Page 7 of The Paris Chapter

‘Oh, what a great idea! I know Gita is dying to find out what you’re writing. Well, we all are. You know what a fan of your books I am.’

Stevie was a sweetheart. She loved romance books and had spearheaded a whole new imprint at the publishing companyfor love stories, and had been a huge part of my last book becoming a bestseller.

Guilt washed over me. ‘Thank you,’ I managed to choke out.

‘I wanted to speak to you about the book tour. I have arranged five stops all around the UK so far for publication week in the autumn,’ she carried on merrily. She was arranging a book tour for a book I hadn’t even started yet! I listened, my stomach tying itself in knots. ‘So, does that sound okay with you?’

‘Well, actually…’

‘Oh, Gita wants a word, hang on. Enjoy Paris!’

Before I could stop her, Stevie faded away, there was a click and then my editor’s voice came down the line. ‘Tessa, are you avoiding me?’ She laughed as if that couldn’t be at all possible. Gita had taken me on for my debut novel at another publishers and when my contract was finished there, had poached me for Turn the Pages once the company started doing so well with romance books. They published my hero Deborah Day, and my last book had sold so well that it had looked like things were going to go from strength to strength.

Until I lost the ability to write.

‘Of course not,’ I said, my voice high-pitched.

‘I know what you’re writing will be brilliant but I do need just a small synopsis so we can make a start on the cover design, and get a pre-order up for your fans, you know?’ Gita said. ‘Can you please email me something?’

‘Sure,’ I said, my stomach tightening. ‘It’s set in Paris,’ I blurted out. ‘I’m here on a research trip.’

‘Oh, perfect! I love Paris, and books set there are always so romantic. I knew you were working on something special. I won’t disturb you any more. I’m so excited to read it.’

I felt sick. ‘Great,’ I said, sounding so unenthusiastic I was sure she’d be able to tell.

‘Right, I’ll let you go and be inspired by Paris! Take care!’

Thankfully, Gita hung up. I threw my phone down onto the bed and shook my head. I had never had to bullshit my editor like that before. I usually handed in books early. But there were just three weeks to go until this was due, and she had no idea I hadn’t written one word of it. Setting it in Paris wasn’t a bad idea though. Icoulduse this as a research trip. Maybe I could even write the expense off for tax. Only if I was able to come up with an idea while I was here though. Gita was expecting some sort of synopsis but my mind was a blank.

I reached for my phone to call Carly but she didn’t answer. I hoped she’d call me back soon as I was desperately in need of best-friend guidance. I climbed out of bed, knowing I needed to start my day. I was determined, as well, to look somewhat more presentable than I had yesterday in case Ethan was going to report back on our time here to Joe.

Creeping out of the bedroom, I glanced into the living room. Ethan was fast asleep on the sofa, his limbs draped over it in a position that didn’t look all that comfortable. It certainly wasn’t a sofa made for sleeping on. Wincing, I headed softly into the bathroom, hoping he would give Joe hell for sticking us in this tiny apartment together.

After I came out from having a shower in my towel, Ethan was walking towards the bathroom, rubbing his eyes. We both froze. ‘Uh, how did you sleep?’ I asked, gripping the towel tightly around me. ‘The bed is really comfy. I feel really bad that you had to have the sofa.’ I kept talking through the awkward moment.

‘It was fine, don’t worry. Is it okay if I go in the bathroom? I need to get ready for the first day of my course.’

‘Yes, yes, sure thing.’ I went to move around him to get intothe bedroom but he stepped the same way as me. So we both moved to the other side and almost collided.

‘Hang on, you stay still.’ Ethan walked around me and grinned. ‘There we go.’

Ducking my head to hide my flustered cheeks, I hurried into the bedroom and slumped against the closed door.

Way to act like an adult who has everything together, Tessa.

I hurriedly got dressed to avoid any more half-naked encounters with Ethan. I pulled on a pair of jeans and my favourite branded hoodie. I was never one for loving dressing up and knew I’d need to be comfy and warm for wandering around Paris. Then I curled my hair so the fizziness was replaced by gentle waves. I added my usual minimum makeup of eyebrow pencil, concealer under my eyes, some natural blush, mascara and lip gloss. Glancing in the mirror, I was pleased that I looked a lot more presentable than I had done yesterday. I peeped out of the bedroom and heard that Ethan was in the shower, so I walked through the living room and into the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

My phone rang as I was making it and I was relieved to see it was Carly.

‘Are you okay?’ I asked as I picked up my mug of tea and walked towards the balcony.

‘Yeah,’ she said groggily. ‘Sorry I missed you. I fell asleep early last night and really didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. It’s so cold here. Or maybe I’m coming down with something.’ She yawned. ‘But more importantly, how is Paris?’

I opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony. The day was crisp and clear again and I leaned against the railing and looked across at the Eiffel Tower. ‘Well, it took an unexpected turn…’

‘Oh my God – you met a Frenchman, didn’t you?’

Rolling my eyes, I took a sip of tea before responding. ‘When I said I was off all men, that includes ones that live in Paris. No, you won’t believe this…’

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