Page 68 of The Riviera House Swap
‘Yes, of course,’ Sabine said. ‘But the offer is there. You can travel in style!’ She grinned as she passed an overflowing laundry basket to Nina. ‘We have all of life’s luxury right here.’
‘Yes, I can see that!’ Nina said, looking at the pile of dirty clothes protruding from the basket.
And then they both laughed, and Nina thought how wonderful it was to have made such a great friend.
36
They were sitting together, companionably, at the outdoor table sipping a mid-morning coffee when Sabine announced, ‘Yes, I will definitely go on Friday.’
‘OK,’ Nina said, her heart turning over. She’d got used to seeing Sabine’s smiling face around the house – it would feel empty when it was once again ‘just hers.’
‘I have a few more things to sort out and of course I want to see my brother a little more. And my new friend,’ she said, looking at Nina across the top of her coffee. ‘But it is time, I think.’
Nina nodded, trying not to show her disappointment. After all, she only had a couple of weeks left here herself: while she dreamed that things might go well with Pierre, it was unlikely she’d be settling in Cagnes-sur-Mer just yet – more likely that they’d travel back and forth for a bit. Weekends in Paris, perhaps. Then, as they grew closer – well, who knew?
‘Are you alright?’ Sabine asked.
‘Just dreaming really.’
‘Ah, about your new lover?’
‘Well, yes. I suppose,’ Nina said, embarrassed. ‘A little,’ she shrugged. ‘And you know, I’ll miss you too.’
‘You will?’ said Sabine, seemingly surprised.
‘Of course.’
‘But you will have a lot of fun, I think when I am gone,’ Sabine said. ‘You will have the holiday you expected to have without someone’s sister turning up.’
Nina smiled. ‘I suppose you’re right. But it’s been nice having you.’
‘Well, likewise. And Pierre, he is taking you out again tomorrow?’
Nina smiled. ‘Yes. This time we’re going to Le Petit Grill,’ she said, trying to roll her r’s the way a French person might and – to her horror – showering the table with a few drops of half-consumed coffee. ‘Sorry,’ she added, wiping the table with her sleeve.
Sabine laughed. ‘It is OK. We French, we like to make the most of our “r”s!’
‘You’ll have to help me choose my outfit again,’ Nina said.
‘For Le Petit Grill?’ Sabine’s nose wrinkled slightly. ‘I do not think you have to dress up for this place.’
‘Oh.’
‘It is perhaps not the most luxurious place to go,’ Sabine said. ‘You can wear just your jeans I think.’
‘Oh.’ Nina hadn’t thought it would be a home of haute cuisine, but she had thought that Pierre might have chosen a nicer restaurant than last time. Perhaps, again, he was hoping that they’d have the space and quiet atmosphere to talk?
‘Sorry, I am sure it will be wonderful,’ Sabine said. ‘Just because a man does not spend lot of money on a date, doesn’t mean he is not falling in love.’
Nina blushed at the idea of love. ‘Yes,’ she said, decisively. ‘Maybe it just means he’s comfortable with me or something.’
‘Or maybe he likes Le Petit Grill?’ Sabine said. ‘It is not to everyone’s taste perhaps, but some people must go there.’
It didn’t sound like the most positive of reviews. Nina sat back and looked across the garden. The rain that had pattered on the roof last night had cleared and the sky was a wash of blue and white. While the air had a touch of cold in it, it was mild enough for them both to sit in the fresh morning air in a light jumper rather than a coat.
The other problem, raised by the fact that Sabine had mentioned jeans, was that the only real pair of jeans she’d brought were her old faithful, baggy pair – used for slopping around the house or doing the gardening. She hadn’t brought anything figure-hugging or smart-casual. She’d have to pop out later to do some shopping. Still, hopefully that would be a pleasure.
That afternoon, she set out with her credit card at the ready, hoping that some of the shops along the front would sell suitable clothes. She was just making her way to the corner when she heard the pounding of feet on the pavement. Turning, she saw Sabine racing after her, holding something in her hands.
