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Page 72 of The Riviera House Swap

‘Alright, well, this is only because I love you and of course I’m worried about you as well as really pleased…’ Bess began.

‘OK?’

‘It’s just… be careful, you know? No rash decisions…’

‘Rash? Is this the shingles joke again?’

‘Not quite. It’s just… Look, things are moving fast and like you said, Pierre’s someone from the past, and it might feel as if you can just… well, fast-forward to happy ever after.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with that!’ Nina said.

‘I know. I know and I’m really pleased and want it to work out,’ Bess said. ‘It’s just I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t say… well, take your time. You’re going through a lot – the divorce, the house sale. Now you’re in a foreign country. And Pierre sounds amazing, but there has been a bit of water under the bridge. You’ve still got a lot to learn about each other.’

‘I know,’ Nina said. An image popped into her mind – Pierre grabbing that woman’s arm. Something in his stance, the set of his face had surprised her. She’d never seen his features morph into something other than pleasant and easy-going. But then, he was only human, she thought. He had every right to be angry with a woman who was making his life hell.

‘Are you OK? You’ve gone quiet.’

‘I’m fine,’ Nina said. ‘And you’re right. I will take my time, I promise. I’m not planning to marry him for at least a couple of weeks.’ She opened her mouth to tell Bess about the woman at the restaurant, the unease she’d felt. But then stopped herself. You had to have been there, she thought. Bess might misinterpret the situation. It was better left alone.

‘Very sensible of you.’

They both laughed, the warmth in their conversation restored.

‘And what’s all this with Sal? I’ve barely heard from her.’

‘I’m not surprised. She’s all googly-eyed over Jean-Luc. What is it with these French men?’

‘They have their little ways!’ Nina joked. ‘But… well, keep an eye on her, won’t you?’

‘That,’ said Bess, ‘seems to be my role in our friendship at the moment. Watching you two have fun and being the voice of caution and reason. It’s not the most scintillating of roles, if I’m honest. Full-time party pooper.’

‘Aw, that’s not you at all,’ said Nina. ‘More like full-time brilliant friend.’

‘Oh, stop it!’ Bess protested, laughing.

‘With a little party pooping thrown in there.’ Nina added, grinning.

She was still smiling a little when she made her way downstairs an hour later after showering and dressing in her black, linen trousers and a light sweater. It had been nice to hear Bess’s voice. It felt like you were in touch with people when you spoke to them online, she realised, but only really get that proper closeness from hearing or seeing someone. She resolved to pick up the phone more often. She already called her mum once a fortnight, and had once used to ring Rory at lunchtime every day. But she’d got out of the habit of calling her other friends. That would definitely have to change.

Downstairs, she opened her laptop and switched on the coffee maker, added a spoon of rich ground grains and watched minutes later as the dark liquid bubbled into her cup. She breathed deeply – she loved the aroma of coffee almost more than the taste sometimes.

Sabine still wasn’t up, so she kept her volume down as she scrolled her social media – nothing new. Her email inbox wasshowing twenty new messages, and she almost didn’t look. It would, no doubt, be a bunch of spam and probably another email from Jemima. But then, she thought, clicking on the icon, she probably ought to take a quick look.

The first email in her inbox was her solicitor, Nick, informing her that the house was likely to exchange just after she was due back to the UK. Seeing the date and realising it was so close brought her back to reality. It seemed suddenly awfully soon.

Then, of course, there was another email from Jemima.

Dear Nina,

I haven’t heard back on my other email and hope that my request didn’t cause offense. Take it as a compliment – your absence has certainly made me aware of all you do for the company.

If you are unable to come back sooner, I look forward to seeing you on 5 November.

Either way, your response would be appreciated.

Best wishes,

Jemima