Page 107 of Never Too Late
‘Ooh, for now…’ She threw a glance at Benoit, who seemed relieved to receive a smile and happily returned it.
‘When are you going to interview Simone?’
‘Oh! The day after tomorrow. She’s invited me to her house and said I can film there. Honestly… it’s just…’ She let out a squeal of excitement in lieu of being able to find the best superlative to express herself well enough. ‘Where is Tomas, anyway? I thought he’d be here tonight?’
‘On his way to the Middle East for a meeting,’ Benoit said, glancing down at his phone then tapping out a message.
‘Oh? For how long?’
‘I’m not sure, actually. He just said see you soon,’ I said.
‘Just a few days.’ Benoit filled in the informational gap.
‘Right. You OK while he’s gone, Mum?’
I let out a laugh. ‘Absolutely fine, love. I’m not about to mope about the place, wringing my hands just because myboyfriend,’ I emphasised the word at her teasingly, ‘has gone away for a few days. I’m pretty sure I’ll survive.’
‘Just checking.’
‘I’m meeting Gabby and Ashok for dinner tomorrow night and Reine for lunch the next day.’
‘Aww, Ashok was at Gabby’s when I got there yesterday. They’re so sweet. Like, madly in love. I know I was hoping you two would get together in India but I’m kind of glad you didn’t now.’
Benoit was looking interested. As this indirectly involved his godfather and a woman who was as good as his godmother, I could understand his curiosity.
‘It would have made it a tad awkward.’
‘You were…’ Benoit began then stumbled.
‘No, we weren’t,’ I clarified for him. ‘Sash and I met Ashok on holiday but he and I are, and only ever were, friends.’
‘Ah. Does Gabby know this?’
‘Yes,’ I answered with another chuckle. ‘Everyone does,’ I added, just to ensure he knew that Tomas was also entirely understanding of the situation.
A brief flush touched high on his cheekbones. ‘I apologise if I seemed…’ He made a gesture with his hands as his brain scrambled to find the right words.
‘It’s fine, Benoit. You’re clearly extremely close to both Tomas and Gabby. It’s natural for you to be concerned with their happiness. As you yourself witnessed, my daughter did the same with your godfather.’
‘I didn’t want you hurt again, that’s all,’ she replied.
‘I know. And I appreciate that.’
‘You were very tough on him,’ Benoit added.
She turned to face him. ‘Have you any idea how badly he hurt Mum back then?’
He opened his mouth to reply but apparently, it was a rhetorical question.
‘She didn’t even come back to Paris once in all that time despite her loving the place! Not once. Not even France!’
‘Sash, that’s in the past and it’s not Benoit’s job to try and find a defence for his godfather. Neither of you were even born, so let’s move on and live in the present, eh?’
She looked from me to Benoit then back again before letting out a slow sigh.
‘Yes, of course. Sorry,’ she said, her hand tentatively brushing his. His easy nature accepted the apology and lifted it to his lips, placing a soft kiss there as a reply.
‘Good. Now,’ I said, pushing myself up out of the chair, the novel I’d finished earlier on the coffee table in front of me, ‘I am off to bed as it’s way past my bedtime.’ I placed a hand on Benoit’s shoulder and leant down and kissed Sash’s cheek. ‘Night, darling.’
