Page 37 of A French Adventure
Parking the car and pulling the handbrake on, Olivia took her phone out of her pocket. Her mother would be able to point in her in the right direction for what she wanted. And if she asked who the present was for, she’d be vague and simply say ‘a friend’ and ignore any probing questions. Her mother would discover the truth eventually, of course, but not until after Thierry’s birthday.
After the failed excursion to Puget Theniers, Vivienne concentrated on her book for several days. Losing herself in writing was the only way to push all thoughts of Pascal Rocher out of her mind. But when she wasn’t writing, the thought ofhim was there, instantly disrupting everything she did, knocking Jeremy off the number one worry spot that he’d been hogging. Thinking about Jeremy and all the problems she had to face in the near future had been depressing, whereas thoughts of Pascal Rocher were full of hope and unknown possibilities.
Was he back from holiday yet? Had the receptionist remembered to give him her card? Mentioned the name Deidre? Had he glanced at the card and thrown it away? Deciding it wasn’t important and, besides, he didn’t remember anyone called Deidre, which in itself would be horrible. She could only pray that that wouldn’t happen.
She wished she’d asked for a contact email for him, but the woman probably wouldn’t have given it to her. No, she’d done the right thing, leaving it to him to get in touch. Hopefully, once Pascal Rocher had her card he would email – or even phone her. She still had a couple of weeks go before she returned to England. If she didn’t hear from him soon, she’d go back to Puget and track him down somehow. In the meantime, she’d try to concentrate on finishing her book so she’d be in a with a chance of being free for Natalie’s promised holiday.
When her thoughts weren’t occupied with Pascal Rocher, it was Maxine’s words about moving to France that niggled away at her mind. She even looked at some estate agents websites. A lot of property was well outside her price range, but there was also lots that she could afford. It would be a huge life change, a new beginning like no other and totally her own decision. She picked up her phone. It wouldn’t hurt to ask Maxine if she’d been serious about helping her house hunt and to arrange some viewings for maybe next week.
Maxine was weeding an already immaculate border in the garden in an effort to take her mind off of Leonie, when Vivienne rang.
‘You want to go look at property? Okay. We go now if you like. I collect you in ten minutes.’ She registered the surprised tone of Vivienne’s ‘Thank you.’
Vivienne was waiting for her outside the villa, and as she got in the car and put her seat belt on, she said, ‘I didn’t expect you to drop everything and drive me around this afternoon. I’m sure you’re very busy.’
Maxine shrugged. ‘No, I wasn’t. I’m glad to have something to do, if I’m honest.’ She sensed Vivienne’s look. ‘I have a little problem at the moment. One that I’m not sure how – if – it will work out.’
‘Would it help to talk about it?’ Vivienne asked.
‘Non, butmercifor the offer. I’d rather forget it for an hour or so.’
‘Well, if you ever change your mind.’
‘Have you heard from Pascal Rocher?’ Maxine asked, changing the subject.
‘No. Not yet. I’m hoping it’s because he’s still on holiday. Where are the properties situated that you’re going to show me?’
‘They’re both in Juan-les-Pins. One is on the far end near the beach and the other is nearer the centre. I have the keys for the two. The owners are both absent. They are holiday lets at the moment, and a bit run-down, but either of them would make a good permanent base without too much work. Next week, I arrange viewings for some more.’ She glanced at Vivienne. ‘You seriously think about living down here?’
‘Thank you, I really appreciate it,’ Vivienne said. ‘And yes, I am. I’ve discovered that Brexit has made it difficult to have a holiday home here, but full-time residents are welcome. Anyway, I’ve looked at several properties on the internet, but viewing some in person with you will give me a better idea as to what I need and what to look for.’
Maxine pulled into a parking space in front of a large apartment block. As the two of them rode the lift to the top floor, Maxine explained, ‘This apartment has been rented out for about six years now and is really in need of refreshing.’
The rooms were a nice size, there was a storage cave and a parking space in the underground garage. Vivienne loved the view out over the sea and along the coast towards the Esterel mountains which was spectacular, but she shook her head when Maxine asked if she liked it.
‘I can’t see myself living here, although it does have potential.’
‘Come on, let’s go see the next one,’ Maxine said.
The second property – a detached villa in a small cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Juan-les-Pins – appealed to Vivienne more. Electric gates opened on to a small front garden and a garage. The rooms were a good size, the kitchen was modern, but the main bathroom was sadly dilapidated. Vivienne wandered around the three bedrooms upstairs, one with an en suite, and a smaller room that would make a nice book-lined study. Back downstairs, Maxine opened the shutters on the French doors and they stepped out into the garden with its large swimming pool.
When Maxine looked at her, Vivienne shook her head. ‘I don’t dislike this one, but it’s not really callingbuy me.’
‘Let’s go back to L’Abri and I’ll show you everything I have on my list at the moment,’ Maxine said.
Having made the decision about Thierry’s birthday present, Olivia lost no time in organising things. Her mother was surprisingly helpful when she rang and said yes, she was sure her friend who lived in Antibes would be able to point her in the right direction, even if she herself couldn’t help, and for once Felicity didn’t ask too many questions. Olivia had decided if her mother did ask the important one, ‘which friend are you buying for?’ she’d cross her fingers and say she was buying it for herself. She’d apologise to her mother for the little white lie afterwards. It was just that she wanted it to be a big surprise for Thierry. A surprise that he was sure to love.
Within days, everything was settled. Olivia had contacted Jilly, her mother’s friend, driven to the outskirts of Antibes, talked it through, seen everything and finally, after a lot of deliberation and input from Jilly, made a decision. All that was left to do was to get everything else organised before returning to collect the present twenty-four hours before Thierry’s birthday. Now she was ready to invite the man himself to lunch on the day. Text or phone? They hadn’t spoken or seen each other for days and Olivia wanted to hear his voice. Phone it was.
‘Hi Thierry,’ she said. ‘How’s things?’
‘Still mulling things over. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch since our day in Tourrettes, but I’ve been asking questions of various people and doing a lot of thinking. How are you?’
‘I’m fine. I’m not sure if you have any plans for your birthday next week, but I thought you and I could celebrate at lunchtime here at the villa. I’ll even cook for you. Only if you’d like me to, of course,’ she added.
‘I’d love for you to cook me a birthday lunch. Thank you. Can we talk about the violet farm and your thoughts then?’
‘Perfect time to do it,’ Olivia said. ‘See you about twelve then on the day. Ciao.’ And she ended the call with a smile on her face. Next week couldn’t come quickly enough now. She just knew it was going to be an extra special day.
