“That’s country life, for you. Besides, France is over-run with them. Some would argue they need a good culling.”
Unable to believe what she was hearing, she opened her mouth to protest but Nate got in there first.
“I’m not saying I agree. But when it comes to issues like these, things are more complex than we townies appreciate. Anyway, enough about that boar’s welfare. Are you all right?”
Flick looked at him. His lack of concern for a wild animal was in stark contrast to that which he appeared to have for her. “I’m fine.”
“You’re sure? Because that was one hell of an emergency stop.”
Suddenly nervous, she stared into his eyes. She didn’t know if it was his gaze that was making her hot and bothered or the after-effects of nearly hitting that poor beast. Whatever the reason, she couldn’t bring herself to look away. And neither, it seemed, could he.
Her pulse quickened once more as his face began slowly moving towards hers. She knew he was going to kiss her. Damn, she wanted him to kiss her, and feeling the warmth of his breath, she parted her lips, tilting her head slightly in readiness. “Ouch!” she said, suddenly grimacing.
Nate pulled back. “What is it? Are you okay? Oh God, I’m sorry.”
Flick put a hand up to her neck. “I think I’ve got whiplash.”
28
Flick stood at her bedroom window looking down on the activity below. Watching the scene before her, she took in what could only be described as organised chaos. Rob, the location manager, had warned her about the hectic nature of a video shoot. He’d talked about set builders, directors, cameramen, lighting chiefs, key grips, props people, hair and make-up, costume... Flick hadn’t banked on these also having assistants, and as they all milled around, unloading large vans ready to set up for the day ahead, Flick felt as excited as the young guy amongst them taking photos of everything.
She guessed he was from the band’s fan club. He didn’t appear as professional as everyone else and Rob had mentioned that someone might tag along. Apparently, these trips were offered to keep fan clubs sweet and were a nice way of saying thank you for their loyalty over the years. “Years.” Flick realised Rob was right about Argon Fire’s new fan base. Focusing on the lad concerned, he looked such a baby face. No way was he around when the band first hit the music scene.
Flick shook her head as she returned her attention to the crew, realising they were, in fact, all a tad youthful. Everyone seemed so busy and the noise level as numerous people called out instruction after instruction easily penetrated the closed windows. She didn’t mind the clamour though. It was good to experience the chateau coming back to life.
“This is it,” she said to herself. “The beginnings of a new start.” She imagined her dad looking down on events alongside her, a big smile across his gentle face as he cheered on her venture. She felt exhilarated yet daunted at the same time. Daunted because she wasn’t just leaving Matthew and her so-called marriage behind, she was saying goodbye to everything she knew.
She pictured herself back in the UK, continuing in a dead-end job, albeit enjoyable, with nothing in particular to look forward to. And, thanks to her mother’s revelation that Matthew was back in town, spending her days looking over her shoulder in case she inadvertently bumped into him. It was bound to happen at some point, they lived in such a small place. In fact, it wasn’t much more than a village. Staying in France gave her the time and distance she needed. It meant she could deal with him when she was good and ready, as well as on her own terms.
Flick laughed at herself. She couldn’t believe how much she’d hesitated over her decision to give things here a go. For anyone else it would have been a no-brainer. It was clear that in the UK she’d be existing, whereas in France she had a future.
Thoughts of Nate formed in Flick’s mind. Where did he fit in to her new life? She recalled the two of them together in his car, the concern on his face after the wild boar incident, their almost kiss. In that moment she’d so wanted their lips to connect and could still feel the disappointment when they didn’t. On the other hand, she supposed she should be glad that she’d pulled her neck out. Since then, Nate hadn’t just withdrawn, he’d gone in to hiding, as if what passed between them had been nothing but a huge, embarrassing mistake. “Maybe he’s right.” Flick looked around the room. With so much to do to the chateau, embarking on a relationship would only complicate things. Flick let out a long wistful sigh. She would’ve still like to have kissed him though.
She pulled herself away from the window and headed downstairs, forced to pause at the bottom as a crew member lugged a big black chest across the hall. Flick spotted her mum at the front entrance chatting on her phone.
“Don’t worry,” Brenda said, her tone serious. “I’ll give you a ring when the coast is clear. Okay. Bye.” She appeared startled by Flick’s approach and immediately clicked off her phone.
“Anyone I know?” Flick indicated her mum’s mobile.
“Just Julia.”
“And?”
“And nothing. She wanted to know what time the band are leaving.”
Flick laughed. “Leaving? They haven’t even arrived yet.”
“It’s nothing sinister.”
Flick frowned. “I didn’t say it was.”
“She wanted an idea of when she and the others should mobilize. There’s a lot to do for the party. There’s furniture to move, tables to lay out…” Her mother seemed to be garbling. “Yet more cleaning to do thanks to this lot.” She pointed to the crew. “They just want a head start.”
Thinking about their workload, Flick couldn’t disagree. But still, she knew her mother and something didn’t feel right. “Everything is okay though, isn’t it?”
“What do you mean?”
“You just seem a bit on edge.”
