Chapter six
Rylee
Rylee in Paris.
I spent half of Friday sleeping, and I still felt groggy on Saturday. But today? It’s time to get out, stretch my legs, and breathe in some fresh, cold air.
There’s a small, cozy café not too far from the apartment, and it’s perfect for Sunday brunch.
I put on a pair of blue jeans and a textured sweater with tiny pink pom-poms on it. Since rain or snow is not in the forecast, I go for my pink fur coat. A little extra? Maybe, but I like it.
The elevator opens at the tap of my key card. It still feels strange to have one right in my living room.
“Come on, Rylee. You still have time to back out,” I say as I step inside.
There were no reservations online for the café, so I spend the walk over praying I’ll find a table. Thankfully, luck is on my side.
I spot a cozy corner seat, perfect for people-watching without being in the way. I order hot cocoa and a chocolate croissant. What’s better than a warm drink on a freezing winter morning? Then, I add poached eggs with avocado. I could eat avocados with everything. And, because it’s the weekend, I get a cocktail too.
Why not?
After brunch, I head to the supermarket to grab a couple of things I need for the Tres Leches.
I stop at the crosswalk, tucking my hands into my pink fur coat pocket to keep them warm. The cold air’s biting my cheeks. I’ve lived in New York for years but still hate the cold.
“J’adore votre manteau (I love your coat),” a young woman says beside me as I wait for the light to change.
I tilt my head slightly with a small smile. “Merci.”
The light turns green, and we step forward at the same time.
“Bonne journee (Have a nice day).” She waves at me as I cross the street.
At the supermarket, I grab a few essentials I need for the cake, but nothing too heavy since I’m walking. On my way out, I grab a bouquet of peonies and forget-me-nots. By the time I make it back to my apartment, all I want is my pajamas, wine, the couch, and telenovelas. I can make the cake later.
My flowers go in a vase of water to keep them fresh before I sit back on the couch, ready to watch my favorite telenovela.
One episode turns into three, and by the time I check the time, it’s already six in the evening.
Time to bake.
Tossing my throw blanket aside, I place my feet on the plush carpet. Through the glass window, the sky melts into a rich shade of orange and pink. The Eiffel Tower glows against the darkening sky.
The TV still playing in the background as I head into the kitchen.
As I grab a mixing bowl, my phone on the counter rings with a video call.
“Hey, sis,” I answer, propping it against the flower vase.
“Hey, I need your help.”
I pause, looking at the screen. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I need your help with picking an outfit.”
My body relaxes in relief.
“Outfit for what?”
“My friends and I are going ice skating.”
“Oooh, sounds fun. Show me what you got?”
She holds the first outfit, a black skater skirt with a baby-blue sweater.
“A skirt? You’re gonna freeze in that.”
“Not really. I’ll add tights and leg warmers.”
“Hmmm, let me see the second one,” I say, reaching for an egg from the counter.
A black bodysuit with a baby-blue, long-sleeved shirt, and matching socks warmers.
“I like the bodysuit one. Just make sure you layer up. Don’t want you getting sick.”
“Okay, thank you. Bye, gotta get ready now.”
“Wait. Who’s going?”
“Ally, June, and John.”
“John, huh?” I smirk at her.
Now I see why she needed my opinion on the outfits.
“Yes, John. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Love you, bye.” She hangs up before I can say it back. Love you too.
I shake my head, turning back to my baking.