Right now I’m going to concentrate on my favourite time of year and get organised for Christmas. I’ve already got lists of things to buy, things to do, things to remember… lists everywhere. Thanks to the Kermesse, some things have already been crossed off. Secretly I’m hoping that, while I expend all my energies into sorting Christmas in France, my subconscious will go into overdrive and come up with a workable solution for the major problem OB’s raised.
10th December.
Cote d’Azur weather, with its blue skies and the sun shining most of the time, makes it hard to believe it’s winter and less than three weeks to Christmas Day. Seeing oranges growing on trees lining some of the roads and squares is unbelievable to me too. I’m amazed people don’t pick them, but Eliosa says it’s an unwritten law you just ‘don’t’.
The atmosphere here is daily becoming more and more festive. A village of wooden chalets has sprung up on Place Nationale in Antibes and Nino tells me there’s a similar Christmas market on the quay in Cannes. He’s going to take me to see it sometime soon.
Lots of buildings have acquired those ubiquitous model Father Christmases hanging desperately from chimneys or balconies, a not-so-bulging sack hanging from their shoulders.
Oh, I nearly forgot about the lights. Nino and I went for a walk last night and I saw them switched on for the first time. They are breathtaking. There’s even one of those laser light shows on one of the grand buildings in Antibes.
Wandering around hand-in-hand with Nino, sipping the cups of mulled wine he’d bought us from one of the Christmas cabins, was wonderful. I felt the happiest I’d been in years. I even handed my camera to a passerby to take a photograph of the two of us – arms around each other, standing in front of the large Christmas tree. Like Nino had promised, we’re busy creating our own special memories… but I wanted a tangible reminder of this evening to look at when we are apart.
On our way back to the apartment, we passed the Casino in Juan-les-Pins. ‘Can we have a hot chocolate here?’ I asked impulsively, pointing at the bistro opposite, as the memory of the February night I’d sat down here alone flashed into my mind. ‘Do a spot of people-watching?’.
‘Sure,’ and Nino made for a table near one of the overhead gas heaters. ‘We should be warm enough here.’
‘I came down here one evening soon after I arrived,’ I said, sitting on one of the wicker chairs. ‘I was feeling so alone and depressed. Wondering if I had made a huge mistake moving to France. I even considered returning home and forgetting about having a Shirley Valentine year.’
I looked around. ‘I remember thinking it was all incredibly glamorous. That I was simply an outsider, looking in.’
‘And now?’ Nino asked as the waiter placed our hot chocolates in front of us.
‘I’m still an outsider looking in – which is fine, and I still think it’s all incredibly glamorous,’ I laughed. ‘But along the way, it’s sort of become normal too, and what I expect to see on a daily basis. I’m so glad now I stayed and didn’t run back to the safety net of home.’
I didn’t add that Juan-les-Pins felt like my home now. It had become so familiar. I knew I would miss it next year with my life once again set to take off in another direction. I could only pray that if I took the step I was contemplating, it would be the right one.
‘Have you decided about Sardinia yet?’ I asked quietly.
Nino took both of my hands in his. ‘Let’s not talk about my job or your move back to the UK until after Christmas.’
‘OK.’ I said, but I couldn’t help wondering whether he’d already decided and simply didn’t want to confirm the fact that the New Year would see us separated by thousands of miles.
‘Come on, let’s get back to the apartment,’ Nino said. ‘I’m cold and I need you to warm me up as only you can.’
17th December.
I’d been saying to Nino that I wanted a Christmas tree for the apartment, and yesterday he turned up with the perfect sized one. Already in a pot, all I had to do was decorate it. Which was when I realised I didn’t have any decorations.
Cue a frantic dash to the supermarche, where I bought three sets of white fairy lights, some glass baubles and some silver tinsel. An hour later, with two sets of lights, the baubles and several streamers of tinsel, the tree’s reflection in the balcony’s window was twinkling away nicely. The remaining set of lights I persuaded Nino to pin around the sitting room bookcase.
