The Vineyard

by Karen Aldous

  ‘Yes, I’m proud but it’s all down to the team we have,’ Lizzie said, picking up her post. ‘If you didn’t work so well together, we wouldn’t have gained the reputation we have.’

  Lizzie appreciated she could not have done it without the dedication of Josephine, a forty two year old mother of a teenager, who had worked at the salon for ten years before Lizzie took over the business, just over three years ago, so she had all the qualities and experience. She could also depend on Josephine to gear up for the busy season: extra staff or good freelancers would be contracted in for the high-profile festivals of Cannes, and the Monaco Grand Prix. It was Cannes’ most intense season. Lizzie knew she’d met the high standards when celebrity agents as well as high-profile film and entertainment industry VIPs, men and women, called her salon.

  She threw herself into her work on the preparations. The salon was, conveniently, just a short walk from her apartment, just off the Marche Gambet, on a street where cars and delivery vans slid periodically in and out of tight parking bays. The terrace of shops was typical of the commercial buildings built in the early 1900s. Beaute Dedans was distinguished by the luxuriant large tinted double-glazed frontage which suffused the salon in sunshine and diffused any traffic noise. Inside, air conditioning maintained an ambient air temperature.

  Lucie handed her the daily rota which Josephine produced every morning. ‘Madame D’Aramitz said yesterday again, how impressed she was.’

  ‘Thank you. Oh, that’s very generous of her.’ Lizzie eased herself onto one of the two leather sofas occupying the space to one side of the main door and facing the glass-fronted counter. Josephine had already gone over the diary and rota so that all the treatments tied in with the rooms and their corresponding therapists. She checked down the rota and glanced up at as Betty, the cleaner, hurried in.

  ‘Yes, all done and in use,’ Betty confirmed, straightening her handbag. ‘See you tomorrow. I’m in an hour earlier so just leave a note if you need anything in particular done.’

  ‘Thank you Betty. Will do,’ Lizzie replied, watching the older lady step nimbly out the door.

  Betty was a treasure. She not only cleaned the four treatment rooms, but also the hair washing room, which really needed more work as it was a kitchen speedily transformed but Betty kept it looking sprightly. Plus linen and product supplies were replenished after she dusted. This helped Lizzie enormously as Betty kept stock and recorded it meticulously, so figures for sales and what needed re-ordering from the suppliers were available when they called in.

  The fresh, welcoming appearance of the reception was also a credit to Betty who tenaciously polished the silver-flecked, black granite floor and matching surfaces encasing reception. It was her pride and joy. Betty was often heard singing with gusto as she made sure no cobwebs or dust got missed. A few hours every morning may supplement her pension but she admitted she got huge enjoyment from cleaning and being among the warm friendly, staff.

  Lizzie handed some paperwork over to Josephine. ‘When you’re free, could you come up to the office?’ she asked her.

  Lizzie dropped into her chair in the office and had to admit to herself she was struggling. The last few days had really drained her and she couldn’t now think straight with all the issues she had fighting for attention in her head. Right now however, she had to forget Cal, her mother and Anton and think about finding some workable space. Coordinating treatment times was becoming difficult because of the time clients needed to recover, dress and re-apply make-up.

  Josephine came up to the office prepared with her notepad and pen at the ready. ‘Lucie’s bringing up the coffee,’ she said, watching Lizzie gaze thoughtfully at the wall.

  ‘Oh, well done, just what I need right now.’ Lizzie licked her lips, ‘I know this will be a bit tight but we need to add some cubicles somewhere or at least some space for, let’s call it recovery.

  ‘Do you think clients would be happy to wander around in a robe, stripped of their make-up?’

  ‘No, but that’s why I need to set up a meeting with Jean-Luc – see if he can come up with some ideas tout de suite.’

  ‘He’s never going to get all that worked out and done in two weeks.’

  ‘Well if I don’t ask, I won’t know. I’ll ring him but meanwhile, see what you can come up with; however outrageous? I’ve been a bit distracted lately, I should have dealt with this sooner,’ Lizzie admitted.

  ‘You can never predict customer behaviour. But bookings for the festival season have increased.’ Josephine ran her pen over the forecast schedule.

