Chapter 7

Sleep was elusive that night, my mind torn between reason and longing.

The next morning, desperate for a distraction, I decided to go to the café after all. Monique had said she wasn’t working until Sunday, which meant I could avoid her. Or so I thought.

As I entered, the hum of conversation and clinking porcelain filled the air. I approached the counter, ordered my usual latte and croissant, when—

“John!”

I turned toward the familiar voice. Monique was seated in the corner, waving enthusiastically. And beside her was the young man from last night.

Something in me tightened, but I kept my expression neutral as she stood and came over, her smile radiant. Without hesitation, she wrapped me in a firm hug, pressing a warm kiss to my cheek.

“Come sit with us,” she said, her excitement palpable. “I have someone I want you to meet.”

For a fleeting second, I considered making an excuse, walking away. But instead, I nodded. “Let me grab my coffee, and I’ll be right over.”

As she turned back to her table, I found myself watching her, unable to look away. Her companion, noticing my lingering gaze, smirked.

I took my coffee, steadied myself, and walked over.

Monique was practically vibrating with excitement. “John, I want you to meet my favorite cousin, Pierre.”

Relief crashed over me so forcefully I nearly staggered.

Pierre smiled. “I doubt you remember me. I was just a boy when we last met.”

I forced myself to focus and remember. “I do, vaguely. You were always trailing behind Monique, usually knee-deep in trouble.”

He laughed. “That sounds about right.”

Monique grinned. “Pierre just got engaged! His fiancé, Claude, proposed last weekend.”

I shook his hand. “Congratulations.”

We spoke briefly before I excused myself, unwilling to linger. As I reached the door, Monique’s voice rang out.

“See you tonight, John.”

She was teasing me again. And damn it, I was beginning to enjoy it.