Chapter 16
16
Waking up… wow… I’m in heaven. I feel like I’m lying on a cloud, wrapped in the fluffiest blankets, floating through the sky. It’s like I’ve been sleeping in a hug. No aches, no pains, just pure, blissful rest. I can’t feel a hint of pressure anywhere – I swear, I feel weightless, which I am surely not after the amount of food I put in my body last night.
You know, I don’t even remember the last time I felt this good – when I woke up, or generally. It’s not even 8a.m. yet and I’m never normally awake at this time – but I’m so energised that the thought of going back to sleep doesn’t even feel like an option. Of course, there’s a difference between not wanting to go back to sleep and not planning on getting out of bed.
There’s only one problem, though. Well, one immediate problem, shall we say – let’s conveniently ignore that my parents are breaking up and I’m supposed to be writing a book that I don’t love. The immediate problem is that I really, really need to brush my teeth. I couldn’t do it after dinner last night because the resort shop was already closed and now I really do feel gross.
Even though I don’t want to leave my cosy little cocoon, I do have an early-morning energy I am in no way used to, so now is probably the best time to go and pick up a toothbrush from the resort shop.
I roll out of bed, throw on some jeans, and pull out a fresh, oversized jumper from my bag. Not just any jumper, one of my fancier ones today. The thought of Henri being in the chateau, and potentially bumping into him, makes me want to try a little harder – is that weird? I’m not exactly going all out but I’m applying plenty of make-up, brushing my hair, and spritzing myself with perfume. Normally, this early in the morning, I don’t even bother with my glasses, let alone wrangle myself into a bra.
After using Henri’s bathroom – without any awkward run-ins or embarrassing mishaps – I wander around the chateau. I spot a couple of staff members, but Henri is nowhere to be seen. Not that I’m stalking him or anything; he did say he’d take me to the shop. There’s no sign of him though, so I guess I’ll make my own way there, on foot – well, it’s not like it’s far, just that it’s cold, and I guess the company would have been nice.
So, bundled up in my Ugg boots and faux-fur coat, I head outside. The morning air is crisp and fresh, feeling like a thousand tiny knives when I breathe it in, and creating foggy bursts in front of my face as I breathe out. The sky is that perfect pale blue that usually hints at a clear, bright day ahead – so maybe I won’t see any snow actually falling today. There’s still some on the ground though, still fresh enough to make that really satisfying crunching noise when I go out of my way to step on it. The road is clear otherwise, which makes general walking from A to B much easier. The air smells so fresh, with hints of pine, and burning wood – even the fires smell fresh, which is weird. Everything just seems so natural and clean and reminds you that you’re alive.
I’m relieved that the walk to the resort isn’t long – even if it was quicker in the buggy. Wow, I can’t believe how busy it is for 8a.m. I guess skiing enthusiasts like to hit the slopes early, before the dark winter evening sets in. That or ski holidays are like stag dos, where you start drinking at breakfast.
You know, skiing may not be my thing (and I may have promised Tom that I wouldn’t go near the slopes), but I have to admit, the fashion is on point. Everyone looks so funky, warm, and cosy. Maybe I can just wear the clothes, without actually getting involved in any of the action. Not that I’m all fur coat and no knickers (yep, I remembered to put them on, rather than just storing them in my trouser leg today) but I definitely think a nice thermal pair of ski trousers will make these walks back and forth to the resort go a lot smoother. Even if I fall on my arse, at least my arse will be warm.
As I wander into the resort, it’s like stepping into a scene from a movie, or the set-up to shoot an advert at least. It’s just so picture-perfect, so busy with people, but in such a peaceful way.
The large open reception area is just stunning, blending new and traditional styles seamlessly. I can’t tell if this place is brand spanking new or if it’s been here for a hundred years. I suspect the truth is a mixture of the two.
Massive wooden beams criss-cross the high ceiling, adding a rustic charm, as do the cosy fireplaces dotted around. But then the furniture is so modern. Plush, comfortable seats in rich, warm colours, strategically placed, making the whole space look contemporary but still with super-inviting snuggly vibes. It looks like if you allowed yourself to sink into one of those armchairs that you would never get up again – both because you couldn’t, and because you wouldn’t want to.
The fact that it’s Christmastime gives the place an extra magical, festive air about it. Twinkling fairy lights are strung along the beams – although I don’t think they would look out of place all year round – and there are festive decorations everywhere. Everything is tasteful though, and natural, with green garlands and wreaths (ones that look like they’re made from real trees) and subtle ornaments. The tree itself is huge, like someone chopped down one of the big ones from outside and dragged it in, although I can’t begin to imagine how they managed to get it through the doors.