  Lizzie scratched her neck. ‘Yes, particularly in the salon. That’s a little odd. Maybe clients find it more relaxing in the treatment rooms than in their hotels or apartments.’

  ‘I would,’ Josephine confessed.

  ‘Anyway, let me know your thoughts as soon as you can and I’ll call Jean-Luc now.’

  ***

  Obligingly, Jean-Luc was at the salon later that afternoon making notes and drawings with Lizzie. So it was agreed, and a three-day work schedule was put in place for the following week and Lizzie briefed the staff all about the changes.

  After the hectic few weeks of festival madness, she made a point of inviting the staff out as a tribute to their hard work and dedication. She booked out the first floor of the local pizza restaurant Xavier La Pizzaiola to begin the evening. Everyone loved this venue for its novelty spectacle where the chef freshly prepared his pastry and toppings then cooked the pizzas in the large pizza oven at the front of the restaurant. He was fascinating to watch and the food was scrummy. After too much food and wine, they walked down to La Chunga for more drinks. It was on her return that Lizzie noticed a sign along the Rue Antibes. She took out her mobile phone straightaway and dialled her friend.

  ‘Sophie, sorry it’s so late but you must have a look at this.’

  ‘Lizzie, do you know it’s gone midnight and I am in bed?’

  ‘I know but I was so excited.’ Lizzie was high on adrenalin. ‘It’s a double-fronted shop on the Rue Antibes. I’ve looked it up online and sent you the link. Please will you have a look as soon as you get up in the morning?’

  ‘Yes, if it’s that good.’

  ‘Sorry again to wake you but I wanted to catch you before you went to work. Ring me once you have a chance to look?’

  Chapter 7

  Two weeks later Sophie arrived in Cannes a day earlier than planned. Although she was due at Lizzie’s flat in readiness for the trip to the Luberon, it was a good opportunity to first view the commercial premises her friend was so obviously mad about.

  ‘I am a bit worried about the price Liz, I mean, a prime position like Rue Antibes is going to command a premium isn’t it?’

  ‘Well yes, but think about it? That is where it’s at. Our clients will expect it. We’ll have our regulars because it’s only a short distance from the existing salon, and of course the external bookings such as the yachts, apartments and hotels will stay the same but we will get far more tourist traffic and vicinity traffic. There are clients from local towns that will come to Rue Antibes to shop but wouldn’t necessarily go near the current salon because it’s off the beaten track.’

  ‘Right, so it would also drive more traffic for the aesthetic beauty side too. I mean it’s not too commercial a site is it?’

  ‘It’s perfect, location, size, looks spacious. You wait ‘til you see it. I’m sure you’ll agree,’ Lizzie said, with a higher level of enthusiasm, if that was at all possible. ‘Plus the cellar I believe isn’t used currently so that could be utilized. Anyway, we’ll decide once we go along and see it.’

  ‘What time is the appointment?’

  ‘It was for tomorrow morning but I’ve asked the agent if we can go this afternoon.’ Lizzie scrunched up her nose in her little sister way she did with Sophie. ‘I’m waiting for a call. Do you want coffee?’

  ‘Love one. Where’s Thierry?’

  ‘Marie-Claire takes him to a toddler group today from two to f
our. Sit on the terrace and I’ll bring you a drink. We have some catching up to do.’

  Minutes later, Lizzie arrived with coffee. Sophie had made herself comfortable under the canopy and out of the pulsating sunshine.

  ‘I have never been so excited in my life. And you will be down here with us and working with me.’ Lizzie pulled her chair in closer to Sophie.

  ‘I know. It’s my dream come true too. Though, naturally, I’m apprehensive.’

  ‘I’m pretty sure once you get going it’ll be fine. You’ll have income too, from the university, won’t you?’

  ‘Oh yes, and I have more savings to put into the business but I’m hoping that the university work will cover day-to-day living. I’ll just find a small apartment for now. I’m letting my Paris apartment and I have one week officially left at the hospital when I return.’

  ‘That’s come round quick. Why didn’t you tell me, we could have gone next week to the Luberon?’

  ‘No. I need to tie up all the loose ends, I won’t move down for a few more weeks. Mid July or thereabouts.’

