Trust him? Never again. “Fine. Victor, I forgive you.” She held out her hand to belatedly shake his. Her stomach roiled at his clammy hand. She concentrated on her heartbeat for a moment, then two, until she’d calmed. Yes. She could forgive Victor. She believed in forgiveness.
He gave her fingers one last squeeze, then let go. “The other reason I came over here is to offer you a job.”
“Victor. Come on. You can’t believe I would work for you again.” She put her hands on her hips. Was this guy for real?
“No, no, you are right. Let me introduce Valerie.” He gestured to the woman standing beside him.
The tall woman stepped forward and offered her hand to Robin. Robin gripped the cool, slim hand and pumped it once. “Nice to meet you, Valerie.”
“Likewise.”
Robin looked at Victor for more explanation.
“Valerie is opening my new patisserie, Bakery LaVigne, in Chantilly. She has full control of hiring and firing. I am too busy in Paris to oversee anything. She is completely in charge.”
“I want you to consider coming to work for me,” Valerie said. “Chantilly is an up-and-coming market for new bakeries. You would have full creative control while I take care of the business end of things. I think we could be a great success.”
Robin blinked at her. “I don’t know what to say.” She’d been to Chantilly many times during her years in Paris. Located to the north of the bustling city, Chantilly held all the charm of France and more. Village shops lined cobblestone streets, and the city even had an honest-to-goodness castle just outside of town.
“Say you’ll come and check it out at least.” Victor smoothed down his hair as he spoke.
“Yes, we’d love to have you come and take a look. Victor speaks so highly of you.” While not exactly warm, the woman did seem sincere.
Robin shot a glare at Victor, who had the nerve to give a little shrug.
“I do think highly of you. I’m just not a very expressive person.”
Whatever. She refocused on Valerie. “Why me?”
“Victor showed me some of your sketches. I think your innovative ideas are perfect for the new market. If you don’t want to come, that’s your decision, of course, but this would be a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself.”
Robin just bet Victor had shown her some ideas. Probably the ones from the book she’d left behind. But still, she had a point about this being a good opportunity. “What’s your timeline for opening?”
“We already had a soft open. I have temporary staff for now, but I am hoping to fill the permanent positions as soon as possible. Would it be possible for you to fly to Paris right away?”
“You can use your prize money to relocate,” Victor put in.
Valerie put a hand on his arm, and he closed his mouth. “The bakery will of course reimburse you for any expenses you incur as you relocate.”
“Relocate to where?” Sammy joined them as Valerie finished speaking. In his hands he held something made from wood.
“Robin is moving back to Paris where she belongs.” Victor crossed his arms, a smirk on his lips.
“What?” Sammy wheeled to her. “What is he talking about?”
“I’m giving her a job,” Victor said.
It hadn’t struck her until this moment. A job. In France. To make a name for herself. The thought caught her, and for a blinding moment, dazzled her.
Then Sammy rounded on him, clenching and unclenching his fists. “I’d like to hear all of this from Robin, if you don’t mind.”
Victor held up his hands in surrender. “As you wish. Remember what I said, Robin. Full control of the bakery menu, as well as recognition for your efforts.” Victor took Valerie by the elbow and they left.
But all she saw was the confusion in Sammy’s expression.
“Robin,” Sammy said. “What is going on?”
She swallowed, cast her gaze to the departing chef. “I…I’m going to France.” She was just trying out the words to see if they fit, really, but as soon as they were out, the thought congealed, clung.
