Chapter 15
15
14 NOVEMBER
Manon and I are shopping in Montmartre for discounted fabrics to recover the sofas in the guest lounge and looking for ready-made sheers for the hotel, when my phone rings.
I swallow a lump in my throat when I see the caller display. ‘It’s mon père .’
My cousin holds up some creamy fabric to the light. ‘You knew he’d call, didn’t you? Then he’s going to have to share it on the group chat. By my calculations you’re still a few days away from your parents agreeing to the loan. Answer it.’
‘ Bonjour, bonjour .’ I leave Manon to it and stand outside under a concertinaed awning that doesn’t do much to stop the rain.
‘ Chouchou , what’s this I hear about you needing a loan?’
He manages to add just the right about of incredulity in his voice to make me wish I’d asked the bank instead. I go into the whole sorry saga, explaining what we’re up against and how building clientele is a factor for the upcoming sale, but I can’t have any guests if there are no renovated suites, and time is of the essence.
‘This is all because of that man!’ he bellows down the line just like always when he’s reminded of Francois-Xavier.
‘Well, yes, I wouldn’t have the hotel if not for him, but I’ve moved on now and I want to focus on the positives from here on out.’ As I say the words, I feel the truth in them. ‘Can you help, Papa ? If not, I can go to the bank but it’s a matter of urgency so we can get a few suites ready for Christmas. Get some reviews online from our happy guests, all those things to show it’s a viable business.’
‘Let me get back to you.’ He hangs up.
I join Manon who has draped herself in several lengths of material. ‘What are you doing?’
‘Nothing. How did it go?’
I sigh. ‘He’s going to get back to me.’
‘Check the WhatsApp family group chat.’
‘He won’t post that fast. First he’ll have to tell Mum every single word, then he’ll have to pace around the kitchen for a bit. Wail about Francois-Xavier.’
‘Check.’
I shake my head and swipe open my phone.
Arnaud De la Croix
Anais has asked for a loan for the hotel renovations. The figure she requests is eye watering. Tell me, should I have to step in when that con man did this to her? I love the child, but she’s almost forty years old. Have you ever had to bail your adult child out like this? What would you do?
Within seconds there’s a reply from one of my uncles.
Mael De la Croix
As you know, my thirty-five-year-old married daughter still asks for money and it’s not for something as grand as hotel renovations. Non, it’s for holidays to the Riviera! And she can’t holiday in last year’s fashion, oh no, she must have a whole new wardrobe for that. Not to mention the beauty treatments she must have before the holiday even begins. At least Anais is doing something practical with the money. Mine is all gone to Chanel and Louis Vuitton! Lend her the money and count your blessings it’s not going to Bulgari.
Arnaud De la Croix
Ah, but your daughter is married! At least you have a chance for grandchildren!
Odette Lambert
My thirty-year-old son still lives at home! At this rate I don’t think he’s ever going to leave. At least Anais has a stellar career. She’s finding her feet again after that disaster of a marriage. Lend her the money. You can always take her earnings from the next book! And you will have a free place to stay while in Paris. Actually, do you think we can all stay there for free? We are family, after all.
Arnaud De la Croix
You son is just a late bloomer. Of course you can stay for free. I’ll insist on it.
‘Great, Papa is offering free hotel accommodation to the family.’
‘Let me see!’ I pass Manon my phone. ‘Oh no, my own mother has chimed in. Have a read.’
Josephine Orville
At least your children aren’t obsessed with murderers! Did any of you listen to Manon’s true crime podcast? My child thinks she’s invincible. Would she listen when I warned her these criminals would come after her? Non, she did not. Lend her the money, Arnaud, but I’d ask for interest. Ten per cent should suffice.
Arnaud De la Croix
I enjoyed Manon’s podcast. I wish she’d stuck with it. OK, thanks all. I’ll consider it.
‘OK, well it looks like they’ve given him the go-ahead. Let’s hope he doesn’t listen to your maman . Ten per cent interest!’
‘Told you. She is merciless. But would you listen?’
‘You made her that way.’
‘ Oui. I did. Now, what colour for the sofas? Navy blue or beige?’ She holds up two fabric samples.
‘Beige. It’ll go nicely with the gold tones in the guest lounge.’
‘Done. Let’s get these and then we can go to Marché Saint Pierre for the sheer curtain sets.’
That afternoon, money magically appears in my bank account and so does a lengthy email about payment terms and conditions and a demand that, if any family members ask to stay for free, I’m to give my blessing.
That’s one problem solved. For now.