What Happens in France

by What Happens in France (retail) (epub)

  He gave a small nod. ‘Anyway, I licked my wounds, chose a new destination and got a grip on my life.

  ‘I shed the weight. Stress played its part along with resolute determination. I moved out to another flat in London. I ran every single day and once I’d dropped the first stone, I started working out at the gym. The rest of the blubber fell away pretty quickly in fact. I worked hard at it. Spent endless hours on the cardio machines and then working out with weights. I was like a man possessed. I not only lost the weight I put on, I lost more and more. I kept at it. I had a crazy notion that if Maxwell saw me looking more like my old self or even better than that, she’d fall for me again.’

  He looked across at a couple wrapped in each other, walking down the path, oblivious to his pain.

  Bryony broke his silence. ‘She didn’t want to give it another go?’

  In a hoarse whisper he replied, ‘She’d moved on too. Potts was a fixture in her life. He moved in with her, into our old flat.’ Lewis shook his head, eyes filled with pain. There was a catch in his voice. ‘How could I ever compare to the wonderful, clever, macho Professor David Potts? She’d never choose me over him. The rest you know. I gave up and moved to Derby.’

  ‘How can you think that way? To start with, you’re macho too, but people don’t get together with people just because they’re macho. You’re more than that. And you’re buff. I’ve seen you with your shirt off and Melinda commented on your bum last time you visited. Said she wanted to take a bite out of it.’

  He offered her a small smile.

  ‘You have so much more to offer – you’re entertaining, witty and massive fun to be with. Even Melinda agrees on that score and she’s really difficult to please. I’ve loved being with you here in France. And you have plenty of intelligence. Look how we got on today and a lot of that was down to you. You knew things I didn’t know. Potts may know stuff about science but I bet he wouldn’t have been able to navigate French streets in a rickety French car. And I think you’d even stand a fair chance of beating me at Scrabble,’ she added gently, smiling at him. ‘After all, you did win the UK Under 13s Scrabble competition. I think Maxwell is a prize chump. She had something special – a wonderful man who loved her – and she threw that away.’

  Lewis nodded. ‘Thanks. I shouldn’t let Potts get to me but seeing his smug face bought it all back.’

  Bryony thought for a second before saying, ‘It’s not fair to put you through this. You shouldn’t have to put up with Potts as a presenter. I’ll tell Laura we don’t want to continue and we’ll pull out. They’ll have to find someone else.’

  Lewis gave her a thoughtful look. ‘You would pull out, wouldn’t you?’

  ‘Too right I would. I’d much rather we throw in the towel than you have to face that man. Sometimes it’s best to walk away from the past.’

  Lewis held out a hand. She took it and he squeezed hers lightly. ‘Thanks, but I’m no quitter. Potts may have won Maxwell but you and I are going to win this contest and you’re going to get every possible chance to appeal for your sister. Come on. Let’s get back to the others. We have a contest to win.’

  She slipped her arm through his and they sauntered back towards the group.

  ‘Did Melinda really say she liked my bum?’ he asked.

  CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

  TUESDAY, 25 JULY – EVENING

  ‘Welcome to the live edition of What Happens in… It’s Tuesday evening and we’ve reached the end of day two in the contest. Who will be sent home today and who will continue their journey in France? We’ll find out in a moment. The teams are gathered beside me in the gorgeous city of Rennes, known for its beautiful half-timbered houses and its magnificent cathedral, on a gloriously sunny evening. What a day it’s been! The contestants have been on a lengthy treasure hunt that saw them cover 256 kilometres and take in some wonderful sights this outstanding region in France has to offer.’

  David Potts was doing what he did best – schmoozing the audience. Roland and the crew were watching him, faces tense in case he made any errors, but tonight Professor Potts was on form. All the contestants were lined up in front of him, waiting to learn the results. A crowd of locals had also gathered on the square where the filming was taking place and were watching the proceedings with interest.

