The French Adventure

by Lucy Coleman

  ‘Once. I went to meet Isla’s parents for the first time. They were staying with Jack’s parents who had VIP tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix. I got the impression the villa is either empty, or it’s party time, but then it’s a huge place. That’s how the rich and famous live. Jack works for the family business, too, but he’s not at all impressed by wealth. Well, he wasn’t the last time we were together. When your family has that much clout and money, it’s hard to make your mark. He said that once and it made me think. Whatever he achieves is a drop in the ocean. While he has access to, and enjoys the trappings that wealth brings, however hard he works he feels like he’s just a cog in the machine. I thought that was quite sad, actually.’ It’s clear Sam has a lot of respect for Jack.

  ‘He sounds like a guy who tries hard. It’s easy to see why the children of the rich and famous struggle to have an identity. The expectations of them are high, but when you are a part of a dynasty it must swallow you up. How do they stay motivated, when they could easily do nothing and their lives would still go on in the manner to which they are accustomed?’

  ‘Well said. You’ll like Jack. Harry – well, if I was him I’d be carrying a grudge towards me. You expect your sister’s fiancé to watch over her like a hawk. A life is precious and now it’s gone.’

  I don’t feel at all guilty this time. There are things that Sam needs to say out aloud and maybe I’m the only person he feels comfortable enough with to do that. But his words touch my heart and if I wasn’t driving I’d throw my arms around him and give him a hug.

  Paradise

  This road trip has turned out to be a journey of discovery. I’ve learnt a lot about Sam and my respect for him grows by the minute.

  Have I divulged a lot about myself? Well, yes, I think I have. He now understands why I’m so sensitive about some things; why even the mention of Karl’s name is a red flag for me and that I might look strong, but that’s because I feel vulnerability is akin to failure.

  We swap places behind the wheel and I even manage to close my eyes for an hour. When I awake he laughs, welcoming me back and I think he’s missed the banter.

  I dig out Meghan Trainer’s ‘All About the Bass’ for THE most fun session of Karaoke ever and we play it twice over so that Sam can get the hang of the chorus. He asks me to explain it and when I say it’s all about celebrating women with curves, he pretends to be scandalised.

  ‘Isn’t that a bit… politically incorrect, these days?’

  ‘Um… no! It’s about getting the word out there that not everyone has to be a stick thin size six. If that’s a natural look, great, but starving yourself to emulate a lot of young models isn’t healthy. We are all different shapes and sizes. Curves are in. I’m working on it, but I’m not quite there yet.’

  ‘Why?’ he asks and I can imagine that customary frown on his face.

  ‘A big booty is regarded as an asset these days and I have nothing with which to twerk. Stress makes the pounds drop off me and although Karl was pleased, I don’t feel happy with myself, because skinny simply isn’t me.’

  ‘Explain the term twerk.’

  I start to giggle, thinking at first that he’s joking around. Then I see he has no idea at all what I’m talking about.

  ‘It’s… um… a dance move. Remind me the next time I’m on my laptop and I’ll pull up a video clip. You know, Sam, none of these things matter but it’s what makes the world go round. Sometimes you just need a good laugh and James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, for instance, would really lift your spirits. The guy is so cool and he can sing most of the songs as well as the artists. You’re missing out big time and now I feel it’s my job to educate you about popular culture. It’s the least I can do given that you’ve taught me how to re-point a stone wall and tile a floor.’

  For one second we manage to exchange a brief glance.

  ‘I’d say “thank you”, but I get the feeling a lot of this might go over my head.’

  I bite my lip to stop my face from lighting up with a cynical smile.

  *

  We swap places twice more and at shortly after six in the evening the satnav ably guides us into a driveway in front of a pair of massive wrought iron gates. It’s a relief when the sound of the engine finally idles. It’s been a long day, that’s for sure. But one that has built some sort of special bond between us. Like conspirators hatching a plot. I’ll help Sam to get through this and he’ll help me to relax a little.

  The driver’s window slowly descends. ‘Sam Callaghan and guest.’

