AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Natalie should be here. There’s no reason she wouldn’t show—she's too responsible for that.
Unless this is about that irresponsible but irresistible kiss I laid on her…
Camille approaches us, her steps slow and considered and her hands clasped in front of her. Camille can take on Simone any day of the week, but she knows better than to do it when Simone is in a state like this.
"I have given Natalie a few days off," Camille says.
"A few days off?" Simone and I both declare at once.
"Her parents arrived unexpectedly in Paris,” she continues unfazed, “and she has recently put in extra hours." Camille tips her head knowingly. "It is the least we can do, given that she hasn't seen her family in months. I know that for you both, family is always first priority." She spins on her heels and struts back to the kitchen.
Simone and I both sigh, though I know it's for different reasons.
"Simone," I say, my voice intentionally conciliatory. "Thank you for coming." It hurts to say it, but times like this, a man's got to do what a man's got to do. "I would be most grateful if you could continue overseeing activity at the restaurant, as I am in the process of making plans for what might be the greatest night in the history of the Bouchon Noir."
Her eyes light up. "Is it the opera?"
"It's not the opera, but I want it to be a surprise… for you," I add quickly. If she thinks that this is a gift to her, perhaps I can get her to take a step back.
Her shoulders relax, and I almost see a grin sneaking across her lips. It's been so long since I've seen Simone smile. "Thank you for trusting me, Olivier. I won't let you down. You go do what you need to do."
I hope I don't regret this.
She looks around the restaurant like a queen on her throne. “I have the restaurant under control.”
Camille peeks her head out from the kitchen and casts me a dirty look. I lift my hands in a movement that I hope she knows means 'stand down'. The last thing I need right now is Simone getting in the way of the biggest event in the Bouchon Noir’s history.
I get out of the restaurant as quickly as possible, already texting Natalie.
"Hi. Where can I find you?" I ask.
She immediately replies.
“Bateau Mouche main dock. Look for three Americans with smiles the size of Texas on their face."
I somehow know that finding them will be easy. I wave down a taxi for the fifteen-minute drive to the main port.
The series of small wins today has emboldened me. Natalie waits in line, so I head straight for her without my normal doubts daring to interfere. "Here you are," I gently take her by the arm and electricity runs through me, even with only a simple touch. "I know your parents have just arrived, but I really need you. I'm running around in circles. The tower has agreed but the event can’t be a simple dinner. You’ve been right so far, I just need a little more of your time. Maybe your parents can go on a tour so that you and I can work on this? Just for a few more days?"
"Olivier," she takes my hand off of her arm and holds it, "you know I can't do that."
She gestures to a couple standing about ten feet away, and it's like a meteorite lands on me. I’ve burst in on a family reunion and demanded Natalie’s time. I’ve been so single-minded that this is gentle slap is a good reminder. My issues with the restaurant are not the center of the world, nor should they be.
These people are without a doubt her parents. Joy emanates from them, even though they are only staring at the river. Maybe it's because the mother's dress looks a bit like a tablecloth that I find her endearing. The mother lifts her head and catches me looking at her.
"Oh! This must be Olivier." She rushes over and shakes my hand. "Such a pleasure to meet you. I’m Mary-Lou. Look, Chuck, it's Olivier."
"Olivier. Hmm, I don’t know about this guy." The father frowns, shakes my hand firmly, and then laughs loud and long. "I'm just kiddin' around! Pleasure to meet you, son." He smacks my arm hard enough to make me stumble.
"You are going to take a ride on the Bateau Mouche?” I ask. "Will you have lunch on it?"
"No, no," Natalie says. "We had a croissant to tide us over and we’ll grab a little something later. I only picked up tickets for the cruise part."
"Impossible! You've just arrived in Paris," I exclaim to the parents. "You must have lunch on the boat. I'll take care of that. And Natalie, about what I was saying a moment ago?"
"Just what were you saying to my daughter a moment ago?" Mary-Lou raises her eyebrows.
"Mom!"
