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My eyes are still a bit red and swollen. It would have been nice to have some spoons in the freezer already prepared, but unfortunately I didn’t think of that. I was too busy arguing with Lucas. Seth had been so kind, trying to break up our argument… And poor Hunter. He had no clue what had been going on.
I groan, lifting my gaze and trying to ignore the strange looks I get from the other commuters sitting with me. I really wish I didn’t have to go in today. I’d rather wallow in my self-pity, eating ice cream out of the box while watching some stupid chick flick. Anything would be better than having to deal with Dr. Arnaud and Lauren today.
I can just imagine what Dr. Arnaud has waiting for me.
The metro stops and the doors open. I slowly stand and step out, following several other people heading to work, dressed in their finest. I try not to think of the red dress Lucas bought me, lying in a pile on the floor next to my bed; the finest dress I have ever worn in my entire life, only to be worn on one of the worst nights.
I sigh and shrug my bag up my shoulder. I have no clue what to do about Lucas. I didn’t see him before I left, which I was kinda thankful for. I don’t even understand why we were fighting. I didn’t do anything. I also don’t think this has anything to do with Alex.
It has to do with his family expectations. That makes more sense.
I just wish he would open up to me.
“Rachel?”
I turn around, my eyes widening when I see Dr. Arnaud standing behind me. She looks me up and down, wrinkling her nose before settling on my face. “Are you alright?”
My head bobs up and down as I watch her approach. What time is it? Am I too late? Too early? I thought I was running late this morning, but I could have been wrong. It’s not like I got the best night’s sleep in my life.
“Are you sure?” she asks while placing a hand on my shoulder. She leans in, her frown deepening. “Have you been crying?”
I sniff and pull away from her, quickly wiping my eyes. I know I’m going to cry if I open my mouth, so I turn away and step onto the escalator leading out of the metro system. I’m not ready to deal with my boss right now.
Unfortunately, there’s only one way out of this place and she’s about two people away from me.
I step off the escalator and stalk towards the Louvre. The beautiful glass pyramid glimmers under the morning light and I try to focus on the beauty of it rather than the pain racking through me.
“Wait, Rachel.”
I stop when I hear Dr. Arnaud’s voice. I’m being rude. She’s my boss. I shouldn’t just ignore her. Slowly, I turn around and force a smile. Shestandsin front of me, about a foot away, watching me with worry filled eyes. Worry I don’t think she could ever possess. I’ve never seen her look more than annoyed or frustrated, so it’s shocking to see any other emotion splayed on her face.
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
My lips tremble, and I try to maintain my forced smile. It probably looks like more of a grimace, since I’m sure my eyes are still swollen. “I’m fine,” I sob, hating the way my voice sounds. I inhale deeply as tears drip down my cheeks. Quickly, I wipe them away, feeling embarrassed that I’m breaking down in front of my boss, of all people.
I hear her sigh and assume she’s probably frustrated with me. I expect her to send me away, or tell me to never go back, but instead I hear, “How about we get a cup of coffee?”
I perk up, my eyes widening when I see her soft smile.
“Will that make you feel better?”
My whole body feels numb. My head lulls up and down, and I feel myself following her to a cafe nearby, one with outdoor seating and a clear view of the Louvre. I lower myself in a floral cushioned chair, sitting at the edge of it while she dumps her body down. She flicks her hand towards the server and orders something in French. I watch as she drags out her pack of cigarettes, taking out one and lighting it promptly.
She nods towards the pack. “You want one?”
I shake my head numbly. “I don’t smoke.” My tongue feels heavy as I say the words.
She smiles while leaning close, holding out her cigarette to the side so the smoke doesn’t blow my way. “Of course you don’t.”
I sit in silence, not knowing what to say to her. I always thought she hated me. Ever since I missed the first meeting. She’s always given me the hardest jobs, sending me from one side of the museum to the next, ordering me around and hardly giving me any breaks.
Or maybe that’s just the way she is?
The server sets the cups in front of us; two small cups filled with espresso with a smaller cup of milk. Not exactly what I am in the mood for, but I will take it. It’s better than having no coffee.
Dr. Arnaud takes a sip from her espresso, not bothering with the milk. I watch her flick the ash from her cigarette into the tray, resting it there for a moment while inhaling the bitter scent.
“I can think of no better way to start the day, than with coffee and a cigarette.”
