Page 34 of In the Same Boat

‘Maybe? Mum, unless we’re about to be dropped off at a campsite without a tent, this has definitely been the most luxurious holiday I’ve ever been on, and we’ve not even arrived at where we’re staying yet.’

She laughs and casually reaches for a bottle of water, like she’s used to travelling in style already.

‘Just enjoy it,’ she says with a laugh.

‘Oh, I am enjoying it,’ I reply. ‘But I’m allowed to be in shock.’

I admire Nice as we drive through it. I love the pale buildings, the palm trees – and of course the sunshine.

The sea appears on my right, beautifully blue and sparkling underneath the sun. I’m so glad Mum convinced me that a few bikinis would come in handy because I can’t wait to take a dip.

I lean back against the seat and look at my mum.

‘So where are we actually staying?’ I ask curiously.

‘You’ll see,’ she replies.

‘You’re still keeping it a surprise?’ I check. ‘The jig is up. I know we’re staying in Nice.’

‘Guess again,’ she says cryptically.

‘We’re not staying in Nice?’ I reply. ‘Well, I know we’re staying in France.’

Her smile widens.

‘Mum – we’re not staying in France?’

‘Just wait and see,’ she says with a laugh.

She leans back against the headrest, tipping her head to one side so that she can take in the view.

Oh, I have never been so intrigued in my life. Not only by where we’re going, but by what’s got into my mum all of a sudden. She’s an organiser – she’s more organised than I am, and I know how much better I feel when I have a plan.

I narrow my eyes at her, wondering what she’s up to, but it is hard to stay suspicious when the sun is shining and you know you’re going somewhere good.

We leave Nice behind and eventually happen upon a sign.

‘Mum!’

She looks at me and smiles.

‘We’re staying in Monaco?!’

‘Surprise,’ she sings. ‘And it’s not even my last surprise either. Wait until you see where we’re staying. I just thought, with you being so generous, letting me stay with you, that I owed you one.’

‘You absolutely don’t have to do this, Mum, but thank you,’ I tell her sincerely. ‘I’m so excited.’

The road begins to wind as we get nearer to our destination. There’s sea to one side, hilly greenery on the other – each side as picturesque as the other.

The road dips, curves, revealing different views at every angle – every one of them screen-saver worthy.

If I’m honest, I am starting to feel a little guilty for feeling like my mum has been getting in the way. She hasn’t, it’s just been tricky with dating, and having unwanted guests, but I’m happy to forget all about it and enjoy a girls’ holiday with her.

She was right that I needed a break. Work has been relentless, I have been tense for so long that it has started to feel normal, and so this is exactly what I need.

The car slows as we reach the marina, and I thought I knew what Monte Carlo was like from the movies, but it’s even more stunning in person. I mean, we’re driving by what is essentially a car park for yachts – this really is the playground of the rich and the powerful. And then there’s me and Mum, who are neither.

The yachts line the harbour in gleaming rows, enormous and spotless, with tinted windows and polished chrome – most of them look bigger than my first apartment (and some of them probably have more square footage than my house).