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“Gunnar came because he likes us. He also cuts through a lot of red tape at getting legal stuff done with the house and hospital.”
“Okay. Tell him thank you.”
“I will, and oh, I almost forgot. He said he’d call you soon with something about legal developments.”
My pulse jumped and my stomach twisted in knots. If Gunnar told Mom to tell me that, it meant negotiations were not going well, and I might have to make myself available for a testimony. Which also means the public will be all over us again. And maybe that explains why Isabelle tried to get into my good graces. Had she wanted me to influence how she was treated by Gunnar and our team of lawyers? I didn’t want to be spiteful, but I really didn’t want anything to do with her. And if she was treated how I was treated on the boat, then I’m not sure I’d mind. But I wasn’t sure how much bad news I could handle right now.
“Okay, tell him to give me a couple of days, please?”
“He’ll do it for me.” Mom’s tone was confident. And I needed to meet the Gunnar that had my parents wrapped around their fingers. Overall, I admired how Mom and Dad had taken all the changes in their lives in stride. Truly, Paul had done a lot for us, and they were as grateful as I was for his help.
“Tell Dad I miss and love him. I love you, Mom.”
“We love you so much. And please take Paul’s advice and enjoy Paris.”
We ended the call. I stared at the denim dress again and went over to my laptop to do a quick search for Hotel Le Meurice. I exchanged the denim corset I planned to wear for a vintage Givenchy, black, one-shoulder cocktail dress. I curled my hair and finished off my makeup, copying the pencil brows, lashes, and gloss lips the makeup artist had done at the show that I admired.
“My Love” by Paul McCartney and Wings filtered upstairs.
My heart swelled. That’s him.
I carried my heels down the stairs and left them in the foyer, before rushing over to Paul at his piano bench and hugged his neck.
He continued to play, but said, “There you are. I was going to wake you up.”
“I wish you had.” I pressed a kiss to his neck.
He turned around and his gaze warmed as he looked at me. “You look ravishing.”
“Then ravish me,” I joked.
He sighed. “I wish I could, but my trip here wasn’t planned. I have to return to Germany and—”
“And we’ve just started going through my family archives.” A woman’s alto voice spoke behind us. I turned and saw Ingrid Ludwig standing by the couch with a bright smile. Her blond hair in a side twist looked lovely, and her casual, soft leather jacket and cargo jeans looked trendy and elegant. She gave me a wave. “I’m Ingrid.”
I walked over and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.” I turned back to Paul. “You just got here. Can’t you leave tomorrow?”
“I’m disappointed, too. But it’s all been set up. I’m dabbling in directing.” His smile broadened.
“You are?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes. I’ve done it on a smaller scale before, but this would be more extensive. And I’m also considering doing a documentary on my family.”
“That’s great, Paul.” I kissed him again.
“I hear you have a party to attend tonight?” Ingrid mentioned in a light tone.
“Yes. Well, it’s work-related.”
“A party as work?” Her voice raised an octave. “I mean, wow. You get to spend a few weeks in Paris before going back to school. So cool.” She laughed. “Gosh, when was the last time we were in college? Ten years? I went to Yale Business school. I can’t imagine going back to homework.”
I tensed. “It’s more than homework—”
“It’s a chance to network,” Paul added and opened his hands, and I went over and clasped them. Our eyes locked and my heart lifted.
“I could go later and we could have dinner?”
“Next time.” His gaze was soft on me. “You should get going. Will Tomas be there?”
