Page 43 of One Summer in Monte Carlo
She didn’t add the words, ‘before I can love anyone again’, but as he kissed her again, she hoped Jean-Claude understood.
28
The following morning, once she’d taken the twins to school, Nanette walked slowly along the embankment towards the Old Port. The envelope containing the Vacances au Soleilpapers was in her bag, ready to hand back to Zac. She was determined, too, that this time he would accept the fact that she didn’t want the job he was offering her.
The crew on boardPole Positionwere busy with routine morning chores, but there was no sign of Zac. As Nanette hesitated on the quay, the yacht’s captain came down the gangway.
Recognising her, he said, ‘Zac’s been delayed – something to do with the wrong tyres being supplied for testing. There’s a chance he’ll not make it back here until just before the French race.’
‘I was hoping to talk to him before then,’ Nanette said.
‘I can give you his mobile number if that helps,’ the captain offered.
About to refuse the offer, Nanette changed her mind, saying instead, ‘Thanks. That could be useful.’ Although it still meant she couldn’t hand back the Vacances au Soleil papers.
Handing her a card with Zac’s mobile number on it, the skipper said, ‘I’m surprised you don’t already have this – particularly as you’re coming back to work for Zac.’
‘Who told you that?’
‘Zac did before he left for Canada.’
Inwardly furious but not wanting to discuss it with the yacht skipper, Nanette said simply, ‘Oh, I see. Thanks for the number. See you around.’
Stopping at the first pavement café she reached, Nanette ordered a cappuccino. Her hand was shaking as she spooned the cream off the top and she took several deep breaths, trying to steady her nerves.
Zac was unbelievable. Back to his old tricks of assuming he could browbeat her into doing what he wanted. How dare he tell his captain that she would be working for him again, especially as she’d already told him she wasn’t interested?
Opening her bag, she took out the envelope and slipped the card inside with the other papers before replacing the envelope in her bag. Tempting though it was to ring him, Nanette was determined to confront him face to face, even if she had to wait a week or two to do it.
A shadow fell across the table and Nanette looked up in surprise.
‘Bonjour, Nanette.’ Mathieu sat down beside her. ‘Join me for another coffee?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘No thanks. What are you doing here? We weren’t expecting you back until at least the weekend.’
He shrugged. ‘A couple of my business appointments were cancelled, so I decided to come home early. How are the twins? Still practising for their concert?’
‘Of course. They’ll be pleased to see you.’
‘I’ll meet them from school this afternoon if you like,’ Mathieu offered.
‘Thanks. Patsy is coming for a visit soon. Is it all right if she stays in the apartment?’
‘Of course. Ask Florence to make sure the guest bedroom is ready. How long is she staying for?’
‘About a week. It’s just a short break for her before she gets taken over by motherhood.’
Mathieu nodded and took a sip of his coffee before asking, ‘Spoken to Zac recently?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘I was hoping to see him today, to sort some things out, but he’s not here.’
‘I know,’ Mathieu said quietly. ‘I was supposed to be meeting up with him, but he’s been delayed.’ He glanced at her. ‘Do you still have the papers he gave you about Vacances au Soleil?’
‘They’re in my bag right now.’
‘Could I have a look at them please?’
‘Oh, Mathieu, I don’t know,’ Nanette protested. ‘They’re Zac’s private property and his personal business.’
