Chapter 55
Now Nadia had confirmed her arrival date, Mel booked her own flight home. She sighed as the booking was confirmed, four days left before she flew home.
When she told Marc her flight was booked, his shoulders slumped. ‘I know you’re not going away forever, but I wish you didn’t have to go. Can’t you simply stay – be an illegal immigrant while you sort a new visa out from this end?’
‘Doesn’t work like that sadly,’ Mel said. ‘If I do something like that, I’d probably be deported and refused entry for ever more.’
‘We can’t risk that. What time is your flight?’
‘Early evening.’
‘I’ll book the day off work and we’ll go somewhere lovely for lunch before I take you to the airport.’
The next few days seemed to fly past to Mel, when she wanted them to slow down, give her more time before she had to leave.
She and Marc spent every evening together.
She met up with Brigitte for lunch. She bought presents for Justin, Ginny, Brian, and the girls, treated herself to a hairdo and bought herself another dress from Vintage Vignettes. And she started to pack.
Nadia was due to arrive at the villa around seven o’clock on Mel’s last night there, so she suggested she and Marc spent the evening together at the villa as she wanted to be there to greet her. In the event, Nadia’s flight was delayed and Marc had left by the time she arrived home.
After an enthusiastic greeting from Croque Monsieur, Nadia looked at Mel. ‘I’m absolutely shattered. Can we talk in the morning? I need to get to bed.’
* * *
The next morning, Mel was up early, showered, dressed, finished packing her case and was eating breakfast when Nadia appeared.
‘I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here and thanks for stepping in,’ Nadia said, pouring herself a coffee.
‘I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,’ Mel said quietly. ‘It’s changed my life. So thank you.’
Nadia looked at her stunned. ‘Truly? How?’
‘Ginny told you about my husband leaving? I was angry, upset, oh, you know all the emotions. Coming down here has been a complete reset for me. I’m going home to divorce my husband, obtain a long-stay visa and return to live down here. And I have met a special Frenchman.’
‘I’m so happy for you,’ Nadia said. ‘I love life down here, I wish I could live here full time, but that won’t happen for a few years yet.’
‘Well, once I’m living here, I’ll happily house sit or look after Croque Monsieur for you,’ Mel said. The intercom buzzed. Mel got up. ‘That will be Marc. We’re spending the day together before he takes me to the airport.’
* * *
It was a perfect Riviera day as Marc drove them along the bord de mer to Eze, where they had lunch at one of the special restaurants in the perched village with its wonderful views.
Afterwards, they went back down to the village on the coast and simply sat on the beach watching the sea. Then Marc drove her to the airport.
He carried her suitcase in for her and checked it in before they had a last coffee. They were both silent, lost in their own thoughts.
Mel broke the silence. ‘It’s not for ever. I will be back in a few months. Back to stay.’
‘I know,’ Marc said. ‘Come on.’ He pointed to the flashing board. ‘Your flight’s ready to board.’
Outside the Departure Lounge, and despite the crowds around them, Marc pulled her into his arms to kiss her before releasing her.
‘I’ll call you later.’ Mel walked towards the entrance fighting to hold back her tears, before turning to wave a final goodbye as Marc blew her a kiss and she disappeared into the lounge.
The flight back to the UK was peaceful and Mel sat, a magazine open on her lap, her thoughts already organising what she had to do.
Geoff had phoned her several times since he’d got back with his skiing injuries, trying to pressurise her into returning.
He’d eventually given up and engaged a private nurse.
His leg and arm were now both out of plaster and the last time he’d phoned he’d been civil and apologised for his behaviour.
Mel had told him she was returning to the UK but was going straight to Ginny and she’d phone him from there when she was back to discuss their divorce.
She knew meeting him face to face was going to be difficult, but she’d get through it.
The flight landed on time and as Mel walked through into the Arrivals Hall of Bristol Airport, where Ginny would be waiting for her, her phone pinged with a message from Marc. She quickly opened it.
Missing you already. Can’t wait for you to return. Love you. xxx.