by Lucy Coleman
‘Wow. Now that is a million dollar view if ever I saw one. Are both rooms the same?’ I wonder out loud.
We open another door and pop our heads into the en-suite bathroom, which is spacious and has one of the most luxurious finishes I’ve ever seen. White marble with the tiniest touch of silver grey running through it seems to encase the entire room, in the middle of which is a slate grey tub.
‘Is that actually made of slate?’ I walk in to touch it, unable to figure out whether it is stone or some man-made material.
Sam follows me over. ‘It feels like stone. It must weigh a ton.’
There’s a separate shower cubicle alongside a double vanity unit and toilet.
‘Can I choose which room?’ I ask, cheekily heading off in the direction of the other en-suite bedroom.
They are mirror images, so there’s little to choose between them and the only thing that differentiates them is a splash of colour on the bedding and on an iconic reclining chair and stool, probably designed by the late Pierre Paulin and upholstered to match the theme.
‘Silver grey with a pop of lime green, or silver grey with a pop of mango?’ I level at Sam, unable to choose.
‘That’s mango? How do you know that?’
‘I work with graphics, remember? Colours are my thing and it’s one of the in colours. Like watered down orange.’
‘Okay. I’ll take the lime green. Did you notice the connecting door between the bedrooms? Thank goodness we’re not sharing a bathroom.’
I spin around and sure enough, there it is. I reach for the handle and it isn’t locked. There’s no key.
I had already noticed the beds aren’t singles, as Bella indicated, but queen size at least, maybe king size. I wonder if Bella put us here because of the connecting door?
‘Can I trust you?’ Sam asks in earnest, before letting out a loud guffaw.
‘Harrumph. I think I’m going to sleep like a log tonight, so the answer is yes, you can trust me.’
‘Phew. It’s a fair distance to drag that reclining chair just to jam it under the handle.’
I’m trying to shake my head at him but I’m laughing too much.
‘Time to unpack and I really do need to stand under an icy cold shower to wake me up.’ I glance at my watch wondering if there’s time to have a short nap and dry my hair. Maybe.
‘I’ll swap the bags over. Mine are in here and yours are in the green room. You just can’t get the staff these days, they’re always getting it wrong,’ he mutters in jest as he carries his suitcase out through the door.
I flop down on the bed as elegantly as I can so as not to totally mess it up. The softness envelops my body and I realise how tired I am. It’s been a weird sort of day, well, it’s a long way. I’m used to spending the day working alongside Sam but usually we’re both concentrating on the task in hand. Today it’s all been personal stuff or just banter between friends.
‘Here you go. I’m going to shower and have a nap. If you want to meet up before eight o’clock either text me or knock on our door.’
He glances at me and I can’t stop my lips from curling up.
‘It wasn’t planned, really. I had no idea where we were going to stay.’ Sam says, looking just a little uneasy.
‘I know. Bella originally planned for us to share a room in the main house, until I explained our situation.’
Neither of us are smiling and I know what I’m thinking, but I wonder what Sam’s thinking. Would it be the worst thing ever if—?
‘Right, see you later.’ He turns and closes the door on his way out and I realise I’m not even sure how to finish that sentence. What I do know is that the look Sam gave me before he turned to leave wasn’t a look I’ve ever seen on his face before.
Time to Party
Standing under a cool shower I switch off from everything, letting the water wash away the dust and heat of the day. A quick towel dry and a blast of warm air on my hair and I’m ready to set the alarm on my phone and sink down onto the bed for thirty minutes. As soon as my eyelids touch I’m transported somewhere else as sleep immediately claims me.
When my phone begins buzzing I reach across and hit dismiss, feeling surprisingly refreshed but very, very hungry.
Unpacking my case and hanging up some clothes I’m glad that most things I possess can be rolled and don’t need to be ironed. It’s hotter this evening than it has been all day, so I choose a long, silky, floral dress with simple spaghetti straps. It’s mainly blues and greens. Sporting quite a tan now, I’m reasonably happy with the reflection I see in the mirror. Now for my hair.
