“No pitch deck, yeah, right.” I echoed.
Harper laughed softly. “He’s easing you in. This is about optics. Getting the ‘new guy’ visible without being threatening.”
“Great.”
“You also got your contract approved. I’m officially back on your payroll as of today.” A small grin tugged at my mouth. “Would’ve walked away if they said no.”
“I know, and they knew it too,” she replied.
Harper had been with me since year two of my previous company. She can manage three calendars, negotiate with half of my board, and tell when I haven’t slept, all in a single call. “Anything else?”
She paused. “Just that Paris restaurants late at night looked good on your schedule,” I smirked. “Are you spying on my location?”
“I’m managing your life. It's part of the jobdescription.” We hung up after a few more logistics were discussed.
I threw on a tee and dark jeans, grabbed my blazer just in case the weather got colder later on.
I decided to skip the hotel breakfast. I need air and distractions before my lunch meeting.
But while I crave all of that, my mind wandered on the possibility of running into her again. I haven’t even left the lobby yet, and I was already trying to lurk into the hotel across the street.
I found a café tucked just off Rue des Archives, the sun catching in the windows, the scent of espresso already cutting through the morning air.
I liked places like this, places with chipped mugs and waiters who didn’t try too hard. I had just placed my order, black coffee, a pain au chocolat, and a bottle of sparkling water, when a familiar voice cut through the hum.
“Do I need to file a restraining order?” I turned with a smile already on my face.
She was in jeans and a cropped sweater, her hair up in a loose bun, sunglasses pushed up on her head. Rose was beside her, carrying enough energy for both of them.
She grinned as she stepped closer. “Twice in twelve hours, 1A?” she teased.
“I was here first,” I said, holding up my hands. “I’ve got receipts.” Rose leaned in, peering at my table. “We’ll try not to ruin your brooding breakfast.”
“You’re welcome to join,” I said, gesturing to the empty chairs.
Rose lit up. “I’ll grab us some coffee.” Sam glanced at her, then sat across from me without hesitation. She crossed one leg over the other and stared at me. “Big plans for the day?”
“Lunch meeting with my new bosses,” I said, “After that, the day’s all mine. And you two?” Something in her face shifted. I couldn’t tell what it was, or why. But I did notice.
“Rose and I are doing some light shopping. Maybe hit the museum later. It’s a lazy day.” Her voice was lighter than her expression. But I didn’t push. Rose returned just in time. Two coffees balanced precariously in her hands. “Caffeine delivery,” she said, sliding one toward Sam.
“Actually, we should probably head out and enjoy the museum before it gets too crowded.” Sam stood and turned to me, the playful glint from earlier softening into something else, something I’m not sure I understood yet.
Before she could walk away, I asked, “Will I see you again?”
She paused, then looked over her shoulder.
“I don’t know, but I hope so.” She said with a smile, and then she was gone.
Maison was in a quiet corner near the Seine, the kind of place where old money met modern plates. White tablecloths, polished silver, staff who never hovered but always appeared exactly when needed.
Max Hayes’ type of place. He was already seated when I arrived, in a gray suit, no tie, and a drink in hand. His expression said Paris vacation, but his eyes said quarterly earnings. “Jones,” he said, standing up and offering a firm handshake. “Glad you made it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Have a seat. Louis is running a few minutes behind. Typical.” I slid into the chair across from him, adjusting my blazer as a waiter poured still water into glasses that probably cost more than my watch. “Paris treating you well?” Max asked, gesturing for me to look at the menu. “It’s been good,” I said. “Got some rest, caught up on emails. It almost feels like a real vacation.” He laughed lightly.
“You haven’t been CEO long enough to forget what rest feels like. That’ll change.”