Over to the side, there’s a coffee bar that’s calling my name – I smell it before I see it – serving up hot drinks and fresh pastries. The smell of coffee and freshly baked croissants wafts through the air, wrapping itself around my body like a lasso, pulling me in, and I’m so tempted to grab something, even though I told the ladies I’d join them for breakfast. I don’t suppose there’s any reason why I couldn’t grab a pre-breakfast snack, right? I’m basically a hobbit when it comes to meals. Second breakfast is a thing in my world too. Plus, it’s not like I need to mention breakfast number one, when I turn up for breakfast number two, is it?
The coffee bar itself is like an art installation. It’s got this sleek, modern design with a dark wooden counter, with the most beautiful detail carved into it, contrasted beautifully by the shiny chrome fixtures of the coffee machines. Behind the counter, there’s a display case filled with an array of mouth-watering pastries – croissants, muffins, cookies, and some decadent-looking cakes that are probably, in theory, way too rich for this early in the morning, but I know in my heart that I could absolutely take one down right now.
The barista, a friendly looking guy with a green Santa hat, is busy making a cappuccino, the machine hissing and steaming, and it should be an unpleasant noise but really it only adds to the atmosphere.
Everything about this place makes me feel like I’ve walked into a dream. The combination of the elegant décor, the festive touches, the inviting warmth from the fireplaces, and the delicious smells wafting from the coffee bar – it’s all so perfect that I have to remind myself it’s real. And to think, I didn’t want to come here. Now that I’m here, I’m not sure I want to leave.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the shop and head over to grab a toothbrush first. This place is like a mini department store, with everything you could possibly need – so, really, when you think about it, I don’t actually need to leave. I mean, other than me not being able to afford a place like this if I weren’t filling someone else’s spot, I feel like I could be quite happy here.
I want to check out the souvenirs – because I’m a sucker for a good snow globe – but I should crack on with what I came here for. There will be plenty of time for shopping, and picking up some last-minute Christmas gifts before I head home.
I head to the toiletries section, scanning the shelves for toothbrushes. Wow, they’ve got everything, from hair dye to haemorrhoid cream, and everything for the bits in between. They’ve even got a massive make-up counter, and signs up saying there’s an on-site salon and spa. Really, truly, what else could I need from anywhere else? If it turns out there’s a McDonald’s, around the other side of the mountain, and assuming my family could visit, I really can’t think of what more I could want.
Here we are. Toothbrushes. As I stretch my arm out to grab one, another hand lunges for the same item. I look up, and lo and behold, it’s none other than Caleb. Okay, wow, this place really does have everything.
‘What are you doing here?’ I blurt out, genuinely surprised, trying to keep my potential morning breath to myself.
‘We arranged it,’ he says with a casual shrug. ‘Remember? You told me to meet you here…’
My jaw practically hits the floor.
‘I was being sarcastic!’ I reply. ‘I didn’t actually think you’d show up, especially not at such short notice – you told me this place was impossible to book in to.’
Caleb just chuckles.
‘I made a few calls,’ he tells me, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. ‘I thought I was going to have to find your chateau, to meet up with you, but here you are.’
I just stare at him for a moment.
‘Looks like you forgot your toothbrush too,’ he says through an amused grin.
‘Um, yeah,’ I reply, really, truly not knowing what else to say.
Caleb takes the toothbrush from my hand.
‘Let me get that for you,’ he insists.
‘Erm, I can buy my own toothbrush, thanks,’ I reply, teetering on the edge of snapping but managing to keep a lid on it.
Does he think I’m that hard up, that I can’t afford a toothbrush? Because, technically, this will be my second toothbrush, yep, two toothbrushes, I’m doing well, thanks.
Caleb laughs, as though he can tell that I’m ranting at myself, inside my brain.
‘I know, but humour me,’ he says, already heading for the checkout.
Curiosity getting the better of me – one of the curses of being a writer – I follow him, wondering why I would need to humour him.
At the counter, the cashier practically lights up at the sight of Caleb approaching him.
‘Hello, Monsieur Carney!’ he exclaims, swiftly taking the toothbrushes from him, placing them in a bag. ‘Do you need some toothpaste too?’
Caleb glances at me, and I realise I actually do need toothpaste. What a fantastic adult I am.
‘Yes,’ I practically confess.
‘Yes, please,’ Caleb tells the cashier, flashing a grin. ‘Or should I say “ oui ”?’
