Page 120 of My French Love Affair

I resist the urge to smack my forehead.

“Thanks for the observation.”

Jas tilts her head again, her gaze flicking over me like she’s trying to read between the lines.

“So, if you weren’t falling off the boat, what exactlywereyou doing?”

“Using the bathroom,” I say smoothly, grabbing the nearest drink off a passing tray and taking a very deliberate sip. “Relax.”

Emma squints at me. “For, like,an hour?”

Before I can respond, Leah arrives in a huff, draping herself dramatically over one of the plush chairs, her wine glass dangling from her fingers as she groans loud enough to turn heads.

“I amsoover this evening.”

Emma, easily distracted, perks up immediately.

“What happened?”

“Yeah, you were - and I quote -livingfor this party earlier,” Jas says.

“Jacqueshappened,” Leah says bitterly, tossing her dark hair over one shoulder before taking a long sip of wine. “He got into some ridiculous argument with another guy about - I don’t evenknowwhat. Some business deal, or something. Either way,boring.”

“Wait, is Jacques okay?” Emma frowns.

Leah shrugs. “Who cares?”

“Trouble in paradise, then?” Jas smirks.

“We don’t talk about it,” Leah scowls.

And just like that, I’m off the hook.

For approximately ten more seconds.

“Anyway, Pops,” Leah says. “Where haveyoubeen? I saw you wander off earlier.”

“Wait. You saw her wander off?” Emma gasps.

She swings around to face me, her movements entirely too clumsy from the alarming amount of alcohol she’s consumed throughout the day.

“So shediddisappear.”

Jas lifts a brow. “Interesting.”

“Not interesting,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “Notanything.”

“So whatdidyou disappear for, then?” Leah asks, leaning forward on her elbows.

“Itoldyou -” I start, but Emma gasps again.

“Oh my god,” she breathes, clutching my arm like she’s uncovered some great truth. “Did you fall asleep somewhere?”

Jas blinks.

“Em, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Is it?” Emma frowns. “Because I did that once. I had too much to drink in Ibiza and woke up behind the DJ booth at Pacha.”

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