  ‘It’s been a day of drama, tears and tantrums. We’ve seen laughter with Jim and Oscar when Oscar’s dog, Biggie Small, decided to chase after a poodle, and witnessed Nicola and Donald’s full-blown row outside Vannes, which saw Nicola hitching a ride with a rival team from Grand Maison Bretagne, Evan and Thomas – our dynamic Welsh duo. Tonight, all the teammates are back together and waiting to discover who won the treasure hunt challenge, and who will be going back home tonight. Those who stay will be treated to a top meal at the fabulous Galopin restaurant here in magnificent Rennes… and the losers, a sandwich on a Ryanair flight back home.’

  He smiled affably at the contestants, his eyes resting on Bryony a fraction longer than on anyone else. ‘Without further ado, let’s find out who won today’s challenge.’

  He pressed a finger to his ear and spoke. ‘Nicola and Donald…’

  Nicola swallowed back tears.

  ‘You are… staying in France.’

  Nicola sobbed loudly and threw her arms around Donald’s waist. ‘Sorry I lost my temper,’ she said.

  ‘It’s fine. It’s okay,’ Donald replied, hugging her fiercely.

  ‘Terri and Hugh. You are also remaining on the show.’

  The contestants from the islands in Scotland, dressed in striped jumpers and both wearing false moustaches jumped up and down in delight and one broke into a Highland dance at the news.

  Potts beamed his bright gaze onto the next team. ‘Deepan and Mira... you are… staying!’ The young, quiet couple beamed and high-fived each other.

  Potts turned towards Oscar. ‘Oscar and Jim, and Biggie Smalls, you are…’ He lifted his head and waited several seconds, allowing the tension to mount, before he finished his sentence. ‘Staying.’

  Lewis edged closer to Bryony. The warmth rising from his body did little to comfort her. They’d done everything possible. They’d collected their treasures and got their clues correct. Had it been enough?

  ‘Evan and Thomas…’

  Her stomach flipped. Surely not? She reasoned if Nicola had joined them after leaving Donald, they might have had help interpreting the clues and beaten her and Lewis. Was that fair? She ought to challenge it even. Beside her Lewis was holding his breath. Potts continued.

  ‘I’m sorry to say, you will not be staying tonight. You must return to the hotel and pack your bags. Bon voyage. Give my love to Wales.’ He waggled fingers at the disappointed pair before facing the camera and revealing his white teeth again.

  ‘We now have six teams remaining but which of them won today’s challenge. Let’s look back over the highlights of today’s challenge as the contestants raced around this wonderful region, and then I’ll reveal all.’

  ‘Cut!’

  Nina charged forward with a bottle of water for Potts. He swigged it greedily then shouted, ‘Make-up! I need some of this sweat wiping from my brow. Christ, it’s bloody hot here. How long have we got?’

  ‘Five minutes.’

  ‘Mattie!’ Potts bellowed. She raced forward and powdered his face.

  The contestants shuffled from foot to foot. It was impossible to speak with microphone packs on. Lewis stepped forward and shook Evan and Hugh’s hands. The others followed suit, wishing them a good journey. The pair left the set with Nina.

  ‘Back to your places please. We’re going live again in a minute.’ Laura’s voice was loud.

  Bryony glanced around her. The park was huge at about ten hectares but retained an elegant, romantic feel with immaculately landscaped gardens, awash with colour. Ahead was a bed of vibrant oranges, yellows and reds – plants and flowers she didn’t recognize – and set between them, exotic grasses and yuccas. The grey blue lamppost adjacent to th
em was from a bygone era and she found herself wondering what it would have been like to have visited the gardens in the nineteenth century, attended the open-air theatre here, or listened to a concert while seated around the ornate bandstand. Her mind drifted to an image of ladies in crinoline dresses with bouffant hairstyles. Laura’s voice brought her back to the present.

  ‘Four…three…two… Live!’

  ‘Today, our teams were on an elaborate treasure hunt that saw them collecting objects and clues. It’s been tricky adding up all the scores in such a short time, but our production team have managed it and I can reveal that it was close – very close indeed, and the winners are… Oscar and Jim!’ Potts pointed at the pair and applauded.

  Laura’s eyebrows furrowed and she whispered something into her microphone. Potts pressed a finger to his ear to hear what was being said in his earpiece, shook his head slightly, and then glided forwards to congratulate the teammates. Oscar leapt up and down, clapping his hands together before grabbing hold of Jim and wrapping him in an embrace.

