Karen Aldous - The Vineyard

Lucie handed her the daily rota which Josephine produced every morning. ‘Madame D’Aramitz said yesterday again, how impressed she was.’

‘Thank you. Oh, that’s very generous of her.’ Lizzie eased herself onto one of the two leather sofas occupying the space to one side of the main door and facing the glass-fronted counter. Josephine had already gone over the diary and rota so that all the treatments tied in with the rooms and their corresponding therapists. She checked down the rota and glanced up at as Betty, the cleaner, hurried in.

‘Yes, all done and in use,’ Betty confirmed, straightening her handbag. ‘See you tomorrow. I’m in an hour earlier so just leave a note if you need anything in particular done.’

‘Thank you Betty. Will do,’ Lizzie replied, watching the older lady step nimbly out the door.

Betty was a treasure. She not only cleaned the four treatment rooms, but also the hair washing room, which really needed more work as it was a kitchen speedily transformed but Betty kept it looking sprightly. Plus linen and product supplies were replenished after she dusted. This helped Lizzie enormously as Betty kept stock and recorded it meticulously, so figures for sales and what needed re-ordering from the suppliers were available when they called in.

The fresh, welcoming appearance of the reception was also a credit to Betty who tenaciously polished the silver-flecked, black granite floor and matching surfaces encasing reception. It was her pride and joy. Betty was often heard singing with gusto as she made sure no cobwebs or dust got missed. A few hours every morning may supplement her pension but she admitted she got huge enjoyment from cleaning and being among the warm friendly, staff.

Lizzie handed some paperwork over to Josephine. ‘When you’re free, could you come up to the office?’ she asked her.

Lizzie dropped into her chair in the office and had to admit to herself she was struggling. The last few days had really drained her and she couldn’t now think straight with all the issues she had fighting for attention in her head. Right now however, she had to forget Cal, her mother and Anton and think about finding some workable space. Coordinating treatment times was becoming difficult because of the time clients needed to recover, dress and re-apply make-up.

Josephine came up to the office prepared with her notepad and pen at the ready. ‘Lucie’s bringing up the coffee,’ she said, watching Lizzie gaze thoughtfully at the wall.

‘Oh, well done, just what I need right now.’ Lizzie licked her lips, ‘I know this will be a bit tight but we need to add some cubicles somewhere or at least some space for, let’s call it recovery.

‘Do you think clients would be happy to wander around in a robe, stripped of their make-up?’

‘No, but that’s why I need to set up a meeting with Jean-Luc – see if he can come up with some ideas tout de suite.’

‘He’s never going to get all that worked out and done in two weeks.’

‘Well if I don’t ask, I won’t know. I’ll ring him but meanwhile, see what you can come up with; however outrageous? I’ve been a bit distracted lately, I should have dealt with this sooner,’ Lizzie admitted.

‘You can never predict customer behaviour. But bookings for the festival season have increased.’ Josephine ran her pen over the forecast schedule.

Lizzie scratched her neck. ‘Yes, particularly in the salon. That’s a little odd. Maybe clients find it more relaxing in the treatment rooms than in their hotels or apartments.’

‘I would,’ Josephine confessed.

‘Anyway, let me know your thoughts as soon as you can and I’ll call Jean-Luc now.’

***

Obligingly, Jean-Luc was at the salon later that afternoon making notes and drawings with Lizzie. So it was agreed, and a three-day work schedule was put in place for the following week and Lizzie briefed the staff all about the changes.

After the hectic few weeks of festival madness, she made a point of inviting the staff out as a tribute to their hard work and dedication. She booked out the first floor of the local pizza restaurant Xavier La Pizzaiola to begin the evening. Everyone loved this venue for its novelty spectacle where the chef freshly prepared his pastry and toppings then cooked the pizzas in the large pizza oven at the front of the restaurant. He was fascinating to watch and the food was scrummy. After too much food and wine, they walked down to La Chunga for more drinks. It was on her return that Lizzie noticed a sign along the Rue Antibes. She took out her mobile phone straightaway and dialled her friend.

‘Sophie, sorry it’s so late but you must have a look at this.’

‘Lizzie, do you know it’s gone midnight and I am in bed?’

‘I know but I was so excited.’ Lizzie was high on adrenalin. ‘It’s a double-fronted shop on the Rue Antibes. I’ve looked it up online and sent you the link. Please will you have a look as soon as you get up in the morning?’

‘Yes, if it’s that good.’

‘Sorry again to wake you but I wanted to catch you before you went to work. Ring me once you have a chance to look?’

Chapter 7

Two weeks later Sophie arrived in Cannes a day earlier than planned. Although she was due at Lizzie’s flat in readiness for the trip to the Luberon, it was a good opportunity to first view the commercial premises her friend was so obviously mad about.

‘I am a bit worried about the price Liz, I mean, a prime position like Rue Antibes is going to command a premium isn’t it?’

‘Well yes, but think about it? That is where it’s at. Our clients will expect it. We’ll have our regulars because it’s only a short distance from the existing salon, and of course the external bookings such as the yachts, apartments and hotels will stay the same but we will get far more tourist traffic and vicinity traffic. There are clients from local towns that will come to Rue Antibes to shop but wouldn’t necessarily go near the current salon because it’s off the beaten track.’

‘Right, so it would also drive more traffic for the aesthetic beauty side too. I mean it’s not too commercial a site is it?’

‘It’s perfect, location, size, looks spacious. You wait ‘til you see it. I’m sure you’ll agree,’ Lizzie said, with a higher level of enthusiasm, if that was at all possible. ‘Plus the cellar I believe isn’t used currently so that could be utilized. Anyway, we’ll decide once we go along and see it.’

‘What time is the appointment?’

‘It was for tomorrow morning but I’ve asked the agent if we can go this afternoon.’ Lizzie scrunched up her nose in her little sister way she did with Sophie. ‘I’m waiting for a call. Do you want coffee?’

‘Love one. Where’s Thierry?’

‘Marie-Claire takes him to a toddler group today from two to four. Sit on the terrace and I’ll bring you a drink. We have some catching up to do.’

Minutes later, Lizzie arrived with coffee. Sophie had made herself comfortable under the canopy and out of the pulsating sunshine.

‘I have never been so excited in my life. And you will be down here with us and working with me.’ Lizzie pulled her chair in closer to Sophie.

‘I know. It’s my dream come true too. Though, naturally, I’m apprehensive.’

‘I’m pretty sure once you get going it’ll be fine. You’ll have income too, from the university, won’t you?’

‘Oh yes, and I have more savings to put into the business but I’m hoping that the university work will cover day-to-day living. I’ll just find a small apartment for now. I’m letting my Paris apartment and I have one week officially left at the hospital when I return.’

‘That’s come round quick. Why didn’t you tell me, we could have gone next week to the Luberon?’