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I might be flat broke and I’m terrible at choosing business partners, but I can still bring something to the table.
The meeting concludes and we all stand up.
“Monsieur Van Der Linden and Mademoiselle Hardy, great day, non?” the shortest of the trio says in a strong French accent.
“I agree,” Bryce echoes.
“It is good to talk the numbers, but it is good also to get to… just… the talk. You know, conversation,” the short Frenchman says.
Bryce nods. “Yes.”
“We… discuter…” the short Frenchman search for the word, “discuss, and we give an answer by the end of week. You come back if we need? It is possible?”
“Absolutely,” Bryce says. “I’ll be in Paris for eight more days. If you need me to pop by, I’ll oblige.”
“Génial! Very excellent!” the exec wearing the round frame glasses says.
The tall exec turns his attention on me. “Mademoiselle Hardy, pleasure to have you as the translator. You are very good. You are tired now, non? So much talking.”
“I’m okay. Thank you for your concern.”
“We ask our secretary to get a French merci for you. You know, thank you,” he says.
Gosh.
Right on cue, a short brunette knocks before stepping into the conference room. She approaches and hands me a large bouquet of colorful flowers and a box of pastries.
“We hope you’ll enjoy them with Monsieur Van Der Linden.”
I blush at this unexpected gesture. “The flowers are beautiful. That wasn’t necessary, but thank you so much. Merci beaucoup.”
I dart a quick glance in Bryce’s direction. Other than the cocked brow, his expression remains neutral.
“You will like the desserts,” the tall exec says. “A very, very good pastry shop is not far. They prepare the delicious lunch.”
“Thank you,” I repeat.
After a few more parting words of politeness and gratitude, Bryce and I are sitting in the back of the chauffeured Benz heading in the direction of our hotel, the beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on the seat next to the chauffeur. It’s not the same one as yesterday.
It takes him a long time to break the silence.
“You impressed the heck out of me,” he says. “What on earth are you doing—”
Bryce stops mid-sentence.
I knew this would come up eventually.
I lower my gaze. Suddenly, the box I’m holding is the most fascinating thing on the planet.
“That was hypocritical of me. I’m in no position to judge.” I don’t meet his gaze. “After all, I’m a client of Todd’s. If this is your chosen career path, that’s your right.”
I shift my focus from the pastry box to his handsome face. I weigh how much to tell him. “It’s a long and complicated story that involves me making some pretty bad business decisions.”
I’m embarrassed by my past.
The shit hit the fan in a spectacular way, and I had no other choice but to do the unthinkable.
Bryce squeezes my hand. “Whatever it is, I can make it go away.”
