Chapter 9
Present
“Answer, answer, answer,”I huff as I entered the company bathroom.
With trembling hands, I wedge my phone between the wall and the sink. The tones scroll by, and I fear he might miss the call when his face appears on the screen. Corentin, dressed in a black lawyer”s robe with a white collar, observes me with a raised eyebrow. Seeing him like this reminds me that in France, lawyers are required to wear a black robe whenever they are in court, even during breaks in proceedings.
“Hi Florence. Are you all right?” he asks cautiously.
I don”t know what prompted his conclusion, but his concern is justified. The situation is dire, exceedingly so.
So as not to change, ironizes my conscience.
No, this time it”s different. It”s not in my mind, at least not totally.
“Hi! Are you at work? I”m sorry to bother you, but I need emotional support.”
“I”ll always have time for you. Tell me what”s wrong.”
“élise summoned me to her office,” I huffed in disappointment.
In front of the large mirror in the company washroom, I smooth out the folds of my polka-dot baby doll dress. In five minutes, I”m due in élise”s office. It”s the first time she”s called me in, and I wonder what”s going on.
Have I made a mistake? Has the universe decided to punish me for having the nerve to give up?
“Okay! Is this bad news?”
“Of course,” I shout before putting my hands over my mouth. “Sorry, I”m stressed.”
“Nothing new there.”
I glare at him and nervously gather my brown hair into a high bun, from which a few rebellious curls escape.
“Okay, my behavior wasn”t nice. I don”t understand why encountering élise affects you like this. Did something happen?”
“That”s the problem. I don”t know anything about it. Cécile must have told her I”m incompetent. I”ll be out of a job. I won”t be able to pay my share of the rent, and I”ll be selling my body in the Bois de Boulogne so they don”t kick me out of the apartment. It’ll be illegal, they”ll put me in jail, and you”ll have to be my lawyer.”
“Wow, Florence! If I didn”t know you, I would find it hard to believe people with your qualities existed. You”re one of a kind.”
“I”m weird, I know.”
“I like your weirdness.”
“I look like a disturbed girl. I am truly the worst.”
He furrows his brows. “Of course not! Did you pick a paper from the vase today?”
I nod while pulling out the piece of paper from my bag. It says: Everything I want, I will do. I will achieve it.
Which will be ironic when élise fires me from the agency. My tendency to view the glass as half empty doesn”t allow me to believe I”m making up stories about this. There”s no other reason why élise would have summoned me. I focus my attention on Corentin, who is being called. I can tell from the commotion behind him he”s about to hang up and leave me alone.
“Florence, take a deep breath, I”m sure everything”s going to be fine. I understand you”re anxious, but you have to face your fear. You might be surprised at what happens.”
I nod, grateful for his presence. Once alone, I hold on to the sink to get up. Despite the weight on my legs, I have to try and calm down.
Why the hell can’t I be normal?
I had to be that. A woman incapable of taking any action. I apply another layer of the Dior carmine red lipstick élise gave me for my birthday. I take the opportunity to spray a bit of deodorant and perfume, as a precaution. It”s hot these days, and I”m boiling even more at the thought of being in the office of the big boss. Despite our connection, I don”t forget she is my employer, and any preferential treatment will not be tolerated. I take a deep breath, my gaze fixed on the reflection of my dark irises. Motionless, lips closed, I appear calm, but it”s far from the truth.
It”s going to be all right! Everything”s going to be all right! Come on, girl, you can do it!
My hands shake as encouragement echoes in my brain, sweat runs down my spine, but with my head held high, I leave the tiled room. My stilettos click loudly on the floor, and the sound accompanies me to the door separating me from the answers to my questions. I knock. Immediately, élise tells me to join her. My boss is sitting upright behind her huge desk, which is splattered with pretty family photos and a few files. She uncrosses her long legs, lifts her gaze from her screen, and greets me with a beautiful smile. élise is an elegant woman in all circumstances; she”s my role model. If I could have even half the poise and impeccable style of this great lady, I”d be happy.
It”s simple, everything suits her, like the black top with lace sleeves and high pants belted at the waist she”s wearing today. With Manille, we agree she”s a carbon copy ofJada Pinkett Smith. We have a real admiration for this proud, strong, self-made woman who runs her business with a master”s hand, without the help or money of any man.
She invites me to sit down. Cross-legged, I play with my fingers to calm the rising stress as I watch her dark skin glisten in the sunlight streaming through her large round window.
“Florence! I love your dress; it suits you perfectly,” she exclaims.
I flash a smile at the woman I consider an aunt. She is extremely kind. With kindness, she speaks her mind, even when what she has to say is negative.
“Thanks for the compliment.”
“You”re welcome; you deserve it. I”m sorry for summoning you at the last minute, ma chère, Floflo.”
I don”t know why she adds “Chère” after my nickname, considering she already shows signs of affection. I won”t complain about her love. I feel privileged, even with others having nicknames in the office.
