“What paperwork?” I ask, sitting down and turning to face him.
“Just something for him to sign to say that he’s given us permission. We don’t want him to sue us later.”
“He wouldn’t.”
“Better to be safe than sorry. We can’t press ahead until it’s legalized.”
He’s being kind, but firm. I sense this is nonnegotiable.
“Oh. Okay.” I should have thought of this myself. I have a feeling Étienne will expect his word to be enough so I doubt he’ll be keen to put his name to anything.
“We need to have a think about what to offer him too. What would be a fair amount?”
“I’m not sure.” I doubt he’s thought that we’ll be paying him anything.
“See if you can get an idea from him. I don’t want to take advantage.”
I know the contract will play on my mind so I bite the bullet and text Étienne:Are you okay to sign something that gives us permission to use your mum’s design?
Sure, he replies. I feel a surge of relief and then another text comes in and my face breaks into a grin:Louis is free on Friday. I can take you to see him if you like. He doesn’t speak much English.
I’m buzzing as I reply,That would be amazing, thank you!
“I’m going to be out of the office on Friday,” I tell Jackson.
“What’s happening on Friday?” he asks.
“Étienne has an artist friend who might be able to re-create the design for us. He worked on Grotte Chauvet 2.”
His eyebrows jump up. “Really?” He looks impressed.
“Have you ever been?” I don’t remember him going.
“Yeah, Chloe and I went a couple of years ago.” He sits back in his chair and picks up a paper clip. “The scope of it isunreal.”
“Did you ever go kayaking with Chloe?” I ask out of the blue.
“Er, no. Have you met my ex-wife?”
“She’s not your ex-wifeyet,” I remind him with amusement at his facetious tone.
“Yes she is,” he states, pulling a face as though he expected me to know this.
“Has your divorce gone through already?” I ask with surprise. I thought that sort of thing took at least a year.
“It went through a few weeks ago. As I said, once she accepted it was over, she didn’t look back. She was on a mission from the second she sent her assistant over to clear the apartment.”
“Shit. I’m sorry, I thought you were still married.”
“Nope. Officially a free man,” he replies slightly acerbically. “So are you going to see this guy on Friday?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Want me to come with you?”
I shake my head. “No need. Étienne’s taking me.”
“Oh, right!” His eyebrows jump up.