We were just toasting our efforts with a glass of red wine when Ben rang. Nino mouthed ‘I’ll make supper while you talk’ and disappeared into the kitchen.
‘How are you, Ben?’
‘Fine. Things are almost back to normal with Katie, and today I’ve finished at the agency – with Marcus’s blessing I might add. He’s talking of sending some work my way when the consultancy is up and running.’
‘I’m pleased for you Ben.’
‘Thought I’d ring and wish you a happy Christmas before I leave for the airport. I’ve booked myself on a singles ski holiday, so no worries about being on my own for Christmas.’
‘Have fun,’ I said, feeling a twinge of guilt. I hadn’t given a thought to where Ben would be spending Christmas this year. Without thinking about it, I’d sort of assumed he’d go to his brother.
‘Thanks. You too, and I’ll see you when you get back next year. Don’t forget the room offer is still open if you need it. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Bye.’
‘Happy Christmas,’ I echoed as the phone died.
‘Everything all right?’ Nino called from the kitchen.
‘Yes. Ben’s off skiing. Called to wish me a happy Christmas.’
19th December.
Nino’s taking off sometime tomorrow morning for Italy, to spend at least a little time with his family – mainly for his mum’s sake, I think. I was expecting him to go home for the complete Christmas celebrations but he shook his head vehemently when I said that.
‘No thanks. Not given the mood my father is currently in with both me and Eliosa. Three days will be enough. Besides, I’m looking forward to my first English style Christmas with you.’
‘What about your mum, though? Wouldn’t she like you there for some support?’
‘My brother and sister will be there with their families for any support she needs. She’ll be busy spoiling the grandchildren,’ Nino said. ‘She will be content to have me to herself for a few days beforehand.’
I love having Nino staying here. Hopefully, I’m going to be so busy getting the place ready for Bella and the others, as well as up to my neck with the final preparations for Christmas, I won’t get the chance to miss him too much while he’s away.
A few days alone will at least give me the chance to sort out some urgent things and begin to get organised for the New Year. I know Bella is planning on helping me, but some things have to be dealt with in advance and time is running out. I also have to find a special Christmas present for Nino.
23rd December.
Eliosa popped in to say goodbye and to offer the use of her spare bedroom if we needed it with so many guests coming for the festivities. She gave Nino the spare key, before leaving to meet Jamie. He’s persuaded her to spend Christmas with him up in St. Paul de Vence.
‘I’ll be home at the end of the month. Just in time for New Year,’ she said. ‘Happy Christmas.’
I have SO much still to do. Katie and Matt are arriving this evening. Bella tomorrow.
Doubt that I’ll be writing in this diary much for the next few days.
30th December.
Part of me was dreading Christmas because of the Eliosa/Jamie/Matt situation, and also because it would be the first time Katie had met Nino. In the end I needn’t have worried about Katie and Nino. She was totally bowled over by him.
She seems to have accepted that yes, I am allowed to have a special boyfriend. Although judging by the look that flitted across her face as I introduced them, I think her initial reaction was more one of, ‘how on earth di
d my mother get to catch a boyfriend this hot?’ than anything else.
Christmas Day itself was great. Nino had said he was looking forward to a traditional English Christmas so that is what I tried to give him from the word go. Breakfast of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, toast and marmalade, and the obligatory Bucks Fizz.
Everybody mucked in with preparing lunch, and once the turkey was in the oven, the vegetables prepared and the pudding ready for its final steam, we went for a walk down on the beach. Strolling along in the sunshine, my hand held tightly by Nino, watching Katie and Matt with their arms around each other, heads close as they talked quietly to each other, life felt as perfect as it could ever be.
Back at the apartment, I opened the sherry I’d won at the Kermesse and Katie started to give out the presents that were placed underneath the tree. Books, CDs, bottles of perfume, chocolates… all were soon piled on the coffee table as I opened my final present, Nino’s. A beautiful pair of earrings to match my birthday bangle.
