‘It’s Guy, isn’t it?’ Helena interrupted.
Joan gave her a startled look. ‘How did you work that out?’
‘Liz saw the two of you together and she asked me how long you had been friends. She seemed surprised when I told her that you didn’t know each other. How has Leon taken the news?’
‘I’m not sure. I think deep down he was thrilled, but I suspect he’s still too busy absorbing the news to talk about it,’ Joan said. ‘Guy was hoping he would have met him by now.’
‘Knowing Leon, he’ll probably turn up unannounced,’ Helena said. ‘I’ll message him when I get to the airport and see if he wants to talk.’
‘Sorry to interrupt,’ Mandy said. ‘But our taxi has arrived.’
‘See you at home tomorrow,’ and Helena leant in to hug her mum goodbye.
‘See you at home tomorrow,’ Joan echoed. ‘When you and Teddy can tell me your plans.’
* * *
Joan walked slowly back into Antibes after leaving Villa Celestia and strolled along the ramparts to take a closer look at the Nomad sculpture. It really was amazing close up. All those sculptured letters in a lace-like pattern.
Wandering back down into Antibes, she treated herself to lunch and a glass of rosé at one of the restaurants on Place Nationale. Sitting there enjoying her lunch and people watching, she wondered about staying on for another day or two. If she didn’t have to get home for Bella, she’d definitely consider it. She was beginning to feel completely at home in this town, much like she had felt all those years ago. All she needed now was to know Leon had met his uncle and was happy that someone could talk to him about his father.
Joan consoled herself with the thought that it was less than twenty-four hours since she’d broken the news to Leon. He was probably still absorbing it. He had promised too he’d see her again before she went home, so hopefully between now and tomorrow when she left for the airport, he’d show up at her hotel.
41
Liz woke up on Monday morning to the smell of toast and coffee. It took her a moment to remember where she was. When she did, she gave a happy smile, got up and made for the shower. Standing under the power shower in Guy’s bathroom, she thought about Sunday’s events.
After everyone had left and the retreat was officially over, she and Guy had taken it easy for the rest of the day, enjoying each other’s company. Getting to know each other with no interruptions. Although she knew Guy was on tenterhooks hoping Leon would contact him, he’d mostly hidden it well. At one point, he’d looked at Liz anxiously. ‘Do you think he will ring or just turn up? Do either soon? Maybe today? The silence so far is hard to handle.’
Liz had shaken her head. ‘I don’t know, but I am sure he will contact you when he’s ready and has the time.’
At some point in the day, she’d packed up her room downstairs, Guy had carried her suitcase upstairs and she’d moved into his room.
Sunday evening dinner had been what she called a fridge dinner, using up leftovers. The leftovers in Guy’s fridge, though, were a step up on those that were usually in her fridge at home. The two of them had eaten at the tiny table on the roof terrace before deciding an early night was in order, although sleep had not been on either of their minds.
Dressing quickly, Liz ran downstairs and joined Guy in the kitchen. ‘Good morning. I was about to bring you coffee and toast in bed.’
‘For your future information, coffee is fine, but I’m not a great eater of toast in bed,’ Liz said. ‘The crumbs get everywhere.’
‘Duly noted,’ Guy said. ‘Only coffee will be served in bed in future.’
‘Do we have any plans for today?’
‘I need to go and see Sandy sometime today or tomorrow,’ Guy said. ‘But nothing is set in stone. I’m just hoping today will be the day, you know…’ his voice trailed away. ‘And then after I’ve met Leon, I can start to make plans.’
Liz put her arms around him. ‘I’m happy to just mooch around, go for a walk along the front. Have lunch somewhere.’
Guy put his arms around her and hugged her back. ‘We can do that. I was also thinking that I – we – could WhatsApp video my dad. Tell him our news at least.’
‘What news might that be?’ Liz said, smiling at him.
‘That you and I are going to be together for ever and ever,’ Guy said, kissing her. ‘And when he’s heard that happy news, I’ll tell him about Leon.’
‘There are a few logistics in our way to overcoming the first bit,’ Liz said quietly. ‘Like location, location, location.’
‘Nothing that can’t be overcome. Let’s phone Dad now,’ Guy said, taking his phone out of his pocket and pressing a preset number. They both listened to it ringing and ringing and Guy was getting concerned.
‘Good grief, boy, d’you know what time it is here? Barely seven o’clock.’