  A buzzer on the intercom bleeps and the gates slide open without a whisper of a sound.

  ‘Looks like we’re in,’ Sam says, slipping the car into gear and driving into the parking area in front of a massive, four car garage.

  Once inside the gates my jaw drops almost immediately as I take in the scene.

  ‘Sam, this is unbelievable!’

  After parking the car, we climb the beautiful stone steps leading up to the villa. Sitting amongst the mass of trees and beautifully manicured bushes is an infinity pool looking out over the sea. Surrounded on all three sides by an expanse of hardwood decking, the pool is enclosed by large glass panels with chrome handrails and supports. To one side are probably twenty sun loungers angled towards the view. On the opposite side are bistro tables and chairs, all in matching silver-grey wickerwork with dark grey and white cushions. A small bar in the corner is set up with glasses and an array of drinks.

  At the shallow end is a two storey pool house. A row of individual changing rooms accessed from the pool side have funky coloured doors; ranging from silver-grey through to deep purple. At the end of this run of doors are two single shower rooms. With a classic shed style roof sloping upwards from the rear of the building, the overhang at the front affords protection to the decking area in front of the changing rooms.

  At first floor level, the façade is faced with the same coloured wood as the decking and two large, panoramic windows look out across the pool and the bay beyond. It’s quite a large building which becomes obvious as we follow the sweeping white stone pathway leading up to the main house.

  I stop in my tracks. Nothing Sam said prepared me for this and already I’m feeling way out of my comfort zone. I’ve never been up close to this sort of wealth before. A smart looking couple are walking towards us and the guy greets Sam with a quick man shake before they throw their arms around each other and exchange firm pats on the back. He’s very tall, tanned and wearing a navy blue Ralph Lauren polo shirt with tan trousers and navy deck shoes. The woman is wearing a knee length floral dress in shades of sky blue, mauve and white with strappy wedged sandals. She looks effortlessly elegant given the simplicity of the style and it’s a case of the lady wearing the dress and not the other way around. It’s obviously a designer label but she’s a designer’s dream. Her dark hair is thick and glossy, nicely offset by the merest hint of a tan; this is a lady who takes care of her skin.

  ‘It’s been too long, Sam.’

  Sam nods, clearly touched. ‘Jack, this is my friend, Anna Lacey.’

  Jack steps forward to greet me.

  ‘Lovely to meet you, Anna. And you’ve just survived a ten hour trip with this man? You deserve a medal!’

  We all laugh and that includes the woman at Jack’s side.

  ‘Forgive me. This is my wife, Bella. Bella, you get to meet him at last. You’ve heard me talk about Sam often enough when I’m reminiscing.’ He turns back towards Sam. ‘So how did the two of you meet?’

  I avert my gaze, trying not to stare, but I’m taking in every single little detail in awe. They are such a good looking couple. I let my eyes sweep over this gorgeous and luxurious setting instead.

  ‘We’ve been working together on a renovation job.’

  ‘You’re a builder?’ Jack queries, looking directly at me and unable to keep the surprised tone out of his voice.

  ‘No. I’m in advertising and specialise in re-branding, logos, website construction, that sort of thi
ng. Sam is renovating two gîtes in the garden of an old manor house my parents bought. I’m his apprentice for the summer.’

  That makes Sam smile.

  ‘Well, it’s great that you are both here. It means a lot, my friend.’ Jack and Sam exchange a look that indicates how deep their bond goes. This is no casual acquaintance, but Jack knows exactly what Sam has been through and he’s at pains to hide his underlying concern. Whether he understands that it’s still as big a problem as it is, is hard to tell.

  ‘Anyway, let’s get you guys settled. You must be in dire need of a drink.’ Bella kindly shepherds us along the path, past the pool house and in through a pair of oversized French doors leading into the coolness of the main house.

  ‘This is breathtakingly beautiful!’ I simply can’t hide how awestruck I feel, even if that’s not cool.

