ChapterThree
JEMMA
It turns out that deciding to fly to Paris on a whim isn’t as romantic as it sounds.Especially at Christmastime.I’m striking out left and right with each airline as the vision of sipping on iconic chocolat chaud in a Parisian café dims along with it.Prices are insane, and choices are limited.
I take a heavy sip from the wine I poured hours ago, my only companion in this frustrating quest, and switch from airline websites to travel apps, desperately hoping for a last-minute miracle.I could wait a few days or months, but I know myself.I’ll back out.I’ll find a reason not to go.
I add my search: New York (JFK) to Paris (Charles de Gaulle)—December 4 to December 26—one traveler.I take a deep breath, bracing myself for an inevitable letdown.
The screen lights up with a single, staggering result—one flight left in Premium Economy for $1,832.
Ouch.
I hesitate, finger hovering over the “Book Now” button.
It’s now or never, Jemma.
Just as I feel my courage build, I nervously pull up my bank account to confirm my former employer paid me.Tyler assured me that the money would arrive by the end of the day.Sure enough, my severance and Christmas bonus are in my account as promised.It’s more than I assumed it would be.But this ticket would completely obliterate my bonus.
What if I don’t get a job when I return?I’ll be left with hardly any safety cushion.But on the other hand, I can’t sit around here and stew all month, applying for jobs from my lumpy couch.I can just as easily apply for openings in a Parisian café while sipping on an espresso and delighting in a buttery, flaky croissant.Yes, that sounds much better.
With a deep sigh and a swig of my wine, I click buy.
The screen flashes an error message—SOLD OUT.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I hit refresh, hoping against hope.
It reloads, and just like that, the flight is back.
I let out a sigh and snatch the opportunity, clicking through the prompts before I can second-guess my possibly irresponsible decision yet again.
A text from Gretchen buzzes on my phone just as I confirm my booking.I’m dying to tell her about my insanely impulsive plans.She’ll be so proud of me.After all, I wouldn’t have had this idea without her pushing me.
Gretchen: Whimsies at 9 p.m.?Care if Suzy tags along?
Seriously, Gretch?
How many times do I have to tell her that her girlfriend is always welcome?I adore Suzy.Plus, after two years of dating, it’s kind of assumed she’s coming.I’d expect the same if I ever found someone.Although I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy when I think of them.Gretchen and Suzy are so perfectly matched in that opposites attract kind of way.It’s been ages since I’ve had something like that.That whole being a workaholic thing.I’ve completely wasted my twenties.And for what?
Staring down at my phone, I quickly tap out a response before I accidentally fall back into old habits and pull up Google to start job hunting.Typical Type A personality here.The urge is strong, but it’s time to live in the moment.Let go.
Jemma: I’ll be there, and Suzy is always welcome.You never have to ask.STOP ASKING!!!
I decide not to spill the beans about my trip just yet.I still need to find a hotel before I get too confident in this totally out of character idea.My phone illuminates in my hand with a response.
Gretchen: You’re the best!!!!See you soon!Remember, all the drinks you can consume tonight are on me!
I glance at the clock on my phone, realizing that gives me only an hour to find a hotel.I crack my knuckles and return to my keyboard, determined to hunt for a place to stay.But it seems finding a hotel is almost harder than landing the flight, so I switch my tactics yet again, moving to a vacation rental site.
As I scroll through the options, one apartment catches my eye—so perfect and charming it almost feels too good to be true.It’s a sun-drenched loft nestled in the heart of the Marais, complete with large, arched windows that lead out to a small balcony overlooking a cozy café.The view from the bedroom is even more stunning, as it offers a breathtaking sight of a picturesque cobblestone courtyard brimming with potted greenery and cute little wooden benches.
I quickly scan the rest of the details.It’s in my budget, well-reviewed, and the host sounds welcoming.This is the sort of place where I can reset and figure out my next move.It’s perfect.
This time, I don’t hesitate.I click “Reserve Now” and send my deposit without a second thought.
I lean back in my chair, feeling excited for the first time in a very long time.
