Page 16 of The Riviera House Swap
‘What? About time you went insane?’
‘About time,’ Nina said, leaning on the counter as the man in front of them in the queue was served, ‘I did something crazy for love.’
‘Oh Nina. Don’t you think you ought to… Two lattes please, and a chocolate muffin,’ said Bess as the server looked at her expectantly. ‘I think it’s great you want to have an adventure. But why pick the past? Why not look to the future? Go on holiday, have a great time. France, even, if you want. But tracking down this poor, middle-aged and probably balding…’
‘Actually, he has a fine head of hair. And it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t!’ said Nina, loyally.
‘…OK, glossy haired, probably married or messed up, or gay or… a thousand other things. This poor, unsuspecting bloke! Face it, you’re adorable, but you’re probably going to be rejected. It’s been so long and it’s kind of… well, odd. And then how are you going to feel?’
‘Well, stupid,’ said Nina, taking the tray and walking to the nearest table. ‘But I’ve realised, there are worse things than feeling stupid. I shouldn’t be so afraid of it. I mean, I told you about the dance class, right?’
‘Trying out a dance class and trying on a whole new life are completely different things, hon,’ said Bess softly, taking a sip of her latte.
‘Maybe.’
‘I just don’t want you to get hurt.’
‘I won’t. Or if I do… at least I’ll know. At least I won’t have to wonder any more.’ Nina said, pulling a chunk off the muffin with her fingers.
‘You’re seriously serious?’ Bess plucked a chocolate chip out of the muffin as it began to crumble.
‘I’m seriously serious. No more regrets. No more roads untravelled. I’m going to France, I’m going to find Pierre and I’m just going to see.’
‘What walk up to him and say, “Sorry I’m twenty-three years late”?’
‘Maybe not. Maybe just see if we can bump into each other naturally?’
‘And by naturally, you mean by design?’
‘Well, obviously. But he doesn’t need to know that!’
Bess shook her head. ‘Nina,’ she said. ‘I mean, hats off to you for the risk taking. But…’
‘I know. It’s crazy. But I sort of… what with all the divorce and my crappy job and not really knowing what I want to do with the rest of my life. I just… it feels like it’s the perfect time. A now-or-never moment.’
‘You’re really serious?’ said Bess, her face furrowing with new concern.
‘I really, really am.’ She smiled. ‘Oh look, I realise it’s probably going to be a complete dead end. I just… I have this urge to do something, you know? And besides, I’m curious. What’s the worst that can happen?’
‘Do you seriously want me to answer that?’ Bess said, arching an eyebrow.
Nina grinned. ‘Oh, I know. But put it this way: I’m going to have a fabulous holiday. I’m going to try all the French things I’ve missed. I’m going to have a break from my life and work out what I want. Pierre, if it works out, would just be – well, the icing on the cake. But the cake’s pretty good on its own too… And if fate does exist, I’m just giving it a helping hand.’
‘Ah, now that makes more sense. A girls’ holiday I can really get on board with!’ Bess said. ‘Do you want me to come with? I can probably… I reckon I can get a week off in a month or so’s time.’
Nina shook her head. ‘Not because I don’t love you,’ she said. ‘I just… it feels like something I should do alone. Because, well. I’m single now. Maybe I’ve got to get a bit more used to my own company.’
‘Oh Nina.’
‘No, it’s good. It’s fine. I haven’t been alone for years. And I think I’ve been afraid of it. But maybe it’s time I faced up to it. Maybe even enjoyed it.’
Bess raised her latte to her lips. ‘Well, as long as you’re realistic. Or realistic-ish about the Pierre thing.’
‘You know me!’
‘And as long as you call me every single night and whenever you have a crisis or whatever.’
‘You know I will.’
