From Paris With Love (35 page)

‘My mother… She only died six months ago. It is still raw and… Her unhappiness truly started when Papa had an affair with an air hostess. The vixen was English. I met her once. You look similar and that hit a nerve. I decided then and there that you didn’t deserve a charmer like Edward. So… I am not proud, but I did everything I could to make you seem unsuitable for him. Plus I made out that you’d tripped me up outside the restaurant, when I knew that you hadn’t.’

‘But… but your password on the laptop, it’s “Edward” – proof of how much he means to you…’

Monique blushed. ‘
Oui
, it is Edward – after Edward Cullen. Commercial as it is, I am a huge fan of the
Twilight
films. He is my favourite vampire.’

Blimey! Perhaps us two women had more in common than I thought.

‘So why the change of heart…?’ I asked. ‘…About trying to break up me and Edward.’ I thought back to that time out the back, at Chez Dubois, when I’d felt sick after JC disembowelled the trout… Monique had tried to be make things up but I’d just suspected her motives, thinking it was nothing but a show to impress Edward.

‘Because very quickly after you two split, and Edward moved in here, I saw how it broke his heart. He put on a good act in public, but couldn’t carry that off twenty-four seven. Back at my flat, each day, I saw the hurt in his eyes. Guilt pinched my soul, therefore I came up with this plan, to prove that superficial things like hobbies don’t matter. When it comes to love, the chemistry is everything. That’s what sees you through years together.’ She shrugged. ‘Looking back, I can see that my papa never really loved
Maman
, whereas quickly I understood that Edward… He adores every bone of you. And who wouldn’t…’ She smiled sheepishly. ‘Whilst on the surface I patronised you from the beginning, secretly I was in awe. It’s all over the internet, how you did an amazing job of being Abbey last year. I thought you were the ultimate actress, as well as popular and fun…’

My bottom lip quivered. And without being big-headed, I kind of understood. Being single for the first time since
Million Dollar Mansion
had given me time to think – made me realise just how much I’d achieved in recent months. I became aware that my confidence wasn’t defined by a boyfriend liking me or not. No, it was defined by the fact that I, Gemma Goodwin, actually liked and respected myself.

My eyes filled. ‘I guess you are right – about superficial things not mattering. I mean, friends and interests change over the years, anyway. Take Dad, he used to hate pop music and dancing. Now he’s the Karaoke King thanks to his new girlfriend’s friends… Yet lots of couples stay together for life, despite each of them being or becoming different people.’

‘Even if I still love opera when I’m eighty, and you still want to visit Mickey Mouse, it won’t matter…’ said Edward.

‘You missed a little clue, as to Blade’s true identity,’ said Monique and grinned.

I raised my eyebrows.

‘The band name, Black Bijou – “bijou” translates as “gem”.’

A lump rose in my throat.

Monique headed to the kitchenette and I stared Edward in the eyes, noticing those tiny pine specks in the blue.

‘I’ve missed you so much, Edward,’ I whispered. ‘It’s been hard, blocking you out of my mind. Although Blade really helped, even if I felt guilty for the feelings I had for him.’ Now I knew why I had those popping candy sensations with Blade as well.

Fervently, Edward kissed my hand. ‘Those feelings prove that you and I belong together, whatever we look like, whatever we’re interested in, whoever we like mixing with… Gemma,
ma pucette
, you are stuck with me forever.’

I laughed, but then gave a stifled sob. ‘This is going to sound silly, but I’ll miss Blade.’

A wicked look crossed Edward’s face. ‘I’m sure Monique will let me keep some of his things. Perhaps the rockstar will make an appearance now and again.’

I covered my face with my hands. ‘Oh God – I made you perform on stage, at that bar near the flea market. You must have been mega scared!’

‘You’ve got no idea! The first few seconds were the most terrifying of my life.’

I shook my head. ‘And there was another clue I missed – you sang your favourite Guitar Hero song – Ace of Spades by Motorhead.’

‘Actually, it was fun by the end.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘Pretending to be Blade… It’s something I could never have done without knowing you.’

‘You mean my bonkers ways have rubbed off?’

We smiled and I leant forward. Our lips met and that old magical sensation washed over me. I felt like I’d come home, after a long trip away.

Finally we parted.

‘
Je t’aime
,’ he said, in soft tones.

‘And I love you too,’ I mumbled and turned around to smile at Monique. ‘Come on – us three have got a party to go to.’

Chapter 31

Fresh baguettes, rich pâté, deep-fried onion rings, salad niçoise, garlic chicken goujons, strips of beef, baked brie and savoury croissants… Mini custard pastries, chocolate flans, apple tarts, floating islands, passion fruit soufflés… Wow! JC had really gone to town!

Not that I got a chance to eat much at the party – as soon as Edward and I arrived holding hands, everyone wanted the gossip. Pierre passed us each a glass of champagne and said he always knew we’d get back together. And I had to quickly reply to a text from Abbey. I’d messaged her on the way over and she was “super excited” that me and Edward were once again an item. As was Lady C, who gave me a quick phone call.

I gazed around at the mahogany furniture and glossy ferns, at the terracotta floor tiles and wrought iron eight-candle chandelier. This place had been home for the last month. A pit formed in the bottom of my stomach when I imagined life in this busy restaurant carrying on, without me in the kitchen and Edward waiting on tables.

Cindy came over and kissed us both – and then Joe for good measure. Apparently MI6 encouraged a degree of transparency with families and close friends nowadays, so he’d told her who he really was.

