The Vineyard. Karen Aldous

sorry it’s so late but you must have a look at this.’

      ‘Lizzie, do you know it’s gone midnight and I am in bed?’

      ‘I know but I was so excited.’ Lizzie was high on adrenalin. ‘It’s a double-fronted shop on the Rue Antibes. I’ve looked it up online and sent you the link. Please will you have a look as soon as you get up in the morning?’

      ‘Yes, if it’s that good.’

      ‘Sorry again to wake you but I wanted to catch you before you went to work. Ring me once you have a chance to look?’

       Chapter 7

      Two weeks later Sophie arrived in Cannes a day earlier than planned. Although she was due at Lizzie’s flat in readiness for the trip to the Luberon, it was a good opportunity to first view the commercial premises her friend was so obviously mad about.

      ‘I am a bit worried about the price Liz, I mean, a prime position like Rue Antibes is going to command a premium isn’t it?’

      ‘Well yes, but think about it? That is where it’s at. Our clients will expect it. We’ll have our regulars because it’s only a short distance from the existing salon, and of course the external bookings such as the yachts, apartments and hotels will stay the same but we will get far more tourist traffic and vicinity traffic. There are clients from local towns that will come to Rue Antibes to shop but wouldn’t necessarily go near the current salon because it’s off the beaten track.’

      ‘Right, so it would also drive more traffic for the aesthetic beauty side too. I mean it’s not too commercial a site is it?’

      ‘It’s perfect, location, size, looks spacious. You wait ‘til you see it. I’m sure you’ll agree,’ Lizzie said, with a higher level of enthusiasm, if that was at all possible. ‘Plus the cellar I believe isn’t used currently so that could be utilized. Anyway, we’ll decide once we go along and see it.’

      ‘What time is the appointment?’

      ‘It was for tomorrow morning but I’ve asked the agent if we can go this afternoon.’ Lizzie scrunched up her nose in her little sister way she did with Sophie. ‘I’m waiting for a call. Do you want coffee?’

      ‘Love one. Where’s Thierry?’

      ‘Marie-Claire takes him to a toddler group today from two to four. Sit on the terrace and I’ll bring you a drink. We have some catching up to do.’

      Minutes later, Lizzie arrived with coffee. Sophie had made herself comfortable under the canopy and out of the pulsating sunshine.

      ‘I have never been so excited in my life. And you will be down here with us and working with me.’ Lizzie pulled her chair in closer to Sophie.

      ‘I know. It’s my dream come true too. Though, naturally, I’m apprehensive.’

      ‘I’m pretty sure once you get going it’ll be fine. You’ll have income too, from the university, won’t you?’

      ‘Oh yes, and I have more savings to put into the business but I’m hoping that the university work will cover day-to-day living. I’ll just find a small apartment for now. I’m letting my Paris apartment and I have one week officially left at the hospital when I return.’

      ‘That’s come round quick. Why didn’t you tell me, we could have gone next week to the Luberon?’

      ‘No. I need to tie up all the loose ends, I won’t move down for a few more weeks. Mid July or thereabouts.’

      ‘Well stay here and take your time looking for an apartment. We’ll sort something out. There’s no point in rushing into something. I’ll help you and you can spend some time getting to know the salon and the business.’

      ‘Thanks. That sounds like a good plan.’

      ‘I’ve been doing some thinking, since I returned from visiting my mother, I mean, and since you announced your plans. I think I was overdramatic about the land, my inheritance.’

      ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘Well, put it this way, am I honestly going to return to England?’

      ‘Tricky one as you now seem so settled here.’

      ‘Exactly. I’ve moved on from my girlish dreams.’

      ‘I think it was the circumstances too. It was natural to feel betrayed, especially as you had just learned of your Grandfather’s death. I think I would have reacted the same. And, to be honest, if you were there, I’m sure your mother would have consulted you.’

      ‘Oh I’m not saying I would trust my mum a jot. I’m not so sure she would have wanted my input but I know this. I began this business as a necessity. I was probably just fortunate in that it was an area I was familiar with. I was always trying out new make-up and creams. Mum always had products sent to her as a magazine beauty editor.’ Lizzie suddenly faltered with an unexpected surge of emotion as she recollected childhood dreams and her grandfather. She wiped the corners of her eyes. ‘Sorry. My point is, that from messing about I’ve built mine and Thierry’s future, so being realistic, I’m never going to go home and make a life there as a riding school instructor, mucking out other people’s horses. Not when I’m happy here.’

      ‘Well that is how I would read it too. You ok?’

      ‘Fine. It happens now and again. I just choke up.’ Lizzie sniffed. ‘I, with you, want to grow this business. I feel rather stupid. Mum was right. I’ve not taken any interest in it. I don’t think I can remember how to ride a horse anymore let alone run an equestrian centre.’

      At that moment, the telephone rang and Lizzie grabbed the phone and then headed towards the open terrace doors. ‘Ok. We can go down and meet the agent at three o’clock,’ she told Sophie. ‘This is so exciting!’

      ‘Please don’t get your hopes up too much. It’s still down to finances and work, remember. And, what if the cosmetic surgery side doesn’t take off?’

      ‘Oh and birds don’t have feathers?’ said Lizzie locking up the terrace doors. ‘Of course it will. Who else has all this under one roof? We have the best beauticians, currently working to capacity, and I’ve got more wanting to come in. Good people too.’

      ‘Really? I do need to get to know this business more.’

      ‘It will come Sophie, the knowledge will come.’

      ‘I hope so.’

      ‘Here, could you note down any repairs you think we need to do?’ Lizzie asked with a wry smile. ‘Hopefully we can make some assessment of expenditure.’

      Outside the premises they met Monsieur Tasse, the commercial agent, waiting in a casual pair of khaki trousers smartened with a navy cloth jacket. In his arms was a file topped with a form. He greeted them both and then presented the folder to Lizzie.

      ‘I just need you to sign here before we go in,’ he told her.

      ‘Brilliant. Did you bring a legal pack with you?’

      ‘Yes, some basics and I will explain things as we go round.’

      As they shuffled around behind Monsieur Tasse, Lizzie took photos and made notes on what changes she could visualise in the space and Sophie, as Lizzie instructed, noted the areas needing work.

      Armed with their photos and lists, they set off back to Lizzie’s apartment, expressing to Monsieur Tasse their interest and that they would let him know, as soon as possible. There was no doubt of its potential. The ground and first floors would add more than adequate work space but the basement was disappointing in that it needed so much work.

      In eager chatter they returned to a light tea with Thierry, who happily relayed news of the contents of his packed suitcase. Lizzie packed some final items