“I understand, you”re a busy woman. So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
She studies me carefully, her gaze serious, hands crossed in front of her. “It”s been almost a year you”ve been here.”
Cold sweat runs down my temples. Is she about to fire me? Without letting her say more, I interrupt her. I don”t want to hear from her mouth words as harsh and distant as ”You”re fired.” It would break my heart, and I don”t want to risk hating someone who treats me like a second mom.
“Yes, I know, you want to part ways with me. I completely understand. I am a burden to the company; I don”t make progress. I”m not up to the task, I”m aware of it. I don”t have the level to be an organizer, I apologize. I will pack my things,” I conclude, breathless.
I get up from my seat, shoulders slouched, and tears ready to wet my cheeks. My boss springs up. With wide eyes, she grabs my arm, thwarting my attempt to escape.
“But ma chère Floflo, what are you talking about?”
She opens her mouth, then closes it, as if searching for the right words. Index and thumb on the bridge of her nose, she closes her eyelids and exhales in exasperation.
“I”m not planning to fire you, come on,” she finally asserts.
Before I can speak again, she stops me with a hand in front of my face.
“Let me finish, please. First, I would like you to get rid of all this nonsense in your head. You”re worth so much more than you think, and the reason I summoned you will prove it to you.” I feel disoriented as a playful spark lights up her eyes. A subtle smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she resumes speaking. “There is a couple getting married in two months, and I thought it”s high time for you to step up. I don”t want anything to hold you back any longer, so if you want this project, it”s yours and yours alone.”
Her phone suddenly rings. Glancing at the caller ID, she wrinkles her nose in disgust before placing the phone back on the desk, screen facing down. Meanwhile, I”m left speechless, utterly taken aback by her reaction.
Is it a dream?
“You can refuse if you consider the deadline too short. It”s true, the timeframe isn”t ideal for a first freewheeling contract, but I don”t have anything else at the moment.”
I”m shocked! It takes me several deep breaths to get my paused brain working again. My heartbeat quickens as my eyes widen. I mechanically take the file she hands me and open it without waiting, checking its authenticity.
Three days ago, I was thinking of quitting my job, and now I”ve been asked to plan a wedding! I can”t wait to tell my friends. I can only imagine what Corentin is going to say.
“Floflo, are you with me?”
I only realize I”m lost in thought when my boss snaps me out of my reverie with a hand on mine.
“Yes! Yes! I”m so sorry. Of course I accept! I wasn”t expecting it.”
Tears of joy well up in my eyes. I want to hug élise because I”m on cloud nine thanks to her, but I restrain myself. I think I could even scream with happiness at this moment. The Florence of my childhood is in a trance of this incredible news.
I absolutely must go and see Manille and tell her everything down to the last detail! She”s not going to believe it, either! All those moments of hoping I”d be given a chance. The extra hours in my office working on files. The nervous breakdowns and the constant struggle to do the right thing. It”s all a nightmare now.
“Now, ma chère Floflo, get to work! You”ve got your work cut out for you.”
I smile back and nod. I stand up, happy, light, and excited. Despite my intention to avoid any familiarity with élise, I rush into her arms. She places a kiss on the top of my head, then I leave her office. In the corridors, I try my best not to shout with joy. I hurry to join my friend and overhear her conversation with one of our colleagues.
With the phone to her ear, Manille turns her beautiful, angelic face toward me, as if she”s sensed my presence. I beckon her to meet me in my office as soon as she”s finished, wearing the dazzling smile ever present on my face.
It”s a wonderful day!
A few seconds pass before she comes back, her eyes full of questions. I rush over to her, letting out a little exclamation at the same time. I take her in my arms.
“I”m planning a wedding! Me! By myself!”
Her eyes widen as she cups my face and showers it with kisses. Like children, we jump up and down, excited by the news. We laugh and dance, so much have we hoped for this moment. As the calm settles between us, despite my euphoria, I notice a mischievous twinkle in my friend”s eyes. Instantly, my smile fades, and I meet her gaze with a serious and steady expression.
“What”s going on?”
“We have to celebrate. It”s Friday, we can”t stay home. Not after the news you gave me. Don”t tell Charlotte yet, it has to be our little secret. I can”t believe my little bird is finally flying. God, I”m so proud of you, Florence.”
“All right, then. I”ll ask Corentin to join us. It”s imperative we”re all together.”
“Do you think he”ll accept?”
I shrug. Corentin isn”t much of a party person, but I”m hoping he”ll make an exception. This is a big turning point in my professional life and I know he”ll want to be there for it. I”ll be convincing if he”s hesitant.
“We”ll have to wait and see. In any case, one thing”s for sure: we”re having fun tonight.”
Manille hugs me again before leaving. When I”m alone again, I rush to my phone.
Me: Hi my redhead, you”re free to chat with your gorgeous neighbor.