‘Thank you,’ I said, kissing him. ‘You haven’t opened mine to you yet,’ and I reached behind the tree where I’d hidden it. ‘Before I give it to you though, I need you to give me a coin.’
Puzzled, Nino reached into his pocket. ‘Any value?’
‘Preferably silver not copper,’ I said.
Nino handed me a two euro coin. ‘That do?’
‘Perfect. You can open your present now.’ I watched anxiously as he carefully undid the wrapping. I’d found, I hoped, the ideal present in a yacht chandlers in Antibes.
‘I didn’t know what to get you,’ I said as he took the Leatherman mariners’ knife in its leather pouch out of the box. ‘I thought it would be useful.’
‘It’s just what I need. I lost my favourite one overboard at the end of the season. This one will at least stay on my belt,’ Nino said. ‘But what’s with the coin business?’
‘There’s an old superstition that says it’s unlucky to give anyone anything with a cutting edge – like a knife or scissors – because it could severe the friendship. By giving me a coin, you’ve effectively paid me for your present and hopefully stopped the chances of that happening. Silly isn’t it?’ I looked at him. ‘I’m not normally superstitious… but I didn’t want to risk it.’
‘No,’ Nino said. ‘I understand completely. Are you sure two euros is enough?’
I nodded. ‘I’m sure.’ I stood up to go and check on lunch. ‘Anybody want more sherry?’
Katie had asked if she and Matt could stay here over Christmas, as Matt refused to go and stay with his father. In fact, I think he would have been happier if he could have got away with not making any contact with him at all. But Katie wasn’t having that.
She insisted that after lunch they were going to St. Paul de Vence for a couple of hours. ‘I know it was different,’ she’d whispered to me as we cleared the table ready for the flaming Christmas pud. ‘But I hated not speaking to Dad all those months, and I know Matt will regret not seeing Jamie while we’re over if we don’t go.’
Have to say, I’m quietly proud of my daughter. I think she has really matured over the past few months.
After Katie and Matt left, Bella took herself off to give Jacques his present, which left Nino and me alone for the first time since he’d arrived back from Italy. The rest of Christmas Day was just perfect. And no, I’m not going into details.
The nearer we get to the New Year though, the more I’m beginning to worry about the future. Nino still hasn’t told me what he’s decided to do about his Sardinia job offer – but then, I haven’t told him about the decision I’ve made either. I keep waiting for the right moment, but somehow it hasn’t yet happened. I did so want to start the New Year with everything out in the open.
31st December.
My last diary entry for the year. And the very last one in my angsty diary.
It’s a shame Katie and Matt couldn’t stay for New Year. Matt was due back on duty at the BRI this evening, so they had to leave yesterday. Katie said he’d been lucky to wangle as long a leave as he had.
Katie did finally manage to persuade him to spend Boxing Day with Jamie and Eliosa. When they got back here, Matt did seem as though he was coming round to accepting the fact that Eliosa makes his father happy. Eliosa and Jamie are coming for supper tonight before we all go down to Jacques’ to see the New Year in. Haven’t seen them since before Christmas. Hope we get a chance to have a catch-up chat.
Bella, who’s spent most of her time with Jacques over the holiday, is also coming for supper. She rang to say she’d be here about six. ‘If that’s all right? It’s easier to shower and change at your place. Bit of a struggle in the tiny room that Jacques has the cheek to call a salle de bain. I need to talk to you too. There’s something I’ve forgotten to tell you with all the excitement of Christmas.’
I expected her to tell me whatever it was when she arrived, but she was late and dashed into the bathroom. ‘Half-an hour.’
In the event it was nearly an hour before she appeared ready for the evening, by which time I’d forgotten she wanted to talk to me.
So when she said, ‘You like the block of flats I live in, don’t you?’ I just nodded absently as I put the finishing touches to our prawn and avocado starters before putting them on the table.
‘Yes. Why?’
