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Paul hadn’t exaggerated about the food. Course after course came through the kitchen. I tried his tasting menu, which seemed to have everything ever invented. It was so delicious.
“So do you have questions about Paul?” Jacque asked, and Lulu smiled.
Paul stiffened next to me. “Oh, here it comes…”
“What was Paul like as a child?” I asked.
Jacque and Lulu tutted, and Paul rolled his eyes.
“Paul was a little hellion.”
“I was not,” Paul said.
“Smart-ass,” Lulu offered up.
And Paul touched his glass with hers. “That I was.”
“He always had something to say about something. His parents were no better. Jonas yelled, and Dani was too busy chanting and meditating to get involved. This was before their divorce,” Jacque mused.
“But when he played the piano, everyone came from miles to listen,” Lulu added.
“And he must play for us. I had the upright tuned just for him to play something.” Jacque gestured toward the piano on the small, raised platform in the corner of the eatery.
“After we eat,” Paul pointed out.
My mouth fell open.
“That’s right. You’ve only started.” Jacque called for more wine.
I tensed.More food? We’ve already eaten so much. I can’t possibly eat another bite.
But I didn’t want to offend Jacque. I tried everything he brought for me, and he kissed my cheek when the meal finally ended.
“I like her. She can return.”
I smiled at him but didn’t look at Paul, in fear I’d see a reminder of what I really was to him.
Paul got up and went to the piano. “Nadia, come sit by me.”
I sat down next to him, and he played “Your Song” by Elton John. He’s seenMoulin Rouge.My favorite part of the movie was when Christian professed his love for Satine.
We weren’t in love, and I knew that, but Paul played the song because he wanted to please me. Sure, Paul was strong and controlling, but at the same time, he went out of his way to make sure it wasn’t all take. He gave back so much to me, and not just with money, but with his consideration, his touch…
My heart swelled as I listened to his serenade. And right then, I decided what my favorite part of Paris was.
Paul Crane.
The stylists added a rinse to my black hair and more curls to give it body. They threaded my brows, and after a touch more makeup, I was ready to go see Paul.
Paul also agreed to my visit with Tomas at the House of Givenchy. He worked as apret a porterdesigner, designing ready-to-wear clothing. He’d left an open invitation for me in his work schedule, and I was looking forward to meeting him. I could’ve gone without Paul’s approval, but I wanted to honor his feelings.
He had to return to work in the recording studio. After Andre and I went to the museums, Paul would have me over to the studio for lunch. Today, I would be listening in on Linux’s recording since I was a fan of her dance music. So I was headed there first.
I had my sketch pads with some style ideas and clothing designs, as well as many photos of Paris I’d taken on my phone to share with Paul, which had become our new habit. I’d shownPaul my photos from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, which housed paintings by French artists like Degas and Monet, and also paintings by Van Gogh. However, my personal favorite was the Notre Dame Cathedral. The gothic beauty had me wholly enraptured for hours. He looked at my sketches and would even show a few to staff members.
Laurence met me at the door and led me to the recording studio where Linux and Paul were already practicing.
Linux was a willowy redhead with an ethereal vibe that made her look like an elf fromThe Lord of the Rings. Mickey, her lone guitarist and the other half of their band, was barefoot and had waist-length hair, and wore a tunic and jeans. They hadn’t brought any other musicians with them or an entourage.
