AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Taking my phone from my bag, I stare at it for a long time before I dial Maxime’s number.
His deep, rich timbre comes over the line. “This is a pleasant surprise.” The way he rolls the R still makes the hairs in the nape of my neck stand on end in both a good and bad way. “A first for us.”
I’ve never called him. He seems pleased that I’ve finally relented. Now that I’m speaking to him, I hesitate. Maybe this isn’t a good idea. “Am I bothering you?”
“Never.” I can almost hear him smile. “To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure?”
I study the drops from the wet grass on the tip of my shoe. “Did you come to bed last night?”
His voice turns even deeper. “Why? Did you miss me?”
I bite my lip. Always, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I was just wondering.”
“Just wondering, huh?”
“Yes,” I say, kicking at a stone.
“Were you worried about me, Zoe?” From the satisfaction that sounds in his tone, he already thinks I did. He just wants me to admit it.
Suddenly, I’m too tired for this game. I’m too tired to hide my feelings from him. “How could I not be?” I don’t bring up the other night again. We’ve spoken about it as much as is healthy for both of us.
His manner sobers. “I didn’t want to make you worry. I had loose ends to tie up.”
“So, you didn’t sleep.” I glance up to catch Benoit studying me. “You must be tired.”
“Don’t worry, I can go a couple of nights without sleeping. Is this why you’re calling? You want to know if I’m tired?” He adds in a huskier voice, “Or you’d like to see me?”
The hope in his words almost makes me give in, but no, that’s not why I’m calling. I’m still too unsettled and angry. I’m upset that I even have to make this call to ask his permission.
“Zoe, what is it?”
I take a deep breath. “I’d like to meet Sylvie for coffee after class.”
There’s a short hesitation. “You would?”
I drill my shoe into the spongy grass, my stomach hard with the expectation of a negative answer. “You said you didn’t mind.”
“I didn’t think you wanted to see my family again.”
“Sylvie’s nice,” I offer as a weak explanation. I don’t want to tell him about what happened today. I don’t want to fight about it again. It will remind me of the night—Stop it! Harping on it does not help.
“Zoe.”
“Yes?”
“You don’t need my permission to have coffee with Sylvie. As long as you tell me where you’re going and take my men with you.”
His answer bowls me over. It’s not what I expected. “Really?”
“Absolutely. Go out with her and have fun.”
My mouth drops open. It’s almost too good to be true. “Um, okay?” I frown, fumbling for words. “Can I call Sylvie from Benoit’s phone? Does he have her number?”
“You don’t have to use Benoit’s phone. I added Sylvie’s number to your caller list.”
“Thank you.” I guess?
“Send me a text to let me know where you’re going.”
“Right, so you know if you shouldn’t come fetch me.” Hastily, I add, “In case you were going to. I mean, if she’s available.”
He chuckles. “That’ll be considerate.”
“I’ll let you get back to work, then.” Or rather his shady criminalities.
“I’ll miss you.” He waits a beat. When I say nothing, he hangs up.
I check my watch. It’s almost time to go back inside, but I can fit a quick call in. When I check my caller list, Sylvie’s number is already there. I press dial.
“Hi,” I say when she answers. “It’s Zoe.”
“Oh, hi.” She sounds upbeat. “I’m so glad you called.”
I’m a little uncomfortable. Maybe I’m putting her out. “Are you back in Paris yet?”
“The university starts in a month.”
Gathering my courage, I press on. “That coffee you mentioned, does the offer still stand?”
She gives a small laugh. “Of course.”
“Are you available today?” I ask, holding my breath.
“Sure,” she says after a beat. “Where would you like to meet?”
“You tell me.” My voice is lighter with relief. “I’m still new to Marseille.”
“Where are you?”
“At school. I get off at six.”
“Okay. I’ll text you an address.”
We say our goodbyes just as the lunch break is over. Students who’ve been lazing on the lawn stream back into the building. They’re all younger than me, maybe eighteen or nineteen, fresh out of school. I definitely don’t belong here.
Benoit comes over, handing me my satchel. “You forgot this.”
“Thanks.” I don’t look at him. “I better get back inside.”
“Those girls,” he says as I start walking, “they have no business treating you like this.”
Stopping, I meet his gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He gives me a narrowed look. “I heard what she said to you. Everyone did.”
“Well, maybe I deserved that.” Seriously, how are they supposed to feel about having me on board because my mafia boyfriend forced it?