His reply was not long in coming.
Corentin: Always. I imagine things went well with élise, since you”re not bombarding me with messages.
Me: Everything went well. So well, I want to celebrate.
Corentin: That”s a great idea. You need to have fun with your girlfriends.
I”m amused he doesn”t even consider himself invited.
Me: You”re welcome to join us.
I bite my nails nervously as the minutes tick by and my friend still doesn”t answer. I jump, surprised by the ringing of my mobile. I answer, my rictus growing.
Does it surprise him that much?
“Do you want me to come with you?” asks the lawyer. “Isn”t this a girls” night out?”
I roll my eyes. “It”s not a girls” night out, and even if it were, you”re my favorite intruder.”
There”s silence, which makes my smile widen. This man clearly knows how to make himself wanted.
“I”ve got to go, I”m being called,” he announces, his voice hoarse. “I”ll be present.”
He quickly hangs up, not even giving me a chance to answer or greet him. I can”t contain my joy as I sit back in my seat. Having a contract and now being able to convince Corentin to come with me sounds too good to be true. With my eyes on the precious file that”s calling my name, I decide not to dwell on the subject and get down to work until it”s finally time to go home.
* * *
As I”m steppingout of the bathroom, the doorbell rings. It”s Manille, wearing a short black dress with a V-neckline, who opens the door for Corentin. I”m still the last one in, cursing myself for dragging it out so long. I was still on time when he sent me his last message to let me know he”d be home by eight. Problem, Lola gave me puppy eyes, and I couldn”t resist the call of the walk. With my towel around my damp body, I greet him as he enters the apartment. Corentin is wearing khaki jeans and a dark beige T-shirt.
“Corentin, you can wait for us in the living room. Charlotte made brownies,” Manille said, directing him down the hall.
“I don”t like brownies.”
She turns to him, eyebrows furrowed. “Who cares? The most important thing is you pretend, and then you give them to me.”
I can feel he”s a little embarrassed, but I know with Manille and Charlotte, he”s in good hands. They”ll do everything to make him feel at ease. The girls may poke fun at his unsociability, but they mean no harm. Their aim is to make him feel at ease, as I did when I first moved in with them.
“I”ll be ten minutes!” I shout as I made my way to my room.
“Why do I feel you”re lying?” Corentin replies.
I roll my eyes and smile. This man knows me like the back of his hand.
“Probably because it is!”
I laugh so hard my stomach hurts, but quickly get serious about my dressing room. The girls and I had already planned what I”d be wearing. We agreed on a long-sleeved pink top highlighting my tanned complexion.
The fabric clings softly around my bust, draping gracefully over my curves. Below, a short skirt in matching color completes the ensemble. I”ve chosen subtle eye makeup, enhancing my natural features, and my lips are coated with a delicate layer of burgundy lipstick. My curly hair cascades down my back, framing my face with effortless elegance. I can”t help but feel pleased with my appearance.
I add a pair of black thigh-high boots to my outfit and finally leave my room. I”m relieved to find Corentin in my living room with the girls. Lola on his legs, he caresses her, obviously involved in the conversation. I take a mental picture, before making my presence known.
“All right, guys. What do you think?” I asked feverishly.
Corentin, who was playing with Lola, slowly swivels toward me, as do the girls. While my roommates jump up excitedly, telling me what a bombshell I am, Corentin freezes despite my dog”s licks. His forest-green eyes fixed on me, he scrutinizes me from head to toe, then moves up to meet my chocolate-black irises. My cheeks burn under his special attention. He swallows hard and clears his throat loudly. His face remains marbled, but his cheekbones color slightly. Or is it an illusion?
“You”re so sexy. I should become a stylist,” Manille congratulates herself. “The men will be eating out of our hands, for sure.”
I notice Corentin tense up, but he remains silent.
“You forget we were two of us,” Charlotte said, amused.
“True, I forget I”m nothing without you. By the way, are we going home with someone tonight? Thomas, are you planning to hook up?”
He shrugs. “Why bother, I”m lucky enough to have three beautiful women by my side. I”m already fulfilled.”
Charlotte giggles, while Manille smiles. As for me, my cheeks are flushed. The girls decide it”s time to go, while I”m left alone with Corentin in the living room. I approach him, holding out my hand to help him up.
Inches from me, I run my fingers through his hair to replace it.
“You”re not bad at all. I like the relaxed Corentin.”
“You, on the other hand, are as magnificent as ever,” he says.
His voice is deeper, more husky than usual. I smile at him shyly, embarrassed by his feverish gaze, which I pretend not to notice, and it”s then I discover him, too, as I almost whisper my thanks.
“Shall we go?” shouts Manille, bringing me back to order.
He offers me his arm and we head out. The ride to his car is full of fun and Manille jokes. The lawyer, as usual, expresses no feelings, but his eyes speak for him, and that”s enough.