The cashier – who I’ve just noticed from his name badge is called Pascal – laughs. ‘Don’t worry, sir, all our staff speak perfect English,’ Pascal reassures him. ‘Many of our guests are from the UK and the USA.’
‘Good to know,’ Caleb replies, chuckling. ‘My French isn’t great. I was one of the kids in my school who chose to study German, instead of French.’
‘Oh, sprichst du Deutsch ?’ Pascal replies.
‘I studied it, but I don’t remember a word of it,’ Caleb admits with a laugh.
‘That’s quite all right,’ Pascal says with a smile. ‘One moment, please.’
Pascal calls over another employee and says something to him in French.
I wonder if Caleb is well known here, in France, or if the staff have been told to expect him, because they know he’s a big deal in the UK. I guess a place like this could really benefit from his endorsement, especially if they have lots of guests from the UK.
‘Have you checked in yet?’ Pascal asks Caleb.
‘Nah, not yet, my bags are over there, in the lobby,’ he replies. ‘I thought I’d grab the essentials I forgot first.’
‘I’ll have someone come to check you in, and show you to your room,’ Pascal insists.
‘I’m in a chalet, I think it’s called Mon Chou?’ Caleb replies.
Pascal nods knowingly.
‘Ah, the honeymoon suite,’ he replies. ‘Here for a romantic getaway?’
‘Something like that,’ Caleb replies with a dorky chuckle.
The other employee returns with the toothpaste, only for Pascal to give him more instructions, again in French, before turning back to Caleb.
‘There’s no charge for these essentials,’ Pascal insists, handing the bag to Caleb.
Caleb just smiles sweetly.
‘Are you sure?’ he checks.
‘Absolutely,’ Pascal replies, before another thought seems to strike him. ‘Ah, one more thing…’
The other employee reappears, this time with two small hampers.
‘Your welcome baskets, for a romantic stay,’ Pascal explains, handing them over to Caleb. ‘On the house.’
‘Oh, thanks,’ Caleb says, looking genuinely pleased. ‘They look great.’
‘Just wait by your baggage, and we’ll send someone right over,’ Pascal instructs him.
Caleb looks at me and nods in the direction of his bags, indicating for me to follow him, so I do. And now it’s just the two of us again. Just me, him, and enough suitcases for a family of five. Wow, he does not pack light.
Caleb takes out one of the toothbrushes and shoves it in his pocket before handing the paper bag to me.
‘Here you go,’ he says. ‘You can have the toothpaste. And it looks like there is a his and hers basket, so you can take the hers, if you like.’
I can’t help but laugh.
‘Do people always just throw free stuff at you?’ I ask curiously.
‘Sometimes they just hand it to me instead,’ Caleb jokes, before turning serious. ‘Look, I think we might have got our wires crossed, and maybe me being here is a surprise. Why don’t you come and see me later when you’ve had time to think about it? I’m here, you’re here, I’ve got cases full of crap, and a big chunk of change that could be headed your way…’
Pursing my lips in thought, I consider his offer. He’s right. I am here, he’s here, and I could help him out. And the money would be good.
‘All right, sure,’ I reply. ‘Do you want to put your number in my phone? I’ll buzz you when I’m free.’
Caleb nods, taking my phone and punching in his digits.
‘I gave myself a missed call, so now I’ve got your number too,’ he replies. ‘Just in case you were planning on not calling and then hiding in the mountains to avoid me until I left.’
I laugh, shaking my head.
‘You know that this whole thing is so bizarre, right?’ I check.
‘Oh, yeah, definitely,’ Caleb agrees with a grin. ‘See you later.’
Completely weirded out (but still vaguely amused) by the whole situation, I take my things and head for the door. No, wait, screw it, I am going to get that coffee, and a pastry – I think I need it now.
I can’t believe Caleb bloody Carney has actually turned up here. I mean, to be fair to him, he did say that he was going to come, and I did tell him he could – but I was joking. But he’s here now, and the least I can do is hear him out. It might be the easiest money I’ve ever made – well, easier than writing a book, anyway.
Armed with my latte and my croissant, and with my dental essentials and my random hamper, I step outside. Oof, the cold air hits different now, after being in the cosy hotel for so long, but feeling the cold is way down the list. I feel bemused, surprised, and excited if I’m being honest.
This trip just keeps getting weirder and weirder. I’m almost terrified of what might happen next – but I’m excited too because, trust me, stuff like this doesn’t usually happen to me, and I doubt it ever will again. So maybe I will make the most of it. Let’s see what Caleb says later. I’ve got a breakfast to get to first – and one to eat before I get there.