Page 18 of My French Love Affair

"We’ve painstakingly curated two week’s worth of fun, luxury, and at least one bad decision."

"Preferably more than one," Leah adds.

I cross my arms over my chest and sigh.

"And what if I just want to lounge in the hotel, sketch, and sip overpriced cocktails in peace?"

"Oh,Poppy. Sweet, naïve, hermit Poppy,” Emma smiles. “This isMonaco. There is no ‘lounging’ unless you’re recovering from a hangoverorcounting your diamond collection."

Jas leans forward. "You’resinglenow, babe. That means you are legally required to say yes to everything reckless and ridiculous."

"Convenient," I mutter.

"Right. Tomorrow - beach club,” Leah grins, unlocking her phone. “We’ve already reserved the loungers, and youwillbe wearing something that is both tiny and fabulous."

"Thursday is casino night,” Jas cuts in. “And, before you ask,no,we arenotletting you sit in a corner sketching gowns while sipping a mocktail."

I gasp dramatically. "Betrayal."

Leah waves me off. "Oh,please- we love you. That’s why we’re forcing you to have a life."

"We still have to figure out when we’re going to squeeze in dinner at that insane place Hannah recommended. Truffle pasta, cocktails served inactualgolden chalices, and waiters who look like they walked straight off a Prada runway,” Emma beams. “It sounds likeheaven."

"And, of course, that takes us to the main event,” Leah smirks.

“Yes! The Grand Prix!" Emma squeals, clapping her hands. “Next weekend, but it can’t come quick enough.”

I groan. "This sounds like a lot. Do I really need to -”

"Yes!" they all yell in unison, making me wince.

"Okay,” Emma starts. “So obviously, at the time we booked,you weren’t coming because you were playing devoted girlfriend -"

"- before you realised you were dating a discount Shakespeare," Leah adds.

"Thank you for that reminder," I grumble.

"Anyway," Emma continues, "so we already have our tickets. But don’t worry - Leah thinks she can get you one."

I blink over towards my friend.

"You personally?" I ask.

Leah tosses her dark hair over her shoulder. "I have my ways."

I narrow my eyes at her.

"Elaborate."

"Let’s just say… I met a guy,” she grins.

I sigh. "You flirted, didn’t you?"

"Correct. And now, you’ll have a ticket. You’re welcome."

I hesitate.

"But I don’t even know anything about it!”

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