‘Not at all. Please, let’s not talk about money. Look, I know this chateau, and I think you’ll love it. Let me make it up to you for not telling you the truth about who I was and… Well, I can’t apologise enough. I’m so embarrassed about it. I also wish you hadn’t been on board with me whenLady Janecrashed. I feel so bad that I could not keep you safe.’
‘It’s fine – I know it wasn’t your fault. Please, let’s just start again.’
We check out of our Monaco hotel and jump into our new hire car, a bright red convertible Fiat 500. Elias is back to his cheery self now and grins at me as though he is a young lad who just received a Scalextric for Christmas.
‘It’s so cute,’ I smile.
‘Isn’t it perfect? Let’s take it for a spin to the Grande Corniche, there’s some spectacular views out that way. We can take our time getting to the chateau.’
I remember the scenery from the taxi ride I had with Soraya and Carol, but in this little Fiat with Elias beside me, it will be even better.
Once again, we weave through the winding roads as we head out on the coastal route. WithClub Tropicanablasting out from the radio, I am in complete holiday mode and momentarily begin to forget about the book, Michael, and things back home. I can feel the tension in my shoulders slipping away as we both sing along to the words of Wham! as the scent of the trees and flowers that line the mountains waft into the car.
‘God, it’s good to have company,’ says Elias, glancing over at me as he drives.
‘I know. It’s lovely, isn’t it?’
‘Isn’t it funny… People think winning the lottery will solve all their problems. Don’t get me wrong, it changed my life, but not all of it was for the better.’
‘I’m sure anyone struggling to pay their bills wouldn’t agree with you, but I do understand what you’re trying to say.’
‘I’d have given it all back for my Jane to have not died. I’d rather have struggled with my bills, like we did when we were first married, than lose my wife of thirty years.’ Elias sighs and then tries to raise a smile. ‘Sorry. It’s just that, for so long, I haven’t been able to confide in anyone. Finally, I’ve met someone I can trust.’
‘Well, I’m glad you trust me.’
‘Just don’t put my story into your book, will you?’
I laugh. As if I would. Although, I am going to ask him if I can sneak in the bit about the time we had sex on deck whilst listening to Rick Astley.
As I remember that moment, we pass a group of Ferraris driving along the coastal route.
‘Is there a collective noun for that many Ferraris?’ I ask.
‘A flash of Ferraris?’ says Elias.
‘Hmm, how about a posse?’
‘Nice one. What about abankof Ferraris?’ says Elias.
‘A small appendage of Ferraris?’ I suggest.
‘Love it. Now, let me think. What else? Right, wait for it.’
We both giggle in anticipation.
‘A flaunt of Ferraris.’
‘Genius. You should have your own dictionary,’ I tease.
We are still laughing together when we pass a huge pylon that is practically at the same height as us, making me realise just how high this sinuous road is.
‘Wow, look at the pylon,’ I say.
‘Good job you don’t mind heights,’ says Elias.
‘I know. I’m trying not to distract you. We don’t want another accident… Although, we all knowLady Janewasn’t your fault,’ I quickly add.
‘Thanks for saying that. You know, it was on a road not too far from here that Princess Grace was killed in that tragic car accident.’
