“Life’s tough, Grace. How have you even survived this far? You’re like this—” she waved her hands “—perfect person. You don’t swear, you don’t drink—”
“I had a glass of red wine last night.”
Audrey pressed her hand to her chest. “I’m shocked. Go you. Tonight, a glass of wine. Tomorrow, kissing a hot guy under the lights of the Eiffel Tower.”
“You have a wild imagination.”
“Send that friend request.”
Grace sighed and pulled out her phone. “If this goes badly, I’m coming for you.”
“Do it.” She watched as Grace finally sent the friend request. “Yay! Doesn’t that feel great?”
“It feels terrifying.”
“It’s a whole new beginning.”
“Or maybe the biggest mistake of my life.” Grace pulled a piece of paper out of her bag. “This is for you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a list of audiobooks I think you might like. I chose them because I think you might like the story, but also because the narrator is good. If you have to listen to someone’s voice for a long time, it has to be one that you like.”
“Yeah, I get that. I mean, Etienne has this really sexy voice.” She gave Grace a sideways look. “Sorry. TMI. I swear I was careful.”
“Did I ask?”
“Yeah, just not with your mouth. It was right there in your eyes.” Audrey read through the list slowly. “You have nice writing. Easier to read than most people’s.”
“They’ll let you download a couple of books free to try it so you don’t have to spend any money to begin with.”
“Cool. I like free things.” She dropped the paper into her bag. “Thanks.”
“Do you have something in your fridge to eat tonight? Would you like to eat with me? You could come down around six if you like.”
“Yeah, sure.” She was surprised by how much she enjoyed spending time with Grace. She was calming. Reassuring. It was like swimming in a deep pool, knowing there was a life belt within reach.
She was also a good cook, despite her obsession with fruit and vegetables.
“Good. I’ll make us dinner. And we can learn vocabulary for asking directions.”
Audrey started to rethink dinner. “Even if I learn the words for left and right, I still won’t know which way to go. I’m crap at directions. Always have been.”
“I had an idea about that.” Grace dug into her bag again. “I bought you this. I hope you like it.” She handed over a small blue box, and Audrey stared at it, mystified.
“What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
She flipped it open and felt her throat thicken. The silver ring looked like lace. “It’s pretty. I can’t believe you bought me this.”
“Wear it on your right hand. Ring. Right hand. Turn right. That way you won’t forget and get lost.”
The thickening in her throat grew worse. No one had ever given her something so pretty before. Even her mum didn’t buy her jewelry. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Try something in French.”
Audrey laughed and the weird feeling in her throat passed. “Merci beaucoup.”