One Summer in Paris(64)

“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I didn’t want you to lose your job.”

“Yeah, well, thanks again. I put you in a difficult position. I know you’re not exactly the lying type, so I don’t blame you for being mad at me.”

She should be used to it by now. Her mum often yelled. She made her teachers frustrated.

“I’m not mad because I had to lie for you, I’m mad because you worried me half to death. Audrey, you didn’t come home last night.” Grace’s voice rose. “Do you have any idea how it felt to knock on your door this morning and get no answer? I called your cell phone, and it was switched off. I pictured you lying in a gutter somewhere and I had no idea where to even look for you. I was trying to figure out how I could ask Elodie for Etienne’s number when you walked in. Toni was the one who persuaded me to wait.” She sat down hard on the chair and breathed. “Sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell, but I was so scared.”

Audrey opened her mouth and closed it again.

“You’re mad because—you were worried about me?”

“Of course! What else?”

“I assumed you were mad because I was late and you had to tell a lie for me.”

“I was so relieved to see you safe and, well, I would have told a million lies for you.” Grace rubbed her hands over her face. “You’re probably thinking I overreacted, and maybe I did. It’s part of being a mother, I think. You always imagine the worst.”

Audrey felt her eyes sting. It hadn’t occurred to her that Grace might be worried. “I was fine. We hooked up and I stayed the night at his place. And overslept.” It was probably better not to mention the morning sex. “His apartment was farther away than I thought so it took longer than planned. I promise it won’t ever happen again.”

Grace twisted the ring on her finger. “I should be the one apologizing to you. You’re an adult. Your mother is probably back home fighting the urge to call you every five minutes, and here I am acting like a mother hen and stepping in when I shouldn’t.”

No one had ever mothered Audrey, least of all her own mother.

“I—I’m glad you care.” There was a lump lodged in her throat. Grace had to be the kindest person she’d ever met. “How was your evening? Did you contact Philippe?”

“I did not.” But there was a glimmer of a smile there.

“Why not? Send him a friend request. No arguments.”

“You can’t interfere with my love life.”

“Why not? You interfere with mine.” Audrey folded her arms. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll text you and let you know I’m safe next time I go out, providing you send that friend request.”

“You’re very manipulative.”

“Thanks.”

“It wasn’t a compliment.”

“Life’s tough, Grace. How have you even survived this far? You’re like this—” she waved her hands “—perfect person. You don’t swear, you don’t drink—”

“I had a glass of red wine last night.”

Audrey pressed her hand to her chest. “I’m shocked. Go you. Tonight, a glass of wine. Tomorrow, kissing a hot guy under the lights of the Eiffel Tower.”

“You have a wild imagination.”

“Send that friend request.”

Grace sighed and pulled out her phone. “If this goes badly, I’m coming for you.”

“Do it.” She watched as Grace finally sent the friend request. “Yay! Doesn’t that feel great?”

“It feels terrifying.”

“It’s a whole new beginning.”

“Or maybe the biggest mistake of my life.” Grace pulled a piece of paper out of her bag. “This is for you.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a list of audiobooks I think you might like. I chose them because I think you might like the story, but also because the narrator is good. If you have to listen to someone’s voice for a long time, it has to be one that you like.”

“Yeah, I get that. I mean, Etienne has this really sexy voice.” She gave Grace a sideways look. “Sorry. TMI. I swear I was careful.”

“Did I ask?”

“Yeah, just not with your mouth. It was right there in your eyes.” Audrey read through the list slowly. “You have nice writing. Easier to read than most people’s.”

“They’ll let you download a couple of books free to try it so you don’t have to spend any money to begin with.”

“Cool. I like free things.” She dropped the paper into her bag. “Thanks.”

“Do you have something in your fridge to eat tonight? Would you like to eat with me? You could come down around six if you like.”

“Yeah, sure.” She was surprised by how much she enjoyed spending time with Grace. She was calming. Reassuring. It was like swimming in a deep pool, knowing there was a life belt within reach.

She was also a good cook, despite her obsession with fruit and vegetables.

“Good. I’ll make us dinner. And we can learn vocabulary for asking directions.”

Audrey started to rethink dinner. “Even if I learn the words for left and right, I still won’t know which way to go. I’m crap at directions. Always have been.”