Page 49 of Love In Provence
Ed shakes his head. ‘It’s what my parents wanted me to do. It’ll make them very proud.’
‘Wouldn’t you rather be a chef?’ asks Maria.
‘I can’t. My parents … It’s complicated. They’re very proud of me becoming a lawyer. I can’t let them down. This is just my summer out, before I have to start working with the firm. It’s a deal we sort of made …’ He waves his hands as if he’s juggling. ‘After I left, when I told them I couldn’t go through with the wedding, I said I’d be back in September to start my new job. The cooking thing, like I said, I was watching these programmes and they helped. Y’know, when you have stuff going on in your head …’
‘So you never really wanted to be a lawyer?’ asks Keith.
‘It seemed like a good choice when I was picking courses. My parents were delighted. First person in the family to go to uni.’
‘And now?’
He shrugs. ‘I can’t not. It would break them. I just have to enjoy this summer.’
There’s a lull.
‘It’s a lovely idea but I think it’s best if I just call off the harvest. I’m sorry. There’s no rush, it’s just I can’t afford your keep.’
‘You should charge people to come and stay here. It’s a wonderful place. I’ve never felt so calm,’ Maria says.
‘Nor me,’ says Jen, checking her phone. ‘Oh, saying that, looks like I’ve found a clutch and it’s on its way. Do you mind if I stay on until it arrives? I’ll keep myself to myself.’
‘It’s fine. I’m happy to have you here. All of you! It’s just that, without Henri’s bistro, I’ve no income, and the lavender won’t bring in much, even once it’s dried.’
‘And what will you do now? Without Henri’s?’
I let out a long sigh. The words ‘Sell up and go home’ are on the tip of my tongue. But where’s home? Certainly not with my ex-husband, his new partner and their baby in England. ‘I don’t know. I – I had nothing when I decided to stay here. Apart from a bucketful of debt and a daft dog!’ I look at Ralph, who lifts his head and pants.
‘Sounds like you’ve come a long way,’ says Keith.
‘I have,’ I say slowly, feeling that each of the people staying here now is feeling in some way how I felt when I first came here, at a crossroads in life, trying to find the right path forward.
‘But something about this place just made me feel safe. As if I was at home. I took it day by day, and, with the help of people like Henri, I started to find my feet. I’ve tried the bank for a loan, but they refused. Remortgaging was a no-no. I need to find another job.’
‘Or get the bistro back,’ Jen says.
‘There must be a way,’ Maria agrees.
I shrug. ‘Right now, I need an income. I can’t rely on the lavender.’
‘You can work with me on the lavender cakes and bakes,’ Stephanie offers. ‘You started the business.’
‘No,’ I say firmly. ‘You need the money. You have a family and a home to pay for.’
‘What about new premises? Somewhere to rent?’ says Maria. ‘A pop-up restaurant?’
‘Well,’ I start to think, ‘I suppose I could ask my friend Carine if she knows of anywhere.’ But even if I found somewhere, could I actually cook? Out of the kitchen at Henri’s, I haven’t been able to.
They all smile.
‘In the meantime, we’ll do some more of the harvest,’ says Keith.
‘I’ll look at trains,’ says Graham, sadly.
‘I guess I’ll look at flights,’ says Ed.
‘Best I get that new clutch in,’ says Jen.
And I feel wretched. I’ve let them all down.