‘There’s a flat coming up for rent two floors below me in late January. Two bedrooms, shower, sitting room and separate small kitchen. I’ve had a word with the caretaker and your name is top of the list. It’s only a short term let – six months – but should be long enough for you while you look around for your dream home.’
‘Oh. Thanks Bella. Sounds ideal.’ I tried to inject the right note of thankfulness into my voice but I clearly failed.
‘Hey, what’s with the lack of enthusiasm?’ Bella demanded.
I glanced across at Nino, wishing I’d managed to talk to him privately, before taking a deep breath. The moment to tell them my news seemed to have arrived.
‘The thing is, I’m not coming back. I’ve renewed the lease on this apartment for another year.’
‘Is that a good idea?’ Bella said.
I nodded. ‘Oh yes. One reason is, OB pointed out a major flaw in my thinking about coming home. Both my column and my book deal currently depend on me writing about life down here. Jessica’s Jaunts would finish almost instantly and if Shirley Valentine simply goes home – well, there’s no story left for the book, is there? And I do so want to write it.’
I stopped talking and turned to Nino. ‘Another reason is – it’s easier to get to Sardinia from here.’
Nino caught hold of my hand. ‘I’m not going. Well, at least not to Sardinia.’
‘You’re not? Why?’
‘Bruno wasn’t happy when I mentioned I’d had the offer of another job. Said he was getting a bigger yacht, needed me to run it. Wouldn’t hear of me leaving.’ Nino hesitated before continuing. ‘Won’t be based on this bit of the Riviera though. Bruno’s had to find a bigger mooring. The one he’s finally settled on is in Italy. Genoa.’
‘Still this side of the Med though,’ I said smiling.
‘Still this side of the Med,’ he agreed smiling, before giving me a gentle kiss.
Eliosa and Jamie arrived just then, and our New Year’s Eve celebrations officially started. Happy New Year to us all!
**********
The New Year is one hour and fifty minutes old. Jessica’s year of “Pretending to be Shirley Valentine” is officially over.
She and Nino had a fun packed evening, drinking and laughing, seeing the old year out with friends old and new. Now, Jessica is in Nino’s arms, as they sway together on the small impromptu dance floor in Jacques’ bar. Jessica has had a wonderful evening – such a contrast, she will realise in the morning, to last year’s New Year’s Eve. Tonight, she is safe and happy in the arms of the man she loves.
Whatever happens in the future, whether or not it works out long term for her and Nino –
not that she doubts for one moment that it will work out – she knows the year she ran away and pretended to be Shirley Valentine turned out to be one of the best years of her entire life.
THE END
(Or, is it just The Beginning?)
Loved You Had Me At Bonjour? Turn the page for a sneak peek of I’m Virtually Yours, also by Jennifer Bohnet!
CHAPTER ONE
Daniel Franklyn’s e-mail arrived late Thursday afternoon just as Polly was about to stop work for the day.
“Hi. I need a VA for 7–12 days in the West Country starting Monday. Interested? DF.”
Irritated, Polly looked at the computer screen. Of course she was interested in taking on a new client and more work but didn’t ‘DF’, whoever he was, understand the whole point of a Virtual Assistant was that they didn’t have to be physically present to do the work? She could stay right here in Carmarthen and do the work in her office.
Briskly Polly typed her reply:
“Dear DF, am interested in being your VA but question the necessity of going to the West Country – particularly at such short notice. Have attached my business brochure detailing the services I offer and my charges. Regards, Polly Jones.”
Polly sighed, looking across at the growing pile of bills on her desk. Electricity, rent and car tax were currently top of the pile. She knew without looking, too, that her not very generous redundancy money in the bank was on its last double figure. She could definitely have used the extra money ‘DF’ would have paid this month.
“You wait, Poll,” Marty, her best friend since forever, had said only last night. “Virtual Assistants are just taking off. I reckon you’ve chosen the best time to go it alone. A couple of months from now and you’ll be so busy you’ll be looking to employ someone to help you with all the work.”
You Had Me At Bonjour Page 12