I wander into the bathroom, turning on the lighting above the large vanity area, bathing it in a crisp white glow. Oh no! Falling asleep with slightly damp hair was a mistake and my usual sleek bob is curling. It’s too hot to deal with hair straighteners, so instead I grab a handful of mousse and scrunch it all up, accentuating the curl. While that dries, I put on a little eyeshadow and mascara, finishing off with a touch of coral lipstick.
‘Not bad.’ I say to the person in the mirror. She stares back at me. ‘Are you trying to impress someone tonight?’ I shake my head and push all thoughts away.
Five minutes and the mousse is dry. I finish off with a shine serum, scrunching the curls in handfuls. It’s a different me, one who takes the time to glance in the mirror, rather than pass it by. Will Sam notice the difference? Probably not, but I don’t want to let him down in front of his friends. We aren’t a couple, but the people you choose to associate with say a lot about you. So tonight, I’m going to be the party me; the mixer; the happy girl and not the worrier.
As if on cue, there’s a knock on the connecting door.
‘Is it okay to come in?’
It must be nearly eight o’clock.
‘Yes, I’m almost ready,’ I call through the open bathroom door.
I head back into the bedroom to put on some dangly silver earrings and my watch, but as I walk past Sam he does a double take.
‘Um… I didn’t think it was you for a moment there. You look… different. I mean, good, but different.’
He shifts awkwardly from one foot to the other as I look him up and down. He’s wearing a crisp white linen shirt, open at the neck and with his cuffs folded back to just below the elbow. His trousers are a dark tan colour and his shoes a couple of shades darker. He looks cool, handsome and if he thinks I look different, I have to report that in my opinion he definitely wins this one, hands down. I realise he’s staring back at me, nervous about my reaction.
‘Well, look at you! Guess we both scrub up rather well. Are you nervous?’
He hasn’t smiled since he walked through the door and he looks rather worried.
‘Is there anything wrong? Is this too much?’ I look down at my dress wondering if I should have gone for something knee length.
‘No. It’s perfect. You’re perfect.’
We’re standing no more than three feet apart. ‘Are we having some sort of moment here? Because this could be awkward.’
‘I know. I’m thinking the same thing. I wasn’t expecting this: were you?’
I shake my head.
‘Well, the only thing I know for sure at this moment is that I’m starving. How about you?’
‘Agreed,’ I answer, willing my voice not to waver.
Then Sam does something I wasn’t expecting. He reaches out and takes my hand.
‘Do you mind?’ he asks.
His skin is surprisingly cool to the touch, but his hand is firm and the skin a little rough. There’s a gentleness, though, as he gives my own hand a reassuring squeeze before we walk out of the room together.
It’s the first thing that Bella notices and she flashes me a smile when her eyes move up from our hands to my face. Her look is one of surprise and I think that maybe she’s a little intrigued. Thankfully, there are people milling around and too much going on for eyes to be trained on Sam and me. As soon as we’re offered drinks Sam reluctantly releases my hand. His eye
s catch mine for one very brief moment, as if to reassure himself that I’m okay, even though he can see I’m a little anxious. But I can also see that he’s nervous, too, but he’s trying his hardest not to show it.
Jack approaches us and taps his glass, interrupting the general hubbub of conversation.
‘Hey guys. We’re quite a group tonight so I’ll do a quick intro or this is going to delay dinner. Newcomers to this year’s gathering are Anna here, and Jane. He touches each of us on our shoulders by way of introduction. Sam and Ethan, shame on you because you have been missed. The regulars, starting from this side – Chris, Marcus and Jade, Andy and Carla, Pete and Jeremy. Oh, that made it sound like Pete and Jeremy are here together, they’re not, although they might have arrived—’
Jack is rambling and he pauses, losing his chain of thought as there’s a ripple of laughter.
‘Anyway, that makes us thirteen in total and as those who know me are well aware – what’s my lucky number?’
There’s a chorus of ‘Thirteen!’ followed by a round of applause.
