One Summer in Paris

Grace stood stiffly. “I was telling Elodie how you sorted them into fiction and nonfiction, and then into categories. We’re going to shelve them together later.”

Audrey stared at her.

Grace had lied for her? Grace?

Was she even capable of telling a lie?

It must have half killed her, but she’d done it for Audrey.

“Yeah, those books were—pretty dirty.”

Elodie waved her hand. “It is a job I have been meaning to do for at least two years, so I’m pleased that finally you have made a start. Thank you, Audrey.”

Audrey felt color flood into her cheeks. She felt like a total fraud, probably because she was a fraud. She was never going to be late again. “You’re welcome.” She waited until Elodie bustled out of the shop, and turned to Grace.

“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I didn’t want you to lose your job.”

“Yeah, well, thanks again. I put you in a difficult position. I know you’re not exactly the lying type, so I don’t blame you for being mad at me.”

She should be used to it by now. Her mum often yelled. She made her teachers frustrated.

“I’m not mad because I had to lie for you, I’m mad because you worried me half to death. Audrey, you didn’t come home last night.” Grace’s voice rose. “Do you have any idea how it felt to knock on your door this morning and get no answer? I called your cell phone, and it was switched off. I pictured you lying in a gutter somewhere and I had no idea where to even look for you. I was trying to figure out how I could ask Elodie for Etienne’s number when you walked in. Toni was the one who persuaded me to wait.” She sat down hard on the chair and breathed. “Sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell, but I was so scared.”

Audrey opened her mouth and closed it again.

“You’re mad because—you were worried about me?”

“Of course! What else?”

“I assumed you were mad because I was late and you had to tell a lie for me.”

“I was so relieved to see you safe and, well, I would have told a million lies for you.” Grace rubbed her hands over her face. “You’re probably thinking I overreacted, and maybe I did. It’s part of being a mother, I think. You always imagine the worst.”

Audrey felt her eyes sting. It hadn’t occurred to her that Grace might be worried. “I was fine. We hooked up and I stayed the night at his place. And overslept.” It was probably better not to mention the morning sex. “His apartment was farther away than I thought so it took longer than planned. I promise it won’t ever happen again.”

Grace twisted the ring on her finger. “I should be the one apologizing to you. You’re an adult. Your mother is probably back home fighting the urge to call you every five minutes, and here I am acting like a mother hen and stepping in when I shouldn’t.”

No one had ever mothered Audrey, leas

t of all her own mother.

“I—I’m glad you care.” There was a lump lodged in her throat. Grace had to be the kindest person she’d ever met. “How was your evening? Did you contact Philippe?”

“I did not.” But there was a glimmer of a smile there.

“Why not? Send him a friend request. No arguments.”

“You can’t interfere with my love life.”

“Why not? You interfere with mine.” Audrey folded her arms. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll text you and let you know I’m safe next time I go out, providing you send that friend request.”

“You’re very manipulative.”

“Thanks.”

“It wasn’t a compliment.”