Page 77 of Reeling in Love

I can’t believe it. “What about the backlash? Many people might unfollow you.”

She shrugs. “So be it. Followers keep coming and going. But peace of mind and a clean conscience is important. Follower numbers aren’t worth lying and tainting your soul.”

Mamie stands up and pats Nora on the shoulder. “You’re strong, Nora, to even think of doing this. But I’d suggest that you both should neither fan the flame nor apologize just yet. Maybe, with no proof, this Bob fellow backs off himself. No action will be required then, right? Take the word of this old lady who has seen the world through a lot of changes. No one cares. We think everyone is thinking and talking about us. We spend our lives worrying about what others will say. But no one, what do you Americans say? ‘Gives a shit’, about any other person. So, leave it at that for now.”

Nora finishes the ravioli and puts the plate back on the table. “You’re right, ma’am. But if this-Bob-fellow, as you put it, doesn’t back off, I think it might be for the best to tell the truth.”

“Sure, you know best,” Mamie says and then spins around to face me. “Well, I believe Nora has probably had her dinner here. Do you want something to eat? Would you like to stay here for the night or return to your hotel?”

I pick up a brioche and take a bite. It’s amazing. No wonder Nora has been gorging herself. “We’ll go back. I’ve to prepare a bit for my Monday’s presentation and my laptop is in the room.”

“As you wish. And Gabriel, je suis vraiment désolée. I hope you can forgive me.”

“It’s okay, Mamie. I don’t approve of what you did, but I understand why you did it.”

She hugs me, and then Nora. “I’m sorry, Nora, for getting you into this trouble. And you’re not at all like what Daphne told me. I’m glad Gabriel has you as a friend.”

She calls out to someone and tells them to get the car ready.

“The driver will drop you to your hotel. If you like, you can keep the car and driver till you’re in Paris.”

“No, thank you,” I say. “He can return after dropping us at the hotel.”

Even though she’s promised she won’t manipulate us, I don’t believe her. So I don’t want her driver acting as her spy and telling her what we’re doing, where we’re going, and what we’re talking about. It’ll be some time before I can trust her completely, if ever.

Chapter 33

Nora: #Apology

We barely talk on the drive home. I’m shocked by all the games Gabs’ family plays and my stomach hurts a little from eating too much because that’s all I could do to keep myself busy while all the drama was unfolding. The fact that the food was heavenly did not help.

I don’t trust Mrs Bardot, so I refrain from commenting till we’re alone. We wouldn’t want the driver to report back to her. With all her crafty and devious ways, I wouldn’t put it past her to ask the driver to spy on us. I guess Gabs feels the same, and that’s the reason he refused her offer of car and driver during his stay in Paris.

Thankfully, with barely any traffic at this time of the night, the ride to the hotel doesn’t take long.

Once in the room, Gabriel makes himself comfortable on the couch. I feel sorry for him and wonder if I should invite him to the bed. Yeah, right! Don’t get ideas. It’s just ‘cause I think he must be exhausted like me. We’ve had a long day. I don’t even remember when the day started. It feels like we’ve been awake and on the move forever.

However, I remember our last encounter on this bed, and as exciting and fun as it was, I don’t think we should repeat it. So I don’t even give a hint that he should come over. The good thing about exhaustion is that he’ll likely sleep well even on the couch.

I change into a loose T-shirt and pajamas and get inside the covers.

“I can’t read your grandmother, y’know. Sometimes she seems so crafty, while at others she appears to be nice and caring.”

Gabriel fluffs up the pillow and stretches out on the couch. “Oh, don’t be mistaken by her smiles and compliments. She’s crafty as hell. But from what I know of her, she’s not bad at heart. I think she genuinely thought it was good for me.” He turns to his side, so he’s facing me. “Well, not me, but for the business. But I still don’t trust her, because I don’t think she values me or my happiness over her business. As long as she thinks I’m adding value, she’s a friend. That’s all.”

“Well, she’s quite shrewd. Imagine going to all those lengths to get you out of MooreGames! I mean, if she’d be the CEO, the company would grow much faster.”

“True. I see you’re quite impressed by her. I thought you hated her. That’s what your looks said when we met her.”

“I did. But then I realized she’s not that bad.” I give out a long drawn-out yawn. “Anyway, g’nite. We’ll discuss tomorrow about how we should go about telling our followers the truth.”

I close my eyes, wondering what ‘truth’ is. Mom’s voice reverberates in my ears. “Take a chance at what your heart says.”

What does my heart say? On second thoughts, do I even want to know? I mean, Gabs probably has had enough of this relationship thing with me, fake or otherwise. And I don’t blame him. It hasn’t gone so swimmingly as I’d hoped it would. The kisses have been nice, though. And the sex… well, it’s been awesome. Would I want to live the rest of my life without experiencing it again?

Tough choice.

If I have to choose between his friendship and sex, I’ll obviously choose friendship. Ugh! That’s why I hate being an adult, because the right decisions are not always the ones you want. Neither are they the easiest.

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