  ‘You’ll get used to it,’ Jack muses. ‘Seriously, it is a great place. But do my parents use it? No. Once a year. Total waste, but it’s five minutes from the centre of Cannes and my Dad’s business interests mean he’s heavily involved with the F1 industry, which is an advertiser’s dream. It’s all about image and I’m sure Anna will understand that. So Grand Prix week is party time and the house is always full.’

  I feel I ought to say something and I need to engage my brain to make it sound like I know what I’m doing.

  ‘Yes, it’s all about getting the brand out there: analysing consumer behaviour and attitudes to target promotional marketing. F1 is probably one of the best examples of global brand exposure. I’m at the other end of the market though as I’m in the process of setting up my own branding agency, BRAND new. I almost feel like I’m starting all over again but it’s exciting. This time there are no constraints and there’s no agenda other than to utilise what I’ve learnt and keep raising the bar.’

  Jack looks suitably impressed by my response. I suspect Sam will be appalled. But if I don’t present myself in the right way then I’m doing myself down. However, the business circles in which Jack and his family move are in a totally different league altogether.

  ‘There’s nothing wrong with a new start and fresh ideas. It’s nice to be able to walk away and have that freedom to put it all together exactly as you want it. When are you launching? You’ll have to give me a contact number and I’ll reach out to a few people.’

  Sam and Bella are listening intently and suddenly I’m the focus of attention.

  ‘Oh, Jack, that’s very kind of you but I wasn’t touting for trade.’ I feel embarrassed but he puts up a hand to stop me.

  ‘Hey, I admire anyone with a passion for what they do. I meet too many people these days who have stepped into the family business, like I did, and it’s never the same. I wish it was. I’d walk away tomorrow if I could, but that’s one reason why rich people have kids. It keeps the family business going because you feel obliged to carry on the tradition.’

  ‘A bit like the royal family,’ Sam winks at me.

  There’s a pause and then we all burst out laughing.

  ‘And the perks aren’t bad,’ Jack adds, a wicked twinkle in his eye.

  ‘Ignore him, Anna,’ Bella says, raising a disapproving eyebrow at Jack. ‘He likes to get his dig in about the establishment, as I refer to it. But who else would employ him? Now let’s grab a drink.’

  Bella turns on her heels and I follow; we head towards a terrace accessed from the other side of this vast room. Bella picks up a handset on her way through and at the flick of a switch the entire wall of glass soundlessly slides back into hidden recesses either side. Suddenly there is nothing dividing the inside and the lush garden beyond.

  ‘Hey,’ Jack calls after her. ‘I heard that remark. I’m not that bad… am I?’

  Sam gives him a slap on the back.

  ‘You haven’t changed a bit, Jack, and that’s good to see.’

  Bella leads us over to a very elegant seating area with rattan loungers and a table with a dozen chairs around it. As if they’d been expecting us, suddenly two maids in traditional black and white uniforms with crisp, white linen aprons appear carrying trays.

  ‘Thank you,’ Bella indicates for them to leave the drinks for her to serve. ‘We have Sangria or Pimm’s for those who like a little alcohol; or a non-alcoholic fruit punch. If you prefer a cold beer, Sam, Jack can grab one from the fridge over there. While you are here feel free to use all of the facilities and please, do make yourselves at home.’

  I opt for the Pimm’s but Sam and Jack head off to get beers.

  ‘I love coming here,’ Bella confides. ‘It must cost a fortune to staff and maintain it all year round. How long have you and Sam been dating?’

  I’m about to take a sip from my glass tumbler and I stop, in horror.

  ‘Oh, we aren’t an item. We’re just good friends, which has grown from working together this last few weeks. I hope that isn’t going to cause you a problem?’

  She shakes her head, reassuring me. ‘Not at all! That’s Jack, for you. He never passes on the details. I had planned on putting you in the room above here as it looks out over the bay. It’s a shame as it’s the only bedroom where the view is totally unobstructed by the trees. We don’t have any single rooms in the main house, but we do have two singles in the pool house. It’s the quieter side of the property, anyway. If Jack is up late and his music is blasting out, you’ll probably be glad to get away from the noise. He said you had about a ten hour drive to get here?’

  ‘Yes. We shared the driving so it wasn’t too bad.’

