“About Paris, sir. The hotel just confirmed, and we have the details of where you are meeting the MPs.”
 
 “Great,” I said.
 
 “You’ve been… distracted.”
 
 “I’m fine.”
 
 I wanted to stay—not go to Paris. I wanted to go down on Odetteand lounge around with her. Mentally, I was with her too often. I had an idea. I texted.
 
 Me
 
 What are you doing this weekend?
 
 Odette
 
 I think I’m going shopping with Astrid
 
 Me
 
 Oh, too bad.
 
 Odette
 
 You’re out of town, Wy.
 
 Me
 
 I thought about bringing you to Paris with me.
 
 Odette
 
 Really? Astrid would understand.
 
 Me
 
 I don’t want to waste a day with you, baby.
 
 I have a full Friday morning and a meeting with government bigwigs on Friday night, but we can go out after.
 
 Odette
 
 I can shop in Paris.
 
 Me
 
 I endorse that plan. Buy lingerie?
 
 Odette
 
 I could.
 
 Me
 
 I promise to make it worth your while.
 
 Odette
 
 I will get the okay.