Yes, I know. Of course, I know. I’m not blind.
“Anyone who sees you together can see it. And you wear a glow that screams how you feel about her.” He tilts his head and smiles cheekily. “One look and Maman will know as I did.”
“Know what?”
“That you’re crazy in love with Tara.”
CHAPTER 19
Tara
Love is in the air!
Yes, it is because my heart is full.
I can feel the glow of it all around me.
I can feel it in the way my steps bounce as I cross the Louvre’s marble floors.
I can feel it in the way the Paris light seems brighter through the glass pyramid.
I’ve met Aubert,andhe likes me.
The way he talked to me told me how I make his father happy—I felt as if Gustave’s world finally opened a door for me.
For the first time, I’m letting myself imagine a future herewithGustave. Not as the interloper, not as the silly American with paint under her nails, but as someone who belongs.
It’s been four weeks since that wonderful day in Gustave’s apartment. I’ve seen Aubert once more, andeven Philippe—his charming friend sans stick-figure Sigrid—for dinner at Gustave’s place.
I feel like a proper girlfriend, even though he’s never called me that.
He just introduces me as Tara.
And somehow…that’s enough. Completely, ridiculously enough.
And today, Gustave asked me to come to his office after work.
To his officeon Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where his family’s foundation occupies an entire floor of a 19th-century building.
He’s making a public statement. Isn’t he?Dios mio!
I’m almost giddy as I push through the museum doors, the spring air cool against my cheeks.
I bump into someone because my head is in the clouds.
“Désolée?*,” I apologize, looking up at the person standing in front of me. Words flee.
It’s Simone.
“Excusez-moi?*!” I whisper.
She’s immaculate in cream silk, her sunglasses perched like a crown. She has a look about her, graceful as a panther and just as predatory.
“Tara Gayarre.” My name on herlips stings.
“Yes.”
“We should talk.”
