Page 150 of The Substitute Fiancée

David catches my agitation and shoots me a worried look.

Noon.

I’ve made my decision. Sam is my priority.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me,” I say. “It’s noon. This meeting has run well past the scheduled time. I have another commitment—my fiancée is taking her exam in two hours, and I want to be there for her.”

The board members stare at me, surprised, but I don’t linger.

I turn to David.

“You can take over?”

“Of course,” he replies.

I’m already on my feet. I offer a quick goodbye and rush out.

The hallway. Surprised looks. I don’t explain.

The elevator. The underground garage.

The car is waiting. I get in, and Gilles pulls away immediately.

“There’s traffic.”

“I know. Do your best.”

I pull out my phone, heart pounding. My fingers tremble.

Alexander: Leaving the office now. Heavy traffic. GPS says arrival around one p.m.

Three dots appear. Disappear. Then reappear.

Sam: Thank you.

And I understand what she doesn’t say.

Thank you for making yourself available for me.

For making me your priority.

For keeping me informed.

51. Before the Jury

Samantha

It’s the big day. Alexander gave me a ride this morning before going to work.

After breakfast, I kiss the Lacroix sisters goodbye and wish Emelyne good luck. She has her own exam this afternoon at the Fine Arts School. We’re both tense, overcharged, swinging between excitement and sheer panic.

“You’re going to crush it,” she tells me, squeezing me tightly.

“You too,” I reply, my throat tight.

Then I take the metro. The ride feels endless. I rehearse my presentation in my head—my arguments, the connections between my pieces. Each station we pass ratchets my anxiety up another notch.

I arrive at ten o’clock.