‘It’s OK,’ Nanette replied. ‘I wasn’t looking where I was going either.’ She looked at Jean-Claude. ‘Could we just get to the restaurant please? I’d like some water.’
‘Hey!’ the photographer said suddenly. ‘I recognise you. Aren’t you the woman who nearly killed Zac Ewart?’
10
The words ‘Aren’t you the woman who nearly killed Zac Ewart?’ were destined to ring in Nanette’s head for days after the accident. She’d known it was inevitable that someone from the past would recognise her, but somehow she’d expected it to happen during Grand Prix week when people she’d worked with years ago were sure to be in town. Was she destined to always be remembered by complete strangers for an event she wished had never happened?
As she’d stared at the photographer, shocked into silence by his words, Jean-Claude had stopped a passing taxi, helped her into it and taken her back to his villa. He had comforted her, telling her that it was an isolated incident.
‘You might have a certain notoriety for a few days now the press have realised you’re back. Especially,’ he hesitated before continuing, ‘when Zac Ewart arrives. I promise you it will pass.’
He’d insisted she sat on the terrace and sipped the brandy he poured her while he phoned the restaurant and cancelled the table reservation. Once that was done, he cooked them a simple supper of pasta, served with a slice of walnut and onion tart and a green salad. They ate the meal sitting out on the terrace watching the lights of Monaco twinkle below them as dusk fell. Nanette brushed aside Jean-Claude’s apologies for it not being the dinner he’d planned to treat her to and promised they’d go another evening.
‘Honestly, JC, I’m perfectly happy with the meal. The setting too is perfect.’ She gestured out over the terrace to the view. ‘And it’s so peaceful – unlike the apartment.’ Nanette took a sip of the water that Jean-Claude had poured her. ‘Were you happy with tonight’s get-together from a business point of view?’ She didn’t like to voice the words she really wanted to say, ‘I hope I didn’t let you down,’ in case it made her sound needy, when really she just hoped she’d played her part of ‘plus-one’ for the evening to his satisfaction.
Jean-Claude smiled. ‘Yes. As networking events go, it was good.’ He glanced at her. ‘Thank you for coming with me, and I hope it wasn’t too much of an ordeal?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘No, I enjoyed it. I met someone new too – Evie.’
‘That’s good. Maybe we can do it again – only if you’d like to of course.’ Jean-Claude hesitated before adding, ‘These things are so much more enjoyable with a friend at my side,’
‘I’d love to come with you, JC,’ Nanette said. ‘Next time, I may know a little more about your business as I’m intending to come up and do some tidying up of your office this week.’
‘Thank you. Let me know which day and I’ll ask Anneka to make lunch for two.’
Once they’d finished their impromptu supper, the two of them sat companionably chatting as darkness fell until Jean-Claude stood up.
‘I think it’s time I took you home,’ he said.
Nanette glanced at her watch. ‘I hadn’t realised it was so late. I’m sorry about my silly accident. Dinner at the restaurant would have been good, I’m sure, but this has been a lovely end to the evening. Thank you.’ She didn’t dare put into words just how much she’d enjoyed Jean-Claude’s company for the last couple of hours in case he thought she was gushing. But it was a long time since she’d felt so comfortable and at ease with a man.
Jean-Claude gave her a look she found impossible to interpret. ‘I’d suggest we walk down, but I think it better if I call a taxi.’
Mathieu was in when they let themselves in to the apartment. Nanette wouldn’t have mentioned her fall, but Jean-Claude quickly told him about the evening’s incident before wishing Nanette. ‘Goodnight. I hope you are not too bruised in the morning.’
As he left, Nanette went through the sitting room, opened the patio doors and stepped out onto the balcony. Standing there watching the lights and looking over the harbour, she was deep in thought when Mathieu joined her.
‘I see Pole Position is back,’ he said, looking down towards the yachts. There was a pause before he added, ‘Zac is planning a big party on board in a couple of weeks, I understand.’
‘Of course he is,’ Nanette said shortly, remembering when she’d done the organising for the on-board parties. ‘Knowing Zac, he won’t stop at the one.’
Mathieu looked at her. ‘Are you all right?’ he asked gently.
Nanette nodded. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just that photographer tonight…’ She sighed, shook her head and didn’t finish the sentence.
‘Don’t let it worry you,’ Mathieu said. ‘A couple more weeks when F1 is in town, the paparazzi will be busy chasing the scoop that will make their fortune.’
‘I hope you’re right,’ Nanette answered. She looked at him hesitantly before asking, ‘Are you in touch with Zac?’
Mathieu nodded. ‘He’s getting some pit-lane passes for me.’
‘Does he know I’m here?’
‘Yes, I told him you were coming to look after the twins for me.’
‘How did he react?’
Mathieu shrugged. ’He didn’t say anything, so I can’t tell you.’
Mathieu was the first to speak again after a short silence.
‘Talking of parties. We’ve got the Vintage Grand Prix this year the weekend before the main one and I’m giving a lunch on the Sunday. Just friends and a few business contacts.’ He glanced at her. ‘I hope you’ll join us?’
‘Thanks. Of course, you’re directly above the start line here,’ Nanette said, leaning on the balcony, watching the cars moving along the Boulevard Albert 1er below. ‘You’ll have a great view. People will be begging to come.’
‘The sound effects are always pretty awesome too,’ Mathieu said. ‘Even from the old cars.’
‘What about the twins though?’ Nanette asked. ‘Pierre will be keen, but Olivia will find the whole thing terribly boring.’
Mathieu smiled. ‘Maybe when she hears a certain pop star is on the guest list, she’ll come round.’ He paused. ‘Nanette, I meant what I said the other evening about us getting to know each other better – I’m aiming to be home more in the next few weeks, so I hope we can spend some time together. I’m sorry the offer of tickets for the tennis fell through, but I hope you won’t hold that against me.’
‘Of course not. I’ve been busy with the twins anyway.’ Although, in truth, she had been disappointed when Mathieu hadn’t mentioned the tennis tournament again after their night out.
‘I’ve promised the twins I’ll take them out next Monday as it’s a fête day. I’ve got some friends who have a place up in the country near Entrevaux who’ve invited us for the day. Olivia and Pierre love it up there. Will you come, too?’