Whenever I thought about getting engaged or married, I always pictured that by this point, the other guy and I would know everything about each other. But there’s still so much I don’t know about Luc, like... what’s his favorite color? What type of band shirt did he leave at my house? Has he always wanted to return to France? I couldn’t say. It’s strange that life can sometimes take an entirely different course than expected.
As I walk around, searching, the feeling of hopelessness grows in me. I have no idea what I’m doing, just wandering around, hoping to spot Luc somewhere. I don’t even know what direction he walked in, so chances are that he’s only getting farther away from me. Half an hour later, I decide what I’m doing is pointless, and I return to where it all started: the cake shop. It’s time to try something else.
I take a deep breath before stepping inside. When Luc and I arrived, we were the only ones here, but now the store’s crowded. It occurs to me that Luc probably knew what the best and quietest time was to talk to his dad in the store. At this point, not only are there three customers waiting behind the one currently being served, but a woman in an apron is also standing behind the counter. I assume she’s Claire, the employee Luc said his father had hired to replace him.
Luc might not have been happy with her, but at the moment her presence is working in my favor. Because when Luc’s father sees me, he asks Claire something I can’t hear. She nods andglances at me before helping the next customer in line. Luc’s father then gestures for me to follow him into the back room. It has me feeling conflicted. Maybe it’s good that we’ll talk in private, but man, it’ll be weird being alone with him there, considering all the kisses his son and I shared in that very room. Let’s hope he never finds out about that.
I sigh and walk around the counter, following Luc’s father into the back room. When he turns to face me, he looks impatient.
“What is it now?” he asks in his thick French accent. “I told Luc to come back when he comes to his senses. I didn’t say anything about you.”
I nod, swallowing hard. It looks like I’ll have to cut right to the chase, but something occurs to me immediately after I open my mouth to speak. “Sir, I... Sorry, I just realized I’m dating your son, and you know my name, but I don’t even know yours.”
His expression is flat when he says, “Je m’appelle Pierre.”
“Okay, Pierre, is it alright if I call you that?”
“Oui, d’accord,” Pierre says, looking at me expectantly. “And you’re... Cory?”
“Almost; it’s Cody.” Deciding to skip other small talk, I take a deep breath. What I’m about to say next feels strange for numerous reasons. “I need your help to find Luc.”
As I expected, Pierre frowns at that. “Weren’t you just with him?”
“I was, but when Luc proposed, I didn’t respond as I should have. It caught me off guard. I hurt him, and he bolted.”
Pierre looks more confused when he says, “I was here when it happened; he did it in this store. You said yes.”
“I did, but only when you were watching. Once we left, I told him the idea was ridiculous and demanded an explanation.”
Pierre snorts softly. “Seems like at least he found someone sensible.”
“That’s just the thing: I’m not. I love your son, and I’ve decided I’m willing to do foolish things to be with him. It’s just... I need your help to find him, if you’re willing to give it.”
Pierre stares at me for several seconds, sizing me up. I have no idea what’s on his mind, but I can imagine him thinking I’m not the right person for his son. I’m older, barely speak French, he doesn’t know me, and perhaps worst of all, I’m a guy. Now, I don’t think Luc would have introduced me to his father so quickly if that were a problem, but still. Who knows? Luc’s dad might only be realizing he has a problem with his son dating men now he’s confronted with it. I’ve heard it happens sometimes.
Luckily, this is not such a situation. Pierre sighs and says, “What do you need?”
“Not much; just your home address. Luc’s living with you, right?”
“Yes, but... why would I give a stranger my home address?”
“Not a stranger. Your son’s fiancé, remember?”
“Are you really going to continue with that?”
“Yes, if he’ll have me. After all, love is all about taking the leap, isn’t it? And I may be older than Luc, but I’m not necessarily wiser. Maybe he saw a bright future for both of us that I was too dumb to recognize. Who knows? I’ve decided I’m willing to take that chance.”
“You’re both dumb romantics,” Pierre says, frowning at me. “But okay, if you wish to find him, I’ll help you. Hang on.” He starts taking off his plastic gloves. “I’ll write down the address for you. For your sake, I hope you’re not too late.”
As he hands me the piece of paper with the address, I desperately hope the same thing.
“Thank you,” I say as I take the note. “I won’t keep you any longer.”
He nods and, without another word, I leave the store. It feels like I’m in a race against the clock. I have to find Luc fast, or it might actually be too late...
Chapter 24: Cody
The note Luc’s father wrote me saysRue de Bastogne. I have no idea where that street is. It’s a good thing smartphones exist because if I had to ask someone for directions in French, I wouldn’t stand a chance of understanding.
