Page 48 of The Riviera House Swap
Antoine looked at her for a second, perhaps sensing she was going to say something else. When she didn’t, he smiled and spoke. ‘Perhaps you wish to practice more?’
‘I think I’ve probably done enough for tonight,’ she said, rubbing her shoulder. ‘But thank you so much. Would you like a drink or something?’
He shook his head. ‘No thank you. I need to go. But another time?’
‘Of course,’ she said, ‘another time.’
He nodded. ‘And perhaps we can try on Saturday at the courts?’ he said. ‘Or at least watch some pétanque there?’
‘Good idea,’ she said. It was so kind of him to help her, be so invested. He must really be a great brother to Sabine.
He picked up his bike helmet and, with a little mock salute, put it on his head and went to grab his electric pushbike from where he’d leaned it against the wall. He kicked the engine into play and it stuttered and emitted the strange, tinny sound sheremembered from the other day. And then he was gone, waving his hand as he disappeared from view.
She stood for a second, holding a boule and watching the space he’d just left. Then righted herself and collected the pétanque kit together before making her way into the house via the back door.
Sabine was there, stirring something on the stove, her back to her.
‘Well,’ said Nina. ‘I think I might be closer to mastering pétanque.’
‘Oh yes?’ said Sabine. ‘That is good news. And Antoine, he was helpful?’
‘Very helpful,’ she said. ‘You’re lucky to have a brother like that.’
‘Ah, but he is not always like that,’ Sabine said with a grin. ‘He is very nice, but I’m not sure he would give up his time so easily for me!’
‘Oh!’ Nina said, blushing at the implication. But surely Sabine must be wrong. He couldn’t find her attractive, or it would make no sense for him to be helping her to meet another man. ‘Well, it’s very kind of him,’ she managed at last.
‘Anyway,’ Sabine said, switching the heat from under the saucepan and covering whatever she’d produced with a lid. ‘Antoine helped you with the sport part, but perhaps I can help you with what you do next?’ She turned to Nina with an enormous grin on her face. ‘I can help you with the love.’
‘Oh no!’ Nina says. ‘I’m… I think I’ll be OK. And I don’t think we’ll be at that stage for a while…’ But then her new friend laughed, seeing the look of horror that must have flitted across her face.
‘Ah no, not the making love – the sex tips, that is up to you!’ she said, delighted. ‘But I could help you with what to say. Perhaps we can practice?’
Nina smiled. ‘I think I’ll be OK,’ she said. ‘It might be better to just let things be natural.’
Sabine’s brow furrowed. ‘I don’t think so,’ she said. ‘It might be too difficult for you, especially in French. Because you have to prepare for so many different outcomes? He might remember you. But perhaps not. Or perhaps you will have to fill in the details for him a little? Or maybe he will fall into your arms and you will be happy ever after. But we cannot be sure.’
Nina felt something flutter in her chest. Sabine was right. She had no idea whether Pierre would remember her in the same way. Their relationship had been intense, but it had been short. And they’d both been young.
‘I see that you are thinking about it!’ Sabine said. ‘But don’t worry; I was bored today and so I wrote some ideas down for you!’ She pointed to a notebook on the oak table. ‘Would you like to practice?’
Nina didn’t feel as if she had much choice in the matter, so allowed herself to be led to the table. The notebook was filled with ideas and although she was a little overwhelmed at how much thought Sabine had put into it, she really felt as if she owed a lot to this young woman, who’d plonked herself down in Nina’s life and seemed to be so invested.
‘Wow,’ she said, looking at the notes. ‘You reallywerebored.’
Sabine shrugged. ‘Well, I like the action,’ she said. ‘I am not used to being still! Perhaps I am ready to travel again.’ She grinned. ‘But also, it is nice, helping you with this. I suppose I am a romantic at heart,’ she said, touching her chest. ‘And your story touches me.’
‘Well, thank you,’ Nina said. ‘I wish…’ She trailed off and Sabine looked at her interestedly.
‘You wish what?’
‘Well, that I had your confidence. I seem to doubt myself the whole time.’
‘Don’t be silly! You are here, alone. That takes confidence, even if you are also a little nervous,’ said Sabine.
‘Maybe,’ Nina said. ‘It’s just… I wanted to come here because I never took risks before. Things hadn’t gone so well for me and I suppose I thought I’d try to be the opposite. Someone who says yes to everything!’
Sabine nodded.
