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Pascal all but bowed. "MonsieurArsenault."
Vincent offered me his arm, and I took it.
"Why is Pascal afraid of you?" I whispered as we walked away from the offending man my father had wanted me to marry.
"Let's just say that Pascal and I have had dealings in the past."
I chuckled. "That tells me absolutely nothing."
"I know,ma chérie. How are you? And how's thebébé?"
I had known Vincent for years through his father, who had been coming to Délices d'Elsa ever since I opened it. Emile used to get hiscafé au lait, a pastry, and read his newspaper every day. But then he stopped coming, and I got worried, so Icalled him. Vincent answered the phone and told me that Emile was ill. Since then, I visited their home a few times a month, bringing along Emile's favorite pastries—profiteroles stuffed with passion fruit custard—and spending time with him, keeping him company as he fought what Vincent told me was a losing battle against cancer.
Over time, Vincent and I had gotten closer during these visits, trading stories and jokes to keep his father’s spirits up.
"The baby is good. I didn't know you knew my father, but then maybe I should've expected it," I said laconically.
"Your father knows everyone, Elsa," he quipped.
"I have a feeling it's the other way around," I said sincerely. Vincent's home was guarded with high security. I thought he was a wealthy man but seeing him here made me wonder who hereallywas.
We stopped by the bar, and Vincent got himself a drink and me a glass of orange juice. He led me to one of the balconies, and I was relieved to get away from the crowds.
"I remember you telling me how much you hate parties like this." Vincent held my drink as I sat down on one of the outdoor sofas. He joined me.
"I do hate them; but Papa wanted to tell the world." I drank some orange juice.
"And your husband?"
"Duncan seemed okay about it. His family is here. I think they're seeing this as an opportunity to network."
Vincent grunted. "You're his wife. I shouldn't have been the one keeping Pascal Fournier away from you; it should have beenhim."
I didn't disagree. I was annoyed with Duncan. How quickly had he gone from loving husband to serious businessman to the exclusion of all else? Is this what life had in store for me?Another man like Papa who gave his all to his work and making money rather than his family?
"Are you alright?" Vincent asked, concern etched on his face.
I nodded, though I was far from okay. "Pascal threatened Duncanandme."
Vincent's expression darkened. "That bastard."
"I put on false bravado and told him that Duncan could fuck him up when I have no idea if he can."
"He can," Vincent said succinctly and then added, "if he wants to."
I grimaced.
"Why did you marry him, Elsa?"
I put a hand on my stomach.
"Come on, this isn't the olden days. You can be an unwed mother in 2024," he teased.
"Mamman raised me on her own. She was a great mother; but she wasaloneandlonely. I didn't want that for myself or my child. So, when I got pregnant and marriage was suggested, I didn't hesitate." I knew Vincent well enough but notthatwell to tell him how and why I ended up in Duncan's bed and life.
"You know you can always come to me." Vincent took my hand in his. "You take care of my father, and he thinks of you as a daughter, which makes you a sister. When you need something, you come to me.D'accord?"
"Merci beaucoup, Vincent."
