Page 42 of The Heart You Kept

Helene twirls her finger in the air to symbolize to keep going, ugh…social media, the bane of my existence. Unfortunately though, it’s what sets our store apart and why we do so well, many people tune in each day to see our new arrivals.

“This armoire has been in the one family for many generations and is in perfect condition.” I open the doors and drawers. “The lock has both solid brass keys still working.” Helene walks around the armoire as she films it. I wave to the camera with a smile. “Have a beautiful day everyone, au revoir.”

“And that’s a wrap.” Helene begins to rewatch our video on the phone and posts it. “It’s up, now we can open.”

I turn the sign on the glass door.

OUVERT — OPEN

Jonty flicks on our playlist and jazz music begins to play, loud and boisterous. “You’re feeling energized this morning,” I call, we usually start the day off with a calming piano orchestra.

“Let’s pretend it’s five o clock already.”

“First comment.” Helene reads from the work phone. “What cardigan are you wearing, Alora?”

I roll my eyes. “Why the hell do they always obsess about what I wear?”

“Because you have great taste, that’s why.”

The kettle sings and I make us all a cup of coffee and weave through the furnishings to deliver Jonty’s. “Merci,” he replies as he takes a sip. “Did you give any more thought to the auction?”

“I did and no, I didn’t come up with anything.” I sigh as I turn on my computer.

“Well…what cardigan are you wearing?” Helene calls. “Everyone is asking.”

“Umm.” I frown as I think. “It’s vintage Chanel, I think it’s seventies from the spring collection.”

“You know what will be the next question,” she calls.

“I got it at a flea market in Paris,” I call back as I try to focus on what I’m doing.

“Did you have any thoughts on the auction, Helene?”

“Honestly, what on earth can we donate as a learning scholarship?” she says as she dusts. “What exactly even is a learning scholarship?”

Leaning against the doorjamb, Jonty’s forehead creases as he thinks. “I read it as they want something educational to auction off.”

“About antiques, though?” I screw up my face. “This is ridiculous. I’m self-taught, what can I possibly donate to an auction that will teach someone what we do?”

“I don’t know.” He twists his lips.

“Maybe like a book on antiques or something.” Helene shrugs.

“This is supposed to be a main auction, a book just isn’t going to cut it.” I throw my hands up in disgust. “How did we even get roped into this?”

“It’s your boyfriend’s fault, why don’t you ask him?” Helene huffs. “It’s like he’s setting us up to look stupid.”

“I’m going to kill him.” I hit the computer keys with force.

Pascal Deschanel is on my hit list, and as wonderful as he is, this time he has gone too far.

“He put us forward for this big fancy charity auction in Monaco and said it would be a win-win situation that would bring a wave of new customers to our store. But now that we have to think of a prize to donate I think it’s a terrible idea,” I huff.

“It has to be good or we’re going to be the laughingstock of the auction.” Helene rolls her eyes. “This is just so Pascal.”

I smirk, Helene doesn’t really like my boyfriend. She thinks he’s smug and any chance she gets to blame him for something, she will.

“Why don’t you call him and try and find out what the other prizes are so we can get an idea of what to offer?” Jonty suggests.