Page 26 of Love In Provence
As the heat of the day sets in, I call time on the pickers in the lavender field.
‘That’s it for today, guys.’ I stand up straight, back aching, hands stiff from the secateurs. The sun is packing a punch as it reaches higher into the sky.
‘Everyone, grab some water. I’ve put it with the bread and cheese in the barn kitchen for lunch.’ We leave the field where we’ve made great progress and amble towards the barn.
Inside, everyone helps themselves to a bottle of water and drinks. Then we use the outside tap to wash our hands and faces, splashing water onto our hot cheeks. As I shake my hands to dry them, I decide to tell the pickers Jen’s idea for a new eating arrangement.
‘Erm, about dinner tonight—’
‘If it’s okay with everyone,’ Ed cuts in, taking me by surprise, ‘I’d like to try to make something. I didn’t know if you’d be interested, but I loved what you did yesterday, Maria, with the chicken. I just …’ he says, and then, a little shyly, ‘… I wondered if I could share this dish with you all.’
‘We’d love that,’ Jen and Keith say together, clearly delighted, and I wonder if they’ve spread the word about taking turns to cook.
‘Only if you’re sure,’ I say.
‘Of course I am!’ He grins, and it’s as if he’s suddenly come to life. ‘In fact, I’d like to very much.’
‘I’ll organize a kitty for ingredients,’ I say quickly.
‘As long as it’s not burned beef, like we had on the first night,’ says Marco. ‘I ended up with a sour cream and onion Pringles sandwich.’
‘You’re lucky!’ Keith joins in. ‘We had stale baguette dipped in wine to soften it!’
They laugh, but not unkindly. Marco has managed to break through my embarrassment and I like him for that. ‘Clearly if I was left to my own devices right now, you’d be on the same again tonight!’ I joke.
‘Like I say, I loved what Maria did.’ Ed smiles at her.
Marco looks up from his phone. ‘What’s that?’
‘Your girlfriend is one heck of a cook!’ Ed tells him.
‘Oh, yeah,’ he says, and returns to his phone. ‘She’s the best, if you don’t mind spice all the time.’
After lunch, I plan a shower and a siesta. Some are walking into town. Maria decides to go for a bike ride in the countryside. Ed is going shopping in town and Marco decides to join him. Graham is off for a walk. Keith is emailing their son, he tells me, just like he does every day, keeping him up to date with their adventures, but he doesn’t hear back very often.
I lie on the bed after my shower and attempt to FaceTime Fabien, hoping now is a good time to talk.
The phone rings and rings … but finally he picks up.
‘Hey, how’s it going?’ he says, and my stomach flips.
‘Better. You?’
‘Great! I’d forgotten how much I missed this. I even remember the chords and which order they go in!’ He laughs. ‘Thank you for making me come. I didn’t think I’d ever do this again, but now I have, it’s like riding a bike!’ He looks really happy, and so attractive. ‘And how is everyone there? Any news of a funeral for Henri yet?’
I shake my head. ‘No. I’ve been giving Rhi some time, but I think I need to say something. Everyone is asking.’
‘Yes, it would be good to get it sorted. People want to talk about him, make it real, and then, I suppose, start to move on.’
‘Fabien!’
I hear a call from outside his tent. ‘Who’s that?’ I say, my interest piqued.
‘Just Monique, our lead singer. We’re going to get something to eat in the town here. It’s a cute place. You’d love it.’
‘I’m sure I would.’
‘I’ve got to go,’ Fabien says. ‘Speak soon.’ He’s getting ready to head off and there’s only time for me to say a brief goodbye.
