Page 26 of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky
Agnes waved her hand in the air. ‘It will all fall into place. I’ve decided too that Jasmine can stay in the house like she planned. Won’t be forever of course because it’s going to be sold at some point but for now, there’s really no reason why she shouldn’t stay on there when we go home. It’s better to have someone living in it rather than having it empty.’
‘Thanks so much, Gran,’ Zazz said, moving across to give her gran a hug.
Francine stared at her mother for several seconds. ‘You’re very laissez-faire suddenly about this whole situation. I don’t understand why.’
Agnes took a deep breath. ‘Meeting Rachel today was a cathartic experience for me. It finally sank in that Oscar is dead. He is personally never going to bother me or you again. Realising that gave me an immense feeling of relief. I’d even say it makes me happy. And if that makes me a bad person…’ Agnes gave a half shrug.
There was silence as both Theo and Francine stared at her before Theo moved and took her in his arms and held her tight.
‘It makes you a very human person,’ he said softly before pressing a kiss against her temple.
25
Zazz smiled as she and Francine walked back up together to Oscar’s house after lunch. ‘I’m so relieved that Granny has said yes to me staying in the house,’ Zazz said. ‘Once I’ve finished my piece for Marcus and sent it I’ll make a start on the yard.’
Francine glanced at her. ‘Was it your idea to come to live in France for a few months? Or did Oscar put the idea into your head?’
‘I fell in love with the place on my first visit,’ Zazz said. ‘I know it sounds silly but it felt like I was in a place I could call home. Maybe it’s in my DNA because of you and Granny.’
‘Did you say that to Oscar?’
Zazz shook her head. ‘Not directly, no. But once I’d met Mel I did start to talk to her about the possibility. He overheard me once asking her advice about how easy it would be, where I could live, what I could do. He immediately said finding somewhere to live was sorted because I could live with him. And that’s when I began to seriously believe it was do-able.’
‘Don’t get too comfortable because the house will have to be sold,’ Francine warned.
‘Mel is talking about the two of us sharing a small apartment so hopefully by the time the house sells that will be happening.’
‘How does Rufus feel about you staying down here for months?’
‘Rufus and I broke up. He’s off to America soon with a new job.’
‘How d’you feel about that?’ Francine asked gently. ‘I thought you two were good together. And why didn’t you mention it?’
‘I’ve mentioned it now,’ Zazz shrugged. ‘I was hurt by the way it happened but I’m not devastated. I never truly thought we’d be together for ever and ever, so.’ Zazz pulled a face. ‘At least I can concentrate on growing my social media presence and living down here.’
‘I honestly don’t understand how being a social media influencer can be a full-time job,’ Francine said.
‘I have to plan my content, research brands that will be of interest to my followers. It’s all a question of putting good content out that people want to see, buy or be involved with,’ she paused. ‘I’m looking forward to meeting Serge and family,’ Zazz said, glancing at her mum.
‘I can’t say I am,’ Francine said, accepting the change of subject. ‘I’m too old to suddenly have a half-brother thrust upon me.’
‘I’m quite looking forward to having another uncle.’ Zazz laughed as she saw the look on Francine’s face. ‘Even if he’s only a half one. And a half-cousin too.’
‘Never thought I’d be part of a dysfunctional family,’ Francine muttered.
‘It might be fun. Anyway, living in different countries you’re not exactly going to be bosom buddies in daily contact with each other, are you?’
Francine shook her head. ‘True but it feels weird.’
Edwin phoned as they let themselves into the house. Zazz called out a ‘Hi, Dad’ before disappearing upstairs and Francine went through to the kitchen to talk and update him on what was happening.
‘I wish you were here. Maman seems to think we’re going to be here for at least another week or ten days. And Zazz has dropped the bombshell news that she’s planning on living down here for the foreseeable. Have you decided when you’re coming out? Maybe you can talk some sense into her. And I do miss you. We can have a mini break together.’
‘That’s why I’m ringing. I’ve managed to get everything done and cleared my desk for a week. I’ve already booked my ticket,’ Edwin said. ‘I’ll have to bring my laptop but I’ll be with you next Friday afternoon.’
Francine breathed a sigh of relief. ‘That’s brilliant news. Especially as Maman has invited the three Cortez’s for aperitifs that evening. Zazz is talking to me a little but she has a new friend so is off out a lot of the time – she and Rufus have broken up by the way. Agnes and Theo are doing things together. I must put my mind to starting the house clearance too.’
‘Leave the house until I get there and I’ll give you a hand,’ Edwin said.
