“Cassie?”
It’s like I’m hit with a Taser. A few seconds pass before I accept the fact that it wasn’t Darren’s voice, and it was definitely not coming through my phone. I turn around and there’s Olivier, all smiles.
“Hi!” I press the phone against my thigh, hardly breathing.
“Who were you talking to?” he says.
“Taylor.”
Even if he only heard that last part, Olivier has lived with us long enough to know that Taylor and I don’t exactly “love” all over each other.
“What did she want?” Olivier asks, closing the balcony door behind him.
It’s a tight space up here, and we stand a few feet apart from each other, while below us the world moves on.
“She was freaking out because she thought there was someone in the house.”
He rolls his eyes. “And how does she think you’re going to help from the other side of the world?”
“Right?” I shake my head. “She needs to get a life.”
“She’s a special one, your sister. I know you feel for her, but it might be time she move out, don’t you think? We need our own space, you and me. We’re married and we have to think aboutus.”
I swallow hard. He still thinks this is all going to work out, that we’ll stay in Paris for a few more days and then go home to start our husband-and-wife life. All I can think is that I need tonotbe here when he finds out that none of this is going to happen.
“Let’s not worry about her right now. We’re on our honeymoon.” I try to sound casual as I push past him to head back inside the room. I want to check my phone, but I’m sure Darren has hung up by now.
I’m still in the doorframe when Olivier grabs my wrist a little too hard. “I think we have more talking to do.”
“Ouch!” I say loudly.
He immediately lets go of my hand and I make a big show of rubbing it, my face contorted in manufactured pain.
“Sorry.” He sits down in one of the chairs. “Please. Let’s talk.”
My mouth goes dry, my legs wobbly. He knows it wasn’t Taylor on the phone. I could tell him I’m too tired, not in the mood, but then he’d follow me inside, where we’d be all alone. Out here there are passersby below and people in the building across the street, their shadows occasionally moving behind the windows. Witnesses, just in case.
I lean against the railing, as far away from him as possible.
“I know things have been off between us over the last few weeks,” he starts. “And if that made you think twice about being with me, then I’m really sorry.”
What if he checks the safe? I need to get him out of here.
“I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for what you did for me,” Olivier continues, giving no indication that he senses the turmoil inside me, “and I know you’ve probably regretted marrying me at least once.”
He waits for my reaction, but I’m too confused to even make one up. Are we supposed to be honest with each other now? His eyes go red and start brimming with tears. He pinches the bridge of his nose with his fingers, rendering me even more speechless than I already was. I was so close to getting out of here. Out ofthis.
“I really believe we could have a great life together.” His voice is shaking now. “I was surprised that you’d called the Realtor while we were here. Why now? But if that’s what you want, of course that’s fine with me. Every couple has to make compromises.”
The words spill out of me. “We’re not a real couple.”
Olivier jerks back, like I slapped him. If he’s acting, he’s really good at it. “Please don’t say that. I love you, Cassie.”
He gets up and starts coming my way. A nervous laugh escapes me, sending hurt all over his face. He stares at me, breathing deeply, his fists clenched. I step away from the railing, like I burned myself.
“I’ll take you on a honeymoon here every year,” he says, waving at the air between us. “Or anywhere you’d like. Maybe we got married for the wrong reason, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it right.” But I don’t want to make it right, not with him. “Please, Cassie. Say something.”
So I do. I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Let’s go get a drink.” I reach for his hand. “I’m sorry about our fight, too. There’s so much of Paris I haven’t seen yet.”
