As her mother also helped herself to coffee, Flick leant against the kitchen counter. “That’s the thing. I’m not actually upset. It wasn’t just the wedding day that had me tossing and turning all night, it was lots of things. And the more I think about it, the more I realise he only asked me to marry him to stop me focusing on Dad. Instead of helping me through the pain of having to deal with what Dad was going through, he thoughtI know, I’ll propose, that’ll stop all her whinging.”
“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? I might not be the man’s biggest fan, but still…”
“Not really. Now I’ve had time to reflect, it’s pretty obvious that Matthew didn’t do anything unless there was something in it for him. So, thank you. If you hadn’t have told me he was back in town I’d still be wonderingwhyandwhat if.And I’d definitely still be feeling sorry for myself.” She felt her mother’s comforting hand on her arm as she took a sip of her drink. “It’s as if, finally, I can see our relationship for what it was. One-sided. I suppose some things never change, eh?” She let out a mocking laugh. “I mean, come on. To turn up out of the blue and expect me to be there waiting for him like some sort of sap, especially after everything he’s put me through. Thank goodness that location scout turned up when he did.”
“What do you mean?”
“If he hadn’t, we’d probably be back home by now. Matthew would be turning on those puppy dog-eyes of his, because that’s what he always did when he wanted his own way. And, like some fool, I’d be crumbling, because that’s whatIalways did.” She turned to her mother. “I don’t know who I’m annoyed with more. Him for being so selfish? Or me for being so soft?” She downed the last of her drink. “From now on I’m gonna do what’s right for me withoutanyinterference from anyone else. I refuse to be manipulated and woe betide anyone who tries.”
She took in her mother’s concerned expression, an expression she supposed understandable considering her outburst. “I’m sorry, Mum, I don’t mean to sound so aggressive. I’m just tired. And ready to get on with my life, only for real this time.” She put her cup down on the counter and checked her watch. “Which reminds me, I suppose we should get a move on.”
Flick led the way down the hall, grabbing their coats and bags off a hanger by the door. “Although I’m still not sure why we’re doing this.”
Brenda smiled. “We’re doing it because apparently it’s the done thing here in France.”
Flick laughed. “Doesn’t make it any less embarrassing though, does it?”
Once wrapped up, they made their way out to the car and got in. Her mum seemed pensive during the drive into town but Flick didn’t mind the silence. She was happy to enjoy the moment. She felt empowered. Admittedly still tired as well, but the lack of sleep was worth it. She hadn’t just spent her waking hours addressing issues with Matthew and their relationship, she’d done a mental check list of the pros and cons of her life in the UK compared to how it could be here in Brittany. Brittany was in the lead. And not just for the weather, food and wine. Thanks to Matthew, her life in the UK had come to a standstill. In France, she had a chance to start again. She crossed her fingers. That’s if all went well with the video shoot.
Last night had also given her the opportunity to consider her new-found friends and how encouraging they’d been. As far as they were concerned, there didn’t seem to be any doubt that she was up to the challenge of renovating a chateau. Running an art school of some sort was deemed more than a possibility – a dream that Flick had long since forgotten about. She smiled, thanks to the unwavering support she’d received. It felt good to know it wasn’t just her mum that was rooting for her, her neighbours were too. She reached out to squeeze her mother’s hand. Flick hadn’t felt this lucky in a long time.
Approaching the main street in town, Flick felt nervous. She was about to take a big step and, despite not quite being in a position to say she was categorically staying, it was still nerve-wracking to know the odds were leaning that way.
She pulled the car into a space opposite theMairee,taking in the building before her. For a mayor’s office, it didn’t look anything like the official structures she was used to in England. Back home they tended to be modern, cement constructions. In contrast, this one was pretty and hospitable; homelier, she supposed. Built from natural stone, flower boxes sat on all the window ledges, the last of the season’s colourful geraniums contrasting nicely against the dark grey paintwork. But regardless of its welcoming façade, she still couldn’t stop the bumblebees buzzing around in her stomach.
Flick watched her mum rummage in her handbag for her compact and lipstick, using one to expertly reapply the other, before snapping it shut and putting it away again. How could her mother be so calm? “Does this not feel, at least, a bit awkward to you?” she asked, glancing at the building once more. “And embarrassing? I mean what are we supposed to say? What if he doesn’t speak English, because we certainly don’t speak French?”
Brenda turned to face her and smiled. “That’s why we have back up.”
“What do you mean?”
At that moment, a car pulled up alongside. And much to Flick’s surprise, Nate’s Aunt Julia excitedly waved from behind the wheel before turning off the engine and getting out.
Brenda laughed. “What? You think I’d let us humiliate ourselves in front of a dignitary? You don’t mind do you, but even I knew we needed a translator and when Julia offered...”
“I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m relieved.”
Flick and her mum got out of their vehicle and the usualfaire la bisecommenced.
“Thanks for helping out,” Flick said, greetings over with. She took a deep breath, steeling herself ready for the formalities ahead.
“Yes, thank you,” Brenda said.
“Don’t be silly, I’m more than happy to assist. I remember what it was like whenIfirst landed. I didn’t speak a word of French… talk about muddling through. And there weren’t that many Brits here back then. Believe me, I had no choice but to pick up the lingo. Anyway.” She turned to Flick. “Can I just say, I am so glad you’ve decided to stay.”
“But…” Flick wanted to explain that everything rested on the video shoot, however, Julia was on a roll.
“And don’t look so nervous. We’re just popping in to say hello. It’s customary, that’s all.” Julia paused to produce a bottle of single malt from her bag. “As is this. It’s always good to come bearing gifts and the French do love their whiskey.” Handing it over, she raised her hand, indicating to the entrance. “Shall we?”
Flick took another deep breath as she and Brenda followed her inside.
“Sophie,” Julia said to the receptionist. “Ça va?”
The two women chatted easily and going off their interaction, it was clear to Flick that they knew each other well. Not that Flick understood a word of what was said and as she continued to listen, she knew that if they were serious about a new life in France, the language would be one obstacle they’d definitely have to overcome. Just the thought of trying, however, made her brain hurt. And unlike Julia all those years earlier, she couldn’t imagine either her or her mum ever conquering that particular mountain.
Conversation over, the receptionist finally picked up the phone to let the mayor know they’d arrived, causing Flick to grip the neck of the whiskey bottle even tighter, as she and her mum began following Julia down a short corridor.
“Ready?” Julia asked. Stopping, she gently tapped on the door in front of them.
