Who the heck is Colette, and why does she keep calling?
A whirlwind of thoughts spins through my mind, making me even more exhausted than I already am.I pull out my phone to set my alarm clock for seven a.m.when I’m bombarded with several messages from Gretchen.
Gretchen: OMG are you safe?
Gretchen: You can’t tell me you’re with a stranger and leave me hanging!
Gretchen: JEMMA!
Oh my goodness.I can almost hear her panicked voice in my head.I should have texted her when I was at the restaurant, but part of me didn’t want her to tell me this was a bad idea.
I quickly tap out a response before I give my poor friend a heart attack.
Jemma: I’m so sorry.The night got away from me.
I pause, fingers hovering over the screen as I think of what to say next.Is she going to think I’m out of my mind for staying here tonight?
Jemma: So, my day got a bit crazier ...
Jemma: Besides getting scammed, which I will deal with later, I couldn’t find a hotel.I checked several booking sites, and there was nothing nearby, except for luxury suites costing a few grand a night.If I only knew this city better ...
Jemma: I was running out of options and Luca (the guy who’s helping me) offered for me to stay at his place.Oh, and he took me to dinner, so I feel like I got to know him a bit ...
Jemma: So, it was either go to the airport and give up or stay at Luca’s.I chose Luca’s.Please don’t worry.
Gretchen: WHAT!!!You’re at his house now?
Jemma: Yes!But everything is fine.He’s very sweet and kind.His place is so amazing.He has a view of the Eiffel Tower from his living room, Gretch!Plus, he’s crazy good-looking.He’s French and Italian.The hottest combo there is!
Gretchen: Please tell me you’re being smart.
Jemma: I’m in his guest room.I’ll lock the door to my room if that makes you feel better, but I don’t think I have anything to worry about.Well, except for the fact that he might have a gorgeous girlfriend named Colette who keeps calling.
Gretchen: What!Does she live with him?And yes, please lock your door.
I walk over to the door and flick the lock upward.It makes a slight sound as it latches into place.
Jemma: Door is officially locked.
Jemma: It doesn’t look like she lives here.
Jemma: But besides all of that, everything is fine.I’ll check in with you tomorrow and let you know my plans.I’m about to fall asleep texting.It’s been a really, really, really long day.
Gretchen: Happy to FINALLY hear from you.Glad you’re safe.Please keep me posted.I was very worried about you.I expect a morning check-in!!!
Jemma: OK.Goodnight!
I toss my phone onto the bed, my exhaustion fully taking over.I quickly change into my pajamas and crawl under the covers.The mattress is a little firmer than I’m used to, but right now, I don’t care.As soon as my eyes fall shut, I’m asleep.
ChapterThirteen
JEMMA
The next morning, I slowly slide out of bed, wincing as my back protests against the unforgiving mattress.I wonder if a hotel bed would feel the same.Something tells me it would.
I crack the door of the guest bedroom open, straining to listen for any sign of Luca, but the apartment is as quiet as a mouse.He must have left already.He never said when he’d be back, but I imagine I have the apartment to myself for a couple of hours at least.That will give me enough time to figure out my next move.
Now that I’m in Paris, I kind of want to stay, but I can’t expect Luca to extend his generosity for the whole month.One night was enough.I should try to be out of here later this afternoon.I don’t want to be a burden.Plus, there’s the awkwardness of last night that I’m not sure I want to deal with.But if I couldn’t find a hotel last night, what makes me think today will be any different?
