Page 62 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
‘Hey, I’ve just remembered you never did tell me what you wanted to talk about yesterday,’ Poppy said.
‘Nat and me.’
‘Ahh. Thought it might be. Finally decided he’s the one, have you?’
‘Given the short time we’ve known each other, I’m a bit frightened saying yes, but I think so. I’m still going to give freelancing a go from down here and rent the cottage as a base, but Nat wants me to go to America with him when he goes. D’you think I should?’ Daisy looked anxiously at her sister.
‘Definitely. Grab the opportunity – and Nat – with both hands,’ Poppy replied. ‘Men like him are rare. He’s almost on a par with my Dan.’
‘That good, eh?’
‘Listen, any man who can make my little sister as happy as you’ve been in recent days gets my vote. You never looked as happy as you do now when you were with Ben.’
‘The thing is, and I haven’t mentioned this to him yet, how d’you feel about Nat moving into the cottage with me? He needs a base somewhere in Europe and the lease of his flat in London is up soon. He’ll need to find somewhere to stay before going to the States.’
‘Not a problem,’ Poppy said. ‘You’re both welcome to live here.’
‘Great,’ Daisy said. ‘Oh, I forgot to show you these earlier. Look, Marcus emailed me some pictures of Nat and me at the party. The rest have gone direct to Anna and Leo.’
‘That’s a good one of you and Nat,’ Poppy said. ‘Love this one of you guzzling champagne.’
‘I am so not guzzling,’ Daisy protested. ‘When I saw Marcus earlier, he tried pumping me for information about Anna. Don’t worry, I didn’t tell him anything,’ this as Poppy looked at her. ‘The rumours about Teddy Wickham being Philippe Cambone’s son are gaining strength. Be interesting to hear if he goes to the memorial service tomorrow. Right, as I’m on kitchen duty tonight, I’d better make a start. Tom eating with us and staying up to watch the fireworks?’
‘Yes. Fête day tomorrow, so no school,’ Poppy glanced at Daisy. ‘You sure about staying on for a few days to help me move back into the villa before Mum and Dad get here and Dan returns?’
‘So long as we make time to go shopping. Seen some shoes and a bag I covet in one of the shops on the Croisette. Feel the need to treat myself before I start counting the pennies.’
‘You’ll need more than pennies if you plan to buy stuff from any boutique on the Croisette,’ Poppy said.
The cottage door buzzer went. ‘That’ll be Nat,’ Daisy said. ‘I’ll let him in and he can give me a hand with the lasagne, while I tell him the good news about the cottage.’
Later, after Tom had disappeared indoors to watch a DVD, the three of them sat companionably outside drinking a bottle of wine.
‘I can’t believe how quickly the last twelve days have gone,’ Poppy said. ‘I’m glad I was persuaded to rent the villa for the festival. It’s been fun having Anna around. You too,’ she said, glancing across at Daisy. ‘Thanks for your help with everything.’
‘I’m really looking forward to you moving in here,’ Poppy continued. ‘It’s going to be great having you around more – in between the two of you jetting off to the States for Nat’s work, of course. Any idea when you’ll go for the first time?’
Nat shook his head. ‘No. Could be in a few weeks or a couple of months. My new agent just says be ready – and keep working on the next idea.’
‘I hope it’s not too soon,’ Daisy said. ‘I want to enjoy us being together – and not being tied to office hours for a bit.’
As Poppy stood up to clear the table, Anna and Leo appeared at the cottage gate. ‘Hi,’ Anna said. ‘May we join you? We want to share our news and celebrate. Helen won best actress tonight and…’ she smiled at Leo. ‘We’ve set the date for our wedding.’
‘Congratulations on both counts,’ Poppy said. ‘Think this calls for champagne. I’ll get a bottle.’
‘We’ve brought one over,’ Leo said, holding it out. ‘Just need glasses.’
‘Poppy, before I forget, is it possible for us to stay a couple of extra nights?’ Anna asked. ‘I have to see the lawyer before I leave and it will probably be Tuesday or even Wednesday before I can get an appointment.’
‘Sure. Dan isn’t due home until the end of the week. My parents, who were in Monaco for the Grand Prix, have decided to stay there for a few more days before coming over here.’
‘Have you spoken to Helen since she won best actress?’ Daisy asked Anna, as Poppy went to get the glasses.
‘No. Rick says she’s in a daze. She’s been whisked off to some large yacht for an interview and intends to party the night away afterwards. I’ll catch up with her tomorrow.’
‘So your return to Cannes after all those years has turned out to be a successful one workwise?’
Anna nodded. ‘Yes. The festival has been great for business. On a personal note, it’s a bit mixed,’ she pulled a face and sighed. ‘I expect you’ve all heard the rumours about Teddy Wickham being Philippe Cambone’s son? Well, they’re true – and I am his mother, which, as you’ll realise, makes me Cindy’s grandmother.’
