One Summer in Paris

“There are plenty of people who care about you. Including your mom. She really loves you, Audrey.”

“I know. I didn’t used to know, but I do now.”

“And she’s not the only one.” Grace nudged her. “This would be a good time to look out of the window.”

Audrey turned her head and saw Etienne standing on the platform, scanning the train.

Her heart lifted and excitement shot through her, closely followed by horror.

“Oh, my God.” She shrank against the seat. “What is he doing here?”

“I expect he was bored and thought he’d hang out at the train station.”

“Ha ha.” But she couldn’t summon a laugh. “Seriously? Why is he here? I mean, how does he even know I’m on this train?”

“He texted me,” Grace said, “and I told him this was the train we were catching, although I admit I didn’t know he actually planned to meet you.”

Audrey gaped at her. “He texted you?”

“I probably should have told you, but you had a lot going on and he asked me not to.” Grace looked at her steadily. “He’s here for you, Audrey. Aren’t you pleased?”

“Yes! No—I mean, I want to see him, of course. I’ve missed him horribly, but the timing is bad.” Audrey wiped her cheeks with her hand. “I look like crap.”

“Language.”

“Sorry, but darn just doesn’t work here. You c

an’t look like darn.”

“You look gorgeous. But we should get rid of the streaked mascara.” Grace opened her purse and pulled out her makeup bag. “Sit still.”

“What are you doing?”

“Your makeup.” She quickly wiped under Audrey’s eyes with a cleansing pad. “That’s better. And now blusher.”

“Don’t make me look like a granny.” Audrey closed her eyes as Grace swept a brush over her cheeks. “Aren’t you going to use lip gloss?”

“No, because Etienne will just kiss it off. It’s a waste.”

Audrey felt something flutter in her stomach. “Grace, how do you know when you love someone? I mean, really love them, and not just want to get naked with them the whole time.”

“That’s a hard question.” Grace dropped the makeup back in her bag. “It’s probably different for everyone, but I think when that person is the one you want to be with more than anyone, that’s a pretty good sign. And caring about their happiness. That’s important, too. I’m guessing Etienne is here because he was worried about you and cares about you.”

“I think about him all the time. And I feel like I’m on a high. Like I’ve drunk a ton of diet cola, or eaten six bars of chocolate. It feels great, but also a bit scary. A bit too good to be true, you know? It’s so easy. We talk all the time, and we have fun, and I never expected a relationship to be this easy.” Watching her mother’s experiences, and also her own, had left her thinking relationships were awkward and hard work. It was a surprise to discover it didn’t have to be that way. “I can be myself with him.”

“Well, that’s the best thing, of course. Because being someone else doesn’t work in the long-term.”

“He knows I love animated movies. He even watched one with me, but don’t let on that I told you that. I don’t think he likes them, but he did it for me.”

Grace laughed. “That’s definitely love.” She stood up. “Time to put him out of his misery. Let’s go.” She lifted Audrey’s bag down and retrieved her own.

Audrey hugged Grace tightly. “I love you. And I don’t mean that in a weird way, and all I’ve drunk is water so I’m not under the influence of anything except gratitude.” She felt Grace hug her back.

“I love you, too. And you’re going to let me know what happens with your mom, and with Etienne. And if you need me, I’m always here.”

“And I’m here if you need me.” Audrey stepped back and swung her backpack onto her shoulders. “Anytime you need fashion advice, or a new haircut, or some fresh new ways to curse—”

The train had stopped, and she saw Etienne catch sight of her.