  ‘Well stay here and take your time looking for an apartment. We’ll sort something out. There’s no point in rushing into something. I’ll help you and you can spend some time getting to know the salon and the business.’

  ‘Thanks. That sounds like a good plan.’

  ‘I’ve been doing some thinking, since I returned from visiting my mother, I mean, and since you announced your plans. I think I was overdramatic about the land, my inheritance.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Well, put it this way, am I honestly going to return to England?’

  ‘Tricky one as you now seem so settled here.’

  ‘Exactly. I’ve moved on from my girlish dreams.’

  ‘I think it was the circumstances too. It was natural to feel betrayed, especially as you had just learned of your Grandfather’s death. I think I would have reacted the same. And, to be honest, if you were there, I’m sure your mother would have consulted you.’

  ‘Oh I’m not saying I would trust my mum a jot. I’m not so sure she would have wanted my input but I know this. I began this business as a necessity. I was probably just fortunate in that it was an area I was familiar with. I was always trying out new make-up and creams. Mum always had products sent to her as a magazine beauty editor.’ Lizzie suddenly faltered with an unexpected surge of emotion as she recollected childhood dreams and her grandfather. She wiped the corners of her eyes. ‘Sorry. My point is, that from messing about I’ve built mine and Thierry’s future, so being realistic, I’m never going to go home and make a life there as a riding school instructor, mucking out other people’s horses. Not when I’m happy here.’

  ‘Well that is how I would read it too. You ok?’

  ‘Fine. It happens now and again. I just choke up.’ Lizzie sniffed. ‘I, with you, want to grow this business. I feel rather stupid. Mum was right. I’ve not taken any interest in it. I don’t think I can remember how to ride a horse anymore let alone run an equestrian centre.’

  At that moment, the telephone rang and Lizzie grabbed the phone and then headed towards the open terrace doors. ‘Ok. We can go down and meet the agent at three o’clock,’ she told Sophie. ‘This is so exciting!’

  ‘Please don’t get your hopes up too much. It’s still down to finances and work, remember. And, what if the cosmetic surgery side doesn’t take off?’

  ‘Oh and birds don’t have feathers?’ said Lizzie locking up the terrace doors. ‘Of course it will. Who else has all this under one roof? We have the best beauticians, currently working to capacity, and I’ve got more wanting to come in. Good people too.’

  ‘Really? I do need to get to know this business more.’

  ‘It will come Sophie, the knowledge will come.’

  ‘I hope so.’

  ‘Here, could you note down any repairs you think we need to do?’ Lizzie asked with a wry smile. ‘Hopefully we can make some assessment of expenditure.’

  Outside the premises they met Monsieur Tasse, the commercial agent, waiting in a casual pair of khaki trousers smartened with a navy cloth jacket. In his arms was a file topped with a form. He greeted them both and then presented the folder to Lizzie.

  ‘I just need you to sign here before we go in,’ he told her.

  ‘Brilliant. Did you bring a legal pack with you?’

  ‘Yes, some basics and I will explain things as we go round.’

  As they shuffled around behind Monsieur Tasse, Lizzie took photos and made notes on what changes she could visualise in the space and Sophie, as Lizzie instructed, noted the areas needing work.

  Armed with their photos and lists, they set off back to Lizzie’s apartment, expressing to Monsieur Tasse their interest and that they would let him know, as soon as possible. There was no doubt of its potential. The ground and first floors would add more than adequate work space but the basement was disappointing in that it needed so much work.

  In eager chatter they returned to a light tea with Thierry, who happily relayed news of the contents of his packed suitcase. Lizzie packed some final items for their trip to the Luberon and set them aside ready to put in the car for the morning.

  ‘We might as well have some time out,’ Lizzie said, throwing the last bag down in the hall. ‘Let’s celebrate our new venture. Go over our plans.’

  ‘Sounds good to me, although I thought you’d want an early night as we are off early tomorrow,’ challenged Sophie.

  ‘I’m too excited to sleep.’

  ‘Me too.’ Sophie threw back her shoulders and punched her fists in the air. ‘Whoa, I’m so happy.’

