He gives a dry smile. “And Maman.”
“Oui.”
“But why?” He holds my gaze. “Do you think it’ll be a problem because she’s American or of Mexican descent?”
I drink a little more of the alcohol as I lean against the railing of the balcony. It’s wet and dampens my pants. “We’re from different worlds. Do you think she wants to live with a photographer in her face?”
“Celebrities live their lives the way they want. Also, Papa, you’re not eventhatfamous,” he points out.
“You remember what happened with the divorce?”
He groans out loud. “You have to stop worrying so much about protecting me. I’m a grown-up. I’ll be fine.”
“I don’t want the drama. I doubt she wants it.”
“Have you asked her?” he challenges.
“Aubert, you don’t understand what?—”
“Oh, please, Papa, don’t pull the ‘you’re too young’card,” he snaps. “You like her. Youreallylike her. You introduced me to her, which means she means a whole hell of a lot to you. Why not keep her?”
I clench my jaw. “I barely know her. And anyway, she leaves in August.”
“She can stay. I’m sure you can find her a job at the Louvre or at any of the many museums we have in Paris. She’s an art restorer…she can?—”
“It’s temporary, Aubert.”
He glares at me. “You keep telling yourself that, but I know you, and I saw what I saw. What are you so scared of, Papa?”
Of losing myself. My way of life. Her…eventually.
“Relationships don’t last in our world, Aubert, which is why I want you far, far away from it for as long as possible.”
Ultimately, he’ll have to take over the business in some manner, oversee it. But while I’m alive, I’ll do everything to ensure he has a normal life, not one burdened by expectation.
“Papa.” Aubert puts a hand on my shoulder. “Tara is great. She’s bright. I doubt she cares about your money or your status.”
“She doesn’t.”
“But what I liked best….” He pauses, and when he speaks again, his voice is gentle. “Was seeing you with her.”
I frown.
“I’ve never seen you look like that. Light.” And then, with mischief in his eyes, adds, “Younger, even.”
“I’m notthatold,” I mutter.
He laughs. “You know what I mean. Seeing you together…it felt like joy.”
I don’t know what to say to that. My child saw too much.
I rub a hand over my jaw.
Aubert lets out a long exhale. “Your life is entirely your business, Papa, I know that. But for what it’s worth, I think she’s good for you. And I think you’re good for her. You know she’s madly in love with you, right?”
I close my eyes for a long moment.
I neither confirm nor deny his statement.
