Page 41 of The Village Cafe in the Loire

‘Don’t believe a word of them.’

After a simple meal of croque-monsieur, they took a walk a little farther down the village, meandered around the tiny, picture-book streets, before taking a seat on the cool stone of the fountain. ‘I can’t believe this is practically over already,’ Amber said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed getting away.’

Becky nodded. ‘Well, come again. Come every weekend. It’s been so nice having you.’

‘Sure I’m not cramping your style?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘That Pascal’s quite the hottie!’

Becky laughed. ‘Pascal! I’ll admit, he’s gorgeous. But there’s zero chance of anything happening. He’s just tolerating me, I think. We didn’t get off to the best start.’

‘You seem pretty friendly now,’ Amber said, raising an eyebrow.

‘Well, he’s a nice guy.’ Becky thought again of Pascal’s deep brown eyes, his earnest expression. The way they were able to talk to each other so easily. ‘Maybe in another lifetime.’

‘One where you live in France?’

‘One where he lives in London.’ Becky gave Amber’s arm a little squeeze.

‘I’m not sure I’d come back.’ Amber tilted her head to let the sun play on her face. ‘Aren’t you tempted to just – I don’t know – run away?’

‘Become a barista?’

‘Become whatever you want to become,’ Amber said, her eyes sparkling and slightly wet. ‘You have this amazing chance – an income, a home with very little upkeep required. It was just… looking at Maud’s pictures. She was so free, wasn’t she? She had the life she wanted, on her terms. She could do anything.’

‘Seems so. Are you OK?’

‘Yeah. Just not many of us get to do that,’ Amber said, kicking a stone with her foot.

‘No. I suppose not. But you know, we’re young. We’ve got plenty of chances ahead. And I’m pretty happy with what I’ve achieved so far.’

‘But what about the burnout?’

Becky shrugged. ‘The price one pays for success.’ She imitated her mother’s voice.

But Amber didn’t laugh. ‘Are you sure it’s one you’re willing to pay? I’ve been thinking about that recently. How we’re willing to sacrifice years for the promise of things getting better.’

‘What about it?’

‘Well, whether it’s actually worth it? Selling our time for money when time is the most precious thing we have.’

‘’Course it’s worth it. Come on, that’s what people do, isn’t it? In our early careers. Work hard, reap rewards. You of all people should know that. Financial year-end last year, I didn’t see you for about three days.’

‘Yes, I remember.’

‘Well then.’

‘You can’t help wonder whether it’s worth it sometimes though.’

Becky put her arm around her friend again. ‘Come on,’ she said, firmly. ‘We’re on the path to living the dream.’

Amber laughed. ‘If you say so.’

The café had been closed for an hour, Pascal had gone out to a friend’s, so it was a surprise to see a figure outside when they drew closer. He had his back to them, and seemed to be leaning against the wooden window frame, checking his watch.

‘Visitor?’ said Amber, her voice slightly breathless again.

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