typical bossy big sister tone to her voice. ‘You’ll have to text him back and tell him, no way.’
‘It’s just typical of Ben, though, to assume I’ve nothing better to do than hang around waiting for him.’ Daisy threw the phone in her bag.
‘Aren’t you going to text him right away?’ Poppy asked.
‘No. I’ll email him the minute we get back,’ Daisy said. ‘I’m not that keen on texts. All those abbreviated words can lead to misunderstandings. I’m going to have to spell it out in full. Make sure he gets the message. Can’t you drive a bit faster? I need to get this over and done with.’
‘No, it’s a thirty speed limit along here. I don’t want a speeding ticket and points on my licence, thank you very much. What are you going to say Ben?’
‘That if he thinks he can just waltz back into my life and nothing will have changed, then he’s not only wrong but stupid. Besides, I’m not sure I’ll even be back in the UK next week. I was thinking I might stay down here longer with you.’
Once back at the cottage, sitting in front of her laptop, Daisy clicked on Ben’s email address. Thank God she hadn’t deleted it from her address book in a fit of pique. Now, how to be polite and firm but kind?
Dear Ben, re your recent text. Marriage is not on, I’m afraid, so suggest you stay where you are. Not sure I’ll be in the UK next week. Have a good life. Daisy.
Thoughtfully, she looked at what she’d written. Too short? Too cruel? What else was there to say? She didn’t want him harbouring any false hopes of a reconciliation. This last week, since she’d met Nat, had convinced her there was absolutely no way she wanted Ben back in her life. Ben was in the past – his choice. Nat was the future – her choice.
P.S. I hope you meet someone special soon. I have and I’m very happy.
There, that should get the message across.
Daisy pressed the send button before she could change her mind. Her computer pinged. Incoming mail – one from the paper, two from journalist friends. Daisy read them in a daze before closing her laptop. That was all she needed.
Poppy glanced at her as she walked into the sitting room. ‘Told him? You all right? You look a bit shell-shocked.’
‘The chief reporter has been sacked from the paper. Two of my friends who were on short contracts have been told they won’t be renewed. One has gone already and rumour has it at least ten per cent of the staff face the chop. Thank God I said I’d take voluntary redundancy when I did.’ Daisy looked at Poppy, a rueful smile on her face. ‘At least, hopefully, I’ll receive some redundancy money to help kick-start my freelancing with. Think I might be living down here sooner than I expected.’
‘Fine by me,’ Poppy said. ‘Now, can we get on with the party preparations? I wish Anna was here. Leo said she had an important meeting in town and she’d be back later.’
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