  Lewis squeezed Bryony’s hand. ‘Can’t win them all,’ he said.

  The recording ended and as they handed in their microphone packs, Bryony noticed Laura stalking towards Potts. Although she couldn’t hear what was being said, Laura was clearly annoyed with Potts who lifted both hands in a submissive gesture and kept smiling and shaking his head. In the end Laura stormed off, clipboard under her arm.

  ‘Come on. Let’s go and join the others for dinner. At least we’re still in the game,’ said Lewis.

  Bryony nodded. She’d have to try harder the following day if she wanted to get in front of that camera again. They meandered across to the other contestants, waiting to go to the restaurant. ‘Did you hear the goss?’ said Deepan as soon as they joined them.

  ‘Hear what?’

  ‘Potts screwed up the results. One of the technicians told me. Apparently the top two teams were extremely close – there was only one point in it, and Potts gave out the wrong result.’

  ‘Who was the other team?’

  ‘No one knows. Potts said it was an honest mistake and the production team are going to have to let it go because it was broadcast live, but Laura is furious with him.’

  ‘I don’t suppose it matters who won,’ said Mira, a gentle-faced woman with wide amber eyes and dark hair scraped from a beautifully calm face. ‘We all got through. It’s only a few minutes in front of the camera. It’s not like we lost the money or anything.’

  Deepan shrugged. ‘True but let’s hope he doesn’t get anything else wrong.’

  Oscar and Jim returned to the group. ‘The Prof let Biggie Smalls say hello. He waved a paw at all his fans! It was so exciting, wasn’t it, Biggie?’ The pug wrinkled his eyebrows. ‘And Jim said hello to his grandchildren and wife. I’m sure they’re very proud of him.’ Bryony smiled. Mira was right. The winners only got a few minutes camera time, and Oscar had clearly relished his time in front of the lens. It was just a shame she hadn’t had another opportunity to mention Hannah.

  CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

  WEDNESDAY, 26 JULY – MORNING

  The group was assembled once more in the library at Hotel Petit Château. Donald had given up on his kilt and had chosen a white T-shirt and jeans instead. Nicola and he were once again on friendly terms and had been guffawing together with Oscar when Bryony had appeared for breakfast.

  Laura stood, back to the wall, and smiled winningly at them all. ‘Great job, everyone. We got some superb footage of you on the treasure hunt, and you’ll be pleased to know a whopping three point four million viewers tuned in to watch the show yesterday! Pretty awesome stuff, eh?’

  The teams burst into spontaneous applause.

  ‘At this rate, you’ll all become household names and there’s been a lot of activity on social media,’ she said, looking pointedly at Bryony. Before Bryony could probe further Laura read from her agenda. ‘Today’s tasks are less arduous. You won’t have to drive hundreds of kilometres around the countryside in your friendly cars.

  ‘Shame,’ said Oscar. ‘I’m getting used to Bumble.’

  ‘Today we’re splitting you up.’

  There was a collective intake of surprise. Bryony threw Lewis a look of concern. He shrugged a response and waited for an explanation.

  ‘One contestant in each pair is going to be tested on their observational skills while the other person in the team will be challenged physically. It isn’t going to be too arduous, not a Ninja-style assault course or anything like that,’ she added, sensing the panic in the room. ‘All will be revealed at the destination. We’ll leave in the minibus in fifteen minutes so decide who’s doing what and those participating in the physical challenge, you’ll need trainers.

  The contestants scurried from the room in pairs, urgently deciding who was doing what. Lewis spoke first. ‘There’s no question about it, I’ll take the physical part. You’re way more observant than me.’

  ‘You reckon?’

  ‘Without doubt. I’m not in perfect shape but I can probably hold my own. I just hope I don’t let us down. I might be okay in the gym with Sean but some of the other teams look pretty fit. Deepan definitely looks like an athlete.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. Just treat it as a bit of fun. Remember how much you enjoyed strutting about on stage once you decided to playact a bit? Pretend you’re a top athlete or a Ninja Turtle or Superman. You’ll ace it. Can’t imagine either Nicola or Donald excelling in the physical side unless it’s tug-of-war and Donald is up for it – then we’re stuffed.’

