PART 5 CHAPTER 193
JESS
The aircraft landed, and I slammed my head into the back seat. Seriously, was this the pilot’s first–ever landing… Josh had sprung to upgrade me to first class, so at least the flight was great, but now I had another
concussion.
Hopefully, my memories all remain painfully intact this time. For once, I wished I would lose them all again.
The wheels screeched against the tarmac of Charles de Gaulle Airport, and I braced myself, half–expecting the plane to bounce back into the air.
As the engines slowed, a mix of
Purchase completed
n and dread filled my stomach.
I sat still for a moment, staring blankly ahead, trying to stop my mind. from falling down that deep, dark hole I’d been crawling out of the past. two weeks.
I shuffled toward the baggage claim, a funny mix of hope and heartache. tugging at me. The overhead announcements echoed in French, and to me, they sounded like gibberish. I let the sounds wash over me, uninterested in trying to decipher a single word.
Suddenly, someone bumped into me from behind, “Shit,” and I felt a jolt. as my travel bag slipped from my shoulder, everything inside deciding to spill out. Handbag vomit… “Oh merde, désolée!” a deep voice said, his words rapid–fire in French. I turned to see a handsome stranger bent down, retrieving my bag with a warm smile.
I cringed when he picked up a tampon, and heat crept up my cheeks. I grabbed my things as fast as possible.
PART 5 CHAPTER 101
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“Uh, that’s okay,” I managed, blinking at him, so ready for the world to just swallow me whole.
“Wait, what?” He furrowed his brow slightly, seeming to realize my confusion, and just then, a familiar figure swept in beside me.
“désolé encore,” the Frenchman repeated, and I nodded even if I didn’t have a clue what the heck he was saying. I tried to smile at him, but he still looked concerned. Then, without warning, he reached out and swiped a thumb over my cheek before saying in a broken English accent, “So beautiful but so sad,”
I stared at him in disbelief. Do I wear my heart on my sleeve now? Am I
that much of a wreck?
“It’s fine. Really,” I mumbled just as someone called my name. I turned away from the handsome but very intrusive stranger to see a familiar face. dressed in paint–covered overalls.
“Jess!” Laura called, pulling me into a hug that almost had me break down right there in the airport. It wouldn’t be my first public meltdown, and at least nobody knew me in Paris. You made it! Welcome to Paris!”
“Yeah, I’m here. I made it. The pilot almost changed that for me, though,” I said, fighting for a smile despite the inner turmoil. Even though I wanted to be excited, the truth was that I was heartbroken.
“You’re going to be okay, you know?” Laura said, stepping back to assess me. “We’re going to fix this together. Paris is the perfect place to heal! Or maybe just forget a little. Get lost a little. Find an adventure! It’s fucking magical in Paris, Jess.”
I forced a chuckle, not quite ready to believe her. “Sure, if Paris can fix broken hearts and broken legs. You should work for a travel agency. You could sell Paris to a non–believer any day.” I teased her. In truth, my leg was doing better, and I got the go–ahead to start running, but every time I
PART 5–CHAPTER 193
stepped outside, I failed. I’m too scared chicken shit to even try. Ugh.
“Come on! Paris is full of really hot French men just waiting to sweep you off your feet and make you forget all about…” Laura trailed off when she realized I wasn’t listening and nudged my shoulder, “This is going to bet good, Jess. I promise. Plus, I need my friend. I’ve been all alone here for so long now, you are the first person to come and visit me. Think adventure! Four whole weeks of nothing but croissants, champagne, and pretty French boys.” Laura said, trying her best to pull me from the sludge of my depressing thoughts.
–
“Yeah. I can do that. Give me pastries and alcohol! Pronto. How do I say – I need more in French? So I know what to tell the waiter when my wine is finished?” I asked Laura, who smiled at me. She knew I was faking it. but I think at some point, she’s hoping I will stop faking being happy and just… be happy.
Without Luke…