‘Now everyone, please take a seat as dinner is ready and we can’t keep chef waiting. The bar is over there so if you haven’t already got a drink, or your glass is dry, wander over. Once dinner is done we can get the music started.’
Sam shepherds me to the far end of the oblong table where there are two seats side by side. I’m rather relieved as I was beginning to wonder whether we’d get split up and that thought is a bit daunting, given that I’ve only spoken to Jack and Bella so far. They are sitting directly opposite us. However, the other nine people are in between us and at least seated where we are, it’s easier for us to talk quietly to each other without being overheard.
‘Is this a bit much for you?’ Sam leans into me, his face inches from mine.
‘I’m good, don’t worry. He didn’t mention Harry’s name. Is he here?’
‘No.’
I turn to look at Sam, seeing the slight frown and wanting to smooth it away.
‘I’m glad. Let’s just enjoy tonight and the ambience. Relax, catch up with old friends and don’t feel the need to watch over me all the time. Honestly, I’m used to making idle chatter at functions and work events. I was nervous because I didn’t want to let you down and I wasn’t sure what people would think… about the fact that I’m here with you.’
His gaze doesn’t waver from mine.
‘You could never let anyone down and everyone is wondering who you are. I feel proud sitting here with you by my side, Anna. I know this is all totally alien to us both and what we’ve shared today has given us a better mutual understanding, but I don’t want to overstep the mark. I’ll be guided by you. And, of course I’m going to be one step behind you. I know these guys of old.’
‘You do know what they’ll be thinking, don’t you?’
I take my eyes off him, pretending to be absorbed by the beautifully presented starter that has just been placed in front of me.
‘I’m not complaining. Are you?’
‘No. This looks too good to eat.’
We’re back to the eye contact and we smile at each other.
‘Well,’ he leans in even closer now to whisper into my ear, ‘I hope there’s more to come – later.’
I nod in agreement, then realise that I might have missed an innuendo there. This certainly isn’t the Sam I know, but then I will admit that I was the one who started this back in the pool house earlier.
*
Fine dining is wonderful because it isn’t heavy and each course is a delight in terms of taste and presentation. At the end of the meal the chef appears and there’s a huge round of applause. I don’t recognise his name but everyone is fawning over him and I gather he’s one of the top names in France. I’m afraid the only chefs I know are the ones who have a TV programme.
As soon as the meal is over Jack and Bella lead us through the garden to a vast patio area surrounded by trees full of tiny white lights. At one end is a booth and the music begins almost immediately. At ground level, pale blue lighting makes the patio look like a dance floor and I realise that these are serious party people.
Once again, Sam has my hand clasped in his and it doesn’t feel strange but rather comforting. I tell myself it’s because we’re both a little out of our comfort zone and all we’re doing is supporting each other.
‘Hey, Sam! My man, it’s been a long time!’
I slip my hand out of Sam’s clasp so that he can shake the hand being offered to him.
‘Anna, this is Andy. I’m ashamed to admit that this guy bailed me out whenever I’d had one beer too many. I was a little reckless when I first hit uni.’
Andy gives Sam a bear hug.
‘I’ve missed you, man, and I’m glad to see you looking so well. This is my extremely talented girlfriend, Shellie.’
‘Lovely to meet you all.’
She’s very shy and looks nervously from Sam to me and back again, not sure what to do. I step forward and we air kiss. When I step back Sam does the same and I can see she’s grateful we made the first move. I don’t like to dive in and ask what she does, given the way Andy introduced her, but I’m curious.
‘Have you come far?’ I ask her and immediately she tucks in next to me, leaving the guys to chat.
‘We flew into Paris from London yesterday. We stayed overnight and drove down today. It was a long way and it took over nine hours – we’re both shattered!’
‘Same here! We drove down the other side of France, from the Loire-Atlantique region. We shared the driving so it wasn’t quite so bad.’
Shellie shakes her head. ‘Oh, I’m an awful driver and I admit that. Driving on the other side of the road would take me from bad to dangerous!’
