Chapter 25
25
Zazz smiled as she and Francine walked back up together to Oscar’s house after lunch. ‘I’m so relieved that Granny has said yes to me staying in the house,’ Zazz said. ‘Once I’ve finished my piece for Marcus and sent it I’ll make a start on the yard.’
Francine glanced at her. ‘Was it your idea to come to live in France for a few months? Or did Oscar put the idea into your head?’
‘I fell in love with the place on my first visit,’ Zazz said. ‘I know it sounds silly but it felt like I was in a place I could call home. Maybe it’s in my DNA because of you and Granny.’
‘Did you say that to Oscar?’
Zazz shook her head. ‘Not directly, no. But once I’d met Mel I did start to talk to her about the possibility. He overheard me once asking her advice about how easy it would be, where I could live, what I could do. He immediately said finding somewhere to live was sorted because I could live with him. And that’s when I began to seriously believe it was do-able.’
‘Don’t get too comfortable because the house will have to be sold,’ Francine warned.
‘Mel is talking about the two of us sharing a small apartment so hopefully by the time the house sells that will be happening.’
‘How does Rufus feel about you staying down here for months?’
‘Rufus and I broke up. He’s off to America soon with a new job.’
‘How d’you feel about that?’ Francine asked gently. ‘I thought you two were good together. And why didn’t you mention it?’
‘I’ve mentioned it now,’ Zazz shrugged. ‘I was hurt by the way it happened but I’m not devastated. I never truly thought we’d be together for ever and ever, so.’ Zazz pulled a face. ‘At least I can concentrate on growing my social media presence and living down here.’
‘I honestly don’t understand how being a social media influencer can be a full-time job,’ Francine said.
‘I have to plan my content, research brands that will be of interest to my followers. It’s all a question of putting good content out that people want to see, buy or be involved with,’ she paused. ‘I’m looking forward to meeting Serge and family,’ Zazz said, glancing at her mum.
‘I can’t say I am,’ Francine said, accepting the change of subject. ‘I’m too old to suddenly have a half-brother thrust upon me.’
‘I’m quite looking forward to having another uncle.’ Zazz laughed as she saw the look on Francine’s face. ‘Even if he’s only a half one. And a half-cousin too.’
‘Never thought I’d be part of a dysfunctional family,’ Francine muttered.
‘It might be fun. Anyway, living in different countries you’re not exactly going to be bosom buddies in daily contact with each other, are you?’
Francine shook her head. ‘True but it feels weird.’
Edwin phoned as they let themselves into the house. Zazz called out a ‘Hi, Dad’ before disappearing upstairs and Francine went through to the kitchen to talk and update him on what was happening.
‘I wish you were here. Maman seems to think we’re going to be here for at least another week or ten days. And Zazz has dropped the bombshell news that she’s planning on living down here for the foreseeable. Have you decided when you’re coming out? Maybe you can talk some sense into her. And I do miss you. We can have a mini break together.’
‘That’s why I’m ringing. I’ve managed to get everything done and cleared my desk for a week. I’ve already booked my ticket,’ Edwin said. ‘I’ll have to bring my laptop but I’ll be with you next Friday afternoon.’
Francine breathed a sigh of relief. ‘That’s brilliant news. Especially as Maman has invited the three Cortez’s for aperitifs that evening. Zazz is talking to me a little but she has a new friend so is off out a lot of the time – she and Rufus have broken up by the way. Agnes and Theo are doing things together. I must put my mind to starting the house clearance too.’
‘Leave the house until I get there and I’ll give you a hand,’ Edwin said.
‘I think I’ll do that, especially as I’ve now got some urgent editing and proofreading to do for work. I’ve met up with an old friend too, Piers. He’s got a cafe in town and he owns the most beautiful boat. I had a glass of wine with him on board the other evening, I can’t wait to introduce the two of you. I think you’ll get on.’
‘Look forward to meeting him. I’d better let you go. Give my love to Zazz and Agnes. My arrival time on the Friday is about four fifteen. Love you.’
‘Love you too. See you soon,’ and Francine ended the call feeling a lot happier knowing that Edwin was coming to join them. She’d concentrate on getting her editing dealt with and then when Edwin got here they could tackle clearing the house together. And for the first time she could show him the sights of her hometown. Something she realised she was going to enjoy.
* * *
It took Zazz less than an hour to sweep and wash the yard down and clean the patio set later that afternoon. Next, she weeded the plant tubs with lemon trees, roses and a crimson bougainvillea, before giving them all a good soaking that they looked to be in dire need of. Job done. Supper under the stars could be on the agenda from now on.
Francine was in the kitchen writing a shopping list when Zazz went back indoors. ‘Dad is coming on Friday, isn’t that great?’ she said. ‘Thought I’d better get some food in. We can’t keep eating out or going down to Theo’s. In fact, we can have them up here for dinner.’ She stopped when she saw the look on Zazz’s face. ‘Or maybe not, the way Maman feels about this house. But I can take stuff down and cook it at Theo’s. Can’t expect him to feed all of us all the time.’
‘I’m eating with Mel tonight,’ Zazz said. ‘I think too now that you know, and I know I’m staying in the house, I need to try and get my work and life routine sorted for when you’ve left. I have to remember I’m not on holiday. Maybe just meet up with you guys a couple of nights a week instead of lunch every day as well as dinner?’ She looked at Francine, hoping that she would understand her need to get her new life organised and not just drift around.
‘I understand what you’re saying and why but now that Dad will be joining us at the weekend, it would be good to eat en famille whilst he is here?’ Francine said. ‘Once we leave you’ll be on your own.’
‘Okay. Breakfast every day together and then let the day’s plans decide about dinner,’ Zazz said.
‘So tomorrow?’
‘Tomorrow Mel has suggested I shadow her for the day and maybe get some ideas for features and content for my Instagram, so we’ll probably get lunch somewhere and then in the evening I’ve planned on going to the cinema.’ Zazz smiled at her mum. ‘And Friday night is out as the Cortez’s are coming.’
‘You certainly seem to be settling in down here. Mel seems a good friend already.’
‘She certainly is.’
‘So how about Saturday night dinner somewhere nice with everyone?’ Francine said.
‘Cool. Sounds like a plan. Enjoy your shopping. See you later.’ And Zazz disappeared upstairs to her room.