‘So, what’s your story?’ he asked.
Ellie pondered. ‘Just on a little road trip.’
‘Yeah?’
‘Yeah. Thought I’d explore a bit of southern France.’
‘Which bits?’
Suddenly she couldn’t think. She smiled blankly at him while she tried to remember some place, any place – good God, she was ateacher!She shrugged. ‘Any bits.’
He was amused. ‘Sorry,’ he said, ‘none of my business.’
‘No,’ said Ellie.
‘You don’t have to tell me if you’re an international bank robber.’
‘No, I don’t.’
‘Or a spy.’
‘As then I’d have to kill you.’
He laughed. ‘So let’s just say you wanted to get out and about for the hell of it. Take in the scenery.’
‘Exactly.’
He was smiling in a way that told Ellie he was deeply intrigued by her story.
‘Seems like we’re both on a pilgrimage,’ he said.
Ellie opened her mouth to correct him but then decided against it.
‘I’m hoping mine helps me get a little perspective. Kind of handy when life throws some curveballs at you.’ He paused, searched her face. ‘You know what I mean?’
Ellie nodded. He was curious, maybe even suspected that something was up, but he wasn’t going to ask and she was relieved. And his words were kind, but he had no idea of the extent of the mess she was in. She was unable to see how she might ever be able to come to terms with what had happened to her over the last twenty-four hours.
‘Which way are you headed?’ asked Fredrik.
Ellie pointed in the direction the car was facing. ‘That way.’
‘West?’
She looked at him, impressed. How could he tell so quickly?
He held up his phone in confession. ‘Compass app. Been checking my route.’
‘Cheat. So, what about you? Where’s next?’
He leaned closer to her and pointed across the square, where a road ran off. ‘That way. Two hours and forty kilometres later I’ll be in Antibes.’
‘Antibes,’ sighed Ellie. ‘Impressionist heaven.’
Fredrik looked at his bike. ‘If only it were a tandem...’
She laughed.
‘There’s a lady over there who looks quite fierce,’ said Fredrik, nudging her shoulder.