  ‘Oh, it’s fabulous. A lot of money but… and, I should really get some sleep, but hey ho, I’m in holiday mode now. I really need this break although, I have to say, my girls have worked very hard too. Do you know, most of the Cannes salon staff have worked from seven in the morning ’til nine and ten at night during the events?’

  ‘I can believe it. This place is a ‘glamour magnet’ attracting so many people. Well I’ll be here for it all next year. I can’t wait! I’ll get to hang out here during next year’s film festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. That’s a huge mix of people and hopefully they’ll all be spending money!’

  ‘Well Monaco is bloody expensive and is just a few stops on the train so Cannes probably accommodates more people than Monaco that week.’

  ‘Well I know where I’d rather stay.’

  ‘Nothing to do with your budget then darling?’ asked Lizzie, wryly.

  ‘Jest you may, but no. I don’t really get Monaco.’

  ‘Maybe you will when we’ve built this business big enough!’ Lizzie jibed, ‘But yes it can seem a bit sterile most of the year. I hear there are so many lovely places along this coastline and, of course in the hills. I still haven’t got out much to explore the area and I’ve been living here nearly four years!’

  ‘Liven up,’ Sophie squeezed her friend’s arm, ‘Can’t you find time to get out whilst you’re bringing up a baby and building an empire? Slacking or what?’

  Lizzie giggled. ‘Well, at least I, or we, are addressing it, are we not? Sooo…exciting eh?’ She grabbed Sophie’s arm and they ran out of the apartment and marched along the narrow street. ‘Bonnieux tomorrow. I feel like an excited child all over again.’

  ‘I’m really looking forward to just spending time with you and Thierry. He is such a sweetie. You have done a great job with him Lizzie. And, he is so cute. I’ve never seen a boy so beautiful.’

  ‘Well, I’m biased I know but yes, he is beautiful. I also think Marie-Claire is extremely good with him. I was lucky to have found her. I think I told you, she’s Betty’s niece. She learned fast and is firm but fair with him where behaviour is concerned. She also has an uncanny knack for being able to get down on his level. She plays with him like a responsible big sister.’

  ‘I agree you’ve been fortunate, particularly as I’ve heard it’s rare to keep a good au pair, but you h
ave to take credit too.’

  ‘I’ve never really thought about it. Any of it. I just moved to France, got pregnant, had a child and built up a beauty business. All I know is that when we came down to Cannes, I was hooked. This place just felt right. I knew when I discovered I was pregnant, I was going to settle here and provide for us both.’

  ‘You’ll be telling me next you planned the baby!’ Sophie teased as they now weaved back along the Rue Antibes.

  ‘Ha. Ha. I don’t think I could have planned such a perfect outcome as this. Well, I don’t know now what’s going to happen with Anton. I really couldn’t imagine him having access to Thierry. It just doesn’t seem natural.’

  ‘Well from what you told me on the phone, if he insists, he will probably be entitled to access.’

  I think I know that but I’m in denial. I want him to go off the idea. Anyway, I don’t think he wants a son necessarily. I think he’s scared. He doesn’t want anyone else to have his son. It’s probably more to do with the way he is. He just has to be in charge making sure everyone is doing what he wants.’

  Do you think it would have worked if you were in a relationship – not with him, any other? A marriage or lived with a partner?’

  ‘Phuuhhh,’ Lizzie burst into laughter.’ Anyone but him!! Uumm. I’ve not stopped to think about that either. I don’t know the answer to that. I don’t do a lot of thinking do I?’

  ‘Maybe it’s best that way.’ Sophie caught her infectious laughter.

  ‘Well put it this way, I haven’t missed having a man around. The downside I suppose, I pay for any work I need doing. The few friends I hang out with are pleasant, male and female, we have a laugh. Occasionally, and I mean very occasionally, I get a bit of action. Nothing serious, but since I had Thierry, I think it’s suited me.’

  ‘Oh, I think it sounds ideal and simple. Keep it simple. That’s what I need to do.’ They turned the corner and the darkness of the night sky over the sea told them they were close to the bar. Sophie continued, ‘I always end up getting involved don’t I? I need to keep my love life casual too.’