  She’s very friendly and easy to talk to – rather like Jack.

  ‘You sound excited about your new business venture. If Jack directs anyone your way, jump on it. He’s a bit flaky at times; he doesn’t mean to be but he has a short attention span. In fairness, he’s caught between an over achieving father, a scheming uncle and a lazy, good-for-nothing younger brother.’

  Jack and Sam are back, beer in hand.

  ‘Are you telling Anna my life story?’ Jack questions her.

  ‘Think I summed up your family very well. And I was generous. I held back the bit about petty jealousies and your mother’s temper tantrums.’

  I wince; that was rather harsh but Jack and Sam are laughing.

  ‘I’m saying nothing,’ Sam adds, confirming it’s probably all true.

  ‘I’m going to put you and Anna in the pool house, Sam. The added advantage is that you can come and go without being seen by anyone in the house.’

  Jack is quick to interrupt. ‘What she means, Anna, is that if you want to go skinny dipping in the moonlight after everyone is in bed, no one will bother you.’

  Well, if that sets the tone for this little jaunt then it’s going to be quite an eye-opener.

  It isn’t long until two other couples arrive. Before Sam and I go to unpack our bags a quick introduction is done for my benefit and I shake hands with Ethan and Jane, and Andy and Shellie. They greet Sam warmly. I begin to hope we aren’t going to be the only singletons here once everyone else has arrived.

  Bella passes Sam a key and explains that our bags have already been carried across from the car. In case there’s anything else we need, she hands me a slip of paper with her mobile number printed on it, saying I should simply text her.

  ‘We don’t dress up, so casual is fine. Dinner is at eight, here. See you a little later.’

  As we walk off together I nearly forget and go to take Sam’s hand. Whether it’s a comfort thing or not, I don’t know because it was instinctive.

  ‘Sorry! All this couple thing is a bit much. It won’t just be us, will it, as the unattached ones?’

  ‘Could be, I’m afraid. That’s the trouble with losing touch with people, you forget how many years have passed and how much life can be packed into those years. Bella is a pleasant surprise.’

  My phone pings, and Sam looks at me.

  ‘It will be Dad replying to my text to say we’ve arrived safely. I’ll call them in the morning. I need to shower and change. I’m hopi
ng that will counteract the tiredness. You drove for longer than I did, so you must be feeling it, too.’

  He shrugs. ‘I’ll be honest and say that it was a journey I wasn’t looking forward to but now I know all about carpool karaoke I’m sorted for the future.’

  I burst out laughing.

  ‘Are you laughing AT me, or WITH me?’

  ‘You’re such a dinosaur at times, Sam. When you said you like to turn up the volume when you’re at home, I bet it’s all classic old rock, isn’t it?’

  He pretends to be upset and busies himself unlocking the door to the pool house.

  It’s probably three times the size of a normal person’s house; well, what I consider normal. The entrance door is at the side and as it swings open there is a staircase to our immediate right. In front of us is a large open plan kitchen/dining/sitting area, looking out onto a large secluded courtyard garden. Well, it’s so full of plants, trees, shrubs and pots, that it looks a bit like a mini jungle but everything is beautifully maintained and sculpted.

  ‘This is amazing,’ I can’t contain my excitement and I can see that Sam is impressed.

  ‘I didn’t come inside the pool house when I visited before. I thought it was smaller, though. Or maybe it’s been extended. Let’s look upstairs.’

  Sam indicates for me to go first and I’m surprised when the stairs lead into quite a narrow corridor. It’s light, because the back wall has six windows, each with a pair of white shutters. The view out across the courtyard garden is lush and green, and beyond that are the grounds to the side of the main house. Tall trees obscure most of it, which adds to the sense of privacy here.

  Just as I’m wondering whether the upstairs might be a bit of a let-down compared to downstairs, Sam swings open the first bedroom door and then all becomes clear. We both walk in marvelling at the panoramic view in front of us. We are directly above the changing rooms and before us the infinity pool stretches out with seemingly no divide between it and the blue of the ocean beyond.