Page 17 of Pampered in Paris

“Do you want to go to that pastry school? I know I bugged you about filling out the application.”

“Yes, I want to go. I think it’ll be a life-changing experience.”

“There you go! Decision made. Listen to your gut. Don’t listen to other people, even if they are your family, tell you about where you should be in life. Now tell me more about this stud of a Frenchman that has wooed our sweet Anne.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “I can’t get past the invasion of privacy. He took my application.”

“But it sounds as if he’s the one that got you in. There’s no way you’d be accepted that quickly if you had turned it in yourself.”

Dang, I didn’t think about that at all.

This is why I called Violet. Sometimes you need your friends.

“It doesn’t even matter. I’ll be home soon anyways.”

“And back in Paris in the fall for pastry school,” she drawls out. “It’s not every day that you have two amazing opportunities fall into your lap. One is pastry school and one is a chance at love. The bakery and all of us in Maine will be here for you, no matter what you decide.”

“Thanks, Violet. I really needed this chat. I’ll keep you in the loop.”

We hang up and I sit by the river a little while longer before I head back to my rental.

I’ve felt more confident and more like my old self while I’ve been in Paris. I have a lot to think about in regards to Alexandre, but I know that I’ll be returning here in the fall for the pastry program. I owe it to myself to give it a shot.

Alexandre

It’s been a few days since Anne left my place. I’ve dived right back into work. If I can’t spend time off with Anne then I might as well be back at the restaurant. The sounds of metal pots clanging and fellow kitchen workers shouting feels like home.

François pulls me away from the back to take a short break outside before the major dinner rush.

“What happened between you and Anne? You’re back to working more than me.” He lights a cigarette and offers me one that I decline.

“I did exactly what you said not to do.”

François groans before I can explain more. “Really, mate? If you thought it was love, why would you start off with secrecy and sneaking behind her back?”

“I didn’t even think about it that way.” I run my fingers through my hair and then check my phone for messages. “I thought I was being helpful, but what’s done is done. When do you need an answer for Spain?” I change the subject.

“Can you let me know next week?” François puts his cigarette out and stretches his arms. “I’d like to start talking about the timeline for doing a soft opening and then a larger grand opening. We’ll need to finalize the regular menu. I already have the connections set up for fresh market fish and other goods to get delivered. I’d love to have you on board.”

“I can let you know next week,” I reply, unsure of what I want to do now.

Taking Anne around Paris was amazing. I loved seeing her enjoyment and wandering around the city together.

But what’s holding me here in Paris?

If I don’t go with François to open his restaurant in Spain then I’d stay here and runLe Petit Poisson. Both options are great choices. I’m just a little uncertain.

I decide to text Anne to invite her to lunch.

I have nothing to lose if she says no.

Chapter 9

Anne

Another dayof walking around museums. My feet are killing me. I decide to take another bubble bath. Might as well pamper myself while I can. I light a few candles and pour myself a glass of wine. When I’m in the kitchen, I can’t help but munch on a few more macarons.

None of my clothes are going to fit when I get home.

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