‘I need to say something,’ Becky said. ‘I haven’t been the most diligent at producing words, although I have produced more than some of you expected,’ and she gave them a cheeky grin. ‘I don’t think I’m cut out to be a novelist, but I have enjoyed meeting you all and I hope you will let me stay in the WhatsApp group and keep in touch – even follow me on social media. See what you are missing not being me!’
‘Definitely,’ everyone said, as the throaty noise of a car exhaust drawing up on the drive virtually drowned out her words.
‘Oh, Xavier is here. I have to go.’ And Becky went round frantically hugging everyone goodbye.
‘What make of car does Xavier have?’ Romain asked casually.
‘I’m not good with car names,’ Becky said. ‘Maserati? It’s got a three-pronged thingy on the radiator if that helps.’
‘The three-pronged thingy is a trident badge and the car is definitely a Maserati,’ Romain said slowly as he walked towards the front door to take a proper look at the car. Guy looked across at him and Romain jerked his head in the direction he was going, so Guy strolled over to join him.
Becky nodded. ‘Yeah, that’s the name. I knew it was a funny one. It’s a lovely car and so luxurious inside – and it converts to an open-top sports car too. I just wish he’d let me drive it, but Xavier just shakes his head at me every time I ask. Thinks I might crash it. He seems to forget I do have a licence. And I am a good driver.’
Sandy pulled Becky in for a hug. ‘Becky, you are priceless. I hope you at least enjoyed your stay here in Villa Celestia. I for one have enjoyed meeting you. Do keep in touch – maybe the two of us could have lunch one day?’
‘I’d like that very much,’ Becky said. ‘And you could come to Beaulieu-sur-mer as well.’
The whole group stood and waited as Xavier gallantly opened the door for Becky to get in the car before getting in himself. Xavier tooted the horn and with a gentle swish over the gravel the car moved down the drive and Becky gave them all a happy goodbye wave.
As everyone drifted away to their own rooms, Guy whispered in Liz’s ear, ‘Please go on up to the roof and wait for me. Sandy and Romain want to have a quick word with me. I need to talk to them too.’
* * *
‘We just wanted to say a big thank you for letting us use Villa Celestia for this retreat,’ Sandy said. ‘We know it was a hard decision for you at the time. It’s been a perfect venue in so many ways that have contributed to the success of the fortnight. We can’t thank you enough.’
Guy gave a small shrug. ‘I owe you big time. If it wasn’t for you guilt-tripping me into opening the villa to help you out, I would never have known about Jake’s son, or met Liz. I thank you on both accounts. There is one thing I want to talk to you two about as well. You told me how the retreat will be the last for a while. Is that still the case?’
‘Sadly, yes,’ Romain said. ‘Suitable villas are already fully booked for the summer.’
Guy took a deep breath.
‘My life is going to change in so many ways in the coming months – I haven’t figured out any of the details yet, but it is definitely going to change. If you would like to use the villa for the other retreats you have booked so you can keep the business going until you find another permanent venue, I am more than happy for you to do so.’
Both Romain and Sandy looked at him, stunned, for a few seconds. ‘You’re not re-opening the restaurant?’ Sandy said, a wobble in her voice.
Guy shook his head. ‘No. I have things to do. Places to go.’
‘That’s a very generous offer and one that we accept immediately and gratefully,’ Romain said. ‘We’ll get a proper contract drawn up, so it’s all legal.’
‘You’ll need to find a new chef, though, as I probably won’t be around all the time. Zoe has been a real godsend this last fortnight and if you want to offer her some extra weeks during the summer, I’m sure she’d be delighted,’ Guy said.
39
Guy caught his breath as he stepped onto the roof terrace and saw Liz sitting in the egg chair waiting for him and looking perfectly at home. ‘Seeing you sat there waiting for me makes me feel so happy. It’s a lovely feeling – I like coming home at the end of a day to someone special.’ Liz smiled happily as he bent and kissed her cheek. ‘Thanks for coming up early. Drink?’
‘Not for me tonight, thanks. Maybe a glass of water? The wine was flowing freely at dinner. A dinner which was wonderful. I loved seeing you in your full chef’s regalia. Love the toque hat especially.’
‘I always feel they look ever so slightly ridiculous, so I rarely wear it, except when I have to flambé Crepe Suzettes in public,’ Guy said as he fetched Liz a glass of sparkling water and poured a glass of red wine for himself. Now the adrenaline of the final evening was slowly dissipating, his thoughts were returning to Liz. And to Leon, but it was mainly Liz who occupied his mind at the moment. What had she decided? He didn’t want her to feel he was applying pressure, so he would wait patiently for her to give him her answer. ‘Tonight was fun. Possibly the last time for me cooking professionally in the kitchen.’
Liz looked at him. ‘Seriously?’
Guy nodded. ‘Come and sit next to me on the settee and we can talk about futures. Your future. My future. Our future. What happens to Villa Celestia at the end of the year.’
Sitting on the settee, his arm around Liz’s shoulders, Guy told her about renting the villa to Sandy and Romain for the rest of the year’s retreats.
‘Gosh, that must be such a relief to them, being able to keep the business going,’ Liz said.
‘I’ve told them they will have to find another chef as I currently don’t know where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing.’ He took a mouthful of his drink. ‘I was hoping to have heard from Leon by now. I’d hoped he’d be as keen as I am to meet up.’
