Page 188 of My French Love Affair

Chapter Fifty

Poppy

"You do not text him back."

Emma’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and unwavering.

I blink up at her from where I’m curled on the bed, freshly showered and now dressed in my silk pyjamas, my damp hair wrapped up in a towel.

The girls are back, sprawled across the room like they own the place - Emma perched on the edge of the bed while Jas scrolls through her phone, though Leah is still MIA from another night with Jacques.

"I feel rude ignoring him," I say, frowning at my phone.

"Poppy,heignoredyoufor weeks,” Emma scoffs. “This is the first time since your break up that he’s bothered reaching out! Just because he's seen the article. You donotowe him a response."

Jas nods in agreement, not looking up from her phone.

"She’s right. If you reply, it just drags things out. He’ll think there’s a chance."

I exhale, staring at the messages again. Noah’s words sitthere, waiting.

I miss you, Poppy.

It’s tempting. Not because I miss him,because I don’t, but because it’sNoah.

A person who was safe, predictable, whonevermade me feel like this - like my heart was constantly being tossed between a reckless free fall and a wildfire.

But Emma’s right. Jas is right.

I delete the conversation and toss my phone onto the bed.

"Fine. Cold shoulder it is."

Emma beams. "Good girl."

* * *

The suite is buzzing with activity as we get ready for a day at the beach club.

Emma rummages through her suitcase, tossing bikinis and cover-ups around like a madwoman. Jas carefully applies bronzer in the mirror, and I’m finishing up the final touches on my outfit when the door swings open and Leah strides in.

Empty-handed.

The room pauses.

After a long beat of silence, Emma quirks a brow.

"No shopping bags?” she asks, bending at the waist and pretending to search the room. “Not even agift bag?"

Leah scowls, dumping her sunglasses onto the table before flopping onto the couch.

"I’mnotin the mood."

Jas and I exchange a look as Emma folds her arms.

"Did Jacques do something?"

Leah exhales dramatically, reaching for a throw pillow and hugging it to her chest.

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