‘A spy makes the perfect boyfriend,’ she’d whispered in my ear, as Edward and Monique went to speak to Hugo. ‘No ties. Fab sex. You should see this special gadget he uses to–’

I held up my hand as Joe’s cheeks flushed. ‘Too much information!’

She and I giggled.

‘Gadgets are very important,’ said Joe and winked at Cindy.

‘Talking of which…’ I handed him a plastic bag. ‘Here are mine. You might want to give Cindy that leopard-print handbag with the special button, just in case she ever needs to summon you for, um, special services.’

‘Ooh, good idea – a woman’s needs can strike at any time…’ she said.

I grinned. ‘So… Joe – what’s happened to John Smith?’

‘He’s in custody. At a first glance it looks like your suspicions about the jewellery thefts in Milan, Bangkok and Prague, have substance.’ Joe gave the plastic bag to Cindy and leant forward. His strong arms draped around me and he held me tight. Eventually Joe stood back, hands on my shoulders and stared into my eyes. ‘You did yourself proud, Gemma. As far as wingmen go, you’re one of the best. You discovered that something
was
going down at the football match, and even though it was just a flash mob, I’m so glad we played safe and checked it out. Plus we caught John. Rogue agents are a dangerous thing. This year he’s stealing jewellery – next year he could have been causing real damage and flogging state secrets, so I think you and I can be very proud of ourselves. Mission accomplished.’

The back of my throat felt all funny. I sniffed. ‘Thanks Joe… The bunker training seems like a long time ago now… But you were an awesome teacher.’ I smiled. ‘Maybe one day you’ll be the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service.’

Joe glanced at Cindy who was chatting with JC. ‘Can’t see myself at MI6 for ever. It’s early days, but I’ve just got a feeling that my life might eventually follow a different path…’

‘Can you just tell me…?’ I gave him a half-smile. ‘What’s your real name? I’ve been trying to guess. To me you look like a Max. Or Sebastian. Perhaps a Ralph.’

‘Really?’ Joe leant forward to whisper in my ear. My eyes widened. Now I would never have guessed that!

Cindy came over. ‘Joe – you should try the savoury croissants, they are fabulous, honey!’

We both watched his pert backside in admiration as he headed over to the buffet.

‘You and him seem to be getting on well,’ I said.

‘He’s the sweetest guy, Gemma – loyal, protective, caring without being possessive or treating me as less than an equal.’

‘How often will you see each other, now his mission here is almost over?’

‘He’s off to Singapore next month but with private jets and MI6 accommodation all over the world, I can’t see it being a problem wherever he’s placed – or wherever my career takes me…’ She sighed. ‘He’s just so perfect. Apart from his strict diet and exercise routine. I might have to take him home to Texas – Mom’s sticky sauce barbecues are bound to lead him astray!’

‘Pudding! ‘Ave you tried those chocolate flans? I made zem especially for you.’

Aw, I was going to miss JC’s strong French accent and grinned at him standing there in his white chef’s coat and chequered trousers.

‘Those custard pastries are to die for,’ said Cindy and headed back to the buffet.

I went on tiptoe to kiss JC’s cheek. ‘Of course I have! Forget the savoury stuff – they were the first thing I went for. Truly delicious. I am going to miss your yummy food. But I’ve learnt so much…. Thanks for being so patient with me.’

‘You are a hard worker, Gemma. I zink you’ll go far in ze food business.’

Just then Pierre tapped his champagne glass and silence fell.

‘
Merci
for staying back after the morning shift, everyone… It gives me great pleasure to formally wish our dear friends, Edward and Gemma, every success back in England. It pleases me even more that they are once again a couple…’ He smiled. ‘Paris never fails on the romantic front.’ He raised his glass. ‘Thank you both for your hard work. You are welcome back here any time. Here’s to Edward and Gemma!
Santé
!’

‘
Santé
!’ chorused everyone and clinked glasses.

‘Thanks to you all, too,’ I added.

‘And please keep your promises to visit Applebridge Hall,’ said Edward.

Everyone murmured that they would and after another mouthful of fizz, went back to eating.

Edward and I glanced at each other across the room. Heart pounding I headed over to him, firstly making a detour via the buffet table.

‘Can I have a word,’ I said, voice wavering a titch. There was one last thing I had to do before leaving Paris.

‘Everything okay? Joe hasn’t recruited you for another mission, has he?’

I smiled. ‘No… I have a little mission of my own to complete.’

We walked across the room, to the windows and I gazed out onto the bustling street. Pierre had closed the restaurant for a couple of hours and by the looks of the Sunday crowds Chez Dubois would be busy later on.

I turned to face Edward and sat him down on one of the chairs. Then I knelt in front of him, lifted up my hand and held out one of the deep-fried onion rings.

‘Edward… Please, marry me. After everything that’s happened, I’m ready to make that commitment.’

His mouth fell open. ‘Really? I mean… There’s no pressure… Are you certain?’

Eyes tingling, I nodded.

He stared at me for a few seconds before his adorable face broke into a smile. ‘I’m not sure… Can I cope with a lifetime of being married to Vajazzle WithGems?’

As I giggled, Edward jumped to his feet. Before I knew it, he’d pulled me up and pressed his lips against mine. Mmm. Popping candy in my stomach. Tingles up and down my spine.

Eventually, he pulled away.

‘Is that a yes?’ I stuttered.

He grinned. ‘
Oui
,
ma pucette
.’

‘
Je t’aime
, my old cockroach. You, me – and Blade…’ I grinned back, ‘…it was meant to be.’

The End

CARINA™

ISBN: 978 1 472 09636 4

From Paris, With Love

Copyright © 2014 Samantha Tonge

Published in Great Britain (2014)