Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The reality of what was actually happening hit me like a ton of bricks. No, there was no way I was dining alone with my ex-boyfriend and ex-business partner in this wonderfully romantic chateau in Provence. No, no, this was not that kind of rom-com. This was more like a French farce, and I was determined not to be the punchline.
I pulled out my phone and fired off a WhatsApp message to Remi, my fingers flying over the screen: "Can you come back? Stay for dinner? Things have gotten extremely awkward."
His reply was instantaneous: "I'm on standby."
Relief washed over me. At least I'd have one ally in this impending disaster.
I retreated to my room to freshen up and, more importantly, to scream into a pillow. The muffled sound of my frustration was oddly satisfying, but it did little to quell the storm of emotions brewing inside me. I couldn't believe this was happening.
Much to my relief, Remi's truck rumbled up the driveway shortly after. I practically flew down the stairs, my feet barely touching the steps as I rushed out to meet him.
" Merci ," I breathed in gratitude.
Remi's brow furrowed as he took in my frazzled state. " De rien. But is everything okay?"
I shook my head, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Not really. I mean, it's fine. It's going to be fine. I just—"
"It's okay. Take a breath," he said, his calm voice anchoring me. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"
I sighed and pressed a hand to my temple, feeling a headache brewing. "It's a long story."
"Is he still here?"
I nodded, grimacing. "Unfortunately. Colette had the generous hospitality to invite him for dinner."
"How considerate of her," Remi said dryly.
"Indeed. I don't mean this to sound like I'm using you, but can you please stick around? I know it's awkward, but—"
He cut me off with a melodramatic, old-fashioned bow that made me smile despite myself. "A Frenchman is always a gentleman, mademoiselle. It is my honor to defend yours." He leaned in. “Consider me used.”
I laughed and curtsied in return, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders. "My savior."
"It is going to cost you a glass of whatever it is you're drinking," he said.
"I think tonight calls for the extra good stuff. Why don't you help yourself to the cellar?"
He let out a satisfied groan and wiggled his eyebrows. “I am now terribly aroused.”
I snorted a laugh. "Come on. He's out back," I said, leading the way. Remi flashed me a sympathetic pout as he followed me inside. "Why don't you go pick something out, and I'll manage the situation," I suggested.
"Do you want to fill me in on why he's here?" Remi asked.
I sighed, the weight of the situation settling back on my shoulders. "I will. Eventually. Not yet. I need wine first."
He saluted me with a grin. "On that, I can deliver."
"I'm just glad I'm not alone," I admitted, feeling a wave of gratitude for his presence.
As if the universe heard my desperation, a few moments later, the front door creaked open, and footsteps echoed through the foyer.
" Coucou ! Are you here, Elodie?” Félicité’s voice called out.
I spun around, practically giddy with relief. I ran to the front foyer and threw my arms around Félicité in an unnaturally tight embrace.
"I'm so glad you're here," I said, my voice muffled against her shoulder. My awkward little duo had turned into a slightly less awkward dinner party.
" Mon Dieu, are you dying?" Félicité asked, freezing in my embrace, her body tense with confusion.
I pulled away and shook my head, a hysterical laugh bubbling up. "I nearly did. But I think now that you're here, I will survive."
"What's going on? You're acting insane," she said, eyeing me with a mixture of concern and amusement.
"I feel insane," I admitted. "It is a very long story, but the abbreviated version is that my ex-boyfriend has arrived. I’m pretty sure he's trying to extort me for money. He has been courteously invited to dinner by Colette. Remi is also here, and I'm pretty sure this is about to be the most awkward night of my life." The words tumbled out in a breathless rush.
Félicité stared at me, deadpan, and blinked. Finally, she burst out laughing, the sound rich and genuine.
"You are never dull, Elodie. This is something I very much like about you." She linked her arm through mine and tugged me along. "Come. Lead me to the disaster."
I led Félicité out to the back patio, where Evan sat in silence, staring off into the distance. He turned like a startled deer at the sound of our approach.
"Hi," he said uncertainly, his eyes darting between us.
"Evan, this is Félicité. My—uh, my sister," I said, watching his reaction closely.
Evan's eyebrows shot up, and his mouth fell into a confused little 'O' shape. "Your—sister?"
I couldn't help but smile at his bewilderment. "Oh, right. I didn't mention it. I actually have two brothers and a sister. I didn't know about them either. But they are absolutely delightful."
"We really are," Félicité echoed.
Evan's face twisted into an expression of utter confusion, and maybe a little bit of terror. Like he might've just stepped into the Twilight Zone. I took more than a little pleasure in that.
He stood and extended his hand to Félicité as we approached. She leaned in for the obligatory cheek kiss, and I could see Evan's cheeks flushing. As she stepped away, his eyes darted down her figure. I glared, a surge of protectiveness rising in me. It wasn't enough he was dating one of my friends? Now he was ogling my baby sister? No. I tugged her away and practically threw her into the seat next to mine.
"I will be right back," I said, my voice tight. "I'm going to let Colette know she will have one more place setting for dinner. And I'm guessing we are all going to need a lot more wine."