She’s a little unusual but very grounded and funny.
‘Do you work, Anna?’
Guess I was being a bit cautious just now, as she is very friendly.
‘Yes, I’m helping Sam renovate a gîte at my parents’ place, but I’m only in France for the summer and then I’m heading back to the UK. I’m taking the plunge and setting up my own business. I focus on branding, building websites, creating logos, that type of thing.’
‘Oh, I’m envious of your skills. I’m an artist and a struggling one at that. I’ll probably become famous after I’m dead, knowing my luck. Andy is introducing me to people to get the word around, because gallery space is expensive and I have nowhere to showcase my work.’
Now I can either commiserate and move on, or I can offer some advice and risk sounding like I’m touting for business again.
‘Do you have a website?’
‘No, and I know that I’m missing a trick there but my work consumes me. Andy had to drag me here, even though the thought of Paris and Cannes were such a temptation.’
Andy and Sam join us, eager to see why we’re chatting away so intently.
‘It’s an easy way to showcase your work,’ I continue. ‘And you can advertise your website via Twitter and Facebook, or any of the social media platforms. It takes a while to build your following but it’s an option well worth considering.’
She turns to Andy. ‘Did you hear that? I know I need a website and it’s Anna’s line of work. What does it involve?’ She turns back to face me, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.
Andy laughs. ‘It involves a lot of things you won’t understand, darling, and its way beyond me, too.’
‘Here’s my phone Anna, pop your number in and I’ll give you a call when I get back to London. I’m so glad we met tonight because I wouldn’t have known where to go to get this sorted and, clearly, I need an expert to do it for me.’ I take Shellie’s phone and tap away.
Shellie casts a glance across at Andy, who is smiling amiably.
‘I’m not a computer geek, what can I say? Okay, I’ll pay for it – will that make you happy?’
She links arms with Andy. ‘My hero. Isn’t he just the best?’
Sam and I look on, amused. This must be the wackiest cou
ple I’ve ever met, but then an artist has a very different temperament and Andy’s humble, almost deferential personality, is probably the perfect foil.
‘Time to get a drink I think, Anna. We’ll catch you later, guys.’
Sam doesn’t just grab my hand but yanks me off in the direction of the bar.
‘Thank you for rescuing me,’ I whisper as I tuck in close behind him.
‘You’re like a one woman sales team. I can’t let you out of my sight. It’s time to relax. Now, what are you drinking?’
We slide onto the tall stools and I survey the well stocked bar. Jack sidles up next to me.
‘I came over to ask for a dance after you’ve had your drink. I won’t ask Sam because he’ll say no.’
The bar tender is waiting expectantly.
‘Can I have an espresso martini, please?’
He looks at me without blinking an eyelid. ‘Of course, mademoiselle. Is that just the one?’
His accent is meltingly gorgeous. He has the most beautiful eyes.
‘I’ll have one too,’ Sam throws in.
‘Make that three please, Anton.’
I feel like a rose between two thorns and lean back as the guys lean forward, conspiratorially, to talk in front of me.
‘I didn’t realise she was so high maintenance,’ Jack says, looking at Sam. ‘This is a first, isn’t it, Anton?’
‘Oui. But it just ’appens to be my speciality.’
‘That’s why my father poached him from his best friend,’ Jack informs Sam, continuing to pass banter back and forth.
‘I am here, guys, and there is nothing at all wrong with my hearing.’
Anton ignores what’s going on and prepares each cocktail individually. I’m delighted to see he adds the freshly made espresso last of all, although I would have added some ice before tipping it into the cocktail shaker.
‘I’m impressed, Anton. This is a drink that cannot be made in bulk.’
‘Ah, mademoiselle, that is part of the secret and the espresso must be added last while still fresh and hot, only to be cooled by the ice.’
The measure of Tia Maria looked wrong to me and this could have an off putting bitter taste if the coffee isn’t full bodied. He gives the mixture a few shakes, deftly using his wrist action to full effect and pours the cocktail, adding three coffee beans to the top as decoration.
