‘It’s difficult to tell. He has said I’m his new best friend, though.’ Liz shook her head. ‘Neither of us is looking for a new relationship, but I think I’m probably more ready for one than he is, but any relationship between us is doomed from the start anyway with us living in different countries.’ She took a bite from the beef burger she’d chosen and chewed thoughtfully. ‘We all know long-distance relationships rarely work. The old cliché absence makes the heart grow fonder isn’t necessarily true.’
‘The English Channel isn’t that wide and there’s always a way round problems,’ Isobel said. ‘You’ve both just got to be brave enough to find and take it. Think of it like a plot block that you’ve got to solve.’
‘If only.’ Liz laughed.
Becky, cuddling a happy Twiggy, wandered over to join them. ‘Isn’t Twiggy gorgeous? I think I might ask Xavier to buy me a puppy. He’s always asking me what he can buy me, other than clothes and jewellery. I was wondering whether you’ve had time to read my stuff yet?’
Isobel sighed and glanced at Liz. ‘It’s not a genre I read or write, but honestly?’
Becky nodded.
‘Step away from AI and write from the heart about what you know or can learn. AI has no place in fiction.’
Becky looked at Liz. ‘Do you think the same?’
‘Your agent is likely to tell you the same if you do send it to her. No reputable publisher will look at it.’ Liz hesitated. ‘To be honest, the only way to write a book is to pour your heart and soul into it. No AI, just blood, sweat and tears all the way.’
Becky sighed and kissed the top of Twiggy’s head. ‘Lorraine and Sandy both said much the same. I’m beginning to think I’m not cut out to be a novelist. Thank you for reading,’ and Becky turned away and left them.
Isobel glanced at Liz. ‘Sometimes I feel, not sorry exactly for Becky, but sad. Despite a busy social life, she doesn’t seem to know who she really is, or what she truly wants out of life.’
‘How many of us did, though, at her age? She’s what – late twenties? Sometimes it takes longer to discover what truly makes you happy,’ Liz said her gaze turning to Guy who was laughing at something Romain had said.
* * *
Later that evening, Sandy was standing talking to Guy and Romain when she brought up the subject of the retreat’s last evening dinner on the coming Saturday. ‘I haven’t booked anywhere yet,’ she said, looking at Guy. ‘Is there any chance you would reconsider doing the last evening meal here? I know you said no originally but…’ She stopped talking and waited.
‘Happy to do it,’ Guy said. ‘Sorry I was a bit off in the beginning.’
Sandy gave a happy sigh. ‘You will? Thanks, Guy. Your meals this fortnight have all been delicious, they’ve made a big contribution to the success of this particular retreat – which is going to be the last for a while.’
‘Aren’t you back at Pierre and Miranda’s place next month?’
‘Sadly, no. They’ve decided to sell up and don’t want occupied bedrooms when potential buyers are looking around,’ Romain said.
‘You’ll find somewhere else though, won’t you?’ Guy said. ‘You can’t allow something like that to close your business.’
‘Don’t have a lot of choice in the matter. Looks like we’ll be taking the summer off and villa hunting, but it’s not going to be easy finding something that fits the mortgage the bank are prepared to offer us,’ Romain said.
‘I’m sure something will turn up,’ Guy said.
As the evening drew to a close and everyone drifted off, Sandy saw Guy and Liz standing close together eyes only for each other. ‘Mmm,’ she said nudging Romain. ‘Those two look happy. I wonder…’
* * *
Leon was quiet as the taxi drove along the bord de mer towards Villa Celestia to collect Helena and Mandy. He wanted to ask his mother questions, lots of questions, about her first visit to Antibes and about the signet ring. The signet ring that was still on the chain around her neck. Who had given it to her? It was rare to see a woman wearing a signet ring, they were usually very masculine. Was the old friend who had given it to her a man? Possibly even his father? Leon remembered how quickly Joan had closed the subject down as if she regretted him seeing the ring.
Neither of his parents had ever talked to him about his dead biological father in any detail. But then he hadn’t pressed hard for details either, not when he was young, nor in recent years, as he hadn’t wanted to upset either of them. Recently, though, a desire to know who he was exactly had lodged in his mind. Maybe because he was getting older, thinking about settling down, even having his own family, he felt the need to be able to explain his complete family history, to know where he came from. He needed to be able to say something more than, ‘My mum was a single mum and Dad adopted me when he married her.’ Knowing only that his father had died before he was born was no longer enough.
Leon smothered a sigh. Tonight wasn’t the night to start asking awkward questions and demanding answers, it would only spoil Helena’s birthday and he didn’t want that on his conscience any more than he wanted to upset his mother. Tomorrow night, though, it was his own birthday dinner. Maybe he could gently tease some information from Joan without upsetting anyone. He could only try. And try he would.
Helena and Mandy were waiting for them as the taxi drew up outside Villa Celestia and they were soon driving along the coast road in the direction of Juan-les-Pins.
Leon looked at Joan. ‘I think I know where you are taking us. Good choice, Ma.’
‘Shh.’ Joan placed her finger against her lips. ‘I hope so. It’s part of your birthday celebration too. Mandy and I are happy to be celebrating with you both.’
Five minutes later, the taxi drew up outside Hotel Belles Rives and Leon looked at his sister. ‘We are in for a special evening. By the way, your necklace is lovely.’
