“So sorry I am late,” she offers in a sexy French accent, which only adds to her charm.
“Come in,” I urge. “We were just about to eat.”
I quickly make the introductions. Nicole apologizes again and settles in the empty seat. She smiles at everyone, and her gaze lingers a little longer on Mark. He cocks a brow in recognition and shoots her a sly smile.
Yes, the plan is already working.
Dinner is delicious and is followed by an equally yummy dessert; a lovely berry pie with vanilla ice cream. Following dinner, we retreat to the charming living area. The lights are dimmed and the artificial trees are covered in white string Christmas lights. The trees lead to an outside terrace, looking over the rooftops. The night is quite chilly and not too many people venture out, but I do notice Mark leading Nicole out, a hand pressed against the small of her back.
Everything is going as planned. Mom and Antoine are still enamored with each other, and Mark is so caught up in Nicole, he’s too busy to notice his fiancée falling for someone else. I’m chatting with Corrie and Lucie. Lucie is quite nice and super smart. We share a love of yoga, and she seems fascinated by the fact that I’m an instructor. The only thing I’m not happy about is Oscar and Sophie — they are all over each other. She’s totally into him. I can tell by her body language; she’s leaning into him, one leg daintily crossed over the other. She’s also smiling non-stop, and he’s really not that funny. Well, I guess he iskindof funny. She’s playing with her long hair seductively… she has amazing hair.
“I have never been to Vermont,” Lucie is saying.
“So does your sister have a boyfriend?” I ask. I couldn’t give two shits about Lucie’s travels. I want to know if her sister is going to steal my man. I don’t know why I’m thinking of him as mine. He’s not. That’s what our arrangement is all about. He’s free to see anyone he pleases. And so am I. It suited me fine… until now.
“Uh…” Lucie falters, momentarily surprised by the change of subject. “Uh… no. Sophie never has boyfriends for very long. She likes to, how do you say… play the field.”
Slut.
“She seems to like Oscar,” Lucie says. “I thought you and Oscar were together. Is not the case?”
“It is not the case,” I tell her. “We’re friends.”
“Oh, well, Sophie will probably have him in her bed tonight.”
Oh no, she won’t. I’m not taking my eyes off them.
He’s mine.
The wine is really getting to my head. I wonder if French wine is stronger. Or perhaps it’s just the fact that I’ve been drinking non-stop since I first stepped into this place. I was a little nervous about the plan, and wine always eases my nerves.
Antoine is switching up the music on his old vinyl record player. He’s just put onThe Beatles, and I’m suddenly fascinated by his record collection. I love old music, and anything vintage. I flip through the records; lots of sixties and seventies music, and lots of folk. I’m amused when I spotJohnny Cash. Antoine doesn’t seem like the type who would listen toJohnny Cash.
Next thing you know, I’ve lost sight of Mark and Nicole, and also Oscar and Sophie. Mom, Antoine and Lucie are sitting on the sofa, chatting as they sip from tiny glasses of liqueur. I wonder how many calories we’ve all consumed tonight. I wonder how much weight I’ve just gained. I shake my head — I have more pressing matters tonight. I need to find Mark and Nicole and catch them in the act. I set up the camera on my iPhone, ready for action. I feel like a private detective.
The first place I venture to is the terrace. It’s freezing out here, and empty, of course. Then I make my way to the kitchen — it’s a mess, no one there. I then endeavor into the bedrooms. I feel a little creepy now, but what must be done must be done. The bedrooms are sparse and empty. I linger a little longer than necessary in Antoine’s room, and study his belongings and the photos on his dresser. Lots of books and art. An English conversation audio CD, an old guitar, and lots of photos of his daughters.
Feeling like a total snoop, I quickly exit his room and head to the washroom.
I do my business while I’m there. The roll of toilet paper has run out and there’s not another roll in sight. I’m sequestered in the toilet room with my panties around my legs, just below my knees. I scowl as I make the very inelegant trek to the cabinet under the sink in the adjoining room. Thankfully, there are three rolls in there. As I install the new roll, I hear a noise coming from behind the wall. I listen carefully, but can’t quite hear. It’s clearly people talking, voices muffled.
I realize there’s another room back there, and there are people in it. I quickly hike my undies back up and wash my hands. As soon as I step out, I walk to the back of the hall, and discover a very small, dark room which appears to be a library/den area. I’m assaulted by the scent of old books… it’s actually quite pleasant.
Quiet as a mouse, I walk slowly down the narrow book-lined hall, iPhone in hand. It’s cool and quite dark in here. “This is the moment of truth, Mark,” I mouth. “I’ve got you now.”
