Page 6 of The Paris Chapter

‘I might need more of this,’ I joked, gesturing to the soup.

‘I’m glad you like it.’

I remembered then what he’d said when I had walked in. ‘What did you mean before about me not liking fancy food?’

‘Well,’ Ethan began, shifting awkwardly in this chair, ‘Joe did mention that the reason you both never came to my restaurant in London was because you didn’t like the quote “pretentious” food we served there.’

My mouth fell open as Ethan’s phone started to ring. He excused himself to answer it and I watched him go, wondering why my ex had said that because that was definitely not my view at all. It appeared Joe had lied about a lot of things while I was with him.

Before I could wonder why he’d tell Ethan such a thing, my phone beeped with a reminder and I hurriedly got up from the table because it was time to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle for the first time. I rushed out onto the balcony and looked over to see the lights twinkling ahead. I smiled as it glittered. It seemed to say that even when things are dark, there will always be a light to guide the way.

And the tiniest tint of rose re-appeared on my imaginary glasses.

4

‘It’s something, huh?’

I turned in surprise to see Ethan leaning against the frame of the balcony doors. ‘I’ve never been to Paris before so I’ve only seen it on social media,’ I said, looking away from him and back at the sparkling tower. ‘It’s what I was most looking forward to coming here.’ I didn’t add that I’d been hoping Joe and I would be drinking wine on this very balcony watching it together, and enjoying the romance of it all.

‘I’m glad you didn’t leave before you got to see it,’ he said.

The lights stopped so I faced Ethan again. ‘Me too.’

‘Sorry Joe didn’t check with you before offering to let me stay here. Send me your details and I’ll transfer you the money; I can’t let you pay for all this.’

‘I can’t let you pay for it all either,’ I countered. ‘Especially if you’re sleeping on the sofa and leaving… soon.’

Ethan tilted his head, that amusement in his eyes again. ‘Half each then?’ He saw me hesitate. ‘I insist.’

Finally, I nodded. ‘Thank you. I guess you’re not all bad,’ Iadded with a smile. I walked past him hoping he got my sense of humour, knowing not everyone did. Particularly my ex.

He chuckled. ‘Sounds like your standards have been pretty low if that renews your hope in the male species.’

I turned and raised an eyebrow and we looked at one another.Does he realise he’s basically calling his best friend a low standard?

‘You’re not wrong,’ I replied. Ethan looked like he wanted to say something, but I shook my head. ‘I’m tired. I think I’ll head to bed.’

‘Sure. I moved my things out so the bedroom is all yours. I… I hope you sleep well. And thanks again for letting me stay here for a bit.’

‘Goodnight.’ I headed off to the bedroom, wondering how much Ethan knew about what had happened between me and Joe. I was worried after hearing how Joe had told Ethan I hadn’t wanted to eat at his restaurant. What else had he told Ethan about me? But I knew it didn’t matter. It wasn’t like I cared what Ethan thought about me, or that he would be at all part of my life after this trip. I just didn’t like Joe having control of our story. It felt like our six months together had been a trick pulled off by a skilled magician and I no longer wanted any part of it.

I changed into pyjamas and slipped into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I heard Ethan on the phone and wondered who he was laughing with. Whether it was Joe or not. Joe had been so closed off about his friends and family, holding secrets close to his chest, making me believe he was mysterious and deep, when I now knew it was to keep me in the dark about his other woman.

With a heavy sigh, I closed the bedroom door and sunk into the large bed, snuggling into the crisp white sheets, feeling like I was lying on a cloud. Rolling onto my back, I listened to Ethan’slow voice for a bit before it all went quiet and the apartment turned dark. It felt strangely intimate sleeping in the same small space as someone despite the fact a closed door was between us. I thought it might keep me awake as my brain loved to overthink, but weary from the stress of the past two months and travelling today, I slipped quickly into a deep sleep.

I awoke suddenly and groggily to my phone ringing on the bedside table. I rolled over in the bed, taking a moment to remember I wasn’t in my London flat but a Parisian apartment. I had slept more soundly than I had in weeks, which was very strange but I was grateful for it. Everything always seemed worse when you added in lack of sleep to the equation. I grabbed my phone without looking at the screen. ‘Hello?’

‘Tessa, it’s Stevie!’

I sat up immediately. I should have checked who it was before answering. I metaphorically kicked myself. ‘Oh, hi,’ I said trying to sound normal as my heart started to speed up. Stevie was my publicist at Turn the Pages.

‘How are you?’ Stevie asked me.

‘Um, I’m okay. Actually, I’m in Paris.’

‘Paris! I’m so jealous. A romantic trip with your boyfriend?’

I cringed. I hadn’t told many people about what had happened with Joe and I hadn’t spoken to Stevie since before Christmas. ‘Actually, no, a solo trip. To do some writing.’

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