Page 19 of Enemies to French Kisses
“I do, and it was incredible. It’s one thing to see the pictures of the sun setting over Paris, and another when it’s right in front of you.”
“One evening out is a good start, but you know I’m not just talking about hanging out with your Texan friends.”
“I’m not talking about my love life with you.”
“Because you don’t have one.”
It’s an old argument. Brian insists that there is no life without love, and I remind him there is not life without a career. He’s got a good job as an agronomist in a local network of farms, but I have my eye set on other things. Houston, Paris, New York City…
“Maybe you could try one of those dating apps.”
“Brian,puh-lease. I don’t have time for this now. Is there something urgent going on that you need me for?”
“Yes, to make sure you don’t squander away your good years.”
I sigh. I might as well get him off my back. “I’ll have you know that I’m going out on a date soon. With a diplomat.”
“You don’t say.”
“I do.”
“In that case,” he yawns, “I can doze off comforted that you might not sleep alone forever in the City of Love.”
“Ew. Good night, bro. Don’t sleep through your shift.”
“Au revoir, big sis.”
As much as I wish he wouldn’t contact me at work, I always feel lighter after talking to Brian. He’s been my foundation for so long, even though I’m the big sister.
“Sacre Coeur, huh?” The chair across the room squeaks as Marc rocks forward and backward, his feet up on the table.
“You were listening in on my conversation?”
“You might think you were speaking quietly, but let’s just say that subtlety isn’t an American specialty.”
“How I spend my time outside work is none of your business.”
“Except it is. Remember what Guillaume said—”
“He didnotsay that you should eavesdrop on my personal matters.”
“Hey, if you’re going to go off galivanting when we have a chance at the most significant deal Innov’ Biotech has had in ages, then that just might be my business.”
“What did I miss?” Vincent sounds scared.
“We’re doing just fine, advancing at a good pace.” I point at Vincent but keep my eyes squarely on Marc’s smug face. “Look at what Vincent has been able to put together in a matter of a few days.” I look at Vincent. “Isn’t that right?”
“Isn’t what right?”
Marc stands up. “That’s beside the point. We are a team and much of our approach is relying on you.”
“Because I follow through.”
His eyes cloud over. “What are you trying to say?”
“It’s not what I’m trying to say, it’s what Iamsaying about when you stole the pharmaceutical collaboration idea.”
“I didn’t steal it, Irepresentedit.”