  He chewed at his bottom lip. ‘Yeah, okay. I’ll try that Zoolander playacting thing again. Better get changed into my trainers and joggers. Meet you at the minibus.’

  Bryony headed outside and joined Jim. ‘Oscar’s going to take on the physical challenge. He’s such a nice lad. I’m thoroughly enjoying his company. In fact, I’m having quite a good time all round,’ he said. ‘Not had this much fun since I was in the army. We took on some difficult physical challenges back in those days. I detested the assault courses. There was one where we had to surmount an enormous wall at the beginning of the course. It was at least nine foot high and impossible to get over unless you helped each other. One of us would interlink our fingers like this,’ he demonstrated so his hands were palm upwards, ‘and give one of the lads a hoist up, then he’d clamber onto the wall, hang down and help the rest of us. It was the only way. The chaps who tried to run and jump and pull themselves up alone never made it. That’s what it was about – aiding each other. Same in this show, isn’t it? You can’t really succeed without your teammate. Imagine me doing a physical challenge now! I’d be lucky if I reached the finish line. Yet with Oscar on my team, we’re in with a shout. Ah, talking of my teammate…’ He caught sight of Oscar pulling at a reluctant pug.

  ‘He won’t come,’ he wailed. ‘Biggie, come on!’

  The little dog remained firmly on his haunches and looked sadly at his owner, refusing to move.

  ‘Come on, Biggie,’ said Roxanne, crouching to pat him. ‘Look, I’ve got some ham from breakfast. Do you like ham?’ The dog took the tidbit and allowed her to fuss him and then pick him up. ‘I’ll look after him while you’re filming, if you like,’ she said.

  ‘Would you? You’re an angel.’

  ‘Of course. I’m one of his many fans. Can I take a selfie with him?’

  ‘Sure you can. There you go, Biggie, another adoring slave to add to your collection. Aren’t you lucky?’

  Donald emerged last from the château, red-faced and in trainers and shorts which once again exposed his trunk-like legs, and a T-shirt emblazoned with the logo Keep Calm and Drink Beer. Nicola trailed in his wake.

  ‘It appears Donald’s attempting the physical challenge,’ said Oscar quietly to Lewis. ‘If it involves tossing a caber or similar, he’ll breeze it.’

  Laura jogged over to the assembled group. ‘Everyone here? Let’s go. I’ve been informed the other teams have already left Grand Maison B
retagne and are on their way to the destination. Oh, one last thing, there are cameras set up in the minibus. No dozing off on the trip.’

  Bryony felt slightly wistful at leaving behind the furry car, now parked in the car park with the other vehicles, and wished she was alone with Lewis, but rules were rules and although everyone settled back and occasionally smiled or spoke to each other, it wasn’t as relaxed an atmosphere as it had been in the car with just the two of them.

  The bus headed out of Nantes, threading its way through the busy streets filled with scooters, cars and bicycles. In spite of the traffic, Bryony felt an affection for the vibrant yet elegant city, once a busy seaport and historic capital to the dukes of Brittany that offered incredible architecture and history as well as a taste of modernity that appealed to her. It was a place she’d never tire of if she lived here, and as she watched a young woman with long dark hair, on a sit-up-and-beg bike, dressed in a pretty yellow dress ride into a park alongside a young man on another bike, she decided it would be lovely to spend more time here alone with Lewis.

  Their route took them out of Nantes along the main road, and as conversation dried up, she wondered where they were going. She didn’t have to wait long. Within ten minutes they were entering the gates of an amusement park and had drawn up beside a small roller coaster with brown tracks, lifted high into the air on green supports. Bryony stared as empty carriages tore down the tracks and turned this way and that. The cartoon face of a large yellow owl attached to the first carriage – shot by her at speed.

  ‘No!’ Oscar’s voice had risen an octave. ‘What have they planned for us here? Please not the roller coaster. I hate roller coasters. I can’t do heights. I’m not doing any challenge that involves one.’

  ‘No roller coasters,’ said Laura, coaxing him from his seat with an outstretched hand.

  Bryony jumped from the minibus and joined the other two teams who were watching the carts dart around the track.