Page 36 of The Riviera House Swap
Sabine appeared on the doorstep, looked at them both, her face breaking into a wide grin when she recognised her brother. ‘Antoine!’ she said, waving and running towards him.
He walked quickly to meet her, scooping her in his arms and giving her an affectionate kiss on the top of the head. ‘You are here! Why didn’t you call me?’ he said.
‘But I have! You do not check your phone,’ she slapped him lightly on the chest and laughed. ‘Too busy with your head in a car engine, perhaps?’
Antoine laughed. ‘Yes, probably. And sadly, I must go and do that again,’ he said. ‘But I will come later and see you – or you can stay at my place if you want?’
‘On your futon?’ Sabine said, crinkling her nose. ‘No I think I prefer it here at Jean-Luc’s.’
‘But I hope you will not be causing troubles for Jean-Luc’s guest?’ Antoine asked her, an eyebrow arched. ‘She said you can stay, but I hope she really wants you to.’
‘But of course!’ Sabine said. ‘She is very kind.’
‘And you will not make troubles?’
She slapped his chest playfully. ‘I never make troubles,’ she said. ‘Unlike my terrible brothers! Anyway, Nina asked me. It was her idea!’
Antoine laughed. ‘Perhaps anyway I will take you out later, just in case – to give Nina a little space, no?’
‘Yes, OK,’ Sabine smiled.
‘But now, I must go.’ He climbed back into the saddle, gave a small salute, then kicked the bike back into life and buzzed precariously down the street, turning the corner at the end, almost running into the side of a rusty Citroën.
Nina shook her head, smiling. She wondered what Bess would make of her new housemate and the unconventional journey she’d just taken home and gave a little laugh.
‘You are OK?’ Sabine said from the step. ‘Come inside. I am starting to cook.’
20
As soon as she’d staggered up the stairs and tended to her poor, injured foot, Nina changed into more comfortable clothes and picked up her phone. The cracks on the screen weren’t quite as bad as she’d originally thought, and she could still use the touch screen to negotiate her apps. There was a message from Sal – asking something about the washing machine for Jean-Luc – and she replied quickly, explaining the overcomplicated settings the washing machine needed in order to perform its primary function. Then she saw a note from Bess.
Bess
So how’s it going?
Nina
Yes, good. Jean-Luc’s sister has turned up. And I just had a white-knuckle ride on a wobbly motorbike…
Bess
What?!
Nina
Will update you later… But yeah, it’s lovely here and the weather’s not bad. So…
Bess
But, what about Pierre? Did you find him? Has he confessed his undying love? WHEN IS THE WEDDING?
Nina
Yes, no and ha!
Bess
??
