I get a vision of spending three days in a city I’ve always dreamed of visiting . . . alone with him . . . it could be so fun.
Damn it . . . I want to go.
I just can’t. Stop it, Claire; it is what it is.
I exhale heavily and make myself a cup of tea.
My phone beeps with a text. It’s from Tristan.
Are you back in your room yet?
I smile softly and put the phone down on the coffee table. He’s expecting me to call him to say thank you. I go to the flowers and stare at them. I touch the petals—the flowers have huge heads and a strong perfume. French roses. I inhale the beautiful scent.
So unexpected.
Well played, Mr. Miles. Well played.
I decide to check on th
e kids, and I call my mother. “Hello, dear.” I can hear her smile down the phone.
“Hi, Mom. How are you surviving?”
“Oh, we’re having a great time. How are you?”
“Good.” I pace back and forth. I am filled with nervous energy. “Are the kids home?”
“No, they’re all at sports training. They’ve been angels.”
“Listen, Mom.” My eyes close. What the hell am I doing? “I’ve been offered an extension conference in Paris for the weekend.” I scrunch my hand up in my hair. “But I don’t think I’ll go,” I add.
“Why not?”
“It’s a bit much to ask of you.”
“Oh no. Go, honey. The boys and I are having a great time. It’s no difference to me when you get home.”
“Really?” I frown.
“Yes, I’m loving the quality time I’m getting with the boys. Let off some steam and have some fun, Claire. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”
“But what about Patrick? He’ll be fretting.”
“He’s fine and happy, Claire, and, I hate to say it, not missing you at all.”
I smile as hope blooms in my chest. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Oh.” I pause as my mind wanders off on a million tangents. “I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know tomorrow; is that okay?”
“Of course. It must be late there. Get some sleep, and call me tomorrow. But I say go for it. Paris is beautiful, and you’ve never been.”
“Maybe.” I shrug.
“Goodbye.” She hangs up.
In a daze I walk into the bathroom and run the hot water. I need a hot bath to think about this.